AHI AND ANCA ISSUE JOINT STATEMENT ON SENATE RESOLUTION REGARDING U.S.-TURKEY RELATIONS
Hellenic News of America, PA
Oct 30 2007
WASHINGTON, DC – Executive Director Nick Larigakis issued a joint
statement today with Aram Hamparian Executive Director for the
Armenian National Committee, to members of the Senate Foreign Relations
Committee regarding the introduction by Senators Gordon Smith (R-OR)
and Robert Byrd (D-WV) of S.Res. 358 regarding U.S.-Turkey relations.
The statement says:
The resolution introduced by Senators Smith and Byrd neither
serves U.S. interests nor advances American values by sugarcoating
Turkey�s record or by ignoring serious tensions in the
U.S.-Turkey bilateral relationship.
Any legislation that the Congress considers on this issue should
clearly and prominently address Turkey�s threats to invade
and destabilize northern Iraq, its immoral and heavy-handed threats
against the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, military occupation
of Cyprus, continued airspace violations of Greek-sovereign airspace
over the Aegean, blockade of Armenia, mistreatment of the Kurds,
and restrictions on the religious freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarch
and other Christian leaders.
Below is a copy of S.Res. 358 regarding U.S.-Turkish relations.
SENATE RESOLUTION 358-EXPRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF FRIENDSHIP AND
COOPERATION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND TURKEY
S.Res. 358
Mr. SMITH (for himself and Mr. Byrd) submitted the following
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations:
Whereas the United States and Turkey share common ideals and a clear
vision for the 21st century, in which freedom and democracy are the
foundation of peace, prosperity, and security;
Whereas Turkey is a strong example of a predominantly Muslim country
with a true representative democratic government; Whereas for more
than 50 years a strategic partnership has existed between the United
States and Turkey, both bilaterally and through the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization, which has been of enormous political, economic,
cultural, and strategic benefit to both countries;
Whereas the Government of Turkey has demonstrated its opposition to
terrorism throughout the world, and has called for the international
community to unite against this threat;
Whereas Turkey maintains an important bilateral relationship with
Israel and seeks to play a constructive role in Middle East peace
negotiations;
Whereas Operation Enduring Freedom entered its 6th year on October 7th,
2007; Whereas Turkey commanded the International Security Assistance
Force in Afghanistan twice, from July 2002 to January 2003, and from
February 2005 to August 2005;
Whereas Turkey has provided humanitarian and medical assistance in
Afghanistan and in Iraq; Whereas the Government of Turkey has made
its base in Incirlik available for United States missions in Iraq
and Afghanistan;
Whereas Secretary of Defense Robert Gates credits United States air
bases in Turkey with handling 70 percent of all air cargo deployed
into Iraq;
Whereas 95 percent of the Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protective vehicles
(MRAPs) deployed into Iraq transit through air bases in Turkey;
Whereas MRAPs protect coalition forces from improvised explosive
devices and roadside bombs; Whereas the people of Turkey have been
victims of terrorist attacks by Al-Qaeda on November 15, 2003, and
November 20, 2003;
Whereas the United States supports Turkey’s bid for membership in
the European Union; and Whereas the Secretary of State has listed
the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, which has taken up arms against Turkey
since its founding, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in accordance
with section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate-
1. reiterates its strong support for the strategic alliance between the
United States and Turkey; 2. urges Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
of Turkey to communicate the continuing support of the Senate and of
the people of the United States to the people of Turkey; 3. condemns
the violent attacks conducted by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party over
the last 2 decades; 4. urges Kurdish leaders in Iraq to deny safe
harbor for terrorists and to recognize bilateral agreements between
Iraq and Turkey for cooperation against terrorism; 5. encourages the
Government of Turkey and the Government of Iraq to continue to work
together to end the threat of terrorism; and 6. thanks Prime Minister
Erdogan and the people and Government of Turkey for-
(A)assuming command of the International Security Assistance Force in
Kabul, Afghanistan from July 2002 to January 2003, and from February
2005 to August 2005;
(B) providing humanitarian and medical assistance in Afghanistan and
in Irag;
(C) their willingness to contribute to international peace, stability,
and prosperity, especially in the greater Middle East region; and
(D) their continued discussions with officials in the United States
and Iraq regarding constructive stabilization efforts in northern Iraq.
ewsid=7580&lang=US