WASHINGTON D.C. - Members of Turkish friendship group in U.S. House of Representatives submitted on Wednesday a bill to the House of Representatives which noted the importance of Turkish-American relations and said welcome to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The members praised in the bill the strategical partnership between Turkey and the United States which was developed by depending on common principles like freedom and democracy for more than 50 years.
The bill also praises Turkey's support in fight against terrorism, its contribution in NATO, its command to peace force in Afghanistan and support of Turkish soldiers in Iraq in October 2003.
U.S. support to Turkey's European Union (EU) membership was confirmed in the bill and members thanked Erdogan, Turkish government and people for their contribution to international security, peace and prosperity.
While submitting the bill to the U.S. House of Representatives, Democrat Party member Robert Wexler said that it was an honour and privilege to say ''welcome'' to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan due to his historic visit to Washington D.C. The visit of Prime Minister Erdogan to Washington D.C. would further strengthen the relations between Turkey and the U.S., Wexler said, adding that this was important for the success of NATO, the stability of Afghanistan, the passage of American soldiers from Iraq, the security of the Middle East, and for the international fight against terrorism. Wexler stated that the visit also gave the opportunity to the U.S. to voice its strong support to Turkey's EU membership, and the political, economic and social reforms undertaken by Turkey to meet Copenhagen criteria.
Wexler noted that the members of U.S. Congress's Turkish friendship group applauded Prime Minister Erdogan for his determination in democracy, freedom and peace efforts, and that they hoped to work together with Erdogan's government to deepen the bilateral relations in the coming months.
Republican Party member Ed Whitfield, who is another member of the friendship group, said in his part that Turkey was one of the most important allies of the U.S.
(GC-Öª-AÖ) 28.01.2004