Queen Elizabeth II Lays Wreath at Anitkabir

Queen Elizabeth II’s last visit to Turkey was in October 1971. Returning thirty-six years later, she paid her respects to Mustafa Kemel Atatürk, founder and first president of the Turkish Republic, by attending a wreath-laying ceremony at Anitkabir yesterday. After the ceremony, she wrote in the guest book the following:

“It is an honour to pay my respects to Mustafa Kemel Atatürk, a much valued friend of the United Kingdom and one of the great figures of modern history.”

Elizabeth R

The queen paid tribute to the Turkish Republic founder again in her state banquet speech as she toasted President Abdullah Gul last night in Ankara and said: "Thank you for your kind words and the generous welcome we have received today. Prince Philip and I are delighted to be back in Turkey more than 36 years after our last visit of which we have many happy memories. Here in 1971, I remarked on the tremendous achievement of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in guiding this country of rich and ancient traditions along a course towards a modern, enlightened and democratic state. One could hardly have imagined then the further strides that Turkey would take to become today's confident and dynamic democracy. In this new century, we can celebrate the links between our two countries as being stronger than ever."

"The geography of this nation has, over time, not only determined much of the history of its own people but also had a powerful impact upon the wider world. Beyond being home to some of the earliest human settlements and the classical civilisation of Ancient Troy, this country occupies a key place in both Islam and Christianity."

"At its height, the Ottoman Empire, with its capital in Istanbul, stretched from the gates of Vienna to North Africa. The strategic location of this country, straddling two continents, drew many into some of the bloodiest battles of the First World War, including those commemorated recently on the Gallipoli peninsula. From the ruins of that war, not only did Atatürk become the father of this modern nation, but he also famously declared that those who had come from overseas and lost their lives in this land had become Turkey's sons as well. Those sentiments echo to this day in a relationship which the United Kingdom greatly prizes."

"For us, Turkey is as important now as it has ever been. Within this country, the prospect of accession to the European Union has already helped to inspire changes that are improving the lives of its citizens. Abroad, Turkey is uniquely positioned as a bridge between East and West at a crucial time for the European Union and the world in general."

Besides visiting Ankara, Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh will attend events in the the cities of Bursa and Istanbul. They will stay in Turkey until May 16th.

Queen Elizabeth II's entire speech from the state banquet in Ankara, Turkey can be read here.

Photos: Press Association

Jordan’s King Addresses European Parliament a Second Time

King Abdullah II of Jordan met with French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Turkish President Abdullah Gul this week to boost relations with France and Turkey. While in Strasbourg, the king addressed the European Parliament. In his speech, he focused on the Israeli-Palestinian issue enunciating his hope to see the conflict end in the Middle East. This is his second discourse before the EP; his last speech was delivered in 2002.

Below is the full address of King Abdullah II of Jordan before the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

"Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim,"

"Mr. President,Members of Parliament,Ladies and Gentlemen:"

"Thank you for your warm welcome. On behalf of the people of Jordan, I am honored to come before this distinguished institution again."

"My friends,"

"A changing Europe and a changing Middle East are here today."

"A Europe of expanding membership and a visionary mission: for cooperation across borders and growth without barriers."

"A Middle East of new horizons and growing hope: for peace among neighbors, opportunities for its people and a future for our youth."

"These trends do not take place in isolation. The hopes our regions achieve will advance stability and create new possibilities for security and prosperity worldwide. It is deeply in our interest to succeed. And a critical opportunity is before us."

"Two weeks ago, with the support of the European Union and nations from both our regions, Israelis and Palestinians met at Annapolis. They pledged all-out negotiations toward a peace treaty in 2008 and immediate steps to implement their obligations under the Road Map. For the first time in years, we see movement toward a permanent settlement and an independent, sovereign, viable Palestinian state."

"This progress is the work of many friends of peace, including leaders in Europe and the Arab states. We believed that, after years of worsening crisis, a change of strategy was required. We urged a new commitment to the two-state goal and a targeted process that could achieve it – with tight timelines, measurable requirements and milestones for action."

"Second chances are rare, but I believe we have come to one. Very real challenges lie ahead, but Annapolis has created a new spark of hope. We can and must fan that spark into a blaze of confidence, action and tangible results."

"As our near neighbor, Europe shares our interest in solving this, the central crisis of our age. All sides respect Europe’s neutral role and model of regional progress and peace. For years you have been our partner in the search for solutions. And you will be our partner, too, in the benefits of success: a vibrant zone of peace and prosperity throughout our shared hemisphere."

"These realities give Europe an important and prominent role in the future of peace. I speak especially of the European Union, and you, the voices of Europe, here in the European Parliament. And I have come here today to urge your active engagement, to seek your specific, practical skills and investment in the future, and to offer Jordan’s own commitment in the days of work that lie ahead."

