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American Morning
U.N. Can't Reach Consensus on N. Korea Missile Launch; Bloody Day in Baghdad; President Obama Addresses Turkish Parliament; Michigan Seeks Inspiration in Final Four Tourney
Aired April 06, 2009 - 08:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KIRAN CHETRY, CNN ANCHOR: All right. And welcome back once again. Good morning. It's Monday, April 6th. I'm Kiran Chetry. We have Carol Costello in today for John Roberts.
Good to see you this morning.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN CO-ANCHOR: And lots going on, too.
CHETRY: Absolutely. And here's what's going on this morning. Stories that we'll be breaking down for you in the next 15 minutes.
President Obama is in Turkey. It's his first visit to a Muslim country since taking office. He is expected to address the Turkish parliament in about 30 minutes. We'll, of course, bring that to you live.
Also, the United Nations so far, unable to reach an official response to North Korea's rocket launch. President Obama wants strong international condemnation of that launch as does Japan's leaders, but the U.S. is butting heads with China which is calling for calm and restraint. So what, if anything, can be done?
Also a bloody day in Baghdad. Five car bombs and one roadside bomb rocking the capital. Officials say at least 25 have been killed and more than a hundred others wounded. We are watching this story from Baghdad this morning.
And also breaking news now. A state of emergency issued in central Italy. Rescuers right now digging for survivors after homes and buildings collapsed after a powerful earthquake hit. Officials say at least 50 people now dead. The information -- latest information is coming from the witnesses on the ground.
And also developing this morning. President Obama is in Turkey and right now he's gearing up to address that country's parliament. This is President Obama's first visit to a Muslim country as president and the trip is not only symbolic but also, potentially, full of opportunity.
Position between Europe and Asia, Turkey has a major majority population and it's a potential bridge between the United States and the Middle East. It's something the president touched on when he addressed reporters earlier this morning.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I'm excited about the prospects of us working together. As the president noted, we had a wide ranging conversation.
We thanked Turkey for its outstanding work in Afghanistan and we discussed our strategic review we have a similar perspective in terms of how to move forward. And Turkey's contributions to ISAF and the overarching effort is going to be critical.
We discussed the progress that's been made in Iraq. And how we can continue to build on that progress as the U.S. begins to draw down its troops. We talked about Middle East peace and how that can be achieved.
And we discussed the need, a shared view for us to reduce the threat of nuclear proliferation, not just in the region, but around the world.
And, as President Gould noted, we talked about business and commercial, because all too often, the U.S., Turkish relationship has been characterized just by military issues and, yet, there is enormous possibilities for us to grow the economy and to make sure that trade between our countries and commerce and the lines of communication between our two countries continually strengthen, because we think that that's going to be good for Turkey.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHETRY: Joining us right now is CNN chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour. You were with us as we were listening to that joint conference taking place between Turkey's president and our president.
Tell us a little bit about the symbolism coming out of this and also what hopes to be -- what both of them hope to accomplish in practical matters.
CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, symbolism is that it's a major Muslim country. It straddles Europe and Asia. It borders Iraq, Iran, Syria. But actual practical is that Turkey is a major U.S. ally.
President Obama is going there to repair relations not just with Turkey but with the Islamic world that were deeply ruptured over the eight years of the Bush administration but particularly over the Iraq war.
The United States needs Turkey as it goes ahead in NATO, not just in enlargement but in trying to fix what's going on in Afghanistan. And, of course, Turkey wants to come into the EU. The U.S. supports that position, but even at the summit this week, President Obama has not been able to convince the holdouts France and Germany that Turkey should be in the EU.
CHETRY: And a couple of -- a wide range of issues discussed. First of all, support for Afghanistan. They're trying to get NATO to -- you know, to -- at least help out with the training of Afghan security forces and then also bringing up the issue of Middle East peace which is a very contentious issue right now with Turkey.
AMANPOUR: That's exactly right. Turkey has played a mediating role in secret and direct talks between the Israelis and the Syrians and also secret now because it all came out, and in fact, the Israeli prime minister went to Turkey earlier this year.
But now those talks have stopped because Turkey was so angered by Israeli's war against Gaza that they pulled out of that. However, there is a desire to see Turkey continue in that role and to be able to perhaps bring Israel and the Syrians closer together.
COSTELLO: As far as the reception that the president is getting in Turkey, you know, from the populace, I mean, is it positive?
AMANPOUR: Yes, it's positive. If you look at the polls, if you look at the reaction overseas, obviously, he was rapturously received in Europe, but he was also very well received in Turkey.
And if you listen to what people are saying there, they're very -- really his visit is very welcomed because it's a completely different tone than they experienced during the Bush administration.
