speeches

Ambassador Eric Edelman: I just had an opportunity to have a good first conversation with the Prime Minister. We had an opportunity to discuss a broad range of issues. We both agreed that our relationship has been a strong and important one for both countries, historically. And that it should be a broader and deeper relationship in the future. We covered a range of issues including the process of reform, Turkey's EU candidacy, economics and other regional issues. And obviously, I think we'll look forward to working together to make this a very strong and healthy U.S.-Turkish relationship.

Q: Mr. Ambassador, there is some news regarding Mr. Erdogan's visit to Iran. It's says you have hesitations about his visit. Is it correct?

Ambassador Edelman: This has been my first meeting with Prime Minister Erdogan. So, stories about an earlier meeting are just false.

Q: So, you haven't also sent any message through foreign affairs ministry?

Ambassador Edelman: I don't want to get into discussion about what my messages to the foreign affairs ministry may or may not have been. Because that would become an endless discussion.

Q: Mr. Ambassador, has the issue of sending troops to Iraq came on the agenda? And if so, what did you say to the Prime Minister?

Ambassador Edelman: Without getting into the details of my discussion with him, we had a broad discussion about the region, about the importance of Iraq being reconstructed on a basis of political unity, territorial integrity and in a way that all of the citizens of Iraq will have their rights respected. And in a way that, as President Bush has said, will end the threat of terror from Iraq in whatever form it takes. We understand that Turkey has its own decision making process. We're very respectful of that process. And we're working with our colleagues to provide them the information they need to make their own assessment and decisions

Q: Mr. Ambassador, have you discussed the issue of taking out PKK-KADEK terrorists from Iraq, from the region?

Ambassador Edelman: We discussed the issue of terrorism and the threat it represents. And the great suffering that has resulted in Turkey because of the PKK-KADEK and its terrorist activities. We also discussed the discussions that began between the United States and Turkey on Friday and which will be continuing over the next period of weeks in search of a common approach to a problem. And the objective that we both have is clear, which is to eliminate the threat of terror from Iraq. Thank you all very much.