Algerian President Abdulaziz Buteflika has suggested the establishment of a structure similar to the British Commonwealth of Nations to include countries that once formed the Ottoman Empire.
Buteflika hosting Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul in Algeria sent an important message that they yearn for the peaceful and tranquil period of 1518-1830 during which time the Ottomans ruled the Middle East. Buteflika suggested constituting a structure consisting of the countries that once formed the Ottoman Empire and that the structure could be similar to the Commonwealth of Nations.
The Algerian President said, "Gaps remained after the Ottomans that could not be filled. We need the strong and tolerant Ottoman order now more than at any other time. Can't we recreate the Ottoman order again?" "Britain established The Commonwealth with its former colonies and the order continues. The Ottomans did not colonize us; why shouldn't we maintain the Ottoman order?" continued Buteflika. The Algerian leader emphasized that they took lessons from Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, in their independence from the French.
He informed that Algeria earmarked $55 billion for reconstruction of the country over the next five years and that they will give priority to Turkish companies.
Buteflika met with Gul for two hours and later hosted a dinner for the Turkish delegation. Gul expressed his impressions as: "They shown us an incredibly exciting time. I wish, every one could hear the things we have spoken about" at the dinner in which Algerian President clearly revealed his thoughts on Turkey and the Ottoman Empire.
According to information given, Buteflika requested that Turkey not view Algeria as just another Arab country and suggested the establishment of the Ottoman Commonwealth. He went on to say that Turkey had saved Algeria from Spain and that the Algerians had not wanted Turks to leave, but at the time, Turks had left the country of their own free will. Buteflika showed that the current turmoil in the Middle East as proof that gaps have remained after the Ottoman Empire that has still not been filled. He continued that the key for a solution in the Middle East is Turkey and that if Turkey wishes law and order could return to this region.
He also expressed content for the developments in Turkish-Syrian relations.
http://www.zaman.com/?bl=international&alt=&trh=20050413&hn=18370
U.S. Citizens Warned as Afghan Kidnapping Foiled
by Sayed Salahuddin
KABUL:- The United States has warned its nationals in Afghanistan about dangers including suicide attacks, hijacking and assassination and urged them to keep a low profile.
The warning came at the weekend, hours before an American man escaped a kidnapping attempt on Sunday in Kabul's upmarket Wazir Akbar Khan district, which is home to many foreign residents.
"The U.S. embassy in Kabul reminds American citizens living and traveling in Afghanistan that potential remains for attacks against U.S. citizens and interests in Afghanistan," the U.S. embassy in Kabul said.
Dangers included rocket attacks, suicide operations, assassinations, hijackings, shootings and bombings, said an announcement, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters.
U.S. citizens were told to maintain a high level of vigilance, to increase their security awareness and to restrict their movements.
The embassy has issued similar warnings in the past.
The latest comes after a series of Taliban guerrilla raids in southern and eastern parts of the country and worry over rising crime in the capital.
On Sunday, an American escaped kidnappers who bundled him into the boot of a car in broad daylight in Kabul's Wazir Akbar Khan area, where several countries have embassies and where many foreigners have homes and offices.
A Western security source said the man, who he did not identify, escaped by using a spanner to open the boot of the vehicle.
The embassy gave no details of the incident but warned Americans to avoid places where foreigners congregate, such as restaurants, markets and internet cafes, as well as places such as government buildings and military facilities.
Last month, a British adviser to the government was shot dead near a U.N. guest house. A road-side bomb hurt several people including one Filipino in Kabul several weeks ago.
In October, members of a Taliban splinter faction seized three foreigners helping organize a presidential election and held them for nearly a month before releasing them.
The same month, an American woman and an Afghan girl were killed in a suicide bombing on a Kabul shopping street.
The Taliban, ousted in 2001 by U.S.-led forces for sheltering al Qaeda and its chief Osama bin Laden, the architect of Sept. 11 attacks on the U.S. cities, have taken responsibility for most of the attacks.
http://www.sabawoon.com/news/miniheadlines.asp?dismode=article&artid=22062