ANKARA (Turkey) — United States President Barack Obama used an address to the Turkish Parliament to stress that the US “is not at war with Islam”, as he pledged to ease tensions between the West and the Muslim world.
“I know that the trust that binds us has been strained, and I know that strain is shared in many places where the Muslim faith is practised,” Mr Obama said. “Let me say this as clearly as I can: The United States is not at war with Islam.”
In a speech celebrating cultural ties and shared history between American and Turkey, Mr Obama said their alliance has made the world “more secure”.
Mr Obama, on a two-day trip to Turkey, his first as President to a Muslim country, said earlier that the US and Turkey can forge a “model partnership” that bridges the religious and cultural divide between the western world and the predominantly-Muslim Middle East.
Mr Obama also voiced robust backing for Turkey’s bid to join the European Union, saying the country’s inclusion in the block would strengthen Europe.
“Let me be clear: The United States strongly supports Turkey’s bid to become a member of the European Union,” he said. Mr Obama also welcomed the tentative dialogue between Turkey and Armenia to resolve their differences.
- AGENCIES
From TODAY, World
Tuesday, 07-April-2009
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