The letter encourages closer bilateral relations with the "key NATO ally," prior to President Obama's upcoming visit to Turkey, which will take place April 5-7.
The letter also advocates that Obama support Turkey's efforts to normalize relations with Armenia, Turkey's EU accession efforts and continued security assistance to officials in Ankara as they battle the terrorism of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
This is truly a historic opportunity to enhance the US-Turkey strategic partnership that has benefited both nations for over five decades," said Rep. Robert Wexler, co-president of the US-Turkey Congressional Friendship Caucus and chairman of the Europe Subcommittee.
"As President Obama implements a new strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan, addresses the growing threat of Iran's nuclear development and works to redeploy American troops from Iraq, Turkey's importance as a strategic ally to the United States cannot be understated. It is my hope that President Obama and his Turkish counterparts seize this opportunity to create the conditions for a deeper friendship based on shared values and a common commitment to democracy and human rights. To that end, it is essential that the president unequivocally supports Turkey's rapprochement with Armenia and offers continued assistance to Ankara as it combats PKK terrorists," Wexler added, leading the letter along with fellow Turkey Caucus co-chairpersons Rep. Ed Whitfield, Rep. Kay Granger and Rep. Alcee L. Hastings, co-chairman of the US Helsinki Commission.
The letter included the signatures of many members of Congress: Robert Wittman, John Tanner, Dan Burton, Bill Shuster, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Stephen Cohen, Jean Schmidt, Andre Carson, Solomon Ortiz, Joe Barton, Glen Thomson, Virginia Foxx, Joe Wilson, Brad Miller, David Scott, Ike Skelton, Norman Dicks, Carolyn Kilpatrick, Betty McCollum, Geoff Davis, Bill Pascrell, Gresham Barrett, James Moran, Howard Coble and Michael McMahon.
Benzer Haberler 
Diplomacy
