‘US not at war with Islam’

ANKARA – Barack Obama, making his first visit to a Muslim nation as president, declared yesterday the United States ‘is not and will never be at war with Islam.’

Urging a greater partnership with the Islamic world in an address to the Turkish parliament, Obama called the country an important ally in many areas, including the fight against terrorism. He devoted much of his speech to urging a greater bond between Americans and Muslims, portraying terrorist groups such as al Qaeda as extremists who do not represent the vast majority of Muslims.’Let me say this as clearly as I can,’ Obama said. ‘The United States is not and will never be at war with Islam. In fact, our partnership with the Muslim world is critical … in rolling back the violent ideologies that people of all faiths reject.’The US president is trying to mend fences with a Muslim world that felt it had been blamed by America for the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.At a news conference earlier with President Abdullah Gul, Obama dealt gingerly with the issue of alleged genocide committed by Turks against Armenians during World War I. He urged Turks and Armenians to continue a process ‘that works through the past in a way that is honest, open and constructive.’Al Jazeera and Al Arabiyia, two of the biggest Arabic satellite channels, carried Obama’s speech live.’America’s relationship with the Muslim community,’ he said, ‘cannot and will not just be based upon opposition to terrorism. We seek broader engagement based on mutual interest and mutual respect.’’We will convey our deep appreciation for the Islamic faith, which has done so much over the centuries to shape the world, including in my own country,’ he said.The president spoke for about 25 minutes from a small white-marble-and-teak rostrum in the well of a vast, airy chamber packed with Turkish lawmakers in orange leather chairs.Except for a few instances of polite applause, the room was quiet during his speech. There was a more hearty ovation toward the end when Obama said the US supports the Turkish government’s battle against PKK, which both nations consider a terrorist group, and again when he said America was not at war with Islam. Lawmakers also applauded when Obama said the United States supports Turkey’s bid to join the European Union.- Nampa-AP