An engaging and candid off-the-record discussion with US Ambassador to Turkey Francis J. Ricciardone, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey D. Feltman, and Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Philip H. Gordon, on the topic of "Turkey in a Changing Middle East".

 

Discussion items included, among others, an overview of the U.S.-Turkish relationship, the state of Israeli-Turkish relations, Turkey's stance toward the EU and other regional actors, an assessment of Turkish economic expansion, Turkey's stance on regional oil/gas fields, human rights issues in Turkey, local/regional politics, Turkey's approach towards drafting a new constitution, the Arab Spring, the current upheaval in Syria and the regional and global response to Iran's nuclear ambitions.

 

"Right now pessimism is widespread... the conflict has gone on for so long, it has had such destructive effects, the level of mistrust and hostility is so high, that many...regard it as unsolvable. But I believe that the pursuit of peace is so important that it demands our maximum effort no matter the difficulties, no matter the setbacks."

 

"I still believe that this conflict can be ended. I believe that in part because while I recognize that there will be enormous political pain on both sides from negotiating an agreement, that pain will in fact be much less than what they will endure if they do not negotiate an agreement."

 

"Making peace with the Palestinians is not a favor to the Palestinians, it's not even a favor to the President of the United states, it's something that we need to do in order to keep our values, in order to have this common vision, and we need to do it as soon as possible."

 

"It is true that realities on the ground are complicated but I believe that we can, we need to now, re-launch negotiations based on the understanding that an agreement should gives an answer to all the issues that ends the conflict in accordance to the idea of two states for two peoples, that gives each state an answer to the national aspiration of its people: Israel for the Jewish people, the Palestinian state for the Palestinian people."

Excerpts from Israeli President Shimon Peres:

 

"I think in order to enable the young generation to take over and go their way, we have to find a solution for the conflict between us and the Palestinians... let's bring an end to the conflict."

 

"I think they all realize the situation and that they have to make a choice between two risky situations. One is to make the necessary concessions to bring an end to the conflict. And the other if it wouldn't be done the conflict may color the final results of the young generation. I don't agree with Professor Huntington that this is a clash of civilizations. I think it's a clash of generations."

Excerpts from Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren:

 

"What is extraordinary, I believe, is that in spite of all this upheaval and violence and trauma, that a significant majority of Israelis still support a two-state solution... So that is the nature of my optimism and I hope I can persuade you this evening, both of the seriousness of the Israeli perspective but also of the no less serious chances for peace that we all can still benefit from."

 

 

 

"We look forward to a time where there will be a comprehensive peace. We have always viewed the relationship with the Palestinians, not as only as an end in itself but as a means to a broader peace with all states in the Middle East."