06 06 02 - S: We Support Democracy in Turkey

UINTERNATIONAL 06.03.2006 Saturday - ISTANBUL 00:26
By Anadolu News Agency (AA), Washington, Ankara
Published: Friday, June 02, 2006 - zaman.com
The US administration announced its support for democracy in Turkey in response to developments taking place in the country after the May 17 attack on the State Council.
The New York Times' statement that "Washington can help promote Turkish democracy by using its longstanding ties with Turkey's generals to communicate zero tolerance for military meddling" was supported by officials in the US also. White House Spokesman Tony Snow offered an explanation about the issue and said they support democracy in Turkey, recalling that it has been mentioned several times before. When reminded about the article in New York Times, Snow said they have always support the government be transferred peacefully, as they was the case when Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was coming to power.
Replying to a question about Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's request to visit the US, Snow said they confirmed the request and said if such a visit would take place they would announce it in advance. The editorial of New York Times titled "A Violent Detour in Turkey" wrote: "Washington can help promote Turkish democracy by using its longstanding ties with Turkey's generals to communicate zero tolerance for military meddling."
Referring to Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul's account that "Recent violence in Turkey did not presage a return to the old days of coups and military rule,” The New York Times commented, “We hope he's right."
The newspaper emphasized the reason for the attack against the five judges of the State Council has become more blurred as attacks have increased since the judge's funeral.
Strategic vision document prepared
The strategic vision document, which is being prepared between Turkey and the US, is almost complete and will be announced next week.
Top level Turkish authorities, who said they were not surprised with the explanations of some Internet sites that Turkey and US are not in agreement over the terror issue, noted that they expected such rumors to increase during the process. The authorities said the document will not be signed but announced to everybody, and denied the claim that the two countries have opposite views.

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