WASHINGTON D.C. - The U.S. Department of State released a press statement regarding the death of former Turkish PM Bulent Ecevit on Monday.
In the statement, the U.S. Department of State said, "we are saddened to learn of the death of Bulent Ecevit, Prime Minister of Turkey four times between 1974 and 2002. Mr. Ecevit's commitment to Turkey and its secular, democratic institutions was respected throughout the world."
"His accomplishments beyond the political sphere, in poetry, writing and linguistics, showed that he was also a man of great intellectual curiosity and talent. We extend our sincere condolences to Mr. Ecevit's family and to the people of Turkey."