White House Refutes PM Erdogan's Remarks!

White House official sent this exclusive statement regarding PM's Erdogan's remarks on Gulen: 
"The response attributed to President Obama with regard to Mr. Gulen is not accurate. In that February 19 call, the President noted the importance of sound policies rooted in the rule of law, as well as the importance of mutually respectful relations between our countries.  Our commitment to working together with Turkey, particularly on a variety of regional issues of mutual interest, continues."

Here is what PM Erdogan said yesterday at a Turkish TV, during a live interview: 
"I talked to Mr. Obama over this issue (religious leader Fethullah Gulen, who lives in Pennsylvania). I told him that the source of my country's  discomfort (unrest) lives there (in US) and I am expecting from you to do whatever is necessary. I ask your help, just like you ask my help whenever some people (live in Turkey) threaten the US' homeland security. And he (Obama) sounded positive, said "the message is taken.

White House comments on the call between Pres Obama and PM Erdogan

White House National Security Council Assistant Press Secretary Laura Lucas commented on Pres Obama and PM Erdogan's phone call which was taken place on Wednesday. Last time the two leaders spoke was 6.5 months ago. Its full readout was published on Wednesday in this blog:

Q: What did you think of the letter sent to Pres Obama on Thursday morning, which is signed by 84 foreign policy experts, former officials, Congressional members & ambassadors etc.?

Lucas: 
''As you know, we don’t comment on presidential correspondence.  More broadly, however, in his call with PM Erdogan on Wednesday, the President raised issues related to the rule of law, as well as the importance of mutually respectful relations between our countries. As you know, the U.S. government repeatedly has been clear about the importance of Turkey upholding principles of due process, freedoms of speech and assembly, and a free media.''  

Commented: Readout of President Obama’s Call with Prime Minister Erdogan

Readout of President Obama’s Call with Prime Minister Erdogan

President Obama spoke by phone today with Prime Minister Erdogan of Turkey on a range of bilateral and regional issues. The President affirmed the value he places on a strong, mutually respectful bilateral relationship with the Republic of Turkey and expressed his view that Turkey can demonstrate leadership in the world through positive engagement.  (Obama asks Erdogan to be positive & constructive while engaging w/the world, instead of scolding so that he can claim a leadership. It's now open-secret that Erdogan's engagement w/the rest of the world, during Egypt coup, Gezi Protests, finally the corruption/graft case cannot be qualified as constructive.)

The President and Prime Minister agreed on the importance of close cooperation between our two countries to address the growing terrorist presence in Syria and on the shared interest in continuing efforts to advance a political solution to the Syria conflict. (Obama's first direct emphasize on "terrorist presence in Syria" while speaking to Erdogan. Apparently Obama thinks Erdogan can do better to address this problem. And referring the political solution. Straight American arguments on Syria.)

The President and Prime Minister discussed the importance of encouraging Baghdad and Erbil to find common ground on energy issues and supporting the agreement they achieve.  (Obama reiterates the same US position that PM Erdogan should seek consent of Baghdad over the energy issues while dealing with Erbil.)

The President thanked the Prime Minister for his constructive role in the effort on Cyprus to renew negotiations for a settlement.  (One and only thanks to Erdogan from Obama in the readout) The Prime Minister noted the launch ceremony for the Boeing 737 Peace Eagle on Friday. 

The President and Prime Minister spoke about the importance of quickly concluding the normalization agreement with Israel. (Obama is clearly not satisfied by how the 'normalization process is going. Also recent consensus between Israel-Turkey on a text to normalize relations now again on hold. Before the local elections at the end of the March, observers think Erdogan is not thinking to move forward to normalize the relations. Another request or homework for Erdogan/) 

The leaders also discussed the need for strong, sustainable, and balanced growth in the global economy, and the President noted the importance of sound policies rooted in the rule of law to reassure the financial markets, nurture a predictable investment environment, strengthen bilateral ties, and benefit the future of Turkey. (The final sentence of the readout seems to me the most important one. This sentence implies that the recent bills/legislations ought to be in line w/rule of law.. Clearly referring to recent policies after the graft/corruption case, purging judiciary members and security forces in addition to Internet (censorship) bill, Judicial (HSYK) bill, now the new Intelligence bill. Obama reminds Erdogan about the rule of law, o/wise Erdogan's risking country's investment climate, financial markets.. also Obama warns that the sound policies rooted in the rule of law necessary to ... strengthen bilateral ties w/the US.) 

