US President Barack Obama will not use the word “genocide” when describing the alleged Armenian genocide during his annual Armenian Remembrance Day speech on April 24, 2012, Turkish political analysts have claimed. Specialists in Caucasian and US politics say it would not be timely for Obama to undermine Turkey’s stance on the issue, given the rising importance of Turkey’s partnership with the US in handling political crises in the Middle East. (more…)
Category: Asia and Pacific
-
Oztarsu: US relations with Turkey are at a critical juncture
-
Who should be listening to the warning bells of April 24?
Turkey has been able to maintain a firm stance regarding the Armenian matters that have at times occupied the global agenda in recent years. This year it appears it will be able to brush off the whole April 24 syndrome. But another side to the issue presents us with a different reality; a process guided by different strategies has begun for the Armenians, who appear, from the outside, to be the losing side. (more…) -
Ask a Korean!: What do Koreans Think About Turkey?
What do Koreans Think About Turkey?
Dear Korean,
I always wondered what Korean people think about Turkey and Turkish people. I was in high school during 2002 World Cup. I was shocked when i see the large Turkish flag on the stadium carried by Koreans. Maybe there were always a love for Korean people in Turkish community. But that was the time I realized that. Two cultures have many similarities, and during the Korean War Turkey sent soldiers to Korea and there is a cemetery for Turkish soldiers in Busan. And during World Cup we felt like we were at our homeland.
Do new generation know about Turkey and Turkish people. What they know and think about us?
Ishak M.
The Korean receives many questions of a similar type: “What do Korean people think about [Country X]?” In most cases, the answer is simple — unless Country X is a country with which Korea interacts frequently (e.g., United States, Japan, China,) Koreans are unlikely to have any strong feelings about the country one way or the other. Any thoughts Koreans may have about that country would be no more than fleeting, inconsequential stereotypes.
But there are a few countries around the world that are exceptions to this trend — that is, although Korea does not interact with them all that frequently, Koreans nonetheless have a relatively concrete feeling toward them. Turkey is one of those countries.
Koreans supporting Turkish national soccer team during 2002 FIFA World Cup
in a game against China, held in Seoul. (source)
Why Turkey? For this simple reason — during Korean War, Turkey sent soldiers in aid of South Korea. In fact, Turkey sent the most number of soldiers (5,460) after the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, and had the most number of casualties (741 dead, 2,068 wounded, 163 MIA) following United States and United Kingdom among those countries that sent soldiers.
One should never underestimate just how grateful South Koreans are about being helped in that war. To this day, most Koreans would first associate Turkey with “blood ally” [혈맹]. It also helps that, since the end of the war, Turkey and Korea have maintained a healthy distance that is so crucial to a good friendship. (This is in contrast to the United States, which undoubtedly did a lot of things to annoy Koreans partially because it has been a little too close, eating away at the good will it earned by having been the greatest help in Korean War.) The fact that Korean pop culture ended up being popular in Turkey later is just gravy.
via Ask a Korean!: What do Koreans Think About Turkey?.
-
US will not attack Iran
Azerbaijan is not subject to “Arab spring”
Gulnara İnandzh,
Director of Information and Analytical Center Ethnoglobus (ethnoglobus.az), editor of turkishnews.com website. Mete62@inbox.ru
Israel and the US policy’s consequences in the region is mainly danger for the statehood of Azerbaijan. Despite official Baku has repeatedly declared its position towards Iran, interested international powers are still trying to cause tension in the relations between Baku and Tehran. US Jamestown Foundation president Glen Howard comments on the subject in his interview.
– What specific line does the US support in relation to Azerbaijan amid the serious geopolitical processes occurred in the Mideast, I mean “Arab spring”?
– I do not think theUSorAzerbaijanplay any role in “Arab spring”. TheUSdoesn’t support any particular line. We don’t also support what is happening againstSyria. It does not any affect onCaucasus. It more affects onRussia.Russiais subject to Arab spring more rather than theSouthern Caucasus. Because you have theUSAmbassador who is very active in democracy promotion. He has been chased by Russian NTV TV Channel. And this is the sign thatRussiafeels more trouble with regard to Arab spring rather thanSouthern Caucasus.
– What does Washington expects from Azerbaijan in its Iran policy?
– TheUShas already stated that it doesn’t support attack onIran. TheUSeven has warnedIsraelnot to attackIran. I believe thatIsraeldue to good relations with theUSwill follow the advice of President Mr. Barak Obama. I do not thinkIsraelwill attackIran. All these are rumors designed to make people scared and afraid. All these are a part of geopolitical plan by the outside powers intending to destroy stability in theSouthern Caucasus.
– How would you comment on the rumors that Israel will use Azerbaijani lands in order to attack Iran?
