President Bush met with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, head of Turkey's ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, at the White House December 10, thanking him for his commitment to democracy and freedom and pledging U.S. support for Turkey's desire to join the European Union (remarks to the press).
Erdogan said EU membership was "the most important modernization project of our country since the establishment of the republic" and would "jump-start" the enhancement of democracy in Turkey.
The two talked about [b]"regional security vis-a-vis the United States and Turkey, and a variety of issues dealing with economic conditions in Turkey and Turkey's accession potentially into the European Union. It was a very cordial and positive meeting," [/b]Fleischer said.
Asked to what extent Bush talked with Erdogan about either Iraq or [b]the U.S. use of military bases in Turkey,[/b] Fleischer replied:
"The two did discuss the situation in Iraq -- they both agreed that Iraq is a threat to peace -- and the importance of Saddam Hussein disarming. They discussed the United Nations process, which both recognize is a very constructive process in terms of making certain that Saddam Hussein conforms to his international obligations. [b]We have a variety of mutual interests with Turkey[/b] as we work closely on how to address this threat," the press secretary said.
"As you know, my long-standing policy is not to get into any operational specifics. They did discuss ways that we can cooperate. And I'd leave it at that."
Asked if the Bush administration is concerned about the possibility of Turkey moving into the adjoining Kurdish section of Iraq should there be regime change in Iraq, and what the U.S. understanding is now about Turkey's intentions there, Fleischer responded that President Bush believes that, in the event that any military action is taken in Iraq, "that it is very important, and the United States is committed to make certain that Iraq is whole, that there is no division within Iraq," and the press secretary said the president repeated that point in his meeting with Erdogan.
Asked what sort of economic package the United States is putting together for Turkey, Fleischer said [b]"we will continue to work with Turkey and the Congress on the size of an appropriate package."[/b]
On the matter of Turkey's desire to join the EU, Fleischer said President Bush believes the European Union "should give strong consideration to Turkey's accession into the EU. He thinks its very important that the EU give consideration to a nation like Turkey, an Islamic democracy, a merging country, that certainly has made tremendous strides in terms of integration into Europe and to an approach that is compatible with the transparency and the openness of Europe," the Press Secretary said.
Bush discussed his views on the EU and Turkey during his series of one-on-one meetings with European leaders at the recent NATO Summit in Prague, "and it's something that Secretary Powell has been working the phones about, as well," the Press Secretary said.
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[u]Following is a transcript of their brief remarks to the press[/u]:
THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Chairman, [b]welcome to the home of one of your country's best friends and allies. We're impressed by the leadership -- your leadership and your party's strong victory. We thank you very much for your commitment to democracy and freedom.[/b]We join you, side by side, in your desire to become a member of the European Union. We appreciate your friendship in NATO. You're a strategic ally and friend of the United States, and we look forward to working with you to keep the peace.
It's my honor to welcome you to America.
CHAIRMAN ERDOGAN: I thank you very much. We're very happy to be in the United States, who is our ally and friend, and also another source of happiness for us that Mr. President spare the time to meet with us.
Undoubtedly, we see our bid to European Union membership as the most important modernization project of our country since the establishment of the republic. And this will serve as a great jump-start for democracy, enhancement of democracy.
This week is a very important one for us. This is actually a turning point in our history. It's also very meaningful that this turning point merged with our -- coincided with our new established government and our election victory. We're aware of your support on this matter and we are very appreciative of this. But it shouldn't end here. We expect that to continue, of course, now -- (laughter.)
THE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you all.
Q: Sir, can we ask --
THE PRESIDENT: Not today. But, you know something, I appreciate the effort. (Laughter.)
Q: O for two today --
THE PRESIDENT: Well, you know something, it's good for you -- brings discipline. Right, Randy? [b]If I answer questions every time you ask one, expectations would be high. And as you know, I like to keep expectations low. (Laughter.)[/b]Q: -- expect some phone call for European Union?
THE PRESIDENT: I made a lot of phone calls already. [b]My administration is working hard on Turkey's behalf.[/b]
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J'ai souligné quelques points.
[i](Bref, tout va pour le mieus dans le meilleur des mondes...)[/i]