I think very interestingly, most Americans, according to the latest ABC/"Washington Post" poll say that yes, President Obama should restore relations with the Islamic world but, apparently, 55 percents of Americans don't really understand Islam still, don't really understand the Islamic world, and some 48 percent of Americans view the Islamic world negatively.
So as President Obama said it's a very important moment because he is making a statement by being in that country and trying to restore relations.
COSTELLO: I think the difference is that many Americans see Islam as an ideology instead of a religion and maybe President Obama has to kind of put a definition on it from the American standpoint in Turkey.
AMANPOUR: Well, in his inauguration speech, President Obama says we want a new relationship with the Muslim world, one that's based on dignity, mutual respect and mutual interest. And then he went on to say that while we will fight the terrorist we also want to offer a hand of friendship to those who will unclench their fist.
So he is putting down a new marker between the United States and the Muslim world, one that really the Muslim world has never seen before from an American president.
COSTELLO: Christiane, thanks.
CHETRY: Also President Obama is expected to address the Turkish Parliament. That's taking place in less than 30 minutes. You can see it right here on AMERICAN MORNING. COSTELLO: Also developing right now, the international backlash against North Korea following its missile launch this weekend. The U.S., Japan and South Korea have condemned the launch but in an emergency session, the U.N. Security Council failed to agree on a response to Pyongyang.
Early on AMERICAN MORNING, Kiran asked the American ambassador to the U.N., Susan Rice, about the difficulty of getting one.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHETRY: President Obama, of course, condemned the launch. He also said this. Rules must be binding, violations must be punished, words must mean something. So if words must mean something but China and Russia are not on board, what is the United States prepared to do to punish this violation some?
SUSAN RICE, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO THE U.N.: The U.S. view is that this violation of international law and of these Security Council resolutions demands a clear and strong response. We believe the most appropriate form for that response to take would be a Security Council resolution with some teeth in it.
We will continue to work in that direction, but we have also to look at our bilateral mechanisms and further steps.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Want to bring in CNN's Chris Lawrence now who's following the story from Washington. Will we hear more about this issue today?
CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Well, you're sure to hear more. A lot of probably going on behind the scenes as well, Carol. But bottom line is the U.S. says this launch failed. But North Korea did learn from this test. And it's probably another step closer to having a missile that can one day reach the United States.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LAWRENCE (voice-over): North Korea's missile launch set off reactions around the world. Its allies, China and Russia, urged calm. But South Korea called it reckless, and President Obama demanded action from the U.N. Security Council.
OBAMA: North Korea broke the rules. Once again.
LAWRENCE: North Korea claims it put a satellite into orbit. But U.S. defense officials say it failed.
(on camera): Here is the launch site on the eastern side of North Korea. U.S. Navy missile destroyers are positioned here and here on both sides of Japan. Stage one of the rocket falls right here in the Sea of Japan. Roughly where the North Koreans thought it would but then a few minutes later, something goes wrong.
Because the satellite does not make it into orbit and part of the rocket falls here into the Pacific Ocean.
(voice-over): U.S. officials say the payload did not separate successfully during the last stage, but North Korea was able to control its rocket through that point.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That is a significant step forward for any missile program because oftentimes those missiles become unstable as they go through the staging events.
LAWRENCE: This was a more advanced rocket than the one North Korea launched in 1998. And it improved the range from a similar test in 2006 when the missile blew apart 40 seconds after launch. But experts say the longer test gave the U.S. military more to study.
CHARLES VICK, GLOBALSECURITY.ORG: I think, for the first time, we've gotten full images of the entire vehicle. I don't think we've ever fully had that except back in 1994 when we saw the mock-up of the concept of it.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LAWRENCE: Now the U.S. can incorporate that information into its own missile defense. Experts say this missile could potentially reach Alaska and Hawaii and could carry a nuclear warhead.
Now, North Korea is not there yet. But there's a concern that it could sell the technology that it does have to other nations which may be developing their own nuclear programs. Carol?
COSTELLO: Chris Lawrence, live in Washington, thank you.
CHETRY: We're also following breaking news out of central Italy this morning where, right now, an intense rescue effort is under way after 6.3 magnitude hit that country. Officials say at least 50 are dead including five children. It hit just past 3:30 local time knocking down buildings and leaving thousands homeless. That quake so powerful that tremors were felt more than 60 miles away in Rome.
Earlier, we spoke to reporter Delia Gallagher, who was in Rome when that earthquake hit.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DELIA GALLAGHER, JOURNALIST: I can tell you it was a scary evening for many Italians who were woken up in the middle of the night with this very strong earthquake centered in L'Aquila in central Italy, a region that has many small medieval towns around it.
We've just spoken to a spokesman from the Italian Civil Protection Authority, which is the agency that handles these rescue efforts and they are staying away from any definite numbers of victims, but they told us the situation is extremely complicated.