– I hope you understand the military importance of it. This is not a military base to attackIran. Contrary, ifIsraelattacksIran, thenIsraelmilitary air forces will usePersian Gulffor it. But if it happens,Israeljets will not have enough fuel to go back and they will be obliged to useAzerbaijanlands only for the purpose of getting fuel. This doesn’t mean attack onIran, this is just air route forIsraeljets to go back.
– As you see there are attempts to confront Iran and Azerbaijan. How do you think, what will be Washington’s answer if Iran acts aggressively against Azerbaijan? For example, overflying a border.
– Aggressive?. I thinkAzerbaijanis also ready for such aggressive reply.Iranwill not use military againstAzerbaijan,Iranwill use other methods. I believe thatIrandoesn’t want to apply military force againstAzerbaijanand even is not ready for it. Why doesIranneed it? Today whenIranhas an attack danger from the Persian gulf,Tehrandoesn’t need another problem in another border.
– In the US today we hear offers about dialogue with Iran more than war. How do you think, why such dialogue offers are not voiced louder?
– Because sometimesIsraelwarns the world thatIran’ nuclear program is dangerous. When official Tel-Aviv openly informs thatIran’s nuclear program is dangerous, we have to be anxious and it causes warlike atmosphere. This is useful for many sides includingIsrael. On the other side, war threats are also for threateningIran.Iranalso uses some words to threatenIsrael. So, sometimesIranmust be reminded thatIsraelhas strategic relations withAzerbaijan. This is natural and understandable.
– Can we say that Israel puts pressure on the situation?
-Israelputs pressure on the situation?Israelis an independent country and may have good relations with any country of the world. Therefore ifIsraelhas military relations withAzerbaijanit is good. Because,Azerbaijanis a good partner in military field.Azerbaijandoesn’t have to get the weapon only fromRussia.Azerbaijanmay buy weapons from any country of the world in order to protect its country.
Nowadays discussions are held between theUSandIraninIstanbul. It doesn’t mean that there will be conflict between theUSandIran. If there are diplomatic relations between theUSandIran, how can we speak of warlike atmosphere? IfIranthinks that it has war danger from theUS, then why do they conduct new talks and dialogue with theUSinIstanbul?
Source – www. newbakupost.az
-
Turkey to double flights from India
Mr Burak Akcapar, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in India, in Hyderabad on Saturday night, addressing Indian businessmen at the Indo-Turkish Business Association's 'Business Opportunities in Turkey'. Photo: P.V. Sivakumar Wants to sign free trade pact
Hyderabad, March 18:
Turkey seeks to double flights from India, besides opening four more connecting points. The other destinations that it is looking at are Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and Bangalore.
At present, Turkish Airlines operates daily flights from Bangalore and New Delhi to Istanbul.
“We have sought permission from the Indian Government to double this number and expand to other destinations,” Dr Burak Akcapar, Turkish Ambassador to India, said.
Free Trade Agreement
Referred to as the Sick man of Europe, Turkey has now emerged the 16th largest economy in the world. After signing free trade agreements (FTAs) with 21 countries, Turkey now wants to sign one with India.
“Last year, the bilateral trade volume was just $7.6 billion. This is nowhere near to the full potential. We expect it to grow to $20 billion in the next few years,” he said.
The Ambassador was here to attend a roadshow by TUSCON (Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkey) to promote the upcoming Turkey World Trade Bridge in June.
“India and Turkey have completed a joint study on FTA. We are yet to sign it. This will pave way for signing FTA. We are awaiting the Indian side’s time for signing of study. Businessmen from both sides are eagerly waiting to tap the potential,” he said.
Consulates
Turkey would open a Consulate in Hyderabad soon. “We have received permission to open consulates in Chennai and Hyderabad. But before establishing consulates, we will appoint honorary consuls,” he said.
kurmanath@thehindu.co.in
via Business Line : Industry & Economy / Logistics : Turkey to double flights from India.
-
Bush, Blair found guilty of war crimes in Malaysia tribunal
Former US president George Bush and his former counterpart Tony Blair were found guilty of war crimes by The Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Tribunal which held a four day hearing in the Malaysia.
The five panel tribunal unanimously decided that Bush and Blair committed genocide and crimes against peace and humanity when they invaded Iraq in 2003 in blatant violation of international law.
The judges ruled that war against Iraq by both the former heads of states was a flagrant abuse of law, act of aggression which amounted to a mass murder of the Iraqi people.
In their verdict, the judges said that the United States, under the leadership of Bush, forged documents to claim that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction.
They further said the findings of the tribunal be made available to members of the Rome Statute and the names of Bush and Blair be entered into a war crimes register.
Both Bush and Blair repeatedly said the so-called war against terror was targeted at terrorists.