土耳其总统阿卜杜拉·居尔2011年在印尼大学的演讲

Speech by H.E. Abdullah Gül at the University of Indonesia<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

June 4, 2011

 

Prof. Somantri,

Honorable Academics,

Dear Students,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

It is a distinct pleasure for me to address such a distinguished audience.

 

Universitas Indonesia is one of the most prominent institutions of learning in Asia. In fact, its reputation reaches much beyond the confines of this continent.

 

We, in Turkey, greatly appreciate the contributions of this outstanding academic center of excellence to the global scientific and intellectual life.

 

Therefore, I feel extremely privileged to receive an Honorary Doctorate from such a respectable institution. This is indeed a great honor which I will cherish for the rest of my life.

 

In fact, I have visited Indonesia since 1980s as an academic, then as a politician in the 90s. I had many personal friends and closely followed the outstanding transition of this country.

 

This time in my capacity as the President of Turkey, I am pleased to observe the remarkable democratic and economic progress achieved in Indonesia with its huge and diverse population.

 

I am also proud to see that with its predominantly Muslim population Indonesia is the third largest democracy in the world.

 

Distinguished Guests,

 

My visit to Indonesia came at a time of historic change within the Islamic world.

 

The reform dynamic that was set in motion in North Africa and the Middle East is certain to have global ramifications.

 

Hence, I will focus today on the possible implications of this historic transition and what needs to be done to help steer it in the right direction.

 

I think this university is the right venue for my speech since Turkey and Indonesia provide a strong source of inspiration to the people in the region.

 

Allow me to commence my remarks by saying that we are truly moved with what we see unfolding in the region.

 

However, we should not portray this phenomenon as a risk or threat.

 

On the contrary, this is a historic opportunity to transform the Middle East, into a truly stable and prosperous region with unprecedented implications for the whole globe.

 

Actually, the process of change should not have come as a surprise to anyone.

 

We in Turkey were sure that change was inevitable in the region given the untenable nature of the regimes in power in today’s world.

 

I myself, for instance, drew attention to the need for change in the region in my address to the OIC Foreign Ministers meeting in Tehran as early as 2003.

 

I told my colleagues then that the current structures were not sufficient to meet the legitimate aspirations of the people. And that genuine reforms were needed to avoid a popular backlash or external manipulation.

 

In particular, I made a sincere appeal for action with a refreshed vision in which good governance, transparency and accountability will reign;

 

the fundamental rights and freedoms as well as gender equality are upheld; and there would be no place for empty rhetoric and slogans.

 

I also called for policies to eradicate illiteracy, corruption and waste of human, natural and material resources.

 

I pointed to the importance of raising living standards of all, and reducing income disparities and urban-rural divide.

 

Finally, I encouraged allowing and enhancing political participation in order to develop a sense of ownership on the part of the people for their own future.

 

Since then I reiterated my calls in many fora ranging from the Arab League to the UN.  It was only a month before the events took place in Tunisia that I discussed the issue of “democracy and development in the Islamic world” in my speech at Oxford University.

 

However, despite certain steps in some countries, it was not possible to set in train a genuine reform process that would consolidate democracy. 

 

In many cases, that was due to shortsighted and dubious policies of the regimes in power.

 

Moreover, influential members of the international community preferred status-quo over change, fearing that fundamentalist regimes might take over.

 

They also thought that the Middle Eastern societies are not yet mature enough for real democracy. Unfortunately, they preferred to have friendly but undemocratic regimes in power.

 

But all this is now changing. History once again flew more rapidly than the actions taken or those that were not.

 

Indeed, given the natural course of world history, this is in fact a much overdue move in this part of the globe; yet a very strong and irreversible one.

 

The dynamics of the current change in the region are reminiscent of the 1848 revolutions in Europe and the 1989 events in East and Central Europe.

 

The people of the region have finally decided to take their future into their own hands and catch up with history.

 

From Tunisia to Egypt, Libya to Yemen, people are no longer afraid to raise their voice; express their legitimate demands and steer their governments in the right direction. Finally the fear has gone.

 

Now, I urge everybody who claimed that democracy and Islam were incompatible to admit that they were mistaken.

 

Because, the brave peoples of the Middle East and North Africa have proven those claims wrong by manifesting their firm desire for universal values such as democracy, fundamental rights and freedoms, transparency and accountability.

