TURKEY AS CRITICAL U.S. ALLY

Voice of America
April 10 2009

The United States and Turkey have stood together through many
challenges over the last 60 years as NATO allies and friends who
share fundamental values. Like the United States, Turkey is a secular
democracy, founded on the separation of religion from politics,
yet coupled with deep respect for freedom of religion.

Today, the U.S.-Turkey partnership is even more critical as both
countries face formidable issues, including a global economic crisis,
terrorism, and strains on the energy supply.

During his recent visit to Turkey, President Barack Obama urged
the expansion of trade between the U.S. and Turkey. "This economic
cooperation," said President Obama, "only reinforces the common
security that Europe and the United States share with Turkey as a NATO
ally, and the common values that we share as democracies." Because
of these common values, the U.S. strongly supports Turkey’s bid to
join the European Union.

"Turkey has been a resolute ally and a responsible partner in
transatlantic and European institutions," President Obama said. "Europe
gains by the diversity of ethnicity, tradition and faith; it is not
diminished by it."

Turkey has taken critical steps toward E-U membership, including
abolishing state-security courts and expanding the right to
counsel. Turkey has reformed the penal code and passed laws to
strengthen freedom of the press and assembly.

In addition, Turkey has lifted some restrictions on broadcasting
in Kurdish and has committed to opening up Kurdish Language and
Literature departments at two universities. President Obama also
encouraged further reforms. "Democracies cannot be static," he said,
"They must move forward."

With regard to regional relations, the United States supports the
normalization of ties between Turkey and Armenia. An open border,
said President Obama, would return the Turkish and Armenian people to
a peaceful and prosperous coexistence benefitting both nations. The
U.S. also hopes that normalization of relations between Turkey and
Armenia will contribute to resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

In the Middle East, the U.S. and Turkey support a secure Iraq that
does not provide safe haven for terrorists. Iraq, Turkey, and the
U.S. all face a common threat from terrorist organizations, including
the Kurdish terrorist organization known as PKK. President Obama
pledged continued U.S. support in the fight against PKK terrorism.

In addition to joining forces against terrorism, the U.S. seeks
broad engagement with the Muslim world, based on mutual interests
and mutual respect. "We will listen carefully," said President Obama,
"bridge misunderstandings and seek common ground."

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress