Turkey seen as role model for Pakistan in US cable

ISTANBUL – Hürriyet Daily News

Moderate, progressive Turkey, a relatively stable Muslim democracy, is well-positioned to be a positive role model for Pakistan, a United States diplomatic cable released by WikiLeaks has suggested.

A cable dated May 2009 recounts a meeting between U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Anne Patterson and then-Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Rauf Engin Soysal.

During the meeting Soysal explained Turkey’s efforts in the region and suggested greater cooperation with the U.S. regarding issues pertaining to Pakistan. Soysal detailed Turkey’s own trilateral meetings with Afghanistan and Pakistan.

According to the cable, Soysal spoke about Turkey’s relief efforts in Pakistan and said that during July and August, Turkish aid could be used in a more post-emergency way. “Soysal hinted that Turkish aid may be geared to the post-emergency phase in August-September, which would also coincide this year with the holy month of Ramadan. Soysal noted that Turkey would be the first [and so far only] Muslim country to assist Pakistan with this humanitarian crisis; he was perplexed that Saudi Arabia had not pointed up yet,” the cable said.

“The Turkish ambassador complimented the U.S. on its May 19 announcement to provide $110 million in direct assistance to Pakistan’s internally displaced people,” the cable said.

“Soysal was also frustrated the Pakistani government had no timeline for the offensive in Swat and thought the army was moving too slowly to initiate operations in Waziristan before next year. The ambassador added that 2,500 Waziri families had already reportedly fled their homes in anticipation of Army action, but yet, the Pakistani government refused to give international aid organizations access to the nearest settled districts,” the U.S. diplomat reportedly said in the cable.

“With the Turks playing an increasingly high profile, constructive role in Pakistan, we will continue to develop our dialogue and find opportunities to work together in areas of mutual interest,” the cable said. Soysal is currently serving as U.N. Special Envoy for Assistance to Pakistan.

As yet, none of the claims or allegations detailed in the documents made public by WikiLeaks have been supported by any evidence.