U.S. CONGRESS DELEGATION AT TURKISH PARLIAMENT

Turkish Press
May 30 2007

ANKARA – Turkey-U.S. Interparliamentary Friendship Group Chairman
Egemen Bagis hosted a dinner on Monday in honor of members of
U.S. Congressional Study Group on Turkey who are currently in Ankara.

Speaking at the dinner, Bagis reminded that Ed Whitfield
(Co-chairman of Turkey Friendship Group at House of Representatives
of U.S. Congress) led the first U.S. delegation which visited Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) by using Ercan Airport. He said,
"following this initiative, other foreign delegations paid such
visits."

"Also U.S. delegation`s attending the first formal luncheon in
Turkey together with TRNC Ambassador shows the determination to lift
the isolations (on TRNC)," noted Bagis. He also expressed pleasure
over the efforts of U.S. delegation against the draft on so-called
Armenian genocide.

Noting that Iraq and PKK terrorist organization were discussed in
all meetings of U.S. delegation, Bagis said that terrorism in Iraq
is preventing many things.

On the other hand, Co-chairman Whitfield said that they had many
beneficial meetings within the last few days, adding that they
discussed TRNC issue, PKK terrorism, Turkey`s EU process and the
draft on so-called Armenian genocide.

The U.S. delegation will proceed to Istanbul on Tuesday, and depart
from Turkey on Friday.