Dear editor,
I am writing to bring to your kind attention the factual inaccuracy that appeared in an Aug. 3 article on page 12 of The Korea Times in response to the description of Turkey.
The Republic of Turkey is a secular democratic state where the rule of law prevails in convergence with the contemporary international norms. Turkey is a founding member of the Council of Europe since 1949. It has been an associate member of the European Union since 1963. It has been conducting accession negotiations for full membership of the European Union since 2005.
In Turkey, secular democracy is under the safeguard of the constitution. Thus, the reference to the Turkish government as “pro-Islamic Cabinet” is unfounded and regrettable.
In Turkey, religion is a matter for the private domain of individuals. Thus, no person who is holding a public office may be portrayed by his/her religious affiliations.
Besides, the picture next to the section on Turkey does not represent Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. It probably depicts President Abdullah Gul.
Erdogan Iscan Turkish ambassador Seoul