US-Turkey Relations: New Partnership

Stephen Hadley, co-chair of the report and a former US national security adviser, has said that Turkey can handle the problem in Syria without USA but USA cannot deal with it without Turkey, it shows why the two countries should work together. CFR's published 96 pages "US-Turkey Relations: New Partnership" Report and a meeting has been held on the report. Madeleine K. Albright co-chair of the report and former US secretary of state, Stephen Hadley, co-chair of the report and a former U.S. national security advisor, Steven A. Cook, director of the project and CFR's Middle East Specialist attended the meeting. Hadley said that Turkey and USA have consensus on Syria issue that Bashar al-Assad must step down, strict sanctions must be applied on Syrian regime and opposition must be strengthened. Hadley said that the opposition has to assure that they will embrace all parties, everyone will have his/her space in Syria after the toppling of Assad then the supporters of Assad; the army, businessmen and minorities' fear on 'What happens to Syria without Assad' can be eliminated." While Assad kills its own people, I think, the opposition should be provided with weapons but the weapons should be given attentively to support the embrace message," said Hadley. Hadley added that even it may have negative sides the military interference might be needed for Syria and its diplomatic and operational preparations must begin now and if Turkey joins the interference it may need US shelter and USA will need the support of regional countries and Arab countries. Albright talked on the military interference of Syria and said that she agreed with Hadley and if it happens the support of international community is needed and the USA works on contingency plans for Syria and United Nations Security Council (UNSC) can be referred but the position of Russia will be important. Albright answered a question on the role of women and headscarf ban in Turkey. She said that it should be left to the women's decision and preference. Also, Albright said that even though Turkey vetoed the Iran bill in UNSC, it is diplomacy and Turkey and USA share same ideas in may issues. Madeleine K. Albright, Stephen J. Hadley ve Steven A. answered the questions of the journalists. Cook highlighted that there is new Turkey now and it is a good opportunity for USA to work with Turkey as the two countries have mutual interests. Albright answered questions of AA correspondent. Albright said that they have written the report today because Turkey and USA may have different interests and sometimes allies might have problems. Hadley said that "Now it should be ensured that there is a new relationship and there is an opportunity to utilize the relationship in good platform in Syrian issue." Albright and Hadley rejected the pressure of USA on Turkey during February 28 post modern coup.