Turkish Press
Jan 20 2007
Turkish F M Gul Receives U.S. Diplomat Burns
Published: 1/20/2007
ANKARA – U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas
Burns has indicated on Friday that they were beside Turkey in its
fight against terrorist organization PKK.
After his meeting with Turkish FM & Deputy PM Abdullah Gul in Ankara,
Burns noted that the United States attached great importance to its
relations with Turkey, stating that the two countries have been
working together on solutions of several issues in the Middle East.
Underlining that Turkey was an important ally to solve several
matters in the Middle East, Burns reiterated that the U.S. was eager
to cooperate with Turkey and Iraq.
"We are beside Turkey and we are assisting it. We are against PKK,"
Burns stressed.
In regard to inspection in Mahmur camp, Burns said that they wanted
this camp to be closed down in the future, indicating that there was
a need for solution on the matter as soon as possible. Burns noted
that Turkey should extend support on the issue.
Indicating that Turkey and the United States had common views on
several issues including settlement of peace in Iraq, end of nuclear
program in Iran, assistance to Lebanese government and prevention of
Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Burns stressed that the U.S considered
Turkey an important strategic partner.
Replying to a question on discussions over referendum which is
planned to be held in Kirkuk, Burns said that they held positive and
fruitful talks with Turkish authorities concerning Iraq, stating that
they appreciated Turkey’s assistance to the United States on the
matter. Burns indicated that Iraqi government and people would make
final decision on the matter (referendum).
In regard to U.S. President George W. Bush’s new Iraq strategy, Burns
noted that they believed that this new strategy could be successful
and it should be.
Replying to a question on killing of Hrant Dink, editor-in-chief of
bilingual Turkish-Armenian weekly Agos, Burns said that they felt sad
over killing of Dink, stating that Turkish Prime Minister Recep
Tayyip Erdogan made strong statements over the issue.
Asked whether killing of Dink would make an impact on U.S. House of
Representatives’ passing draft resolution on so-called Armenian
genocide, Burns noted, "I think that we should wait for the
investigation to be conducted by Turkish government. This issue
should not be connected with anything else. It was a tragic incident.
What we should do is to give Turkish government time to investigate
it."
U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Ross Wilson said that he was shocked by
killing of Dink.
Offering his condolences to his family, Wilson said that they hoped
that those who murdered Dink would be found as soon as possible.