June 01, 2018•Update: June 01, 2018
By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal
LONDON
Some of the things the U.S. President Donald Trump has said and done “don’t reflect the America we know,” London Mayor Sadiq Khan said.
Re-tweeting anti-Muslim tweets from a far-right group, Britain First, was a "wrong thing to do" for U.S. President Donald Trump and “he should have apologized for doing so,” Khan said.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency before an iftar (fast-breaking) dinner organized by the Turkish community at the Aziziye Mosque in North London, Khan said the U.S. President should see for himself the diversity in London, which is a “strength.”
Khan said: “The USA and the UK have always had a special relationship. We welcome Americans. We welcome American culture, American people, the contribution they make to London. But I am afraid, some of the things the American president has said and done don’t reflect the America we know.”
“I think the idea of retweeting a tweet from a far-right British group, British [sic] First, which is a racist group, to seeking to divide community, I think, was not the right thing for President Trump to do,” he said.
“I think he should have apologized for doing so”.
On Nov. 29, U.S. President Donald Trump’s official Twitter account retweeted three anti-Muslim videos from the account of Jayda Fransen, the deputy leader of Britain First.
Khan said that Trump “also gives an impression that it is not possible to be a Muslim and a Westerner.”
“He [Trump] gives the impression of, somehow, being a Muslim, following the faith of Islam is inconsistent with Western values.
“I think he is wrong. Here in London, we see people who are proud Londoners and proud Muslims.
“In America we see examples of people of proud Americans and proud Muslims. I think , if he does come to London, he sees for himself that diversity is a strength not a weakness.”
London’s Turkish community
Khan said the Turkish community in London are “Londoners” and “they have helped make London the greatest city in the world.
Extending his thanks to the Turkish community residing in the capital city, Khan underlined that they have contributed to the city “economically, culturally and socially.”
“They contribute hugely to our city.”
Speaking of his office’s relation with the Turkish community, Khan said the “Turkish community in London, such as any other community have needs such as affordable houses, children’s education, apprenticeships and jobs.”
Khan said he would like to “make sure to challenge discrimination and Islamophobia” as these are also some problems the Turkish community living in London face as Muslims.
“Met Police service have a zero tolerance policy against all hate crimes,” he added.
“Here in Hackney is a good example of the Turkish community in London… [it] is working with the MPs, working with the council and they work with me.”
PKK demos
Also speaking about the occasional demonstrations held by the supporters of the terrorist organization PKK in London, the London Mayor said the Metropolitan Police are ought to act against any proscribed organizations.
“The idea of groups using a loopholes is not acceptable,” Khan said.
Khan said: “Met Police do take action against any members of a proscribed group but if it is the case that this proscribed group is taking advantage of loopholes, I think it is very important for the government, Home Secretary to close those loopholes.”
The activities of PKK sympathizers in London is coming under more scrutiny, with questions being asked as to why backers of an illegal group are allowed to gather and mobilize publicly.
Groups of protestors carrying PKK flags, banners and posters -- bearing the insignia of the illegal group or the likeness of its jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan -- have been seen on the streets of the U.K. capital.
Turkish Consul General Cinar Erkin and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus envoy Zehra Basaran were among the guests at the iftar dinner.
Representatives from the Turkish community and organizations, Jewish and Christian communities also attended the dinner.
