ANKARA - U.S. Ambassador in Ankara Eric Edelman has stated that the governments of Turkey and the U.S. understand well how important are the mutual relations and that, despite ups and downs, such disagreements will not hurt bilateral ties.
In a press meeting at his residence, Edelman said that the views of the public get shaped by many factors. ''One of the reasons for the recent anti-American sentiments in Turkey has to do with Iraq,'' remarked Edelman. He stressed that things are now getting better in this country.
Edelman said that, in the past six weeks, there has been many contacts between Turkish and American officials. He referred to the meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Turkish FM Abdullah Gul and stated that both sides are aware of the importance of ties.
Asked what he thinks on Kirkuk, Edelman remarked that the U.S. wishes to preserve Iraq's territorial integrity. ''The Iraqi people will decide on Kirkuk through a compromise'' he said.
Reminded by a journalist about the recent comments of the U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on how the Turkish Parliament's decision not to let the U.S. troops use Turkish soil in an attack on north of Iraq in 2003, Edelman stated that the Turkish Parliament's decision caused disappointment in the United States. ''Nevertheless, the U.S. is not interested with the past. We look at the future,'' commented Edelman.
-NO POLICY OF REVENGE-
Edelman expressed that he does not share the view that the U.S. is trying to punish Turkey. ''Had the U.S. carried such feelings, it would not have been possible to support Turkish relations with the IMF and EU. Furthermore, it would not have been possible to act hand-in-hand with Turkey on the issues such as Middle East and Cyprus,'' noted Edelman. ''The U.S. does not have a policy of revenge'' he indicated.
In response to a question on Iran, Edelman replied that the issue of Iran was not discussed between Rice and Gul in detail. ''The U.S. has not made any demand from Turkey on Iran. We look at Iran's nuclear activities as a possible problem for the region,'' told Edelman.
Edelman added that, if Tehran cooperates, the subject of Iran would be resolved through diplomatic means.
-CYPRUS-
Asked about what steps the U.S. will take to end the international blockade against the Turkish Cypriots, Edelman answered that there have been certain steps taken by the American administration. ''Initiatives on several topics pertaining to Cyprus are still going on'' he said.
According to Edelman, the United States had promised the Turkish Cypriots that, in case the Annan Plan would be accepted by the Turkish Cypriots and rejected by Greek Cypriots, the U.S. would help end the isolation of Turkish Cypriots.
''For the first time, we invited the ambassador of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in Ankara to our embassy's July 4th reception. We are helping the TRNC citizens to obtain American visas. Our trade and agriculture attaches are constantly in touch with TRNC officials to explore trade opportunities. We have extended a financial assistance of 30 million U.S. dollars to TRNC,'' indicated Edelman.
Upon a question on the terrorist organization PKK, Edelman commented that the U.S. faces a tough security situation in Iraq. ''Yet such a situation does not imply that we will not fulfill our promises'' he added.