"My friends,"

"There are major areas where action must begin now."

"The first is support for the negotiations and their goal: a final settlement, creating an end to conflict, security for both Palestine and Israel, and at long last, a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state."

"We must not underestimate the difficult days ahead. The issues are complex and decades-old. Real grievances must be faced – and left behind. On the positive side, Israelis and Palestinians understand their deep, shared stake in ending the conflict. And a great amount of work has already been done. From Oslo, through the Road Map, through the Geneva Accords, and other initiatives – the parameters of the solutions are in focus. I believe the parties can get to the endgame."

"But for this to happen, it is vital that the international community be engaged. Europe has a unique experience with the mechanisms and process of post-conflict recovery and reconciliation. This includes creating a security framework that can offer assurance to both sides. European peacekeeping forces have played a constructive role in Lebanon. Your commitment can help bring great trust to a Palestinian-Israeli settlement."

"On the ground, there is a need, not only for resources, but for partnership – to boost economic opportunities, create confidence that the political process works, and help create the conditions that will sustain peace. Both Palestinians and Israelis need to see tangible results, and quickly. That means security from violence and an end to occupation; but it also means better conditions of life. In the occupied territories, the humanitarian situation for Palestinians remains dire. People need access to jobs and education, effective public services and more. Such action will provide a major infusion of hope – and be a powerful counter-argument to extremist predictions that nothing can change."

"Next week, donor nations and institutions will meet in Paris to make commitments and plan the way forward. European nations and the European Union are already providing help, a commitment respected by people throughout the region."

"A second and related imperative is to understand and articulate the potential of peace. We must begin now to re-envision the future: a region where conflict has given way to cooperation, where a regional economy brings together the capabilities and resources of 22 countries – more than 300 million people, from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean – and where cross-border partnerships advance development, health, the environment and more. It is a future that empowers people to be full participants in global progress. And it will unleash a new scope for partnership with our European neighbors, in science, technology and trade."

"This promising future is why we must move swiftly on a comprehensive settlement, with action on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks. Indeed, the entire Arab world has recognized the importance of moving forward. The Arab Peace Initiative was affirmed, unanimously, last spring. And it has received the support of Muslim countries beyond the region. The opportunity is here, at long last, for a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state, and full, normal relations between Israel and 57 Arab and Muslim nations. This means acceptance; acceptance by key countries, with billions of citizens, representing almost a third of the membership of the United Nations. And that opens a shared future of security, peace and new partnerships."

"Achieving such a peace will also make a substantial impact on other issues. Within the region, it will create new strategic space, allowing the resolution of other serious issues, from poverty to proliferation. Aggressive forces will no longer be able to exploit the Palestinian cause to serve their own ambitions and interests. Resources and attention will be freed to advance the region’s potential through development and reform."

"We in Jordan are ready to meet that future. We have pressed forward with our reform program, despite regional instability. In the last decade, we have achieved significant gains: strong economic growth, rising per-capita incomes, and a model educational system. And Europe has been an important partner, through private-sector investments, as well as official assistance. Allow me to say, we deeply appreciate the support and friendship of this Parliament and the European Union. And we believe that in the days after peace, our partnership can only soar higher."

"My friends,"

"Today, we can think of a larger neighborhood, one that stretches from north of the Baltic Sea to south of the Mediterranean, one that is shared by Europe and the Middle East. It is the basis of the Euro-Med Partnership, our region-to-region platform for cooperation and development. It is a relationship with great shared interests and unlimited potential. And it is up to us to develop our partnership to its fullest."

"Today, young Europeans are coming to adulthood, who never knew a divided Europe. Their young counterparts, Palestinian and Israeli, have no such positive experience; they have grown up in a world of division and conflict. Now, together, we have an opportunity to remove the barriers to their future, and leave the past behind."

"Today, the European Parliament has significantly more member countries than when I spoke before Parliament only five years ago. That’s the result of a region-wide commitment to grow the zone of partnership and progress. The Middle East is tackling the same important task. Now, together, we can help that work succeed."

"Today, a renewed peace process has begun. We have seen such beginnings fail in the past. But this time, a unique confluence of events has created new openings for success. Now, together, we can, we must, fulfill the promise of peace."

"Friends,"

"We in Jordan know that when an olive tree takes life, planting is only the first step. A hundred processes then go active to create the cells and structures of life. Roots emerge, growth occurs, and a core of strength ensures survival. From outside comes water and support to sustain life and create new fruit."

"In the arena of the Middle East, a new olive branch has just been planted. Now the real work must begin. It is in our hands to create the process and structures that will give peace roots, help it grow, and sustain it into the future."

"I urge you to share in this effort. Our partnership can create an historic transformation, and a rich harvest – years of peace and prosperity, that will benefit our peoples and our world."

"Thank you very much."