Keith Ellison, the first Muslim member of the US Congress, has said Turkey is the most important country in the region and the best example of how Islam and democracy can coexist.
Ellison, visiting Turkey upon the invitation of the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON), had talks with Turkish officials, including Finance Minister Ali Babacan, in Ankara. The congressman told Today’s Zaman in an interview that it is very important for Turkey to undertake humanitarian aid mission in this region, while praising Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s initiatives with respect to the unrest and chaos in the Mideast and North Africa. Ellison pointed to the historical link between the US and Turkey and said the ties will continue to grow closer in the future, too.
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| U.S. Congressman Keith Ellison |
Ellison also welcomed schools established in the US by businessmen inspired by Fethullah Gülen and said these schools contribute to tolerance and dialogue and that he likes their approach to education.
In a separate interview with the Anatolia news agency, Ellison said the events of 1915, which Armenians claim constitute a genocide as large numbers of Armenians were slaughtered at the hands of the Ottomans, is a very complicated topic and can be approached in multiple ways. For this reason, he said, this issue should be left to historians, adding that he is not sure if the Congress is the correct venue. He said he hopes Turkey and Armenia continue to discuss this issue in a constructive way.
When asked about different policies developed by the US and Turkey, the congressman said this does not mean the two countries are in a dispute, adding that Turkey is now representing American diplomatic and consular interests in Libya. Lauding Turkey’s role in Libya, Ellison said he hopes Turkey becomes successful as it is trying to save as many lives as possible. There are people in need of food and shelter in Libya and Turkey is doing a good job there, he said.
Assessing Turkish-Israeli relations, Ellison said Turkey was one of the first countries to recognize Israel and that a lethal Israeli raid of the Mavi Marmara ship last year in which nine civilians were killed was a very unfortunate and tragic incident. Ellison urged both Israel and Turkey to continue talks to solve the dispute.
Ellison added that Turkey and the US have successfully cooperated in security and politics and urged both countries to focus on trade ties.
Explaining that trade between the two countries might swell by the help of trade-facilitating organizations such as TUSKON, Ellison said Turkey’s goods and services meet international standards.
Published on Today's Zaman, 23 April 2011, Saturday
