Statements by U.S. Officials

Remarks by Senator John Warner and Senator Carl Levin, Representatives of Senate Armed Service Committee, Following Their Meetings at the Parliament

Ankara, March 23, 2006

SENATOR WARNER:  Thank you Mr. Chairman and your colleagues.  May I first introduce the members of my delegation of six United States senators?  I am the Chairman of the Military Committee in the Senate.  Mr. Levin is the ranking member on that committee.  We have served in the United States Senate together on this committee for 28 years which is one of the longest records in the recent history of our Congress.  On Mr. Levin’s right is Mr. Thomas of the great state of Wyoming.  On my left, Mr. Bingaman of New Mexico, Mr. Salazar of the state of Colorado and Mr. Sessions of the state of Alabama. 

We have just completed a very swift and difficult trip – two days in Afghanistan, two days in Iraq.  And we decided because of the pivotal importance of Turkey, we wanted to come and have this opportunity, Mr. Chairman, to visit with you and your colleagues.  So we are senior members of the civilian side of our defense, and also today Turkey is being visited by the Chief, the Chairman of our military committee.  So it is an opportunity to show the United States support for strengthening our relationship. 

I share the opening comments by the distinguished Chairman that he has confidence in the continuing strengthening of the relationship between our countries.  We share common values.  But given that my principal responsibility is the military, I ask your patience to sketch my association with this nation in terms of our military relationships. 

My respect for the long history of this nation and its current very critical role in protecting freedom started many years ago.  To be specific it was the winter of 1951-1952, when as a young officer in the United States Marine Corps I served in Korea.  I witnessed first-hand the professionalism of the Turkish forces.  You may recall that was a United Nations military operation.  There were a number countries engaged in that fight.  But we used to say in the Marines, if a Turkish brigade is on your flank, we can sleep tonight, because we fear not the enemy.  I saw the bravery of your soldiers.  In the years that followed, I became the head of our navy.  And in the Cold War era, I came here on a number of occasions to work with your navy and the Bosphorus which, as you recall, was the sea lane that served the Soviet fleets in the Black Sea.  A fine navy.  And we worked to strengthen your navy with exchange of technical information.

In the years that followed, I have had, again, many opportunities to work with your military.  The most recent was last September, when I came as a part of the ceremony to start the new NATO Air Command Center here in Turkey.  I was joined by our Chairman at that time, Senator Stevens.  Turkey was purposely selected to have this new NATO facility because of its strong partnership in NATO for these many years.  And the location of it here was selected to reflect the confidence that NATO and its nations have in the Turkish military. 

I would conclude by saying that we have our differences of views and we respect them about the various trouble spots in the world today.  But I am anxious to get your perspectives on Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, and other problem areas, because Turkey is a partner in the war on terrorism – a reliable partner.  While our nation always feels that diplomacy is a first line of deterrence and defense, I point out through history that diplomacy can be no stronger than the will and the resolve to back it up if necessary and the capacity to do so.  Thank you.

May I suggest that my colleague, Mr. Levin, be invited to say a word or two.

SENATOR LEVIN:  Mr. Chairman and fellow parliamentarians, I look forward very much to meeting with you and to hearing your thoughts on a number of subjects, including the following: how can we promote a prompt creation of a government of national unity in Iraq; what can be done from our countries to bring an end to the political gridlock and deadlock which is going to delay the day when Iraq can become a source of stability instead of a source of instability. 

We also very much look forward to your thoughts on how to avoid a violent confrontation with Iran.  We all want to avoid having Iran have nuclear weapons, how can we achieve that without violence.  I also very much would welcome your thoughts on the war against the terrorists, whether those terrorists be religious fanatics or terrorists of any other type.  You have had personal experience with terrorism, and we would very much value your thoughts on how best to address the terrorist issue regardless of its source.  Thank you so much for meeting with us.  I am only sorry this meeting is so short. 

Thank you.