TURKISH PM EXPECTS OBAMA TO CONSIDER HIS COUNTRY’S SENSITIVITIES

Hurriyet
Nov 14 2008
Turkey

Turkey expects the new U.S. administration to take into consideration
Turkey’s sensitivities on matters which have vital importance,
Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday.

"I sincerely congratulate Barack Obama and his team who won the
elections. Turkey and the United States, being two allies that have
very strong relations, supporting each other for more than half a
century," the Turkish prime minister said during his speech entitled
"Turkey’s role in giving a shape to the future" at Columbia University.

Erdogan said close cooperation between the two parties contributed
to the restoration of peace, security and prosperity in a region
extending from the Caucasus to Central Asia and from the Middle East
to the Balkans.

Preservation of a strategic partnership between Turkey and the United
States is not only important for the national interests of the two
countries but for global peace and stability as well, he added.

"Turkey and the United States experienced a negative period
regarding terrorist attacks stemming from the north of Iraq and
Armenian allegations regarding the 1915 incidents in 2007. However,
this period could be overcome through common political will and
endeavors. I am grateful for the support given to Turkey in this
respect. Further improvement of relations progressing on the basis of
strategic partners is very important for Turkey," Erdogan was quoted
by the Anatolian Agency as saying.

In addition to relations on politics and security, tangible steps
should be taken in diversifying economic, commercial, social and
cultural relations, he added.

"Turkey is resolved to maintain multilateral and close cooperation
with the new U.S. administration led by Mr. Obama. Naturally,
we particularly expect the new U.S. administration to take into
consideration Turkey’s sensitivities on matters which have vital
importance. This is also important not only for the bilateral relations
but also for peace and security," Erdogan said.

"It is important that Mr. Obama said U.S. support to efforts to deal
with terrorism would continue. We believe that cooperation and spirit
of solidarity between Turkey and the United States would continue to be
a landmark of strategic relations," the Turkish prime minister added.