ANKARA (AA) - Turkish Justice and Development Party (AKP) Istanbul deputy Egemen Bagis has indicated that, by visiting the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), the U.S. congressional delegation headed by Ed Whitfield ''did the right thing''.
Bagis, Whitfield and Florida Congressman Robert Wexler, one of the founders of the Turkish friendship group in the U.S. Congress, held a press conference at the Turkish parliament.
''I want to thank our guests for paying a visit to the TRNC, as their step was a right one,'' stressed Bagis. ''They remained firmly determined despite objections from some U.S. circles,'' noted Bagis.
Bagis told that the American delegation had a chance to see the TRNC democracy in action, with its public and private institutions working smoothly. ''Our American friends also had a chance to see how aggressive the Greek Cypriots are. Mr. Tassos Papadopoulos did not want to meet the U.S. delegation,'' said Bagis.
Bagis commented that this was the first political visit by an American delegation to the TRNC. ''I hope that this visit will form an example to other delegations from other countries,'' expressed Bagis.
Head of the U.S. delegation Whitfield remarked that ''hopefully, our flight to Ercan Airport will remind Papadopoulos that the international community will not remain idle as long as international isolation continues in the island.''
Whitfield indicated that his delegation will work on establishing direct flights from the TRNC to Washington soon. ''There is a student exchange program between TRNC universities and the Rotary Club in Georgia, United States,'' said Whitfield.
Whitfield reminded that the Turkish-American relations are strong based on common values and will continue to be strong in the future.
(SOL-MS)
2005-06-01