 

Of course, one can argue for hours as to “why now” and “what triggered the recent events”.

 

Some might cite the role of technology and social networks; some might point to socio-economic considerations such as the youth bulge and unemployment; and some might even try to find a foreign hand behind all these.

 

One should also not forget that these peoples revolted not only for those universal values and rightful demands, but also for regaining their long oppressed national pride and dignity.

 

No matter what caused the change, it is no longer a choice, but a necessity and a reality to be reckoned with.

 

And the objective is common.

 

The people who led the Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia or filled Tahrir Square in Egypt or are taking the streets elsewhere all want to live in dignity and prosper in peace and stability.

 

I was the first president who visited Egypt after the revolution last month. During that visit I met not only with the current leaders in power but also with the representatives of many political groups that filled Tahrir Square.

 

Most importantly, I met with the youth leaders who fearlessly ignited the uprising in Egypt.

 

It was truly fascinating to see their continued enthusiasm for what they have achieved so far, but more so, for what they aspire to further accomplish in the future.

 

They no longer want to read about their glorious past in the history books but aspire to become equal citizens of a democratic country which would be a part of the global solutions not the problems.

 

Therefore, at present, we should focus on how we can help translate the dynamics of change into freedom, peace, democracy and prosperity in the Middle East and the world.

 

Of course the responsibility lies first and foremost with the countries of the region. They are the ones who should be the driving force of this process.

 

To large extent, the course of future events will be determined by the regimes’ response to this new dynamic.

 

Either by starting a true process of reform; or by attempting to weather the storm by half-hearted steps; or even worse, by trying to repress it…

 

Those who choose to do the last two options will certainly lose. In fact, this is the difference between Tunisia and Egypt on the one hand, and Libya on the other.

 

Likewise, perseverance of the people and their ability to translate the spirit of the revolution into rational and practical steps towards building a genuine democracy will also be instrumental.

 

In Tunisia and Egypt, a promising start has been made.

 

On the other hand, what we see in Libya is truly tragic and runs counter to the very logic and spirit of the revolution in the first place.

 

From the very outset, we appealed to the Libyan leaders not allow such bloodshed to happen and pave the way for an orderly and democratic transition.

 

But unfortunately that call was not listened to; and we are now faced with the possibility of a protracted civil conflict.

 

So, the priority should be to stop further bloodshed and pave the way for Libyans to take control of their own destiny through dialogue, compromise and consensus.

 

They should not allow their dear country to be ruined and drained by internal conflict and external intervention.

 

This is precisely why we supported the UN Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973 which stress the need to find a solution responding to the legitimate demands of the Libyan people.

 

Distinguished Guests,

 

The possibility of a sectarian strife in Bahrain and Yemen is truly frightening.

 

Such a grim development can turn the whole region into a battlefield; and thus, it should not be allowed at all cost.

 

Therefore, for governments and opposition alike, now is the time for true leadership.

 

Opposition groups must never deviate from peaceful means of expression and remain committed to a genuine dialogue.

 

Governments must not only listen to, but hear and act upon the legitimate demands of their people.

 

On the other hand, we have a historical responsibility to help them achieve their aspirations in an orderly manner.

 

However, our role should be one of assistance, and guidance when requested.

 

We should not steal their ownership by overextending our intervention in any way.

 

With this understanding, I would like to call upon all our friends to offer help and support to the countries in transition on three points.

 

Those countries should go through a three phased restoration process.

 

It naturally starts with the restoration of public order.

 

 Then, the establishment of a political and constitutional framework that guarantees a viable democratic order comes next.

 

Of course, a viable democracy goes hand in hand with fast economic development and effective capacity building.

 

In this regard, the international community must launch a comprehensive economic restoration scheme matching the Marshall Plan in Europe after the Second World War.

 

Our focus should be on empowering people by helping put in place the necessary norms and institutions that will guarantee the rule of law, pluralism, respect for human rights and above all accountability of the regimes.

 

As such, free and fair elections are crucial. But they alone cannot yield democracy.

 

Freedom of thought, expression and association under firm constitutional guarantees are equally important to get the most out of elections without producing a sort of Pyrrhic (Pirik) victory.

 

As to the particular role of Turkey and Indonesia in support of translating the dynamics of change into peace and democracy, there is no doubt that we have a special, even unique role to play.

