Press Releases

Embassy Press Statement

Ankara, March 8, 2006

A translation error during Ambassador Wilson’s meeting with journalists yesterday in Adana resulted in the Ambassador’s comments being reflected incorrectly in the Turkish press.  In response to a question about the US State Department appointing diplomats who are familiar with Iran, the Ambassador said the following: 

“Secretary Rice several weeks ago announced a priority effort to restructure America’s diplomatic presence overseas.  What she talked about was moving people and positions from some of our largest embassies in places like London and Paris, Moscow, Tokyo, and adding them to our diplomatic presence in other parts of the world where there is a lot more activity, and frankly some higher priority in our diplomatic work.  Secretary Rice, in her testimony before Congress two or three weeks ago, also talked about expanding our attention to Iran.  She talked about opening a new office of Iranian affairs at the State Department, and increasing the attention that we give to it at our missions around the world.”   

For a full transcript of the Ambassador’s remarks, we invite you to visit our website at http://ankara.usembassy.gov.