Though, at the end, talking to the US Pres is a plus for the AKP gov. and they will use the call domestic purposes as well. 

Qs & As on Turkey Internet & Judicial Bill, Iran-Syria

Via-Phone Daily Press Briefing Index

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

1:11 p.m. EST

Briefer: Marie Harf, Deputy Spokesperson

MS. HARF:  Yeah.  Looks like the next question is from Ilhan Tanir, if you could open his line, please.

QUESTION:  Hi Marie, do you hear me?

MS. HARF:  I can hear you, Ilhan, yes.

QUESTION:  Thank you for taking the call.  A quick two questions on Turkey and one question on Syria-Iran.  Question on Turkey:  There are two bills just passed at the parliament and the first one is internet bill.

MS. HARF:  Uh-huh.

QUESTION:  It just actually approved by the President Gul yesterday, and it’s criticized by outside and inside, by many corners.  What’s your reaction to this bill?

MS. HARF:  Yep.  So this is – what we said when the legislation was first approved by the parliament, we share the serious concerns raised by the OSCE and others that the law has the potential to severely restrict free expression, freedom of the press, and access to information over the internet.  We also believe that the law could negatively impact Turkey’s business and investment climate.

We understand that the legislation improved by – approved, excuse me, by President Gul will be subject to further modification by parliament.  During this process, as well as the implementation of any final legislation, I’d say we’re looking to Turkey to uphold – again, I’ve talked about it a few times today – but fundamental freedoms of expression and a free and independent media.

QUESTION:  So as you mentioned, there are two modifications by President Gul.  Will be okay if those two modifications are amended or done at the parliament?

MS. HARF:  I wasn’t saying that.  Obviously, we are looking to Turkey during this process to uphold the fundamental freedoms that really underscore why we’re concerned about this legislation.  I’m not going to get into more detailed analysis about the law or possible modifications.  We’ll take a look at what happens when it happens and make assessments at that time.

QUESTION:  Thank you.  And the second bill, this one passed at the parliament – I asked this question about three weeks ago – and it is awaiting President Gul’s signature again.  It is the bill on the judicial council that will hand control of the judiciary to the executive branch, being again criticized by the EU many, many times, and also there is a big reaction within Turkey.  Do you have any reaction to this one?

MS. HARF:  I haven’t seen the specifics on that one, Ilhan.  I know you’ve asked about this a few times, so let me check with our folks and see if we have more of a response.  I know we don’t always comment on sort of internal Turkish matters, but let me check and see what I can do.

QUESTION:  Actually, that’s exactly what I am asking for, because if you are taking this bill as an internal matter, that means that you’re not taking it as the universal value of democracy as judicial control that will have control to the entire judiciary to the executive branch.  So even if you can get back to me on this, whether you’re taking this as internal matter or as something that will deal blow to the separation of powers would be immensely helpful for the writing record in history.

MS. HARF:  Yep.  Let me see what I can do for you, Ilhan. 

QUESTION:  Thank you.  And my final question is – this question was asked again several times in the past.  This is about the U.S. Treasury’s statement issued on February 7th or 6th about operatives in Iran that is – they have been helping.  According to Treasury statement, they’ve been helping to transfer funds and fighters to Syria for the al-Qaida elements.  Do you have anything on this this time?

MS. HARF:  I really just don’t have more on this than I think we’ve talked about.  I’d refer you to the Treasury Department and my colleagues there to speak to this.

QUESTION:  Actually, I talked to them.  They referred me to you to comment on this.

MS. HARF:  I love when that happens.  So I’ll refer you back, and I will talk with them and see if we can get you anything.  Again, it’s a Treasury designation --

QUESTION:  Yes.

MS. HARF:  -- so I think they’re probably most appropriate to speak to that issue.

QUESTION:  This is about how Iranian operatives are in Iran helping al-Qaida elements in Syria.  This kind of analysis or your take on this is the question to you.

MS. HARF:  Well, look, broadly speaking, we’ve made our concerns clear about some of Iran’s activities in Syria.  But beyond that, let me talk to my Treasury colleagues, but I’d recommend you give them another call and they can speak to their designation a little bit more.

QUESTION:  Thank you.

MS. HARF:  Thank you, Ilhan. 

Readout of President Obama’s Call with Prime Minister Erdogan

HE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 19, 2014

Readout of President Obama’s Call with Prime Minister Erdogan

President Obama spoke by phone today with Prime Minister Erdogan of Turkey on a range of bilateral and regional issues.  The President affirmed the value he places on a strong, mutually respectful bilateral relationship with the Republic of Turkey and expressed his view that Turkey can demonstrate leadership in the world through positive engagement.  The President and Prime Minister agreed on the importance of close cooperation between our two countries to address the growing terrorist presence in Syria and on the shared interest in continuing efforts to advance a political solution to the Syria conflict.  The President and Prime Minister discussed the importance of encouraging Baghdad and Erbil to find common ground on energy issues and supporting the agreement they achieve.  The President thanked the Prime Minister for his constructive role in the effort on Cyprus to renew negotiations for a settlement.  The Prime Minister noted the launch ceremony for the Boeing 737 Peace Eagle on Friday. The President and Prime Minister spoke about the importance of quickly concluding the normalization agreement with Israel.  The leaders also discussed the need for strong, sustainable, and balanced growth in the global economy, and the President noted the importance of sound policies rooted in the rule of law to reassure the financial markets, nurture a predictable investment environment, strengthen bilateral ties, and benefit the future of Turkey.

US Treasury Talks About Turkey's Role on Al Qaida Flow into Syria

 Treasury Targets Networks Linked To Iran

As head al-Qa’ida facilitator in Iran, Yasin al-Suri is responsible for overseeing al-Qa’ida efforts to transfer experienced operatives and leaders from Pakistan to Syria, organizing and maintaining routes by which new recruits can travel to Syria via Turkey, and assisting in the movement of al-Qa’ida external operatives to the West.

Al-Qa’ida’s network in Iran has facilitated the transfer of funds from Gulf-based donors to al-Qa’ida core and other affiliated elements, including the al-Nusrah Front in Syria.  The Iran-based al-Qa’ida network has also leveraged an extensive network of Kuwaiti jihadist donors to send money to Syria via Turkey.

WASHINGTON – Today the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced actions targeting a diverse set of entities and individuals located around the world for evading U.S. sanctions against Iran, aiding Iranian nuclear and missile proliferation, and supporting terrorism.  These actions reflect the United States’ sustained commitment to continue enforcing our existing sanctions as the P5+1 and Iran work toward a comprehensive solution to address the international community’s concerns over Iran’s nuclear program.

“The global targets designated today play key roles in supporting Iran’s nuclear program and active support for terrorism.  The United States has made clear that as it implements the Joint Plan of Action, contingent on Iran satisfying its own commitments, the overwhelming majority of sanctions remain in effect and will continue to be vigorously enforced,” said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David S. Cohen. 

Today’s actions target entities and individuals located across the world, operating in Turkey, Spain, Germany, Georgia, Afghanistan, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Liechtenstein.

Ali Canko and the Tiva Sanat Group

Turkish citizen Ali Canko assisted the Iran-based Tiva Sanat Group in its attempts to procure and reverse engineer a weapons-capable fast boat to be used by the IRGC-Navy.  The Tiva Sanat Group is comprised of Tiva Kara, Tiva Darya, and Tiva Polymer.  Tiva Sanat Group uses front companies to acquire foreign technology and components, with at least one intermediary expressing concern that a payment would be interdicted by the U.S. Treasury because the intermediary falsely claimed to be the end-user for equipment that was intended for Tiva Sanat. Ali Canko has served as a financial intermediary for payments from the Tiva Sanat Group to various international suppliers.  The IRGC was designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 in October 2007 for having engaged, or attempted to engage, in proliferation-related activities.

Terrorism – al-Qa’ida’s Network in Iran

Today the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the designation of a key Iran-based al-Qa’ida facilitator who supports al-Qa’ida’s vital facilitation network in Iran, that operates there with the knowledge of Iranian authorities.  The network also uses Iran as a transit point for moving funding and foreign fighters through Turkey to support al-Qa’ida-affiliated elements in Syria, including the al-Nusrah Front.

Olimzhon Adkhamovich Sadikov

Treasury today designated Iran-based Islamic Jihad Union facilitator Olimzhon Adkhamovich Sadikov (also known as Jafar al-Uzbeki and Jafar Muidinov) for acting for on behalf of and providing support to al-Qa’ida.

Today's action, taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, follows Treasury’s designations in July 2011 of Ezedin Abdel Aziz Khalil (also known as Yasin al-Suri) and October 2012 of Adel Radi Saqr al-Wahabi al-Harbi, two al-Qa’ida officials who served as the head and deputy of al-Qa’ida's Iran network, respectively.  The State Department also authorized rewards totaling $17 million for information leading to the locations of al-Suri and al-Harbi, and additionally offered $10 million in October 2012 for information leading to the location of Muhsin al-Fadhli, who previously led the Iran-based al-Qa’ida network, and was designated by Treasury and the United Nations in February 2005.

Jafar al-Uzbeki is a member of the Islamic Jihad Union and provides logistical support and funding to al-Qa’ida's Iran-based network.  As an associate of designated al-Qa’ida facilitator Yasin al-Suri, al-Uzbeki serves as a key extremist smuggler based in Mashhad, Iran, near the country's border with Afghanistan, and has provided visas and passports to numerous foreign fighters, including al-Qa'ida recruits, to facilitate their travel.  Al-Uzbeki has assisted extremists and operatives transiting Iran on their way into and out of Pakistan and Afghanistan.  Al-Uzbeki has also provided funding to al-Suri, who has resumed leadership of al-Qa’ida's Iran-based network after being temporarily detained there in late 2011.

Full Statement: http://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2287.aspx

Kerry met w Davutoglu

A Senior State Department Official:

Secretary Kerry and Foreign Minister Davutoglu met this afternoon on the margins of the Munich Security Conference.  They discussed the need to continue pressing the Syrian regime to abide by their commitment to move chemical weapons to the port at Latakia.  They agreed that more needed to be done to increase humanitarian access, and the delay in providing access for convoys into Homs and other besieged areas was simply unacceptable.  They also talked about the next round of negotiations in Geneva and the importance of both the regime and the opposition coming to the table committed to discussing the implementation of the Geneva communique.

Finally they discussed Cyprus and the United States’ support for the negotiation process, conducted under the UN’s good offices, to reunify the island into a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.

My Qs & As w /State Dept Spox corruption, coup, Gulen Mov

Marie Harf

Deputy Spokesperson
Daily Press Briefing

Washington, DC

January 23, 2014

 

QUESTION: Turkey. I asked a couple of questions last week. Just to follow up those questions. First, how do you view the current unfolding corruption case in Turkey? It has been five weeks now.

MS. HARF: Well, we’ve been following Turkish domestic developments in the wake of the corruption investigations. As we’ve said repeatedly and I will repeat again today, we are not going to comment on those investigations beyond reiterating our support for the strong desire of Turkey’s citizens to see all investigations conducted in a fair, transparent, and democratic manner. I think as you heard the Secretary say earlier this week, the United States is not and will not become involved in Turkey’s domestic politics. I think we’ll leave it up to them to have those conversations.

QUESTION: Last week I again asked whether the Prime Minister Erdogan has been – and the government has been arguing that there’s a coup attempt and this has nothing to do with the corruption. What’s your take on that?

MS. HARF: Again, we’re following the developments domestically in Turkey and are just not going to get involved in Turkey’s domestic situation or do any analysis of it from here.

QUESTION: The government accuses the Gulen Movement – it is an Islamic movement and they accuse that they are behind these cases. First of all, what do you know about the Gulen Movement? What’s your assessment about that?

