Turkish And Israeli UN Ambassadors Tell AJC: Growing Ties Between Our Nations Are Inclusive, Not Exclusive

American Jewish Committee
Friday, 6 March 1998

The advancement of bilateral ties between Turkey and Israel, what some have termed their "alliance," is based on shared goals and common principles and is one that seeks inclusion in working towards a more peaceful and secure Middle East, according to the U.N. Ambassadors of both nations.

Speaking today at a packed-house luncheon forum sponsored by the American Jewish Committee, Israeli Ambassador Dore Gold and Turkish Ambassador Huseyin Celem assured the group that improving relations between the two nations -- relations which have always been good -- can only work toward the benefit of all countries in the Middle East and should serve as a model for security and stability in the region.

"The special relationship between Turkey and Israel is based on a partnership of common perceptions and common principles and not on an alliance against any particular country either inside or outside the Middle East," said Amb. Gold. "Our relations are a paradigm for the relations Israel can have with many countries throughout the Middle East.

"In a period in which the peace process has been heavily challenged and has caused great pessimism, perhaps the Turkish-Israeli example can be a source of optimism. It is a model which needs to be replicated."

He stated that the "logic" of peace in the Middle East is that it cannot be achieved "at the expense of any one country. We must see stability in the region. The threats to Israel are multi-lateral and the best way to bring peace is through multi-lateral arrangements." He added that both Turkey and Israel "strongly reject the notion that terrorism can ever be used as an instrument of diplomacy in the Middle East."

Amb. Gold further noted that cooperation with Turkey is carried out on fronts other than on security and military issues, including economic concerns and tourism.

Amb. Celem echoed these sentiments adding that although relations between the two nations have been growing and developing over the past few years, "Turkey has always had a fundamentally positive and constructive relationship with Israel. In 1948, we were one of the first to recognize Israel as an independent and sovereign state. We are the only two democracies in the region and that brings us closer together. While our government hopes to explore the full potential of relations with Israel, we have never adopted a policy of exclusion. Turkey and Israel live in a difficult neighborhood. Both countries are involved in efforts to bring stability, security and peace to the region. Both governments are determined to fight against terrorist forces."

Amb. Celem asserted that the developing relations between his country and Israel "are not against any other nation in the region. We strive to improve relations with every country, but it is clear that we have common ground with Israel."

He went on to note that aside from military training cooperation and defense policies, Turkey currently has 18 signed agreements with Israel dealing with free trade, the encouragement of investments, the economy and scientific and technical matters. He added that in 1997, there was a 40 percent increase in the bilateral volume of trade. And in regard to tourism he stated that after the United States, Turkey has become the second most popular destination for Israeli travelers, a development he credited the Turkish Jewish population with playing a major role in promoting.

Responding to questions on the current crisis with Iraq and the settlement reached by U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan with Saddam Hussein, Amb. Gold commented that "Israel continues to underline the danger Iraq has posed, and could pose in the region. Its past behavior has been repulsive and unacceptable. The Iraqi crisis underscores the continuing dangers in our region. Any premature removal of sanctions or alteration of U.N. Security Council resolutions would have a negative impact on all the countries of the region."

Amb. Gold added that such dangers come not only from Iraq but also from Iran which, with the assistance of Russian missile technology, poses a serious threat to Israel and ultimately to Europe.

Amb. Celem said that the Secretary General's mission was "diplomatically successful. He took two clear messages to Baghdad. First, Iraq has to comply with all Security Council resolutions without exception. Should Iraq comply fully, then the embargo could be lifted. But this would depend solely on Iraq's attitude vis a vis the will of the international community. While the modalities of the agreement are still being worked out, I believe the right message was given to, and received by, Iraq."

The Turkish Ambassador was also questioned about the situation with Cyprus and his country's relations with its Kurdish population.

"In order to bring a viable solution to the problem with Cyprus," said Amb. Celem, "all parties have to adopt a realistic approach that takes into account that there are two independent and politically equal entities in Cyprus.

"In regard to the Kurds, they are not a minority in Turkey; they are very much in the mainstream. The government has no problem with them except for very small terrorist elements. While Kurds make up only about ten percent of our population, one-third of our Parliament is of Kurdish origin. They are Turkish citizens, as are our Jewish citizens, and there is no discrimination."

An American Jewish Committee leadership delegation recently returned from a visit to Ankara for meetings with Turkey's top government and military leaders. During that visit, led by AJC Executive Director David A. Harris who also moderated today's discussion, the AJC group met with, among others, President Suleyman Demirel, Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and Deputy Chief of Staff General Cevic Bir.

Today's meeting was sponsored by the Diplomatic Outreach Committee of AJC's New York Chapter. Lucy Siegel is the chair of the Diplomatic Outreach Committee. Suzanne Jaffe is president of the New York Chapter.

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org