There are hundreds of buildings which perhaps you can see that have been damaged and many of these have, indeed, collapsed and they believe that there are still people under the rubble. (END VIDEO CLIP)
CHETRY: Again, that was our Delia Gallagher reporting from the city of L'Aquila. Again we said it's 60 miles outside of Rome. A state of emergency has been declared. And as we speak, aftershocks continue in this region in just the past six hours, more than three other significant tremors have been felt.
President Obama is in Turkey, expected to speak in about 20 minutes from now. It's the last stop on his whirlwind tour overseas. How has he done so far?
Ed Rollins and James Carville standing by with reaction from both sides of the political aisle.
Also trying to win one more for Michigan. Tonight's NCAA championship game taking on a new meaning in struggling Motown. It's 12 1/2 minutes after the hour.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CHETRY: Welcome back to the Most News in the Morning. Right now, we are standing by for President Obama to address the Turkish parliament.
Now, earlier the president spoke to reporters, where he stressed the importance of the relationship between the United States and Turkey and said that it's a country that can bridge the east and the west.
Joining me now to talk more about this, we have Republican strategist Ed Rollins with us, and we also have Democratic strategist James Carville.
Thanks to both of you for being with us.
ED ROLLINS, REPUBLICAN STRATEGIST: Thank you.
CHETRY: All right. We'll start with you, Ed, and I'd like to get both of you to weigh in just on the symbolic importance as well of Barack Obama's trip.
The United States president going to a Muslim nation and making Muslim nation an important part of this overseas trip. Tell us why that's important.
ROLLINS: Well, geopolitically, Turkey is a very, very key ally of ours and, obviously, we need some passage over their terrain, both to put troops in Iraq and to get troops out. As you may recall, they weren't quite as forthcoming in allowing us to put troops through their country before.
But they're an important ally. They are a bridge to that region and I think the more that we can reach out to them, the better it is. They have historically always been very supportive of us and I think the dialogue is important. CHETRY: And, James, some have noted in some of the reporting on his trip that overall Barack Obama, our president, was received very, very favorably, not only by the leaders that he met with over in Europe as well, but also by the general public.
Yet, at the same time, part of what he wanted to accomplish in terms of getting more stimulus money freed up, getting some assurances about troops in Afghanistan didn't really happen for him.
JAMES CARVILLE, DEMOCRATIC STRATEGIST: Well, look. First of all, we're 70 days into this thing and it was a remarkable trip. I think it was very smart. Turkey is -- two things Ed pointed out is probably the most strategically located nation on earth and it is a Muslim nation.
And to see these warm crowds and everything, I think, sends a signal to the United States and the rest of the world that the United States is back into community of nations, if you will.
So I think, by and large, he's had enormously successful trip but again, in terms, of getting other nations to send troops to Afghanistan or, you know, dealing with Congress back home, this trip probably helps him on both fronts somewhat, but that's some pretty stuff tough to get done and they will be working on it.
CHETRY: And Ed, I mean, both of you can understand this, but you're also, in some ways, talking to two different audiences, right? I mean you have your domestic audience at home. You have your political circles here in your country.
And then also you're extending a hand in trying to broaden out that relationship. And one of the things that he had talked about when he was giving his speech and when he was talking at that press conference is he said, although I have mentioned we have a very large Christian population and we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or Muslim nation, we consider ourselves nation of citizens.
Ed, is that something that he would have said back here at home?
ROLLINS: I'm not sure he would have said that back at home but the world has to realize there's a billion Muslims. It's a very important element of -- you know, and I think to a certain extent, the president promised to do this.
You know at the same time, you always have to understand it's not Muslim people. It's certain terrorist groups that may support that ideology somewhere in smaller blocs, but to have dialogue is never harmful.
I don't think he's going to come back here and say this is -- you know, the world is a Muslim world. It's always a Christian-Judeo whenever you talk to American audiences, which is obviously the bulk of America's support.
CHETRY: It's interesting, James, in the latest polling that we have, also it shows that nearly 50 percent, 48 percent of Americans have unfavorable view of Islam.
CARVILLE: Boy, you bet -- you know, I understand the president (INAUDIBLE) but the law of media is whatsoever you say in Turkey, you say in Tennessee, too. I mean it's not like he says it over there and people over here don't hear it.
I think that he's, you know, doing a remarkable job of kind of repairing the image of the country, if you will. And I think some people like that. But I got to say some Democrats that would like for him to get home sooner because the sense that he is overseas and the economy here, people are still suffering.
But I think that most all Americans understand that this trip was necessary, it had to be done, and it's accomplishing some good things for the country.
