Ambassador James Jeffrey’s Interview with Benan Kepsutlu, HaberTürk TV

January 27, 2010

Ambassador Jeffrey and Benan Kepsutlu from Haberturk TV

Dedeman Hotel, Istanbul

Q:  Mr. Jeffrey, welcome.  First of all, I'd like to ask a question.  When our Prime Minister, Tayyip Erdoğan, had a meeting with Mr. President Obama, they mentioned not only about a strategic partnership, but also a model partnership.  What does model partnership mean and what kind of developments have been done?

Ambassador Jeffrey: It means first of all, close coordination, not only of our strategic interests, within NATO, and in the region such as Afghanistan, and as you are well aware in Iraq, but also it means reflecting our shared philosophy, our shared commitment to democracy, to freedom, to rule of law - that's very important - and also to a broader economic dialogue and economic cooperation between our two nations.  Because we see Turkey as not only a member of the G-20 but one of the most important regional powers in the world.  And it's very important that we and other regional powers all cooperate together for common goals that we all share, such as peace, such as stability, such as economic development and democracy.

Q:  Some American and European newspapers wrote that America and Europe get bored because of Israelis wishes in the region, for example, about Palestinian issue or conflicts with its neighbors.  What would you like to say about the thesis that the United States and some European countries give a message to Israel by using Turkey?

Ambassador Jeffrey: Well, first of all, Turkey is not a country that allows itself to be used by anybody else to give its message to a third country by using Turkey.  You can agree with Turkey's policies or you can disagree, but these are Turkey's own policies.  If we have messages to give to Israel, we give them directly to Israel.  We are very appreciative of the long tradition of close Israeli-Turkish relations; they've come through a difficult period.  We've seen some improvements lately, we welcome those improvements, and we hope that both sides can work together on more issues in the future.

Q:  The tension between Israel and Turkey is getting high.  How it will affect the future of the region?

Ambassador Jeffrey: Well, as I said, we see this as a temporary set of disagreements. It largely stems from the different approach between Turkey and Israel to the events in Gaza, and in recent weeks we've seen repeated visits to Turkey by very senior Israeli officials.  We've seen the resolution of the "koltuk" event in Tel Aviv, we've seen contracts signed, we've seen continued military cooperative activities.  We think this is all very good. 

Q:  And let's talk about some [inaudible] issues.  Our Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davutoğlu said that it's possible to be a mediator, a peacemaker, between Taliban and Afghanistan if it will be necessary.  And also American Commander Stanley McChrystal mentioned about it.  What do you think about this issue and do you think that it's possible to make an agreement with Taliban by Turkey's mediation?

Ambassador Jeffrey: Well, first of all, we have said, not just General McChrystal, but President Obama, in his speech, which I would refer you to, made it very clear that we are looking for not just a military but a political approach to the problems of Afghanistan.  We do this in close cooperation with our NATO allies, including - importantly - Turkey, and in coordination with the forces on the ground, particularly the Karzai government, which is our partner.  The details of where we will be on a certain issue are being resolved right now both here in Istanbul in the meetings that took place earlier this week, and in London.  I know that the Secretary will almost certainly be speaking with Ahmet Davutoğlu, and they'll be going over the details of how we can be helpful, how Turkey can be helpful, what different approaches.... We very much respect and value Turkey's unique contribution to Afghanistan and to Pakistan.  They are our partner in it, and we listen carefully to the Turkish views. 

Q:  If the situation will be getting worse in Afghanistan, do you think that NATO or the United States wants to give other tasks to the Turkish Army, for example joining the combat operation? 

Ambassador Jeffrey: The decisions of NATO and NATO countries on how to deal with a very fluid and quickly changing situation in Afghanistan is something that I, as a diplomat not assigned to Afghanistan, cannot judge.  I will say that we are very, very happy with the very large Turkish military commitment to Afghanistan.  General McChrystal spoke to the Turkish media about this last week, and we of course agree with him.  And we'll just see.  It's a very important contribution and we're in close consultation continuously with the Turks on new ways that we and Turkey can help preserve security in Afghanistan.

Q:  And what about Armenian issue?  What about Karabakh issue?  Because that's also being talked [about] during the negotiation between Turkey and Armenia.  There are some claims.  It's mentioned that the big player is Russia on the Karabakh issue and the solution is not possible without Russian approval.  What would you like to say?

Ambassador Jeffrey: Well, first of all, it is an issue between Azerbaijan and Armenia.  There are three countries, Russia as you mentioned, the United States, and France, that are the co-chairs of the Minsk group.  We have been very active of late.  This is a commitment that President Obama gave Prime Minister Erdoğan first here, in Turkey in April, and then he reiterated his commitment in December, in Washington, that the United States would be more active.  We've appointed a new and more senior diplomat to lead our Minsk group effort.  They've just met, the two leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan.  We heard relatively positive news from there.  We think it's important.  While we think it's independent of other issues including the Turkish-Armenian protocols, we think it is very important for peace and stability in the region to move forward on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.

Q:  And lastly what would you like to say about relations between Turkey and America for the future?

Ambassador Jeffrey: Well, it's a very important relationship.  It's been reflected in the four visits that President Obama and Prime Minister Erdoğan have had just in the last 10 months.  The visit in March of Secretary Clinton here, and in her - I can't say weekly because it's closer to daily - conversations with Ahmet Davutoğlu.

Q: Thank you very much, Mr. James Jeffrey.

Ambassador Jeffrey: Thank you.