Ambassador's remarks & public events

Remarks by Ambassador Ross Wilson at a Reception Hosted by The International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Ankara, February 2, 2006

AMBASSADOR WILSON:  Thank you very much.  It is a great honor to be here this evening to show my support, and the support of the United States Government, for these very important activities that IOM is engaged in this country to fight the problem of trafficking in persons.  Most of what we do as diplomats is focused on abstract issues --sometimes abstract issues that are very important, but they are still very abstract.  But we are here tonight to talk about, and to show support for this practical program that deals with the lives of people.  The United States is deeply concerned about the problem of trafficking in persons in Turkey, in the region, and in the world.  It is a problem for this country, for the region, and for all of us.  I am very proud of the support that the United States has given to this program.  I encourage others who have resources to make them available for expansion of IOM’s efforts in this area, and expansion of Turkey’s struggle against the problem of trafficking in persons here, in the region, and around the world.  And I want to congratulate IOM for its outstanding work.  Thank you very much.