MS. HARF: I think, as Jen said, we’re not going to do an assessment on an internal Turkish domestic matter. Obviously, we’re in contact with the Turkish Government on a range of issues, but we’re just not going to do more of an assessment of this group that you’ve asked about, I think, than that.

QUESTION: There is a judicial bill at the parliament currently being discussed. It has been criticized by the EU many, many times. Do you think this bill, if it passes the parliament, would be – would damage the separation of powers in Turkey?

MS. HARF: What bill are you asking about? I’m sorry. What specific bill?

QUESTION: It’s judges and prosecutors. It’s about the judges and prosecutors council. It changes the structure. I’m, again, just follow up this question from last week.

MS. HARF: Yeah. Again, I hate to sound like a broken record, but these are all internal Turkish domestic issues, and it’s just not our position to take a position on them one way or the other.

My Qs and As w StateDept Spox on Syria, ISIS, 55.000 torture photos, US

Telephone - Conference Call Daily Press Briefing Index

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

1:15 p.m. EST

Briefer: Marie Harf, Deputy Spokesperson

How does US Adm feel about overseeing the 2nd Nazi Camps in Syria

QUESTION:  (Inaudible.)  Thank you for your time.  I have two quick questions on Syria.  One is that you already talk about – a little bit – about the recent report came up yesterday on Syria, this 55,000 photos.  One of the three lawyers who written the report, his name is Sir Desmond da Silva – he is also the chief prosecutor of the special court – he likened those images to those of Holocaust survivors and the Nazi death camps after the World War II. 

My question is – this is my first question:  Obviously, the U.S. is a superpower, and how do you feel as the U.S. Government who overseeing these unspeakable massacres over three years during your Administration?

MS. HARF:  Well, if I understand the crux of your question, and please follow up if I don’t, we have been committed to ensuring that Bashar al-Assad, who is the one responsible for these horrific images, cannot go on leading his country.  That is exactly why we are so engaged in the Geneva II process.  It’s complicated.  It’s difficult.  If it were easy, it would have been done months or years ago.  And one of the things that makes this even more challenging and even more imperative is the – it appears there’s no level low enough, right, for Assad, in terms of how he treats his own people. 

So again, these show systematic violations of Syrians’ human rights; terrible, awful conditions in the prisons; but this is exactly why we are committed to doing everything to ending this bloodshed.  Now we – this isn’t for the United States to impose.  This is a process led by the UN that we are a key part of, but certainly not the ones driving the process, to help get a political transition in place here.  And that’s exactly what they’re going to be focused on over the next few days in Montreux and Geneva.

QUESTION:  I understand.  Just to follow up on this question, you are stating that you committed to stop these massacres, but obviously, it has been going on three years.  And I understand that you are saying that the UN is the driver of this process.  But is the U.S. Government – how do you feel that you have basically witnessed this massacre happen and oversee – basically oversaw this --

MS. HARF:  We – I would take issue on “oversaw.”  That’s – look, the people responsible for this are the Assad regime who are perpetrating it.  I’d make a few points.  We supported the opposition in its fight against the regime.  That’s certainly one way we have worked to help bring about an end to this violence.  When we’ve seen horrific uses of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime, we, through our diplomatic efforts, negotiated an agreement to ultimately destroy all of the chemical weapons in Syria, which we’re doing right now, so they can’t be used against their own people. 

But let’s be clear here about the best way to end the bloodshed.  It’s not through a military solution.  It’s not through the U.S. imposing a military solution or putting boots on the ground or anything like that.  It’s through a negotiated political transition.  There have been other ways as well.  Obviously, we can’t stop these horrific acts from happening, but we’ve called on the regime, we’ve called on the Russian Government to press the regime to allow humanitarian access, to help with the suffering of the Syrian people.

It’s not enough, certainly.  That’s why we need a political transition.  But we are trying to make inroads where we can to help the Syrian people.  You saw the Secretary at the Kuwait donors conference just last week announcing more money for humanitarian access, talking to the Russians about possibly pushing the regime to allow humanitarian access.  Those are the kind of things we’re focused on right now.

