ID :
128485
Thu, 06/17/2010 - 20:09
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THERE IS GREAT POTENTIAL IN TURKISH-ARAB RELATIONS, BABACAN SAYS

ISTANBUL (A.A) - 17.06.2010 - Turkish State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan said Thursday there was great potential in Turkish-Arab relations.
The background, all materials and everything else are ready. There is only a need for political will for Turkish-Arab relations, Babacan said.
Speaking at the inauguration of the summit titled "International Arab Banking Summit 2010: From Crisis to Financial Stability" in Istanbul, Babacan said that Turkey made great efforts to strengthen ties with regional countries with which Turkey shared strong cultural and historic ties.
Everything is ready to develop Turkish-Arab relations. This is what our peoples want. Our peoples and societies are celebrating coming together again, Babacan said.
The Middle East and Arab countries have an important place in Turkey's foreign policy, Babacan stressed.
Our line in foreign policy is very clear. We act with certain principles everywhere. We do not change principles according to the subject matter. We always say 'international laws', 'human rights' and policy that puts humans at the forefront, Babacan said.
We say that there could not be tranquility and peace in a region where women and children are facing difficulties. Our stance is not being accepted by certain circles. The issue of double standards is evident when it comes to the Middle East. Certain western countries that talk about democracy, basic rights and freedoms say different things when it comes to the Middle East. There should only be one standard, Babacan said.
We stress that what the western countries want for themselves should also be applied in the Middle East, Arab countries and Palestine. We remind certain circles about the wrong they are doing in Gaza and West Bank, Babacan said.
Turkey's regional role comes not only from its historic and cultural ties but also from its responsibilities arising from the duties of humanity, Babacan added.

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