MEMBERS OF CONGRESS URGE OBAMA TO STRENGTHEN US TIES WITH TURKEY

American Chronicle
April 14 2009

Congressional Desk April 14, 2009Send Letter Expressing Strong Support
for U.S.-Turkish Relations Prior to President´s Turkey Visit

(Washington, DC) – Twenty-nine members of the Congressional Caucus on
US-Turkish relations sent President Barack Obama a bipartisan letter
urging him to enhance US-Turkish relations and to work more closely
with Turkish leaders on a number of American, Turkish and international
security challenges. Turkey Caucus members sent the strongly worded
letter encouraging closer bilateral relations with this key NATO ally,
prior to President Obama´s visit to Turkey, which took place April
5-7, 2009. The letter also advocates that the President support
Turkey´s efforts to normalize relations with Armenia, Turkey´s EU
accession efforts and continued security assistance to officials
in Ankara as they battle PKK terrorism. Congressman Wexler (D-FL),
Co-Chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Turkey and Chairman of the
Europe Subcommittee, led the letter along with fellow Turkey Caucus
Co-Chairs Congressman Ed Whitfield (R-KY) and Congresswoman Kay Granger
(R-TX), and Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), Co-Chairman of the
US Helsinki Commission.

"It is a testament to the importance of US-Turkish relations
that President Obama has chosen to visit Turkey during his first
trip abroad as President of the United States. This is truly an
historic opportunity to enhance the US-Turkey strategic partnership
that has benefited both nations for over five decades," said
Congressman Wexler. "As President Obama implements a new strategy
in Afghanistan and Pakistan, addresses the growing threat of Iran´s
nuclear development, and works to redeploy American troops from Iraq,
Turkey´s importance as a strategic ally to the United States cannot
be understated. It is my hope that President Obama and his Turkish
counterparts seize this opportunity to create the conditions for a
deeper friendship based on shared values and a common commitment
to democracy and human rights. To that end, it is essential that
the President unequivocally supports Turkey´s rapprochement with
Armenia and offers continued assistance to Ankara as it combats
PKK terrorists."

"President Obama’s upcoming visit to Istanbul and Ankara offers
further proof of how much the United States values its relationship
with Turkey," said Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX). "By virtue
of its central location and its democratic government, Turkey has
been a key player in the Middle East peace process and an invaluable
supporter of U.S. efforts in the region. I applaud the President for
recognizing Turkey’s importance to global security and stability and
look forward to building on our already strong alliance."

"As a member of the Congressional Turkey Caucus, I have always
been a staunch supporter and advocate for Turkey. Turkey, in
my opinion, remains a key strategic ally to the United States,"
said Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL). "It is imperative that
the United States continue to work to ensure that our alliance
with Turkey is strengthened in Congress and with the new Obama
administration. President Obama´s landmark trip to Turkey comes at
a critical for U.S.-Turkish relations and at a time of significant
importance in the region. Our shared values and common interests in
building a stable, peaceful, and prosperous world exemplify our long
and close relationship with Turkey, as evidenced by our partnership in
NATO. I remain committed to continuing to stand shoulder-to-shoulder
with the people of Turkey and Turkish-Americans here in the United
States as a friend and ally in the Congress."

"President Barack Obama´s historic visit to Turkey presents the
United States with an excellent chance to assert and strengthen
our relationship with a strategic ally and a critical trading
partner. During this time of economic uncertainty and great military
challenges, the United States must do all that it can to build upon
our ties to foreign nations and promote opportunities to grow the
global economy. I am hopeful that President Obama´s timely visit to
Turkey will foster further goodwill between our two nations and send
an important message about the value the United States places on our
relationship with Turkey," said Congressman Ed Whitfield (R-KY).