Embassy of the United States

Question: What is the Embassy doing to protect the environment and promote recycling? (November 2009)

Question: What does the U.S. hope to accomplish regarding the Kurdish issue and the PKK in Turkey? (July 2009)

Question: Does the Obama Administration consider Turkey a moderately Islamic state? (June 2009)

Ambassador Jeffrey:  We agree with the prime minister’s recent statement, “The Turkish Republic is a contemporary, democratic, secular, and social state based on law, whose population is majority Muslim.&rdquoBoth President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton commended Turkey’s secular democratic system during their visits to Turkey. Secretary Clinton emphasized during her visit to Ankara in March of this year that our two countries “share a commitment to democracy, a secular constitution, respect for religious freedom, a belief in free markets, and a sense of global responsibility.”  That said, no one disputes the fact that the majority of Turks identify themselves as Muslim.  Similarly, even though the majority of Americans identify themselves as Christian, the U.S. does not consider itself and is not considered by most others to be a Christian country.  Our two countries may have different cultural and religious heritages, but we share a common foundation – an open, secular, and democratic system.

Question: How does the U.S. respond to KRG President Barzani’s claim that the U.S. has not done enough for Iraqi Kurds regarding the status of Kirkuk? (May 2009)

Ambassador Jeffrey:  The United States is committed to working with the United Nations, the Government of Iraq and Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government to develop follow-on processes to resolve these complicated and sensitive issues, including the status of Kirkuk. The U.S. goal is to assist the Iraqis to develop an equitable process to resolve the disputed territories, and to foster momentum of that process. We recognize that disputed internal boundaries are one of the most difficult issues facing Iraq today. Progress towards resolving these issues will require compromises by all sides in the spirit of cooperation and non-violence. As we consider these important next steps, it is vital that all sides refrain from any actions or rhetoric that might increase political tensions or raise the risk of confrontations on the ground. 

Ambassador Jeffrey:  At this moment, our focus is on how, moving forward, the U.S. can help Armenia and Turkey work together to develop a common future of peace, security, and prosperity and to come to terms with their shared past. And we are encouraged by recent Turkish and Armenian efforts in this area.

It is important that countries have an open and honest dialogue about the past. At the same time, we want to work closely with both Turkey and Armenia on the key issues that confront the region. Turkey is a valued NATO ally and important friend to the United States in a region of vital interest to us. Turkish views on this question have been raised at all levels of the Turkish government with us.   

Ambassador Jeffrey:  The relationship between Turkey and the United States is characterized by strong bonds of friendship, alliance, and mutual trust.  We share regional and global objectives: the promotion of peace, democracy, freedom and prosperity.  Turkey and the United States have pledged to work together on all issues including promoting peace and stability in the broader Middle East through democracy; supporting international efforts towards a permanent settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict, democracy and prosperity in a unified Iraq; supporting diplomatic efforts on Iran’s nuclear program, including the recent P5+1 initiative; contributing to stability, democracy and prosperity in the Black Sea region, the Caucasus, Central Asia and Afghanistan; supporting the achievement of a just and lasting, comprehensive and mutually-acceptable settlement of the Cyprus question under the auspices of the UN, and in this context ending the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots; enhancing energy security through diversification of routes and sources, including from the Caspian basin; strengthening transatlantic relations and the transformation of NATO; countering terrorism, including the fight against the PKK and its affiliates; preventing WMD proliferation; combating illegal trafficking of persons, drugs and weapons; increasing understanding, respect and tolerance between and among religions and cultures; and promoting together effective multilateral action to find solutions to international challenges and crises of common concern.  Finally, the United States encourages Turkey's accession to the European Union and the accession process now underway. 

Our consultation and cooperation also includes enhanced bilateral relations with particular emphasis on economic and commercial relations and investments; defense/military cooperation; science and technology; and public diplomacy efforts and exchanges.

Ambassador: President Obama and Vice President Biden have pledged  a new era of American leadership, that includes efforts to end the war in Iraq responsibly, finish the fight against the Taliban and al Qaeda in Afghanistan, secure nuclear weapons and loose nuclear materials from terrorists, and renew American diplomacy to support strong alliances and to seek a lasting peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

This week, President Obama was interviewed by al-Arabiya – his first foreign interview -  because he wanted to start a dialogue with Muslim audiences, a dialogue he intends to conduct forthrightly and respectfully.  The President believes Americans and Muslims can and should enjoy a productive and close relationship working toward common goals and interests, such as a more peaceful Middle East, better educational opportunities for the region’s children, and creating more opportunities for all.  The United States should be actively engaged in promoting these objectives because they are consistent with American ideals and interests.  President Obama does not expect full agreement, and will always stand for American interests, but he believes that disagreements can be handled through respectful dialogue.  He is demonstrating commitment in his deeds, as well as words; for example he signed Executive Orders closing the Guantanamo Detention Facility and provided guidelines on interrogation as well as appointing George Mitchell as Special Envoy for Middle East Peace.  Special Envoy Mitchell is traveling to Europe and the Middle East to hear from key parties concerned and to listen carefully so that there is a greater understanding of the overall situation in the region.