Namik Tam, Turkish Ambassador to the United States, addressed about 100 people at Nau Hall yesterday evening to discuss Turkish foreign policy and the middle-eastern nation's relationship with America and the rest of the world.
Tam, who was appointed ambassador in February 2010, began his speech by describing some of the issues which Turkey currently faces, including the unresolved nuclear weapons issue in the Middle East. The region remains in a tense political standoff amid allegations that Iran is developing a nuclear weapons program.
To resolve these problems, Tam said we cannot be "idle bystanders."
One thing Turkey can rely heavily upon is its economy, which only trails China as the second fastest growing economy in the world, Tam said. The growing success of the Turkish economy is just one of several factors which add to Turkey's growing stability.
"Today, many people in the Arab world look to Turkey for inspiration," he said "Today, as we speak, Turkey is the most stable country in the region, both economically and politically."
Tam said the Turkish government will do anything in its power to maintain this stability, but added that everything should be done by peaceful means.
Syria, which borders Turkey to the south, has been featured frequently in recent news because of acts of violence committed by the Syrian government against its opponents, Tam explained. The Syrian government has continued to be violent despite the fact that it agreed to a peace plan sponsored by the League of Arab States in March 2011.
Since January, more than 3,500 have fallen victim to Syrian government forces and militiamen, according to the United Nations.
To resolve the situation in Syria, Tam said Turkey and other Arab nations must communicate with other nations and institutions, like the United Nations, which have similar values.
Read More
Professors speak about leading productive dialogue on Israel-Hamas war
By Lexie Stadler | 6 hours agoThe event was hosted by the University’s Task Force on Religious Diversity and Belonging, which is designed to ensure that the University is welcoming to community members from all religions and cultures.
Honor Committee considers formal ban of AI detectors as evidence in trials
By Lexie Stadler | YesterdayThe Committee also addressed balancing student perspectives with those of Committee representatives during panel discussions.
Pro-Palestinian protesters form encampment near University Chapel
By CD News Staff | YesterdayThe encampment overlapped with a separate “May Day” protest on the Lawn, which was hosted by student activist group U.Va. Dissenters and the U.Va. Apartheid Divest Coalition.
