Pearson: We Consider Ankara As A European Capital City And We Support It

ANKARA - U.S. Ambassador in Ankara Robert Pearson said on Monday that they considered Ankara as a European capital city and they were supporting it.
Pearson, whose term in office would end in a short time, visited Ankara Great City Mayor Melih Gokcek.
Making a speech during his farewell visit, Pearson said that he had a good time in Ankara throughout his three year term.
Pearson said that a new U.S. embassy building would be constructed in Ankara in ten years.
Pearson added that they also wanted an office of Turkish Airlines (THY) to be opened in Washington.
When asked his views about the services of Ankara Great City Municipality, Pearson said, ''subway system is very good. Efforts to bring order to traffic are continuing. We consider Ankara as a European capital city and we are supporting it.''
Gokcek told Pearson that he was leaving Turkey at a time they got used to him.
Gokcek said that he hoped that Pearson was pleased with the services of municipality and he would see a more beautiful Ankara when he would visit next time.
(GC-AÖ) 21.07.2003