Hürriyet, Turkey
Sunday, September 16, 2007 01:14
US Diplomat sends seven messages to Turkey
Nicholas Burns, the third ranking official at the US
state department, has said that Turkey-US relations
have reached a `critical juncture’. Burns, who said
`we should work together’ on the issues of Iran and
energy, made several challenging remarks to Ankara
during a recent speech in Washington, DC.
Gül and Erdoðan reliable
`Turkey is critical for us, an indispensable ally,
with her commitment to secular democracy. Prime
Minister Erdoðan and President Gül are reliable. They
have kept promises they have made to us in the past.
Turkey is an important portal for energy sources to
reach Europe. We support Turkey’s accession to the
European Union. `
Work with us against Iran
`The energy agreement between Iran and Turkey bothered
us. It is beneficial for both the US and Turkey to
keep Iran, which supports the Taleban and wants to
possess nuclear power, under control.’
Six months for PKK
`The PKK is a terrorist organisation. Our good faith
should not be underestimated. I hope that solid steps
will be taken against the PKK within the next six
months.
Open priests’ school
`The Fener Greek Patriarchate is of ecumenical status.
The US recognises Patriarch Bartholomeos as a friend.
A priests’ school should be opened in Heybeliada.’
Open borders with Armenia
`Normalize relations with Armenia. The
Turkish-Armenian border should be opened. We are
opposed to the passing of the Armenian bill in
Congress. In the case of this bill passing, those in
Turkey who seek to keep a dialogue between the
Armenians and the Turks will be silenced.’
Lift article 301
`Article 301 of the Turkish penal code, used even
against Nobel prize-winner Orhan Pamuk, should be
lifted.’
Cyprus
`We are working for the UN to start a new venture in
Cyprus.’