Statements by U.S. Officials

Stephen Hadley: Good evening. I’m coming to Turkey as the first stop on my first trip outside the United States as National Security Advisor. I came to Turkey first to emphasize the importance of the strategic relationship between the United States and Turkey. It is one of the most important bilateral relationships my country has with any country. We share common values and common interests. My purpose in being here is to consult with our close ally Turkey on the important issues of the day. I’ve had a very good conversation with Prime Minister Erdogan and am looking forward to additional conversations tomorrow.

I’d be glad to take a couple of questions.

Question: I wonder whether the real fight against the PKK in northern Iraq is the responsibility of the coalition forces rather then the Iraqi Government, which is in chaos now.

Stephen Hadley: It is the responsibility of all of us. The PKK is a terrorist organization and we condemn its activities. We understand that its activities in northern Iraq affect Turkey and cost Turkish lives. The coalition, the Iraqi Transitional Government, and Turkey need to work together to do more against this threat. We need to do more in northern Iraq, but we also need to do more to disrupt the fundraising and other activities elsewhere that support the PKK.

Question: Turkey is at a very important and critical point in its EU negotiations (inaudible). Did you express the views of the United States to the Prime Minister in this regard and will you be able to provide support to Turkey (inaudible)?

Stephen Hadley: Our vision for Europe is a Europe that is whole, free, and at peace, a Europe in which Turkey is a full and valued member. We think that is important for Europe. We think it is important for Turkey. This is not a new position for my government. It is a long held position and it is fully supported by President Bush. We support the accession process and look forward to it beginning October 3^rd.

Thank you very much.