 

Situated at two corners of the Islamic world and shining as two success stories, we provide a source of hope for those aspiring to follow a similar path.

 

As such, we reinforce the conviction that it is not only possible, but also desirable to achieve a functioning democracy.

 

In other words, by just being us, we serve as a catalyst for reform.

 

In this regard, we are also well aware of the depiction of Turkey and Indonesia as a role-model for these countries.

 

However, we believe no country can be a model for another. Every country has to find its own balance and direction in moving forward towards democracy.

 

On the other hand, we, as Turkey, have unique ties with the Middle East and the Arab world emanating from common history, faith and traditions.

 

We will also act with a sense of responsibility to help those countries along their journey to democracy.

 

Moreover, the bold and principled stance of our Government from the very outset, supporting the aspirations of the people and calling for genuine reform have given Turkey a special place in the hearts and minds of the people in the region.

 

We are determined to make use of this special position to the benefit of all.

 

Moreover, helping empower the people through the formation of civil society can also be an added value that Turkey can bring into the process.

 

 Indonesia, on the other hand, sets a perfect example for the notion of “unity in diversity” or in your Constitutional term; “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” to the countries in transition.

 

Especially for those which desperately seek peaceful coexistence and harmony among different religious, ethnic, linguistic and sectarian groups.

 

But we will do so without imposing our own example and will eventually respect the choices of the people.

 

Of course, it should not only be the Muslim countries at the forefront supporting the dynamics of change.

 

The West also has a particular stake and even responsibility to do so.

 

After all, democracy is about institutions, not about religion or ethnicity. And every experience in institution building can be valuable.

 

It is now time for the West to erase the bitter memories of the past (and of the Colonialism) and offer a genuinely helping hand.  

 

In doing so, though, they should not be led by narrow calculations of self-interest. They should also not impose their own rights and wrongs.

 

They must lead by example. The values they preach should first and foremost be implemented in their own countries.

 

In view of the shift of European politics to far right with Islamophobic tendencies, the worst case scenario would take place if the people in the Middle East feel alienated because of their faith.

 

Hence, now is the time for true leadership in the Western world too.

 

On the other hand, I am deeply concerned about the tension triggered by the burning of the Holy Qur’an in the US.

 

These kinds of lunatic insults have existed throughout history. As Muslims, we should strive for the sanctity of our religion and that of other religions as well, by legitimate means without resorting to violence.   

 

Distinguished Guests,

 

These historic events should not let us forget one of the fundamental problems still simmering in the region, the Arab-Israeli conflict.

 

Permanent peace in the Middle East holds the key to a peaceful and stable future in the world.

 

The plight of the Palestinian people has been the root cause of the unrest and conflict in the region. This problem is being used to justify the actions of the extremists in different corners of the world.

 

 If unchanged, the situation has the potential to spoil the hopes for a peaceful and prosperous region, if not the entire world.

 

Whereas, any step towards resolving this deep-rooted conflict will have enormously positive ramifications on the dynamics of reform too. 

 

There is one country in the world that should most carefully follow, analyze and adapt to the new political climate in the region. That is, of course, Israel.

 

I believe that sooner or later, the Middle East will eventually be democratic.  History has repeatedly suggested that a true, fair and lasting peace can only be made between peoples rather than with the ruling elites.

 

A democratic administration cannot implement any foreign policy which is perceived as unjust, undignified and humiliating by the masses.

 

Therefore, it is high time for Israel to conclude a permanent peace with the Palestinians and the rest of the Arab world.

 

The international community should also be more vigorous in its calls for the Israeli Government to stop the illegal settlements, change its Gaza policy and pave the way for meaningful talks.

 

In parallel, the Palestinian leadership should draw their lesson from what is happening in the region.

 

For the friends of the Palestinians, it has been extremely sad to observe them in disunity despite the circumstances threatening their very existence.

 

Dear Friends,

 

In conclusion, allow me to express my sincere pleasure in sharing my thoughts on the dynamics of change in the Middle East, and how to translate them into positive ends.

 

I would like take this opportunity to praise the wisdom of Indonesia for transforming the country towards a successful democracy and a functioning market economy 12 years ago.

 

Your achievements further consolidate my firm conviction that eventually a bright future is awaiting the people in the Middle East. But, immediate positive outcome is immensely contingent upon the urgent and effective actions we take now, rather than later. 

 

Thank you.