CHETRY: Yes, you're right. A lot of challenges, of course. We talked about the 8.2 percent unemployment rate as well so a lot going on domestically that he's going to have to tackle when he gets home as well.
Ed Rollins, as well as James Carville, thanks to both of you...
ROLLINS: Thank you.
CHETRY: ... for being with us this morning.
CARVILLE: Appreciate it. Thank you.
COSTELLO: Well, the Spartans hoping to inspire. How a group of college athletes can lift a struggling city by upsetting North Carolina tonight. It's 19 minutes past the hour.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Welcome back to the Most News in the Morning. It's 21 minutes past the hour. Let's fast forward to the stories that we'll be following today on CNN NEWSROOM and CNN.com.
In just about 10 minutes President Obama is scheduled to speak to the Turkish parliament. He spent the morning meeting with the country' president. And the two gave a joint news conference that happened about an hour ago.
The Boston Red Sox are hoping to have Massachusetts senator Ted Kennedy throw out the first ceremonial pitch this afternoon at Fenway Park. The BoSox play the Tampa Bay Rays in their seasonal opener.
Ted Kennedy, as you know, has been battling brain cancer the past year.
And it's the last dance. North Carolina and Michigan State will play tonight in college basketball's national championship game. The Tar Heels are favored but the Spartans have the home court advantage. The final being played at Detroit's Ford Field. And in times like these, you need heroes. Many times before, people have found them on the field. The New York Yankees, nine innings from ground zero. The 2006 Saints coming out of nowhere after Katrina and now the Michigan State Spartans, the blue-collar team playing for a suffering blue-collar town in the national title game tonight.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO (voice-over): Some say they have too many problems to worry about something as trivial as sports, but for 70,000-plus in Ford Field Saturday night, time stood still.
The Michigan State Spartans with a rare final four home court advantage made easy work of heavily favored Connecticut. Their motivation? Motown. A city suffering from unemployment and poverty, after the collapse of the American auto industry.
TOM IZZO, MICHIGAN STATE HEAD COACH: Hopefully the repercussions from that will help a lot of people. It's a feel good for a lot of people.
TRAVIS WALTON, MICHIGAN STATE GUARD: When you're tired and when you're hurt, you know you're not thinking of yourself, you're thinking of playing for your family and thinking about playing for, you know, your state.
COSTELLO: Their campus is just two hours away at East Lansing. That's a one-hour drive from Flint, the Bermuda Triangle for jobs. But the final four to have a lasting impact on one of the nation's worst economies as tourists see the city as more than a never-ending maze of boarded up factories and abandoned homes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It started out a lot better. We were a little bit afraid, you know, because all you hear about Detroit, but it's been really nice and people have been really nice to us.
COSTELLO: But one visitor, Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams hopes the stimulus comes from somewhere else.
ROY WILLIAMS, NORTH CAROLINA HEAD COACH: If you would tell me that if Michigan State wins it's going to satisfy the nation's economy, then I'd say, hell, let's stay poor a little while long.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: Of course, he's the opposing team.
(CROSSTALK)
COSTELLO: You know, Mitch Albom in the Freep online had an interesting -- had some interesting insights on this game, and I want to read you part of his article. He said, "We don't want you to pity" -- Mitch Albom, by the way, lives in Michigan. I should make that clear. He says, "We don't want you to pity us. We want you to notice us. Notice what is happening to the middle class, which was invented in these parts, just as you notice what these Michigan State kids in green jerseys are doing in this basketball tournament.
"What they're doing is what neighbors around here do when one is laid off, what churches here do when someone can't afford an operation. As Kalin Lucas, raised in Sterling Heights, Michigan said today, 'It's a storm in the city. We're trying to bring sunlight to it.' It's called taking care of each other."
CHETRY: OK. You've got me. I hope Michigan State wins.
COSTELLO: I know it ruins your pool.
CHETRY: No. The pool is over. I had Pittsburgh.
COSTELLO: So, go Spartans.
CHETRY: I got to tell you, Mitch Albom has a way with words.
COSTELLO: He does.
CHETRY: (INAUDIBLE), I cried so hard and I think I popped a blood vessel in my eye or something.
COSTELLO: And he's very loyal to his home state.
CHETRY: Yes, he is.
COSTELLO: Like Jeff Daniels. I think that's awesome.
CHETRY: Exactly. Now, are you from...
COSTELLO: OK.
CHETRY: People are very confused. You seem to have adopted Michigan.
COSTELLO: I know. It's a long story, but I'm really from Ohio, and I used to be a Cleveland Browns fans, but they moved out.
CHETRY: She's really from San Diego but, you know, she just loves Michigan. No, I'm kidding.
COSTELLO: I do. They're very similar to the people of Ohio.
CHETRY: There you go. How about it?
COSTELLO: Washingtonian.
