Statements by U.S. Officials

TURKEY: Death of Former Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit

Statement by Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
November 6, 2006     

We were saddened to learn of the death of Bulent Ecevit, Prime Minister of Turkey four times between 1974 and 2002.  Mr. Ecevit’s commitment to Turkey and its secular, democratic institutions was respected throughout the world.  His accomplishments beyond the political sphere, in poetry, writing and linguistics, showed that he was also a man of great intellectual curiosity and talent.  We extend our sincere condolences to Mr. Ecevit’s family and to the people of Turkey.