It is one problem to get into NATO Valley and a whole other problem trying to get out. We arrive at Galatasaray University, where the meeting will be held, after passing through a few checkpoints. US Istanbul Consular David Arnett meets us at the door. David is simple and sympathetic, as always.
Ministers, bureaucrats, newspaper directors, military men and businessmen are present. It is very hot. Everyone is looking for refuge in the shade as the sun makes chats very difficult.
Numerous security officials are scattered around. Each of them is very careful. Obviously, they do not want to let down their guard after doing so well the past few days.
The expected things make up the small talk: NATO meetings, the European Union, politics and so forth. Another issue that drew attention was President Ahmet Necdet Sezer's attitude during the NATO meeting. As you may recall, Sezer refused to extend invitations to the spouses of some officials, most notably Prime Minister Recep Tayyip] Erdogan, because they wear headscarves. Everyone in Galatasaray University's courtyard agrees that Sezer's attitude is a shame for Turkey. In fact, people believe that Erdogan and his committee bore this 'discrimination' before the world leaders with equanimity.
15 minutes prior to Bush's speech, guests are taken to the place where the speech will be delivered. It is not that easy to listen to a formal speech when the sun is at its zenith. However, Istanbul's beauty imparts a cold happiness to the people. Our Washington representative Ali H. Aslan, who came here with American journalists to follow Bush, says, "The beauty of Istanbul is something else." It really is! This holy city always brings peace to a person.
A short announcement let people know that the US President would come to the podium in two minutes. Security officers run around, as do foreign journalists with their long microphones, and preparations are completed.
Meanwhile the journalists who are Galatasaray fans tease with their colleagues who are Fenerbahce fans. They are very pleased with that Bush is delivering a speech at Galatasaray University. They are proud of seeing the GS emblem on the lectern. Fener fans defend themselves saying, "He will lose the election since he preferred the GS." Galatasaray fans hit back, "Does have Fener a university so that the President could speak there."
President Bush begins his speech with a mention of Turkish hospitability. He reads from a well-prepared text. The US President brushes aside [French President Jacques] Chirac's warning the previous day and once again shows his clear stand on Turkey's EU membership.
After thanking Prime Minister Erdogan, he wants to thank Sezer as well. His pronunciation of Sezer sounds like "Sezar". This turns into a joke for the journalists.
President Bush has said farewell to Turkey with a speech that was short and to the point. The Bosphorous, which was broadcast, live by world televisions, once more presented itself to the world with the mosque and the bridge in the background. Even though the words are forgotten, that amazing Istanbul view will certainly leave a mark on memories. (ED/YE)