CHETRY: Me? Come on, let's -- bring me back some pirogies, and then we'll talk. OK, Carol.
COSTELLO: It's a deal. CHETRY: All right. Well, President Obama is expected to address Turkey's parliament in just minutes. He's hoping a partnership with that country will set an example for the rest of the world. Live coverage and expert analysis you'll get only on CNN all ahead this hour.
Also as President Obama lays out his plans for the European continent on his five-nation tour, he's earning some credit over there but fighting new critics at home. We'll explain just ahead. It's 26 minutes after the hour.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CHETRY: Welcome back to the Most News in the Morning. Reactions coming in from all over the world on President Obama's attempt to push the reset button with Europe.
Our Jim Acosta is breaking down reaction from inside the Beltway this morning.
Hey, Jim.
JIM ACOSTA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Kiran. That's right.
As the president travels to a predominantly Muslim country, a new image of America is reaching a side of the world where friends are sorely needed. After eight years of George W. Bush, President Obama is talking about a lot of mutual respect happening on both sides of the Atlantic. So far Europe has responded but some in Washington aren't so sure it's the right message.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ACOSTA (voice-over): The president has spent much of his trip pushing a global reset button, trying to mend America's broken fences with the world. But the on the same, President Obama called for an end to nuclear weapons.
OBAMA: I state clearly and with conviction, America's commitment to seek the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons.
ACOSTA: He had to condemn North Korea for firing a rocket.
OBAMA: North Korea broke the rules. Once again.
ACOSTA: Back in Washington an influential Republican accused Mr. Obama of going soft.
NEWT GINGRICH (R), FORMER HOUSE SPEAKER: I think it's very dangerous to have a fantasy foreign policy. The president is in a world where Hamas is firing missiles every day into Israel. Iran is building nuclear weapons. And the North Koreans today during -- basically during his speech fired a missile.
OBAMA: America is changing. ACOSTA: But across the Atlantic, the reviews were different. Icy tensions that had existed during the Bush administration...
DONALD RUMSFELD, FORMER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: Now you're thinking of Europe as Germany and France. I don't. I think that's old Europe.
ACOSTA: ... were melting under the lights following a new American first couple.
DAVID GERGEN, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST: I think he has done more in a single trip to transform U.S./Europe and U.S. international relations than I've seen any president do in a long, long time.
ACOSTA: Even as the president plainly said the U.S. had made mistakes in confronting terrorism, he warned al Qaeda was far from finished.
OBAMA: It is important for Europe to understand that even though I'm now president and George Bush is no longer president, al Qaeda is still a threat.
ACOSTA: The president had tried to turn a page from.
GEORGE W. BUSH, FMR. U.S. PRESIDENT: You're either with us or against us.
ACOSTA: Still, some observers say Mr. Obama did not get the big European commitments he wanted on the financial crisis. Or Afghanistan.
ED ROLLINS, REPUBLICAN STRATEGIST: I don't think he accomplished much in the sense of what they set out to but those goals are pretty high.
ACOSTA: Now this American rebranding will be tried in Turkey where images of Mr. Obama are now used in advertising in this largely Muslim nation.
DAVID AXELROD, WHITE HOUSE SENIOR ADVISER: He had sent a signal to the world that we're reengaged.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ACOSTA: One of the biggest changes they like overseas, the Obama administration is not even using the term global war on terror but as we know, Kiran, not everything is going to change overnight. Take the prickly issue of missile defense shield in Europe, Russia still does not like that idea, the president said he is going forward with it as long as Iran poses a threat. Kiran.
CHETRY: All right. Jim Acosta for us this morning, thanks.
ACOSTA: You bet.
COSTELLO: So as you can see, President Obama has made his way to the Turkish parliament where he must have been just introduced by the Turkish speaker. Let's listen.
(SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
COSTELLO: Well, obviously, we're having some technical difficulties. I kind of hear him.
OBAMA: Mr. Speaker, Madam deputy speaker, distinguished members. I am honored to speak in this chamber. And I am committed to renewing the alliance between our nations and the friendship between our people. This is my first trip overseas as president of the United States. I've been to the G-20 summit in London, the NATO summit in Strasbourg and the European Union summit in Prague.
Some people have asked me if I chose to continue my travels to Ankara and Istanbul to send a message to the world and my answer is simple.
Evet. Yes. Turkey is a critical ally. Turkey is a critical ally. Turkey is an important part of Europe. And Turkey and the United States must stand together and work together to overcome the challenges of our time. This morning, I had the great privilege of visiting the tomb of your extraordinary founder of your republic. And I was deeply impressed by this beautiful memorial to a man who did so much to shape the course of history.
