PR Newswire
March 5, 2010 Friday 12:02 PM EST

Statement by Marion C. Blakey on the U.S.-Turkish Alliance

ARLINGTON, Va., March 5

ARLINGTON, Va., March 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Critical national
security, economic and diplomatic relations with our ally Turkey are
threatened by yesterday’s House Foreign Relations Committee vote
approving the resolution condemning Turkey for the Armenian genocide
that took place 95 years ago.

Turkey and the United States have important and long-standing
strategic and economic ties. Turkey is a strong democracy, a fellow
member of NATO and a critical partner in the war against terrorists.
Turkey plays an important role in America’s recovery as we anticipate
more than $11 billion in potential defense and aerospace sales to
Turkey this year providing nearly 70,000 American jobs.

While no one supports the events that led to this resolution, we
believe it is not the best use of congressional energy when our
nation’s economy is suffering, and Turkey is supporting our efforts in
Afghanistan. We’re urging President Obama and the Speaker of the House
to ensure that the resolution doesn’t go to the House floor for a
vote. There is simply too much at stake.

Founded in 1919, the Aerospace Industries Association represents the
nation’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military, and
business aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aircraft systems, space
systems, aircraft engines, materiel, and related components, equipment
services, and information technology.

SOURCE Aerospace Industries Association