ERDOGAN’S FOREIGN POLICY ADVISER BAGIS IN WASHINGTON
Anatolian Times, Turkey
March 30 2006
WASHINGTON – Egemen Bagis, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s
foreign policy adviser and Justice & Development Party (AKP) deputy,
met Congress members and representatives of Turkish community in
Washington on Wednesday.
Bagis, who is currently in Washington to attend the 25th annual
conference of American-Turkish Council and Turkish-U.S. Business
Council, held meetings with Ed Whitfield and Robert Wexler, founders
of Turkish Friendship Group in U.S. Congress, as well as officials
of Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA).
Speaking to A.A regarding his meetings in Washington, Bagis said,
“we have discussed Turkish-U.S. relations, increasing trade with Iraq
and Afghanistan as well as allegations of so-called Armenian genocide
in the meetings.”
“While April 24th (the date Armenians accepted as anniversary of
so-called genocide) is getting closer, U.S. Congress’ support to
Turkey continues. There is no negative atmosphere,” he noted.
“I explained Turkey’s efforts to settle stability in Iraq. After the
United States, Turkey is the second country with the highest number of
losses (truck drivers, engineers and workers) in Iraq. Turkey exerted
great efforts to convince Iraqi Sunnites to take part in elections
in Iraq. I also conveyed that bases in Turkey are used for soldier
rotation, and Turkey sent humanitarian aid to Iraq. Congress members
told me that they appreciated Turkey’s friendship,” said Bagis.
“U.S. officials asked me about the invitation of Hamas delegation
to Turkey. The visit of Hamas delegation should be considered as the
continuation of the will which brought together the foreign ministers
of Israel and Pakistan, and which supported participation of Sunnite
leaders in elections in Iraq. Turkey has exerted and will exert every
type of effort to prevent death of innocent people in the region.
International community was aware of Hamas’ participation in elections,
and Hamas won the elections. After it was elected, Turkey directly gave
messages to Hamas which could not be given by other countries. This is
a part of our geographical and historical responsibility,” said Bagis.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
