Turkish ambassador calls for close cooperation for peaceful settlement of political unrest in Middle Eastern countries

MADISON/UNITED STATES (A.A) - 10.05.2011 - Turkey's ambassador in Washington has called for close cooperation between Turkey and the United States for peaceful settlement of the political uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa as well as to achieve democratic transformation.
"There is no single prescription to fit to solve all the popular upheavals in the Middle East. The U.S. as a global power and Turkey as a regional power with a Muslim majority but also a secular, democratic and a functioning free market, we should work together to make our voices heard louder," Namik Tan told a conference on Monday at the Hanover College in Madison, Indiana.           
Tan said the Middle East had been witnessing what he described as "a historic and stunning chain of events," adding that the change in the region both heightened hopes as well as raising challenging question for the future.  
The Turkish ambassador said Turkey had called leaders of the region's troubled countries to respect and meet "legitimate demands" of their people, adding that the political transformation in those countries should be secured without risking peace and security of the civilians. 
"Equality, freedom, justice and democracy are all legitimate and natural rights of the entire humankind. Postponing or cancelling those basic human rights cannot be accepted," he said.  
Tan said Turkey was proud to have a vibrant democracy among Muslim-majority countries, adding the country "was a source of hope and inspiration for those whose struggle at the Tahrir Square or elsewhere in the Middle East for a more dignified and a better life."