SANA'A: Fazlı Çorman was born and raised in Ankara and graduated from Middle East Technical University. He joined the Foreign Ministry in 1985 and served in Greece, Oman, Japan and Canada before assuming his last position in New York as Deputy Permanent Representative of Turkey to the UN. In between his posts abroad he served in the office of the spokesperson and Iraqi department. He is currently the Turkish Ambassador to Yemen. An astute diplomat and social media user extraordinaire, Corman opened up to Bikyamasr.com sharing with us his views and opinions. What is it like to be Yemen's first known ambassador in Twitter? I did not know that I was the first one here. I was following twitter for some time already while I was in NY, but in Yemen I had more time and a lively subject to discuss that I could focus on, that is the political situation in Yemen. After I realized that it gave me a unique chance to be in contact with many people that would not be possible to reach otherwise and learn their views on a day-to-day basis. This is when I started to take it more seriously. I now spend some time every evening to check and respond or write some tweets. I am very happy to be appreciated by tweeps, many wrote encouraging tweets which made me happy of course. What role do social media play in diplomacy and do you believe the “Arab Spring” movement changed the way people view officials? The social media is a revolutionary invention that interferes with many aspects of life, and diplomacy is simply one of them. Now that social media is such an important phenomenon, diplomats and foreign ministries cannot ignore it. The Arab Spring, as they call it, has indeed changed the way people see officials, we can say that it generally improved the contacts between officials and the people. Do you believe Twitter to be risky for a diplomat? It is true that I need to be especially careful in my tweets, but I don't think it is risky for a diplomat. There is of course the possibilities that one may be overwhelmed with responses or critics, but in twitter you are still in control. One can ignore some tweets if it is indeed out of context or too much “charged”. But I have not yet experienced anything like this. Yes there were tweeps who were somehow tough on me, but after we spent some time tweeting both ways, things generally improved. People on Twitter have been extraordinarily gentle, caring and respectful towards me. Do you have specific guidelines when interacting with other Tweeps (twitter users)? I am trying to be (me) as much as I can :) (This would be the tweet if we were tweeting instead of interviewing.) But, frankly what I try to do is to address every question, even if not directly related to the subject matter. At least a couple of tweets, even on difficult and complex subjects, helps and tweeps generally appreciate you for taking the time to respond. Of course I try to avoid discussions that may be interpreted as not suitable to my position as ambassador. What made you decide to operate on Twitter in your official capacity? I was new in Yemen as ambassador and I was enjoying a very good reception from everyone that I met. I thought that I could improve my reach through Twitter by having an account with my name and position openly displayed. It is not an official account (we have an official account separately at the Embassy: @TurkishEmbSanaa) What I write there is not necessarily reflecting my Government's view. My profile says “Turkish Ambassador to Yemen, but own views here.” The problem nowadays is usually caused by the gap between sides, as an ambassador I see that it is important to know people and their way of thinking by providing them a direct way and instant access. Actually, twitter is a good way of closing such a gap. After I started engaging meaningful discussion on Twitter, my reach steadily grew and I learned a lot from various tweeps. We exchanged information and views.. Would you encourage Yemeni politicians and officials to follow your lead? I will be really happy if they did so, I know they will enjoy it. Yemenis are very good in discussions they are highly political and can be really witty. Much has been said and written about the “Arab Spring” aftermath with analysts trying to foretell what governmental model the Middle East will follow giving the strong political presence of factions such as the Muslim Brotherhood. Do you believe Turkey could become the next reference for Arab countries in the way it balances secularism and religion? All factions and parties should be taken in consideration while reforming a democratic system in any country; moreover, equal rights should be given to them too. What's going on nowadays in the countries that have experienced the “Arab Spring” looks promising, for it will be giving people the chance to choose what they prefer and like. Turkey has established a working example in the way of adapting secularism by not interfering with religion; It actually serves as insurance for the pure character of religion and faith. In my point of view, the Turkish case is a good experience that can be studied and understood, but in terms of implementation every country has to find its unique way of dealing with its own problems; maybe better examples will appear soon. No one knows. Until that time, Turkish people will be ready to assist all of our brothers and sisters who are inspired from our experience by sharing all we know. Yemen and Turkey have always enjoyed a strong friendship, what do you see in the future in terms of economic, political and social collaboration? Yemen and Turkey have a unique relationship that can only be better. We stand to support Yemen in its difficult times at this transition period. We think that our positive agenda in Yemen will bring meaningful contribution that we can provide for Yemen, especially at this critical juncture. Economically, we are planning to improve our presence here in Yemen; through such projects which will improve both countries economically. There are many agreements and MOUs that was signed between our countries to help enriching the relationship. There are new ones such as MOU that was signed with Sana'a University to bring Turkish teachers for the Turkish language department that was opened 4 years ago, and a MOU that we are working on with the High Authority of Tender Control to send some experts for training in Turkey. There were many agreements signed during the visit of President Abdullah Gül to Yemen last year in January including the abolishment of visas between the two countries, but these agreements haven't yet approved by the Parliament because of the crises Yemen went through the last year. In my point of view, such agreements will open up wider corporation in all fields in the future. We just need time. Yemenis have been critical of the West's perceived meddling in the country's internal affairs in regards to the power transfer and its mechanisms of implementation. Do you think that Turkey, which culturally much closer to Yemen could act as a balancing force and become a more important actor? Turkey sees itself as a friend of Yemen, and we have culturally and historically deep ties that can never be ignored. Such ties give us a warm acceptance in Yemen in a way that may positively contribute to the situation here. My discussions with Yemenis on Yemeni issues were never interpreted as interference. Therefore, I am hopeful that we can play a more prominent role in Yemen as we enjoy such a high level of confidence here. All in all, Yemen is an independent country that has to be respected and advised only when asked for, and any unrecalled interference may cause unrest. What are in your views the major challenges that await Yemen and what will Turkey do to assist? Yemen's next two years in transition will be critical in many ways. The National Dialogue and the reconciliation process is the biggest challenge. The participation and engagement of “South, North and Youth” are three most important challenges facing Yemen. If this can be secured then, the enormous issues like writing a new constitution and elections law and other reforms will be easier to solve. Turkey will always be on the side of Yemen as a duty that history imposed. Turkey is doing its best to participate in Yemen's development, and Yemeni people always amaze us with what they are capable of. A promising future awaits Yemen, and external help is needed just to initiate and make it a faster process. Does Turkey would ever consider leading an “Arab counter-terrorism policy” in the Middle East? Turkey has been an active player in the global fight against terrorism and we believe in the critical necessity of international cooperation in this field if we are to be successful. We chaired the UN Security Council CT Committee in 2010 when we were a non-permanent member of the Council. We, together with EU co-chaired and co- hosted the inaugural conference of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) Horn of Africa region (which includes Yemen) Working Group in Dar Es Salaam/Tanzania on 8-10 February 2012. I am not aware of a specific “Arab CT policy” initiative as such but, why not, our unique position in this region is bringing more and more responsibilities and challenges for us and we strive to meet them as good as possible.. To end on a lighter note: What do you think of Qat? Qat is taking a lot of Yemeni people's money and time, which is not providing a good sign of a decent development. In my personal point of view, there are two points that Yemenis would be much better if: they provide their women more chance to participate in political life and get rid of Qat from social life as much and as fast as possible… BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/WrWFJ Tags: Fazli Corman, Interview, Security, Turkey, twitter Section: Editor's choice, Features, Latest News, Media, Yemen