But it is also clear that the greatest monument is not something that Ataturk's life is not something that can be cast in stone and marble. His greatest legacy is Turkey's strong vibrant secular democracy and that is the work that this assembly carries on today.
This future was not easily assured, it was not guaranteed. At the end of World War I, Turkey could have succumb to the foreign powers that were trying to claim its territory. Or sought to restore an ancient empire. But Turkey chose a different future. You freed yourself from foreign control and you founded a republic that commands the respect of the United States and the wider world.
There's a simple truth to this story. Turkey's democracy is your own achievement. It was not forced upon you by any outside power, nor did it come without struggle and sacrifice. Turkey draws strength from both the successes of the past and from the efforts of each generation of Turks that makes new progress for your people. My country's democracy has its own story. The general who led the American in revolution and governed as our first president was, as many of you know, George Washington.
And like you, we built a grand monument to honor our founding father. A towering obelisk that stands in the heart of the capital city that bears Washington's name. I can see the Washington monument from the window of the White House every day. It took decades to build. There were frequent delays. Over time, more and more people contributed to help make this monument the inspiring structure that still stands tall today.
Among those who came to our aid were friends from all across the world who offered their own tributes to Washington and the country he helped to found. And one of those tributes came from Istanbul. Ottoman Sultan, Abdulmecid sent a marble plaque that helped to build the Washington monument. Inscribed in the plaque was a poem that began with a few simple words. So as to strengthen the friendship between the two countries.
Over 150 years have passed since that's words were carved in the marble. Our nations have changed in many ways. But our friendship is strong and our alliance endures. It is a friendship that flourished in the years after World War II when President Truman committed our nation to the defense of Turkey's freedom and sovereignty and Turkey committed itself into the NATO alliance.
Turkish troops have served by our side from Korea to Kosovo to Kabul. Together, we've withstood the great test of the cold war. Trade between our nations has steadily advanced. So has cooperation in science and research. The ties among our people have deepened as well and more and more Americans of Turkish origin live and work and succeed within our borders.
And as a basketball fan, I've even noticed that Hedo Turkoglu and Mehmet Okur have some pretty good basketball games. So the United States and Turkey have not always agreed on every issue, and that is to be expected. No two nations do. But we have stood together through many challenges over the last 60 years. And because of the strength of our alliance and the endurance of our friendship, both America and Turkey are stronger and the world is more secure.
Now our two democracies are confronted by an unprecedented set of challenges. An economic crisis that recognizes no borders. Extremism that leads to the innocent killing of men and women and children. Strains on our energy supply and a changing climate. The proliferation of the world's deadliest weapons and the persistence of tragic conflict. These are the great tests of our young century, and the choices that we make in the coming years will determine whether the future will be shaped by fear or by freedom, by poverty, or by prosperity, by strife or by a just secure and lasting peace.
This much is certain, no one nation can confront these challenges alone and all nations have a stake in overcoming them. That is why we must listen to one another and seek common ground. That is why we must build on our mutual interests and rise above our differences. We are stronger when we act together.
That is the message that I have carried with me throughout this trip to Europe. That is the message that I delivered when I had the privilege of meeting with your president and with your prime minister. That will be the approach of the United States of America going forward. Already, America and Turkey are working with the G-20 on an unprecedented response to an unprecedented economic crisis.
Now, this past week, we came together to ensure that the world's largest economies take strong and coordinated action, to stimulate growth and restore the flow of credit, to reject the pressures of protectionism and to extend a hand to developing countries and the people hit hardest by this downturn. And to dramatically reform our regulatory system so that the world never faces a crisis like this again.
As we go toward the United States and Turkey can pursue many opportunities to serve prosperity for our people. The president and I this morning talked about expanding the ties of commerce and trade. There is enormous opportunity when it comes to energy to create jobs and we can increase new sources to not only free ourselves from dependence of other energies - other countries' energy sources but also to combat climate change and we should build on our clean technology fund to leverage efficiency and renewable energy investments in Turkey.
And to power markets in Turkey and Europe, the United States will continue to support your central role as an east-west corridor for oil and natural gas. This economic cooperation only reinforces the common security that Europe and the United States share with Turkey as a NATO ally and the common values that we share as democracies.
So in meeting the challenges of the 21st century, we must seek the strength of a Europe that is truly united, peaceful and free. So let me be clear, the United States strongly supports Turkey's bid to become a member of the European Union. We speak - we speak not as members of the EU, but as close friends of both Turkey and Europe. Turkey has been a resolute ally and a responsible partner in transatlantic and European institutions. Turkey is bound to Europe by more than the bridges over the region. Centuries of shared history, culture and commerce bring you together.
