EROL ADAYILMAZ IS Head of Foreign Affairs in Turkey’s ruling AK or Justice & Development Party. He speaks English fluently and distinctly apart from being well-versed with national and international history. Like most Turks, he is proud of Ottoman history and the vision of his leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
As Turkey has always been very close to my heart, I already knew of the Erdogan Administration’s political, economic and diplomatic achievements to some extent, however what I witnessed during my recent visit to Turkey was far more substantial than originally thought. As I raised some questions about the Ottoman victory over the Roman Empire and recent achievements, I was invited by Erol Adayilmaz to his office in Istanbul, where the following conversation took place.
Q.
Historical research indicates that when the Ottoman Empire took over Istanbul, the local people of Greek background happily accepted the authority of the Ottomans. What was the reason?
A.
The Sultan declared that locals were safe. That nobody would be expelled. The conflict was between the Roman and Ottoman empires, not against the local people of Greek background. The Turks were famous for good administration and justice. They delivered justice and established an effective administration and therefore, people responded positively.
(In separate interviews with Professor Fethi of Istanbul University and Seven Turan - Foreign Desk Editor - of the daily Hurriyet, they concurred with the above statement.)
Q.
Did any section of Istanbul's population oppose Kemal Ataturk's 'Movement of Independence'?
A.
Over all, there was unity. The respect for multiculturalism played an important role.
Q.
How will the AK Party balance it's membership with the EU and Muslims at large?
A.
Turkey is a bridge. Turkey is the only Muslim country applying for EU membership. Our country is in a unique position, geographically and historically. Turkey understands its role and will Inshallah play it effectively.
Q.
Who deserves the credit for Turkey's economic achievements thus far?
A.
The Prime Minister Erdogan, of course. He was the Mayor of Istanbul before he became prime minister. He started an economic development campaign whilst Mayor. PM Erdogan is a sincere, visionary and charismatic leader with great management skills.
Q.
Do you have or envisage a full welfare state with free medical treatment, free education, housing, child benefit, social security and a pension for all citizens?
A.
Yes, Inshallah. We are working for this task and we call it vision 2023, the year when we will mark the anniversary of a hundred years of independence of our Republic.
Q.
Does everybody have a job? If not, how do the unemployed survive?
A.
We have only 8 percent unemployment, which is yet less than developed EU members. The unemployed people do get some social help.
Q.
How do you define your Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's 'Diplomatic Vision'?
A.
Good relationship with everyone for peace and humanity.
Q.
Is his "Zero Conflict" policy with neighbours working?
A.
Yes, despite the Syrian conflict - which is directly affecting Turkey - the relationship continues.
Q.
How do you describe his diplomatic style?
A.
Sincere, active and simple. He involves himself with people in need.
Q.
The AK Party's government has done very well on Palestine, Myanmar and the Kashmiri victims of the earthquake in 2005. The people of Kashmir are very thankful to you for that but can you be specific on the resolution to the Kashmir problem? Do you think Kashmir is a territorial problem between India and Pakistan or is it rather a matter of birth right of the people of kashmir?
A.
I have to study the Kashmir Issue more carefully and specifically before answering this question.
Q.
What rights do Syrian or any other refugees obtain here in Turkey in terms of residence, education, health and social security benefits?
A.
We set up camps for them where they get rations, health facilities and education.
Q.
What are the AK Party's future national goals?
A.
Vision 2023: further improving our legal, educational and health systems whilst targeting full employment and a comprehensive welfare system.
Q.
Finally, any message to Pakistanis and Kashmiris at home and abroad?
A.
Our future is common. We should all work together for a world with a better future.
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