Turkish-American Businessmen Association (TABA AmCham) is to engage a huge organization in order to further improve mutual relations. It was announced that TABA would host Bill Clinton, the former president of the US, in Turkey for a lecture. Zeynel Abidin ERDEM, the Chairman of TABA, following this event, will assume a leading role to host George Bush, the President of the US in Turkey next year. The invitation will likely take place in 2003.
An interesting general assembly was held past week in Turkish-American Businessmen Association (TABA-AmCham). General Assembly with elections was canceled following an uneasy start up. The chairmanship of Zeynel Abidin Erdem will continue to the next elections. Erdem, in an interview with the periodical, Ekonomist , made several statements regarding macroeconomic and political developments as well as an assessment of Turkish American and Turkish European relations.
Ekonomist: Within current context, can it be argued that efforts toward enhancing Turkish American economic relations paused?
Erdem: Sure, Turkey has undergone a hesitancy. From the part of goverment, the Prime Minister is sick and decision-making mechanism of the government functions without the leader of the cabinet.
Currently, the fundamental problem of the economy is the deceleration of activities in the Foreign Affairs, Domestic Affairs and many other Ministries.
How do you consider the failure to reach a political agreement on fulfilling the EU criteria?
Erdem: We should not support actions which may prevent convergence with the EU. However, it is also inconvenient to announce a slogan of “They prevent EU membership” just based on the fact that there is a provision for “penalty of death”in the general program of a goverment coalition party. Because, a political party needs to fulfill what it promised.
However, decision should be made based on evaluation of then and current material and spiritual value of such a slogan.
This party has a considerable vote potential. It is a party that has always been identified with Turkish people during the most critical periods of Turkey in the past. It will take a step toward EU at this time.
Do you imply that MHP will give up its approach regarding penalty of death?
Erdem: I am not a party member, rather, I am a businessman. Therefore, I cannot suggest that a party did something wrong. However, here is a phenomenon to defend what was promised. Currently, the price of what was promised is being argued. I think it will be much more beneficial for us to be a EU member country. And, the decision to be made will be in that direction.
Do you, as TABA, consider planning an organization regarding achievement of a negotiation date fom the EU ?
Erdem: We have some efforts oriented to American lobby, toward acceptance of the fact that if Turkey, an Islamic country, is not to become a EU member, fears regarding the future troubles may become reality. We struggle to express that Turkey has a potential and identity to pioneer a Muslim community of 1.8 billion. This week (July 9) we are goint to organize a conference on the closeness of the US to Turkey with the participation of TÜSİAD and Bill Clinton, the former US President.. Turkey achieved a significant dimension during Clinton period. It is currently an indispensable ally for the US. In the near future, we will invite George Bush. We expect his visit to Turkey next year.
Can Turkey achieve US support in a fresh crisis environment?
Erdem: I do not think that the United States has an obligation to watch for such an unstable ally for evermore. Turkey is, occasionally, supported due to demographical, political and military necessities, but Turkey does not know the measure. These are our sensations. I mean, by saying Turkey knows no measure, that loans granted are not utilized well.
Do you expect a US operation in Iraq?
Erdem : The United States assigned a role for Turkey in the Middle East. On the other hand, Turkey was insistent on an issue. Turkey did not want a war in the Middle East and tried to prevent a war in Iraq. Also, the Americans supported this historical action.
Therefore, they did not announce the pressure of Turkey, but statements from the US government intersected at a point : “If we are to do something, we also confer with Turkey. Currently, a balance achieved and this consensus is being maintained.”