How does the Spoxperson think US will be remembered when it comes to Syria:

QUESTION:  Before moving my second question, just one last follow-up:  How do you think the U.S. Administration is going to be remembered with its policies regarding Syria in the future, even if it’s not finished yet?

MS. HARF:  Well, it’s certainly not finished yet.  I think that we’re focused right now – I mean, look, for the first time since this conflict began, tomorrow, the Syrian regime and the Syrian opposition will be sitting down at the table together.  That’s not an end in and of itself, but it’s a step that we hope can be taken forward in helping to get a political transition in place here. 

Again, this isn’t a U.S. Government issue to solve, per se.  It is a horrible tragedy that we are doing everything that we think is appropriate and that we can to support the Syrian opposition and the Syrian people, to help end their suffering through humanitarian access, to bring the parties together to negotiate a political solution here, which is the only solution that we see.  There’s not a military solution.  So obviously, it’s complicated and it’s complex and it’s difficult, but we’re very committed to continuing to work to try and resolve the issue because it’s so important, absolutely.

Again: How will the US adm be remembered when it comes to Syria?

QUESTION:  So how do you think your government’s efforts will be remembered when it comes to Syria, let’s say, a couple years later or 10 years later?

MS. HARF:  Well, I think, Ilhan – and then I think we’ll probably move on from this – I’ll leave history up to the historians who decide to write it in a few years.  What we’re focused on right now is the work that our folks are doing on the ground – working with the opposition, working with our international partners to try and bring some end to the bloodshed in Syria.

What does the US adm think about Assad-ISIS reported collusion via gas deals etc.

QUESTION:  Thank you.  My second question is:  Yesterday, and it has been a month, reports are coming out that the Assad regime has not bombed ISIS headquarters, whether in Raqqah or whether in Aleppo, and also, the al-Qaida factions – and again, reports from credible sources are coming out that Assad and the – especially ISIS and some other al-Qaida factions have been partnering on some oil interactions.  And so the question is whether you believe these point of views that Assad intentionally help some of the ISIS and al-Qaida factions to grow in the opposition areas.

MS. HARF:  Well, I could check on specifics.  What we’ve said is that the groups that we consider to be terrorist groups, whether it’s ISIS or al-Nusrah, they have been able to flourish in Syria because of the Assad regime’s actions – that the security situation on the ground, a number of other things, has allowed these terrorists to really flourish, take hold not just in Syria but other places throughout the region.  So obviously, that’s why we are absolutely concerned about the terrorist threat in Syria.  That’s certainly part of what we’re concerned about.

QUESTION:  I understand, but I think the point is here that so far, many people told that it is unintentionally these al-Qaida fighters and groups grow in Syria.  But these reports, especially within the last month coming out, argue that Assad regime intentionally let the al-Qaida and ISIS groups to grow so that it can present itself as fighting with the terrorist organizations.

MS. HARF:  Well, again, I’m happy to check and see if there’s more specifics on this, but I would counter the notion that the Assad regime is responsible for fighting against terrorists; in fact, it’s the atmosphere they’ve created in their own country that’s led to the rise of these terrorists.  So I think that’s probably the extent of our comment on that.

My Qs & As w/the Spox of the State Dept on #Turkey #Gulen #Coup

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Turkey

QUESTION:  Turkey?

MS. PSAKI:  Okay.

QUESTION:  I have a couple of questions on Turkey.  One of that is the – it has been a month that this corruption case started.  How do you assess the current situation in Turkey now, in general terms?

MS. PSAKI:  In what capacity?

QUESTION:  Whether the country is stable.

Is Turkey Stable? Spox Psaki doesn't respond the question:

MS. PSAKI:  Well, I mean, I think we’ve stated many times, but I am happy to reiterate it today, we continue to follow the ongoing corruption investigations in Turkey.  In our conversations with all stakeholders in Turkey, we continue to make clear that the United States supports the desire of the people of Turkey for a legal system that meets the highest standards of fairness, timeliness, and transparency, where no one is above the law.  We remain in close touch on the ground.  Turkey is a valued ally, a valued NATO ally, a valued partner.  We work closely with them on a range of issues, including Syria, including preparations for the Geneva conference.  So beyond that, I don’t have any new analysis for you.

