ANKARA - Turkey-U.S. Interparliamentary Friendship Group Chairman Egemen Bagis hosted a dinner on Monday in honor of members of U.S. Congressional Study Group on Turkey who are currently in Ankara.
Speaking at the dinner, Bagis reminded that Ed Whitfield (Co-chairman of Turkey Friendship Group at House of Representatives of U.S. Congress) led the first U.S. delegation which visited Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) by using Ercan Airport. He said, "following this initiative, other foreign delegations paid such visits."
"Also U.S. delegation`s attending the first formal luncheon in Turkey together with TRNC Ambassador shows the determination to lift the isolations (on TRNC)," noted Bagis. He also expressed pleasure over the efforts of U.S. delegation against the draft on so-called Armenian genocide.
Noting that Iraq and PKK terrorist organization were discussed in all meetings of U.S. delegation, Bagis said that terrorism in Iraq is preventing many things.
On the other hand, Co-chairman Whitfield said that they had many beneficial meetings within the last few days, adding that they discussed TRNC issue, PKK terrorism, Turkey`s EU process and the draft on so-called Armenian genocide.
The U.S. delegation will proceed to Istanbul on Tuesday, and depart from Turkey on Friday.