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ANKARA: NSC: Statements about crisis in Turkey-US Reln's Exaggerated

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  • ANKARA: NSC: Statements about crisis in Turkey-US Reln's Exaggerated

    Turkish Press
    March 30 2005


    NSC: Statements about crisis in Turkey - US relations are baseless
    exaggerations

    ISTANBUL - Turkish National Security Council (NSC) Secretary General
    Yigit Alpogan said on Wednesday, ``statements about escalation of a
    crisis in Turkey-the United States relations are baseless
    exaggerations.``

    Turkish-American Business Council hosted a luncheon to mark the 20th
    anniversary of its foundation.

    Speaking at the luncheon, Alpogan said that both Turkey and the
    United States had the necessary potential, determination and will to
    further improve their bilateral relations.

    ``Various and rapid developments happen in our world every day as a
    result of the globalization process. Those developments affect
    everyone. Therefore, we expect Turkey and the United States to
    further improve their relations by protecting common values and
    interests,`` he said.

    Referring to recent comments of both Turkish and American circles
    about the bilateral relations, Alpogan said, ``such statements are
    considered normal in democracies. In fact, they can guide our efforts
    to develop our relations. However, everyone should act with
    common-sense as making such statements, and refrain from exaggerated
    evaluations that could lead inappropriate impressions in public
    opinions. Therefore, Turkish and American officials, representatives
    of public and private sectors, think-tank organizations and
    non-governmental organizations should take all necessary measures
    against attempts to damage the relations, and defend common
    interests.``

    ``Statements about escalation of a crisis in Turkey-the United States
    relations are baseless exaggerations. However, it is a fact that
    multi-dimensional structure of Turkey-the United States relations
    should be renewed. Turkey-the United States relations are sound
    enough not to be damaged with such statements,`` he said.

    Referring to the allegations of so-called Armenian genocide, Alpogan
    said, ``the United States should not make any concession about these
    allegations on the 90th anniversary of the relocation. We do not
    expect the U.S. administration to shed green light to such baseless
    allegations aiming to defame Turkish nation.``

    ``Our bilateral relations with the United States have further
    diversified under the light of international developments in the last
    15 years. Our countries share the same concerns against many regional
    problems. They have been cooperating to consolidate peace, stability
    and security in a vast area from Caucasus to the Balkans, from the
    Middle East to Central Asia. Therefore, Turkey and the United States
    need each other. Turkey and the United States are two countries
    expending efforts to develop democracy in the region. The Broader
    Middle East and North Africa Initiative serves this target. Turkey is
    ready to fulfil its responsibilities in this process with the aim of
    contributing to peace and stability,`` he said.

    Alpogan kept on saying, ``Turkey and the United States have also been
    cooperating in fight against terrorism and in prevention of
    proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The September 11th
    events have strengthened our cooperation in fight against
    international terrorism and organized crimes.``

    Referring to commercial relations between the two countries, Alpogan
    said, ``the trade volume, which was 4,66 billion U.S. dollars in
    1996, increased to 9,49 billion U.S. dollars in 2004.``

    Referring to recent developments in northern Iraq and Kirkuk, Alpogan
    said, ``we conveyed our concerns to the U.S. administration. Turkey
    and the United States should develop their cooperation in Iraq. U.S.
    Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice affirmed the importance they
    attributed to the territorial integrity of Iraq.``

    Alpogan added that the United States should continue extending stable
    and sound support to Turkey`s European Union membership process.
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