Turkey's top presidential aide Arshad Hermozlo said his country is not competing with Egypt over Mideast leadership. In an interview with Al-Masry Al-Youm, Hermozlo said Turkey is not pursuing a secret agenda and is rather recruited by neighbors to fill regional capacities. “We are part of this region, and we believe its countries are of strategic and historical importance for us,” Hermozlo said. “This neighborhood imposes some responsibilities away from interference in the policies of any state, including the Palestinian issue.” Turkey recognizes the importance of regional communication and commitment to relations through both good and bad periods, according to the presidential official. Hermozlo highlighted the country's recent successful efforts in mediating negotiations between Israel and Syria over the occupied Golan Heights. The talks were, however, later stymied by the war on Gaza in late 2008. “Our ties with any country do not affect our relations with another. Some in the region are still living in the past, but Turkey is eyeing the future,” Hermozlo said in reference to the country's diplomatic ties with Israel. Hermozlo justified Turkish demands to close its Iraqi border in light of the infiltration of foreign extremists and weapons into the embattled nation. “We consider the Iraqis as brothers across the borders,” he said. Commenting on Turkey's endorsement of Iranian nuclear ambitions, Hermozlo said, ”We are seeking a nuclear-free Middle East, but we recognize a state's right to a peaceful nuclear project.” Translated from the Arabic Edition.