Europe gains by the diversity of ethnicity, tradition and faith. It is not diminished by it. And Turkish membership would broaden and strengthen Europe's foundation once more. Now, of course, Turkey has its own responsibilities and you've made important progress towards membership. But I also know that Turkey has pursued difficult political reforms not simply because it's good for EU membership, but because it's right for Turkey.
In the last several years, you've abolished state security courts. You've expanded the right to counsel. You've reformed the penal code and strengthen laws that govern the freedom of the press and assembly. You've lifted bans on teaching and broadcasting Kurdish, and the world noted with respect the important signal sent through a new state Kurdish television station.
Now these achievements have created new laws that must be implemented in a momentum that should be sustained. For democracies cannot be static, they must move forward. Freedom of religion and expression lead to a strong and vibrant civil society that only strengthens the state, which is why steps like reopening Halki seminary will send such an important signal inside Turkey and beyond. An enduring commitment to the rule of law is the only way to achieve the security that comes from justice for all people.
Robust minority rights let society benefit from the full measure of contributions from all citizens. I say this as the president of a country that not very long ago made it hard for somebody who looks like me to vote, much less be president of the United States. But it is precisely that capacity to change that enriches our countries. Every challenge that we face is more easily met if we tend to our own democratic foundation. This work is never over. That's why in the United States, we recently ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed. That's why we prohibited, without exception or equivocation, the use of torture.
All of us have to change. And sometimes change is hard. Another issue that confronts all democracies as they move to the future is how we deal with the past. The United States is still working through some of our own darker periods in our history. Facing the Washington monument that I spoke of is a memorial of Abraham Lincoln, the man who freed those who were enslaved even after Washington led our revolution. Our country still struggles with the legacies of slavery and segregation. The past treatment of Native Americans.
Human endeavor is by its nature imperfect. History is often tragic. But unresolved, it can be a heavy weight. Each country must work through its past. And reckoning with the past can help us seize a better future. I know there are strong views in this chamber about the terrible events of 1950 and while there has been a good deal of commentary about my views it's really about how the Turkish-Armenian people deal with the past and the best way forward for the Turkish and Armenian people is a process that works through the past in a way that is honest, open and constructive.
We've already seen historic and courageous steps taken by Turkish and Armenian leaders. These contacts hold out the promise of a new day. An open border would return the Turkish and Armenian people to a peaceful and prosperous coexistence that would serve both of your nations. So I want you to know that the United States strongly supports the full normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia. It is a cause worth working towards. It speaks to Turkish leadership that you are poised to be the only country in the region to have normal and peaceful relations with all the south caucuses nations. And to advance that peace, you can play a constructive role in helping to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict which has continued for far too long.
Advancing peace also includes the disputes that persist in the eastern Mediterranean. And here there is a cause for hope. The two separate leaders have an opportunity, through their commitment to negotiations under the United Nations good offices mission and the United States is willing to offer all the help sought by the parties as they work towards a just and lasting settlement that reunifies Cyprus into a bizonal and bicommunal federation.
Now, these efforts speak to one part of the critical region that surrounds Turkey. And when we consider the challenges before us on issue after issue, we share common goals. In the Middle East, we share the goal of a lasting peace between Israel and its neighbors. Let me be clear. The United States strongly supports the goal of two states, Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security. That is a goal shared by Palestinians, Israelis, and people of goodwill around the world. That is a goal that the parties agree to in the road map in Annapolis. That is a goal that I will actively pursue as president of the United States. We know the road ahead will be difficult. Both Israelis and Palestinians must take steps that are necessary to build confidence and trust. Both Israelis and Palestinians. Both must live up to the commitments they have made. Both must overcome longstanding passions and the politics at the moment to make progress towards a secure and lasting peace. The United States and Turkey can help the Palestinians and Israelis make this journey.
Like the United States, Turkey has been a friend and partner in Israel's quest for security and like the United States, you seek a future of opportunity and statehood for the Palestinians. So now working together, we must not give into pessimism and mistrust. We must pursue every opportunity for progress as you've done by supporting the negotiations between Syria and Israel. We must extend a hand to those Palestinians who are in need, while helping them strengthen their own institutions.
Now, we must reject the use of terror and recognize that Israel security concerns are legitimate. The peace of the region will also be advanced if Iran foregoes any nuclear ambitions. As I made clear in Prague yesterday, no one is served by the spread of nuclear weapons, least of all Turkey. You live in a difficult region. The nuclear arm race would not serve the security of this nation as well. This part of the world has known enough violence. It has known enough hatred and does not need a race for an ever more powerful tool of destruction.
Now, I have made it clear to the people and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran that the United States seeks engagement based on mutual interest and mutual respect. We want Iran to play its rightful role in the community of nations. Iran is a great civilization. We want them to engage in the economic and political integration that brings prosperity and security. But Iran's leaders must choose whether they will try to build a weapon or build a better future for their people.