Ever talked to the Gulen Movement? Respond is 'no comment' - (note that answer is not a 'no')

QUESTION:  When you say you talk to all stakeholders, is the Gulen movement, which is the – accused by the prime minister and the administration as behind these investigations, do you talk to them as well?

MS. PSAKI:  We’ve seen, of course, a lot of reporting about Turkish domestic politics in the wake of the corruption investigations, and we’re not going to comment on those.

QUESTION:  Yesterday, again, the prime minister said that this coup attempt – not about corruption – actually, he said that this is package as corruption, but it’s actually coup.  Do you agree with that?  Have you been updated on these attempts?

MS. PSAKI:  I haven’t seen those.  I know we’re in close touch.  Obviously, we’re not going to get engaged too closely in comments back and forth on the ground.

Is there a coup against the Turkish Adm? No Respond

QUESTION:  Do you think there is a coup attempt against your ally in Turkey?

MS. PSAKI:  I just don’t have anything further for you on those comments, which I’m happy to take a closer look at.

Al Qaida Raids in Turkey

QUESTION:  Last couple days, Turkish security forces have been raiding some IHH offices, and today, just according to reports, there are about dozens or dozen al-Qaida operatives or suspects arrested.  Have you been updated on these issues?

MS. PSAKI:  I would point you to the Government of Turkey.  I can check and see if there’s anything I can read out for all of you about any updates we’ve received.

QUESTION:  What’s your general understanding of the al-Qaida operatives or al-Qaida presence in Turkey?

MS. PSAKI:  I don’t have any particular announcement or analysis on that for you from the podium.

Do we have any more on Turkey?  I assume probably not?  Oh, go ahead.

QUESTION:  I have one more.

MS. PSAKI:  Okay.

Blow to the Separation of Powers? Spox will check on that

QUESTION:  Today, it has been about – there have been about half a dozen warning came out of the European Union, and today, also Council of European Commissioner on Human Rights said that this new judicial bill at the parliament undermining the public’s confidence in the judiciary.  Do you have any take on that?

MS. PSAKI:  I think I would just point you to the comments I’ve made and the comments and the analysis that we put out every year when we put out our own reports and analysis on those issues.

QUESTION:  This obviously new development just happened last couple days.  So my question is that – do you think this bill being discussed at the parliament is a blow to separation of powers in Turkey?

MS. PSAKI:  I don’t have any analysis on it for you, but I’m happy to check and see if we’d like to add anything.

John Kerry and Ahmet Davutoglu speaking after their meeting in Paris

Secretary of State John Kerry

And Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu

After Their Meeting

January 12, 2014

Chief of Mission Residence

Paris, France

SECRETARY KERRY:  Thank you very much.  I think Minister Davutoglu is going to lead off with a statement, then I’ll respond.  And thank you all for being here.

FOREIGN MINISTER DAVUTOGLU:  Thank you very much, John, for hosting us here in American Embassy in Paris.  Of course, we are going through a historic time.  Critical processes are continuing.   And Turkish-American cooperation is strategically important.  It has been important throughout the decades, centuries, but now Turkish-American cooperation, strategic consultation, is very important on different issues. 

Today, I had the honor to meet again with my dear colleague, Secretary Kerry.  And we went through future agenda, very comprehensive issues, of course starting with Syria.  Turkey and the United States working together for last three years to help Syrian people on humanitarian ground, as well as for the realization of the Syrian people’s aspirations.

Today, we had the Friends of Syria group meeting.  And in coming Geneva II talks, Turkey and United States, we will be working together to make this a successful process and meeting, and we decided today how to work together next – one week until – 10 days, almost, until Geneva II meeting.

Also on – in the region, there are other important transformations.  I am grateful to John because of his briefing about his visits to Israel and Palestine and regarding Middle Eastern peace process.  As Turkey, we support this process and we support your efforts, John.  And whatever Turkey can do for any peaceful initiative in the region, we are always ready to work.

