ID :
128587
Fri, 06/18/2010 - 15:51
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/128587
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RELATIONS WITH U.S. SENSITIVE, TURKISH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION HEAD SAYS
WASHINGTON, D.C. (A.A) - 18.06.2010 - Head of an influential business association in Turkey has said that Turkey-U.S. relations were passing through "difficult times" in the aftermath of a deadly Israeli raid on a Gaza aid convoy and Turkey's refusal to back up a UN Security Council resolution to impose sanctions on Iran.
"The incident related to Gaza and Turkey's 'no' to the sanctions... these are all intermingled, which I think is a disadvantage for Turkey. We are having sensitive and difficult times in relations with the United States, and there are concerns. But I also have to say that there have been some serious misunderstandings and communication problems," Umit Boyner, chairwoman of the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD), told reporters after her meeting in Washington, D.C. with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Philip Gordon, assistant secretary of State for Europe and Eurasian affairs.
"We need a new era that would involve open dialogue with the U.S. because the U.S. is an old strategic partner for us. We cannot afford shaky relations. As much as the U.S. is important to us, we are important to them as well," Boyner said.
Boyner said her meeting with Clinton addressed developments regarding Iran and Israel, adding that she conveyed the uneasiness the Israeli raid and the killing of nine activists had created in the Turkish public opinion.
Boyner also said she underlined the need for an impartial investigation into the incident, one that would conform with international legal norms.
The TUSIAD chief said keeping diplomatic channels open had been the top priority for Turkey in the standoff over Iran's nuclear program, adding that she shared with Clinton her view that Turkey should play a role in resolving the problem.
"The incident related to Gaza and Turkey's 'no' to the sanctions... these are all intermingled, which I think is a disadvantage for Turkey. We are having sensitive and difficult times in relations with the United States, and there are concerns. But I also have to say that there have been some serious misunderstandings and communication problems," Umit Boyner, chairwoman of the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD), told reporters after her meeting in Washington, D.C. with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Philip Gordon, assistant secretary of State for Europe and Eurasian affairs.
"We need a new era that would involve open dialogue with the U.S. because the U.S. is an old strategic partner for us. We cannot afford shaky relations. As much as the U.S. is important to us, we are important to them as well," Boyner said.
Boyner said her meeting with Clinton addressed developments regarding Iran and Israel, adding that she conveyed the uneasiness the Israeli raid and the killing of nine activists had created in the Turkish public opinion.
Boyner also said she underlined the need for an impartial investigation into the incident, one that would conform with international legal norms.
The TUSIAD chief said keeping diplomatic channels open had been the top priority for Turkey in the standoff over Iran's nuclear program, adding that she shared with Clinton her view that Turkey should play a role in resolving the problem.
