Anadolu Agency
Oct 17 2004

Turkish Associations In United States React To Kerry

NEW YORK – Turkish associations in the United States sent a letter to
Democratic presidential candidate Senator John F. Kerry who confirmed
his support to recognition of so-called Armenian genocide through his
spokesman, to express their reaction and disappointment.

The letter signed by Federation of Turkish-American Associations
(TADF), Turkish-American Chamber of Commerce & Industry (TACCI), and
Association of Turkish American Architects, Engineers & Scientists
(MIM USA), expressed Turkish people’s disappointment with statements
of Kerry over the so-called Armenian genocide.

Stressing that Turkey and the United States had been friends and
allies for years, the letter underlined that the two countries had
been cooperating with each other for peace and security of the world.

”Turkey, a powerful and stable partner of the United States in one
of the most unstable regions of the world, is one of the most
reliable allies of the United States in its fight against terrorism.
We, as American citizens of Turkish origin, have been expending
efforts to further improve the percent relations between our
countries. We are determined to support the presidential candidate
who is aware of importance of the bilateral relations between Turkey
and the United States, in the upcoming elections,” it said.

The letter noted, ”we want to express our disappointment with Mr.
Kerry’s statements for recognition of Armenian allegations saying
that the Ottoman Empire committed genocide against Armenians during
the World War I. These allegations are totally baseless and wrongful.
Any attempt distorting historical facts, will have a negative impact
on the bilateral relations between Turkey and the United States. We
call on Mr. Kerry to review his intention for recognition of such
allegations.”