So both Turkey and the United States support a secure and a united Iraq that does not serve as a safe haven for terrorists. I know there were differences about whether to go to war. There were differences within my own country as well. But now we must come together as we end this war responsibly because the future of Iraq is inseparable from the future of the broader region. As I've already announced the United States will remove our combat brigades by the end of next August while working with the Iraqi government as they take responsibility for security. And we will work with Iraq, Turkey, and all of Iraq's neighbors to forge a new dialogue that reconciles differences and advances our common security.
Make no mistake, though, Iraq, Turkey, and the United States face a common threat from terrorism. That includes the Al Qaeda terrorists who have sought to drive Iraqis apart and destroy their country. That includes the PKK. There is no excuse for terror against any nation. As president and as a NATO ally, I pledge that you will have our support against the terrorist activities of the PKK or anyone else. Now these efforts will be strengthened by the continued work to build ties of cooperation between Turkey, the Iraqi government and Iraq's Kurdish leaders and by your continued efforts to promote education and opportunity and democracy for the Kurdish population here inside Turkey. Now, finally, we share the common goal of denying Al Qaeda a safe haven in Pakistan or Afghanistan. The world has come too far to let this region backslide and to let Al Qaeda terrorists plot further attacks.
And that is why we are committed to a more focused effort to disrupt, dismantle and defeat Al Qaeda. And that is why we are increasing our support for the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan so that we stand on the side, not only of security but also of opportunity and the promise of a better life. Turkey has been a true partner. Your troops were among the first in the international security assistance force. You have sacrificed much in this endeavor. Now, we must achieve our goals together. I appreciate that you have offered to help us train and support Afghan security forces and expand opportunity across the region. Together we can rise to meet this challenge like we have so many before.
I know there have been difficulties these last few years. I know that the trust that binds the United States and Turkey has been strained. I know that strain is shared in many places where the Muslim faith is practiced. So let me say this as clearly as I can. The United States is not and will never be at war with Islam. In fact - in fact, our partnership with the Muslim world is critical, not just in rolling back the violent ideologies that people of all faiths reject, but also to strengthen opportunity for all people.
I also want to be clear that America's relationship with the Muslim community, the Muslim world cannot and will not just be based upon opposition to terrorism. We seek broader engagement based on mutual interest and mutual respect. We will listen carefully. We will bridge misunderstandings and we will seek common ground. We will be respectful even when we do not agree. 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.
The United States has been enriched by Muslim Americans. Many other Americans have Muslims in their families or have lived in a Muslim majority country. I know, because I am one of them. Above all, above all, we will demonstrate through actions our commitment to a better future. I want to help more children get the education that they need to succeed. We want to promote health care in places where people are vulnerable. We want to expand the trade and investment that can bring prosperity for all people. In the months ahead, I will present specific programs to advance these goals. Our focus will be on what we can do in partnership with people across the Muslim world to advance our common hopes and our common dreams. And when people look back on this time, let it be said of America that we extended the hand of friendship to all people.
There is an Turkish proverb, you cannot put out fire with flames. America knows this. Turkey knows this. There's some who must be met by force. They will not compromise. But force, alone, cannot solve our problems. And it is no alternative to extremism. The future must belong to those who create not those who destroy. That is the future we must work for and we must work for it together.
I know there are those who like to debate Turkey's future. They see your country at the crossroads of continents and touched by the currents of history. They know that this has been a place where civilizations meet and different peoples come together. They wonder whether you will be pulled in one direction or another. But I believe here is what they don't understand.
Turkey's greatness lies in your ability to be at the center of things. This is not where east and west divide. This is where they come together. In the beauty of your culture. In the beauty of your culture and the richness of your history, in the strength of your democracy, in your hopes for tomorrow. I am honored to stand here with you to look forward to the future that we must reach for together and to reaffirm America's commitment to our strong and enduring friendship. Thank you very much. Thank you.
CHETRY: All right. We just finished listening to President Obama's remarks to Turkish parliament. Our Suzanne Malveaux has been \traveling with the president in Ankara. And, Suzanne, tell us a little bit more about the headline from this press conference today as we see our president there shaking hands with members of parliament.
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Kiran. Sorry about that. We're actually -- a gust of wind here. Blowing our camera just a little bit. But if you can hear me. Can you hear me?
CHETRY: Unfortunately, Mother Nature getting in the ways of us being able to get reaction from Suzanne Malveaux.
COSTELLO: I hope she's OK!
CHETRY: It was quite a gust of wind. All right. Well, thanks so much for joining us on this AMERICAN MORNING. We will see you back here bright and early tomorrow.
COSTELLO: Yes. Let's head to Atlanta now and Betty Nguyen. Thanks for joining us.
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