Turkish Press
March 30 2005
NSC: Statements about crisis in Turkey – US relations are baseless
exaggerations
ISTANBUL – Turkish National Security Council (NSC) Secretary General
Yigit Alpogan said on Wednesday, “statements about escalation of a
crisis in Turkey-the United States relations are baseless
exaggerations.“
Turkish-American Business Council hosted a luncheon to mark the 20th
anniversary of its foundation.
Speaking at the luncheon, Alpogan said that both Turkey and the
United States had the necessary potential, determination and will to
further improve their bilateral relations.
“Various and rapid developments happen in our world every day as a
result of the globalization process. Those developments affect
everyone. Therefore, we expect Turkey and the United States to
further improve their relations by protecting common values and
interests,“ he said.
Referring to recent comments of both Turkish and American circles
about the bilateral relations, Alpogan said, “such statements are
considered normal in democracies. In fact, they can guide our efforts
to develop our relations. However, everyone should act with
common-sense as making such statements, and refrain from exaggerated
evaluations that could lead inappropriate impressions in public
opinions. Therefore, Turkish and American officials, representatives
of public and private sectors, think-tank organizations and
non-governmental organizations should take all necessary measures
against attempts to damage the relations, and defend common
interests.“
“Statements about escalation of a crisis in Turkey-the United States
relations are baseless exaggerations. However, it is a fact that
multi-dimensional structure of Turkey-the United States relations
should be renewed. Turkey-the United States relations are sound
enough not to be damaged with such statements,“ he said.
Referring to the allegations of so-called Armenian genocide, Alpogan
said, “the United States should not make any concession about these
allegations on the 90th anniversary of the relocation. We do not
expect the U.S. administration to shed green light to such baseless
allegations aiming to defame Turkish nation.“
“Our bilateral relations with the United States have further
diversified under the light of international developments in the last
15 years. Our countries share the same concerns against many regional
problems. They have been cooperating to consolidate peace, stability
and security in a vast area from Caucasus to the Balkans, from the
Middle East to Central Asia. Therefore, Turkey and the United States
need each other. Turkey and the United States are two countries
expending efforts to develop democracy in the region. The Broader
Middle East and North Africa Initiative serves this target. Turkey is
ready to fulfil its responsibilities in this process with the aim of
contributing to peace and stability,“ he said.
Alpogan kept on saying, “Turkey and the United States have also been
cooperating in fight against terrorism and in prevention of
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The September 11th
events have strengthened our cooperation in fight against
international terrorism and organized crimes.“
Referring to commercial relations between the two countries, Alpogan
said, “the trade volume, which was 4,66 billion U.S. dollars in
1996, increased to 9,49 billion U.S. dollars in 2004.“
Referring to recent developments in northern Iraq and Kirkuk, Alpogan
said, “we conveyed our concerns to the U.S. administration. Turkey
and the United States should develop their cooperation in Iraq. U.S.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice affirmed the importance they
attributed to the territorial integrity of Iraq.“
Alpogan added that the United States should continue extending stable
and sound support to Turkey`s European Union membership process.