important partner'in resolving Iran crisis

Thursday, 10 December 2009 04:19

Obama: Turkey 'important partner' in resolving Iran crisis

U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday said Turkey could be an important player in resolving the Iranian nuclear issue, despite differing approaches between the two countries on the crisis, Agence France-Presse reported.

Obama praised NATO ally Turkey, citing its important role in tackling several conflicts and crises as he welcomed Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to the White House.

He noted that the international community was working ensure that Iran abides by international regulations.

"I believe that Turkey can be an important player in trying to move Iran in that direction," Obama said in the Oval Office.

Ankara has created concern in Washington and Western capitals with its defense of Tehran's nuclear program.

Erdoğan has played down concerns that Iran could be developing a nuclear bomb and slammed Western powers for turning a blind eye to Israel, widely considered the Middle East's sole if undeclared nuclear power.

In the short press conference with Obama in the Oval Office, Erdoğan said Turkey supported a peaceful solution to the nuclear issue.

He said the two leaders "discussed what kind of studies we can jointly carry out regarding nuclear program. Turkey is ready to do what is necessary for the solution of the process through diplomatic ways,” Anatolia news agency reported.

Ankara insists the row with Iran should be resolved peacefully and has sought to help mediate a settlement.

The U.S. president also praised Turkey for its role in Afghanistan, where it has 1,700 troops, less than a week after unveiling a 30,000-strong surge of troops designed to pave a U.S. exit from the war.

But Erdoğan made clear before he left Turkey that he would not be adding to the country’s troop presence in Afghanistan, despite a call by Obama on NATO allies for more resources.

Obama lauds Turkey’s policies

Obama also praised Turkey’s efforts toward bringing stability in Afghanistan, Anatolia news agency reported, and Erdoğan emphasized the joint efforts that the two countries were making in the war-torn country.

"The Turkish Armed Forces took over command [of NATO forces in Afghanistan] for the third time with the additional troops we sent there two months ago,” Erdoğan said, according to Anatolia news agency reports. “We had the opportunity to discuss the steps made so far and the future steps.”

Obama also praised Erdoğan's bold steps toward normalizing relations with Armenia, noting that he encouraged the Turkish prime minister to continue on that path during their meeting.

He said they reiterated the two countries’ commitment to the fight against terrorism, expressing his condolences for the seven Turkish soldiers who were killed in an ambush earlier on Monday.

Commenting on the threat posed by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, Obama said the United States saw the PKK as a terrorist organization that threatens not only Turkey but also Iraq