This refers to the article “Ongoing Turkey-Iran clash threatens regional stability” (Dec. 15) by Ali Bluwi.
I should underline that the article includes many unfounded and unacceptable claims against Turkey, Turkish foreign policy and Turkish authorities. I believe you share with me the principle that, any freedom, including the freedom of expression, should be exercised with responsibility. However, it seems that the author of the article does not feel bounded by any such principles.
From the outset, I would like to underline that thanks to our close consultations and cooperation on all important regional and international issues with the authorities of the Kingdom, they know very well what Turkey is doing and is not doing. On the other hand, with a view to avoiding any misguided understanding in the friendly public opinion of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I feel compelled to share the following remarks:
Yemen is a country that Turkey approaches with the feelings of brotherhood and solidarity. These feelings stem from our common history extending back to the 16th century. The three hundred thousand Turkish martyrs who lost their lives in defending Yemen and who are now resting in the military cemetery in Bab-ul Yemen/Sanaa are silent witnesses of this brotherhood. Turkey strongly supports and contributes to the political transition period initiated by the Gulf Cooperation Council, with the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Maintaining the unity, territorial integrity, stability and social tranquility and contributing to the prosperity of the brotherly Yemen constitute the basis of our policy vis a vis Yemen. Turkey does not discriminate against any groups in Yemen. When Prof. Ahmet Davutoglu, the minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, visited Yemen on Oct. 20-21, he met with all the political leaders involved in the National Dialogue process. We continue to be extremely careful and sensitive on anything which can put the said process at risk.
Competent Turkish authorities, in consultation and cooperation with their Yemeni counterparts, continue their investigations on the origin, transport means and routes of some weapons seized in Yemen in November 2012, which are claimed to be sent by Turkey. The claims that Turkey is exporting arms to Yemen and that our embassy in Sanaa is distributing weapons to certain groups are totally fabrication. Turkey has not authorized any arms exports to Yemen. We find these claims incompatible with the guiding principles of journalism.
Another unfounded and false allegation in the article is that Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the prime minister of Turkey, had met with the Muslim Brotherhood authorities in the presence of a CIA official. No such meeting has taken place. On the other hand, our prime minister and other high level authorities approach positively, to the extent possible, to requests for meetings coming from legitimate and elected representatives of friendly and brotherly countries.
Turkey does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. We reject all kinds of ethnicity or sectarian based policies. Turkish foreign policy aims at maintaining good neighborly and friendly relations with all countries in our region.
We think that the legitimate and rightful demands by the peoples, actors of the historical change taking place in the Middle East, for an honorable and prosperous life cannot be disregarded. In the context of our excellent relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in every field, we attach particular importance to our consultations and cooperation on regional issues. — Ahmet Muhtar Gün, Turkey’s ambassador
Unfounded and unacceptable claims