Also, we support P5+1 Iran talks and the engagement with Iran and to solve the nuclear issue, which is – which will bring a new situation on the ground. 

Also, I think today we shared our common approach regarding the situation in Iraq.  We support Iraqi democratic process for elections and fight against terrorist groups as well as sectarianism.   And inclusive process in Iraq is a must, and we will definitely support all inclusive processes.

We also shared our views on Cyprus, which is in a critical state regarding for a peaceful settlement on the island.  And we are grateful for American support recently to mobilize the negotiations, and we will continue to work together. 

Of course, for Turkey, United States is a strategic ally, and we will continue to work together.  Our bilateral relation is going very well, and these consultations are important for us, for Turkey, for United States, for the region, and for the international peace, regional and international peace. 

Again, thank you very much for this opportunity, John.

SECRETARY KERRY:  Well, thank you very much, Ahmet.  I don’t know if you want to say anything about our conversation briefly on the subject of Turkey-U.S. and the internal politics.  Or do you want me to do that? 

FOREIGN MINISTER DAVUTOGLU:  Yeah, you do that.  If needed, I can explain. 

SECRETARY KERRY:  Of course.  Well, let me, first of all, thank Foreign Minister Davutoglu, my friend, Ahmet.  He and I have worked as closely together on a number of issues as any other foreign minister, and I’m very grateful to him for the many initiatives on which we have been joined together.  He’s mentioned many of them just now.

We talked several times even this week about our common approach to the issue of Syria and Geneva II.  And Ahmet has reached out on his own in very creative and energetic diplomacy to work with the opposition and to help us all to be united as we move towards this important meeting.

In addition to that, he’s been an important interlocutor with respect to Iraq, our common interest in stabilizing Iraq, trying to reduce the violence, find a way towards better governance that can reduce the tensions between groups in Iraq, and also deal with the issue of oil and revenues and distributions. 

We also have a strong supporter for the P5+1 process on Iran, and we appreciate Turkey’s influence there. 

We also talked about a relationship with Israel and the future relationship hopefully with Turkey, to try to continue down the road to get that on track. 

We did also talk about the importance of both of our commitments to rule of law and to democracy and to the process of both of our countries respecting each other’s political process.  And I think the minister understood and made it clear that the United States of America has absolutely no interest in being caught up in or engaged in or involved in the internal politics, the election process of Turkey.  And we are not.  And I think the foreign minister understands that.

And so what is important is that we continue to value publicly and to make sure the people of both of our countries understand our commitment to the strength of the relationship between Turkey and the United States, two important allies, two friends who’ve worked very hard to solve problems, not create them. 

And I’m grateful to the foreign minister for his categorical statement about U.S.-Turkey relationship with respect to issues of rule of law and democracy, our commitment to it, and our respect for the fact that the United States is not engaged in that kind of activity, and we need to calm the waters and move forward to focus on the things that both of us want to make a difference on.  I think – is that a fair --

FOREIGN MINISTER DAVUTOGLU:  Yes.  That’s right.  You are right, and I fully agree.  As I always say, Turkey and United States, Turkish-U.S. relations, one of the most structured and well structured relations in international relations.  And this has been the case for the – throughout the difficult years of Cold War and throughout the post Cold War years, when we worked together in Balkans, in Afghanistan, everywhere in the world.  And this relation is based on mutual respect and a very close consultation in all fields. 

And Turkish democracy is a very mature democracy.  And in that sense, Turkish-American relation, with special reference to democratic values everywhere, not only in our countries but everywhere in the region and in Europe and everywhere, is the most important value.  We will continue our cooperations, political cooperation, based on these common values and for the future of world where there will be peace and stability. 

Thank you. 

SECRETARY KERRY:  Thank you, Ahmet.  Thank you very much.

FOREIGN MINISTER DAVUTOGLU:  Thank you.

SECRETARY KERRY:  And we’ll be meeting – we’ll be seeing each other in a few days. 

FOREIGN MINISTER DAVUTOGLU:  Yes, in a few days, and several telephone calls.