Clinton troubled by Turkey journalist arrests

[July 16, 2011]  ISTANBUL (AP) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says she is troubled by Turkey's arrests of dozens of journalists, calling it "inconsistent" with the economic and political progress the moderate Muslim nation has made. Despite those concerns, she says the country could be a model for Arab nations now in the throes of revolt or democratic transition.

Speaking at a coffeehouse event in Istanbul, Clinton said Turkey's 11 percent growth rate was impressive and that it, along with democratic secular traditions, could inspire Arabs in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen and Syria who are demanding reform. She said Turkey has "a lot of lessons to share" and that they could translate with its neighbors in the Arab world.

However, she expressed concern about recent government actions against the media, which have fed fears about threats to press freedom in Turkey, a democracy with a mostly Muslim population that seeks membership in the European Union.

"I do not think it is necessary or in Turkey's interests to be cracking down," Clinton said, adding that Turkey's institutions could withstand the scrutiny and debate that a free press brings. "It seems to me inconsistent with all the other advances Turkey has made."

"This is an area that deserves attention from citizens and lawmakers," she added. "I would be standing up for freedom of expression."

Turkish media groups say more than 60 journalists are in jail in Turkey and accuse authorities of using flimsy evidence to bring charges against them. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who Clinton will see later Saturday, said in April that there were 26 journalists jail in Turkey for activities unrelated to journalism.

Erdogan has cited the role of some media sectors over the decades in fanning support for coups led by the Turkish military, a staunch supporter of the secular system.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, of which Turkey is a member, says a total of 57 journalists are in jail in Turkey, mostly on anti-terror charges. This group includes people with alleged ties to Kurdish rebels and extreme leftists. The OSCE acknowledged Turkey's right to safeguard national security, but call on it to reform media legislation so as to ensure the right to free expression.

Clinton also urged Turks to continue to embrace inclusive traditions and serve as a bridge between East and West, without choosing one or the other.

"I don't think there is any reason for Turkey to shift from West to East," she said. "As an outsider, I have always thought the debate is a debate without real meaning to it because why would you give up one for another? You can look both ways and to me that is an incredible advantage."

[Associated Press; By MATTHEW LEE]

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