Turkish Press
April 27 2005

Erdogan: Relations With United States Is One Of Main Pillars Of
Turkish Foreign Policy

ANKARA – Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that
relations with the United States continued to be one of the main
pillars of Turkish foreign policy.

”We should be alert against the efforts of various groups and
lobbies who are uneasy about the development of Turkish-US relations
and we shouldn’t permit them,” told Erdogan in AK Party meeting held
in the parliament.

Referring to the many different comments and news made about
Turkey-US relations, Erdogan said that they were either wrong or
exaggerated.

Pointing out to the sound basis in Turkey-US alliance which continued
for 50 years, Erdogan said that further improvement of the relations
with the US in line with common interests and mutual benefits was one
of the main priorities of the Turkish government. Erdogan stressed
that the communication channels at all levels should be open in that
regard.

Erdogan said that the high ranking visits between the two countries
would continue, stressing that Turkey-US cooperation should continue
as regards to Iraq, solution of Arab-Israeli conflict, Caucasus,
stability in Central Asia, reform efforts in the Middle East,
reconstruction of Afghanistan, fight with terrorism and energy
security.

Erdogan stressed that finding a lasting and fair solution in Cyprus,
fight with PKK terrorism and Armenian claims constituted an important
place in Turkey-US relations.

Referring to the recent claims brought to agenda saying that there
was a widespread anti-Americanism in Turkey, Erdogan said that ”the
Turkish nation, who has never forgotten the support US extended to
Turkey in many issues, is also aware of the fact that the two
countries need each other today and tomorrow.”

”However, I should clearly state that the positive responses of not
only the US, but of all our allies and partners to our right
expectations will contribute significantly to overcoming the
disappointment that appears in the Turkish public opinion from time
to time,” said Erdogan.
From: Baghdasarian