VISIT FROM CHICAGO UNIVERSITY

Prof. Charles Wheelan and his group of 15 students from Chicago University, the Harris School visited AK Party Headquarters on Monday December 22.

Meeting with AK Party Vice Chairman Egemen Bagis, Prof Wheelan underlined that their aim to organize this meeting was to prepare a memorandum to President-elect Barack Obama about Turkey-USA relations. And this document aimed at analyzing the main concerns and will be crucial to strengthen relations.

Bagis stated that since Korean War, they have been fighting for same principles. He added that even though bilateral relations mostly based on military cooperation, it should be increased and developed in other areas.

In his speech about his expectations from the new administration, Bagis said that they hope to enhance existing cooperation with USA on the issue of PKK terrorism and it is needed to support Turkey's mediator role concerning Turkey's regional position. Bagis also said that as it is known Obama was planning to make an explanation in a Muslim country on his vision of Islam. In this connection, secular Turkey with its predominantly Muslim population would be a good choice so that they welcome him to do so.

Commenting on Turkey-USA economic relations, he mentioned that they were expecting more contribution of US firms to nuclear energy tender and underlined that USA ought to be more flexible on defense industry agreements.