Wednesday, 16 May 2007* U.S. AMBASSADOR ROSS WILSON PRAISES TURKEY FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST TERROR
ANKARA - "The United States is looking for how it can further help Turkish security forces find, go after and defeat those endangering the citizens of Turkey," said Ross Wilson, Ambassador of the United States to Ankara, on Monday.
Ambassador Wilson delivered an opening speech at the conference on "Countering Ideological Support for Terrorism" held at Ankara`s Swiss Hotel on Monday.
Ambassador Wilson stressed that "(terrorist organizations such as) ASALA, DHKP-C, and the PKK-or Kongra-Gel or KADEK or TAK, are all the same thing. These are among the most prominent groups whose violence accounted for nearly 40,000 lost lives over the past several decades."
Wilson noted that the September 11 (2001) attacks changed the way the U.S. regarded international terrorism.
"We resolved at that time to lead the international fight against al-Qaeda and to cooperate with like-minded countries to strengthen their and international system`s ability to defeat terrorism and defend the people."
Ross Wilson stated that "our countries and many others have resolved to work together more effectively to fight terrorism."
Ambassador Wilson underlined that "despite the frightful attacks of November 2003 in Istanbul by al-Qaeda, Turkey has been heroic in supporting efforts by the U.S. and others to shut down this deadly organization. Turkey is a major contributor in Afghanistan to defeat terrorism. To say that the world should be grateful for the strong efforts of Turkey against al-Qaeda would be a dramatic understatement."
Wilson further stated that "the PKK is the most difficult specific terrorist problem that Turkey encounters. It is one where none of Turkey`s allies have done all they can or should. Even if I am frustrated with the slow pace of recent, demonstrable steps, I am proud of the help the United States has provided. It reflects our support to an ally in need and our contribution to defeating a terrorist and criminal menace that is bad for Turkey, bad for Europe, and bad for Iraq."
"We are working on a number of strategies with Turkey to squeeze the PKK, reduce its ability to raise money and operate, and strangle its presence in northern Iraq. My government is committed to this at the highest level, and I am determined that we will produce results," underscored Wilson.
According to Wilson, the biggest part of the struggle with the PKK is ultimately Turkey`s burden. "It is tough, even ugly work. In recent weeks, Turkish security forces have clearly taken the battle to the PKK. The United States supports that work."
Ambassador Wilson remarked that "Turkey`s work in further developing its democracy, broadening free speech and free expression, and broadening prosperity and investment to the eastern parts of the country can help counteract the PKK ideology of terror."
He added that "the establishment of this NATO-certified Center for Excellence for the Defense Against Terrorism is a clear indicator of Turkey`s strong interest in working with, learning from, and providing its insights to other allied and friendly governments."
16 May 2007
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Wednesday, 16 May 2007
US and Turkey
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