Reception Held For U.S. Independence Day

ANKARA (A.A) - 03.07.2002 - U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Robert Pearson held a reception on Wednesday upon the U.S. Independence Day.
Speaking in the reception, Pearson said that the foundation of the U.S. was laid in Philadephia 226 years ago and that the U.S. continued to work for world peace, stability and prosperity since that date.
Also speaking in Turkish, Pearson said that the Turkish nation founded the Turkish Republic under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in 1923 on strong basis, adding that this state model constituted an ideal model for developing countries in the 20th century.
Pearson said that many non-governmental organizations share the view that Turkey has the potential to realize the real prosperity which its own nation deserves. ''U.S. is proud of being besides Turkey in this process,'' said Pearson and noted that Turkey tries to bring new horizons to Afghan people by undertaking the command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Pearson said that Turkey which has assumed new responsibilities in a broad region, is resolved in EU membership, and it has all the possibilities to make full membership come true. Pearson said that the U.S. will continue to be besides Turkey in the brave, but difficult steps the latter will take to this end.
Noting that terrorism targets all countries in the world as being a global threat, Pearson said that states which have overcome many difficulties in the 20th century, will also end terrorism threat.
Pearson said that the U.S. can't find a better friend, a stronger partner and a wiser consultant than Turkey in its fight with terrorism.
State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel who attended the reception on behalf of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, Gurel said that the friendly relations between the two countries have a long history. He stressed that Turkey has understood very well the deep sorrow felt over the tragic incidents that took place on September 11 in the U.S. as a country which suffered much from terrorism.
Gurel said that the Turkish-U.S. relations have further strengthened and reached the strategic partnership level, adding that the two countries work not only to give a better future for their own peoples, but for the prosperity of the whole humanity.
PRESIDENT SEZER SENDS MESSAGE OF CONGRATULATION TO U.S. PRESIDENT BUSH
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer sent a message of congratulation to U.S. upon the 226th anniversary of the U.S. Independence Day on Wednesday.
Presidential Press Centre noted that President Sezer said in his message that he believed the strategic cooperation between the two countries will further improve and deepen in all fields particularly in the fight with terrorism.
''Turkey and the U.S. which are two close allies, support each other to protect the common values of the society of free and democratic nations for a period more than half century. I have no doubt that our strategic partnership will continue to contribute to consolidation of peace, security and prosperity in free Europe and Eurasia and the Middle East and to maintain the harmony among civilizations,'' Sezer said in his message and congratulated the Independence Day of U.S. President George W. Bush and the friendly U.S. nation.