ISTANBUL - Turkish National Security Council (NSC) Secretary General Yigit Alpogan said on Wednesday, ``statements about escalation of a crisis in Turkey-the United States relations are baseless exaggerations.``
Turkish-American Business Council hosted a luncheon to mark the 20th anniversary of its foundation.
Speaking at the luncheon, Alpogan said that both Turkey and the United States had the necessary potential, determination and will to further improve their bilateral relations.
``Various and rapid developments happen in our world every day as a result of the globalization process. Those developments affect everyone. Therefore, we expect Turkey and the United States to further improve their relations by protecting common values and interests,`` he said.
Referring to recent comments of both Turkish and American circles about the bilateral relations, Alpogan said, ``such statements are considered normal in democracies. In fact, they can guide our efforts to develop our relations. However, everyone should act with common-sense as making such statements, and refrain from exaggerated evaluations that could lead inappropriate impressions in public opinions. Therefore, Turkish and American officials, representatives of public and private sectors, think-tank organizations and non-governmental organizations should take all necessary measures against attempts to damage the relations, and defend common interests.``
``Statements about escalation of a crisis in Turkey-the United States relations are baseless exaggerations. However, it is a fact that multi-dimensional structure of Turkey-the United States relations should be renewed. Turkey-the United States relations are sound enough not to be damaged with such statements,`` he said.
Referring to the allegations of so-called Armenian genocide, Alpogan said, ``the United States should not make any concession about these allegations on the 90th anniversary of the relocation. We do not expect the U.S. administration to shed green light to such baseless allegations aiming to defame Turkish nation.``
``Our bilateral relations with the United States have further diversified under the light of international developments in the last 15 years. Our countries share the same concerns against many regional problems. They have been cooperating to consolidate peace, stability and security in a vast area from Caucasus to the Balkans, from the Middle East to Central Asia. Therefore, Turkey and the United States need each other. Turkey and the United States are two countries expending efforts to develop democracy in the region. The Broader Middle East and North Africa Initiative serves this target. Turkey is ready to fulfil its responsibilities in this process with the aim of contributing to peace and stability,`` he said.
Alpogan kept on saying, ``Turkey and the United States have also been cooperating in fight against terrorism and in prevention of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The September 11th events have strengthened our cooperation in fight against international terrorism and organized crimes.``
Referring to commercial relations between the two countries, Alpogan said, ``the trade volume, which was 4,66 billion U.S. dollars in 1996, increased to 9,49 billion U.S. dollars in 2004.``
Referring to recent developments in northern Iraq and Kirkuk, Alpogan said, ``we conveyed our concerns to the U.S. administration. Turkey and the United States should develop their cooperation in Iraq. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice affirmed the importance they attributed to the territorial integrity of Iraq.``
Alpogan added that the United States should continue extending stable and sound support to Turkey`s European Union membership process.