Erdogan Receives U.S. Senator Hagel

Turkish Press
June 1 2005

ANKARA (AA) – Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan received
U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel on Monday.

Turkish National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul and Gen. Charles Wald,
Deputy Commander of Headquarters U.S. European Command, also attended
the meeting.

Hagel told reporters after the meeting that they discussed common
issues which concern Turkey and the United States.

Hagel said that after Turkey, they will visit Azerbaijan, Georgia,
Armenia and Ukraine.

When asked whether they discussed fight against PKK terrorist
organization in the north of Iraq, Hagel said that they especially
discussed Iraq issue.

Hagel noted that Erdogan informed him about visit of Iraqi Premier
Ibrahim al-Jaafari to Ankara.

Upon a question, Hagel said that they also discussed Cyprus issue,
adding that he conveyed the stance of the United States about this
issue.

Hagel said that positive response of Turkish Cypriots to Annan Plan
shows how much Turkey will be a reliable partner within the EU.

He added that U.S. administration supports Annan Plan.

Sources said that Hagel stressed the strategical partnership between
Turkey and the United States during the meeting.

Erdogan said that there is an important strategical partnership
between two countries, adding that Turkey is determined to pursue
its contribution to regional peace.

Erdogan recalled his visits to Afghanistan, Israel and Palestine as
well as Turkey’s undertaking the command of International Security
Assistance Force (ISAF) for the second time. He said that these are
all signs of Turkey’s contribution to regional peace.

Erdogan said that Turkey’s contribution to democratization process
in Iraq will continue.

Noting the importance of fight against terrorism, Erdogan said that
Turkey suffered from PKK terrorist organization for years and is
still fighting against it.

Erdogan said that Turkey gave nearly 40,000 victims to terrorism,
adding that joint fight against terrorism is important.

Regarding Cyprus issue, Erdogan said that Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus (TRNC) voted ‘yes’ to Annan Plan in a referendum last year,
but it also became the punished side. He added that Greek Cypriot side
that rejected the plan in the referendum was awarded and joined the EU.

Stressing that Turkey-EU and Turkey-U.S. relations complete each other,
Erdogan expressed his pleasure over rejection of so-called Armenian
genocide claims at U.S. Congress.

Sources said that Hagel stressed in the meeting that the visit of
U.S. delegation to TRNC is a sign which shows the importance attached
to Turkey. He said that he agrees with Turkey regarding so-called
Armenian genocide claims. He noted that the issue should be researched
by scientists, social scientists and historians, adding that everybody
should bear the results of these researches.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress