Cyprus-Forum.com

[Kifeas]

An Oasis of sensibility in the middle of a Turkish mass media decert. That's how I view this short interview of Rahmi Koç (I do not know who his is,) by Yusuf kanli.

Where is our interest?
Thursday, September 22, 2005
TDN editorial by Yusuf KANLI

It's not always easy for Ankara journalists to get together with the top brass of Turkish industry. When the person in question is the “admiral,” then it becomes all the more difficult.

However, this week we had the opportunity to meet over lunch as well as at some other social events -- including the inauguration of the Cengelhan Rahmi Koç Museum -- with none other than Rahmi Koç himself. I must say I never expected to be together with a humble, self-confident man who is straight to the point in discussions and who calculates every word he utters but who at the same time is courageous enough to challenge dogma with a pragmatic and far-reaching vision.

The need to utilize our assets:

One issue we discussed was the unfortunate developments over the invitation by Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartolomeos to Pope Benedict XVI to visit Istanbul for the Nov. 30 Orthodox Feast of St. Andrew. The patriarch's personal invitation to the pope had created a strong reaction among Turkish nationalists, and the move was considered an attempt by the patriarch to promote his “ecumenical” status, which Turkey has been refusing to recognize. Eventually the row was settled by Turkey extending an official invitation to the pope to visit Turkey “sometimes next year,” a move that effectively canceled the patriarch's invitation.

Technically, of course, the pope -- as head of the Vatican, a state officially recognized by Turkey -- ought to be invited by the head of state of Turkey. However, there was a religious aspect to the whole story that somehow could not be understood and which went unseen.

The Patriarchate is a Turkish institution; indeed, no one can question that. But if that Turkish institution is revered by some 300 million people all around the globe as their spiritual leadership, what is the harm in that and what is the benefit in opposing such a status?

Would it not be more in the interests of this country and this nation to stop considering the Patriarchate as a “potential threat” and instead realize that it is a national asset? Would it not be better to try to utilize that national asset for the benefit of this land?

Unfortunately, we are quite successful in making life difficult for ourselves.

The Cyprus headache:

Cyprus was another major issue we discussed with Rahmi Koç. After failing five times in one month to issue a counter-declaration to a Turkish statement released on July 29 that its extension of the customs union to all new members of the EU, including the Greek Cypriot state, did not change Turkey's Cyprus policy and should not be taken as Turkish recognition for the Greek Cypriot administration, the bloc finally agreed on the issue on Wednesday (hopefully the Greek Cypriots won't spoil the broth at the last minute once again) and started deliberating a framework document that would serve as a guide for Turkish accession talks due to start on Oct. 3.

Even last month's developments must have shown everyone in Ankara (and in Europe) that the Cyprus quagmire must be brought to an end somehow, and the sooner the better. Before the EU brings up Cyprus at a difficult time for Turkey, we ought to act more diligently in seeking a resolution for the island.

Yes, the Greek Cypriots are intransigent. Yes, Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos has no interest in a compromise settlement on the island. Yes, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan will not launch a new Cyprus initiative unless he is assured of success this time. Nevertheless, we have to press hard for a Cyprus resolution because “if the EU bid of this country falters because of Cyprus, that will be unfortunate.”

For that we definitely need to "discuss Cyprus more and devise a new national policy based on a consensus" over the issue that is pro-settlement.

http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=24044

[realcypriot]

Interesting.

Along with helping to resolve the Cyprus issue, Turkey's accession negotiations with the EU will also lead to the recognition of the Ecumenical Patriarch and possibly lead to the use of Haghia Sophia and other large churches in Istanbul.

Turkey should not be scared about this. Istanbul is one of the hottest tourist destinations in Turkey, and like the Vatican, could be used to attract millions of tourists every year. After all, the advertisements for Turkey that I have seen show images of icons and churches. If these are being promoted, then why not invest and recognise the Patriarch and restore control over the churches in Istanbul?

[akiner]

Very Interesting,

Do you think how many Orthodox' living in İstanbul,their number should be considerably high at this city, and i am guessing that is why they dont move the headquarters(and as i know even church of Moscow doesnt recognize Patriarch as Ecumenical, this tag is political rather than religious)

Rahmi Koç was a chairman at KOC Group in Turkey, owner of (http://www.beko.com,http://www.ford.com.tr, http://www.tofas.com.tr/....etc. and lastly http://www.tupras.com.tr/), so u could be sure his firm gets more benefits (than me:)) from Custom Union with Eu and when he is talking about Eu he puts the primary interests of Koc Group no doubt!!!

Everyone knows if negotiations fail, Turkey will leave(or must leave) from custom uninon (where she is only an actmaker not a decision taker) so in that respect Mr. Koç said words as a man who seeks for his own truths not for his country's