AK Party Deputy Chairman Egemen Bagis has defined Turkey as an element of peace and compromise in the Middle East.

- 09 / 05 / 2008 08:38

An executive of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party has defined Turkey as an element of peace and compromise in the Middle East.

Speaking at a panel discussion at the Harris School of Business, AK Party Deputy Chairman Egemen Bagis said, "the Middle East has lived through the all kinds of hot clashes and the most serious cold war. Now, Turkey offers some alternatives and solutions of peace and compromise."

"As a result of policies pursued by the AK Party, Turkey has gained a new esteem in the international area. We achieved to bring together foreign ministers of the EU and the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Israeli and Pakistani foreign ministers initiated their diplomatic relation in Istanbul.

"The U.S. Ambassador to Baghdad met Iraqi Sunni leaders in Istanbul. Leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan shook hands in Turkey. Israeli and Palestinian presidents gave messages of peace at their address at the Turkish parliament. Turkey co-chairs the Alliance of Civilizations Project," he said.

Syria and Israel asked Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to mediate between them over the Golan Heights, Bagis said.

"We, as the AK Party, have added new dimensions and functions to the experiences of Turkey, which has been acting as a bridge between the continents and civilizations for centuries."

"The only realistic solution for Iraq is the preservation of its territorial integrity. None of ethnic and religious elements in Iraq should be allowed to become domain over the others. A timetable should be set for the whole Iraqi process, and this timetable should be put into practice," he added.

Bagis later proceeded to Memphis.