U.S. Official Says They Are Neither A Supporter Nor An Opponent Of Ak Party

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Matt Bryza has said that there was not a hidden meaning or message in the United States` point of view about the closure case against Turkey`s ruling Justice & Development (AK) Party.
They were neither a supporter nor an opponent of the AK Party, Bryza said.
Speaking at a conference hosted by the Turkish Industrialists` & Businessmen`s Association in Washington, D.C. on "U.S.-Turkey Relations in the 21st Century", Bryza said that the political future of Turkey should be determined by Turkish voters themselves in line with Turkey`s secular values and democracy.
Asked whether the United States was concerned that the EU could decide to halt the negotiation process with Turkey in case of AK Party`s closure by the court, Bryza said that they, of course, were concerned, but it would be the EU`s decision.
We are concerned since we believe that one of our deepest strategic interests in the eastern Mediterranean is Turkey`s full integration with the European-Atlantic, and it means Turkey`s full membership to the EU, Bryza added.

(UK-MS)