NEWS AND EVENTS

For a transcript of the press availability, please click here.  

Agriculture and Rural development are Major Focuses of U.S. Aid to Afghanistan

A new $60 million voucher program will allow Afghan farmers to purchase bags of seed, fertilizer and other supplies from private-sector agricultural suppliers, enabling them to quickly increase food growth. The voucher program is part of a $10.2 billion pledge from the United States made at the International Conference in Support of Afghanistan, held in Paris June 12.  With this pledge, the United States plans to add to the $26 billion in support that has been given to Afghanistan since Taliban forces were ousted in 2001. Funds will be used to train and equip farmers to grow commercial crops rather than poppies refined into heroin; help develop new markets for crops; and build and repair roads, irrigation systems and other important infrastructure. 

. For more information on the program, please visit click here  

Conference Reaffirms International Commitment to Afghanistan

Secretary Rice (June 12): "Today marks a time to reaffirm our steadfast commitment to the people of Afghanistan. We’re building here on the successful NATO conference at Bucharest, which committed to Afghanistan’s long-term security. I want you to be sure that the United States looks forward to continuing to work with all of our partners on this issue, and that the United States of America will be committed to Afghanistan for as long as it takes and well beyond for the development of a prosperous, democratic, and free Afghanistan." 

. For a complete transcript of Secretary Rice’s comments, please click here
. For a summary of U.S. assistance to Afghanistan, click here

.   Renewing International Commitment to Afghanistan

President Bush Expresses Support To Turkey’s EU Bid At EU Summit

President Bush, in the final US-EU Summit of his Presidency, expressed the US’ continued strong support for Turkey’s EU accession efforts.  During a press conference with Slovenian Prime Minister Jansa and President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso yesterday, President Bush also praised Turkey’s continued economic and democratic reforms.

“I'd like to clarify the U.S. position on is, we strongly believe Turkey ought to be a member of the EU, and we appreciate Turkey's record of democratic and free market reforms, and working to realize its EU aspirations.”

. For a complete transcript of President Bush’s remarks, please click here
. For Bush, European Leaders Support Additional Iran Sanctions, please click here

Ambassador Ross Wilson Speaks to Suleyman Demirel University Regarding U.S.-Turkish Bilateral Relations

Ambassador Ross Wilson participated in a panel discussion academics and students of Suleyman Demirel University in Isparta on June 2. The panel topic, Turkey in 2008 and Beyond, was one event hosted in conjunction with the university’s graduation celebrations. Suleyman Demirel, former President of Turkey and the university’s namesake gave the opening remarks. Ambassador Wilson, speaking to the audience in Isparta via Digital Video Conference from the embassy in Ankara, spoke on US-Turkish relations. He highlighted our two nations’ shared values regarding democracy when he said, "Democratic ideals and principles have been at the heart of our alliance and friendship for a long time.  Turkey’s success as a prosperous, stable democracy demonstrates the fallacy of the idea that democracy cannot survive in largely Muslim societies."

For the Ambassador’s complete remarks, please visit: http://turkey.usembassy.gov/amb_060208.html

Statement by Sean McCormack, State Department Spokesman

U.S.-Turkey Agreement for Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation (123 Agreement)

On June 2, the U.S. and Turkey brought into force the U.S.-Turkey Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy through an exchange of diplomatic notes. 

The Agreement provides a comprehensive framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation between the United States and Turkey under agreed nonproliferation conditions and controls.  It establishes a firm foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation in the important field of peaceful nuclear energy consistent with nonproliferation principles.

The Agreement has an initial term of 15 years, with provision for automatic renewal in increments of five years each unless either party decides to terminate it.  It opens opportunities for U.S. and Turkish industries by permitting the transfer between the two countries of technology, material, reactors, and components for nuclear research and nuclear power production.

The Agreement underlines the strong commitment of both countries to the development and use of civil nuclear energy in a safe and secure manner to advance the welfare and prosperity of their citizens.  The Agreement also demonstrates the commitment of two close friends and allies to promoting a strong global nuclear nonproliferation regime.  By bringing the Agreement for Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation into force today, the United States and Turkey have taken an important step in what they both expect will be a long and fruitful partnership to enhance nonproliferation and energy security.

For more information on the agreement, please see the fact sheet at: http://www.state.gov/p/eur/rls/fs/105492.htm

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Visits Ankara Today

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff is in Ankara today to discuss critical bilateral issues such as efforts to combat terrorism, enhancing the security of our respective borders, and regional security. Before his arrival in Turkey, Secretary Chertoff visited Afghanistan to swear in 44 soldiers as U.S. citizens at the U.S. Air Force Base in Baghram and Qatar to discuss measures to improve security screening at airports worldwide. Secretary Chertoff looks forward to meeting with Turkish officials to strengthen our NATO cooperation and to protect our land and sea borders while maximizing the legitimate movement of goods, people, and investment.

. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff’s Speaks to the Press Outside the Prime Ministry Ankara, Turkey (May 28, 2008)

Ambassador Wilson Attends Opening of US-Donated Computer Lab in Eskisehir

US Ambassador Ross Wilson attended the opening of a computer lab in Eskisehir’s Yildirim Beyazit Primary School in Eskisehir May 15.  The state of the art computer lab was donated to the school by US company Boeing Corporation and consists of twenty-one computers as well as computer desks and chairs.  Every year, Boeing donates computer labs like this one to five schools throughout Turkey; so far, Boeing has donated over sixty computer labs to schools throughout Turkey.  At the opening, Ambassador Wilson praised private companies like Boeing for their generosity to the local community.  He noted:

The United States of America and the Republic of Turkey are long-time allies, close partners and great friends.  We expressed that friendship through what we do together around the world on behalf of peace and freedom and prosperity.  That’s work that we do together as states, as governments, but we also reflect that partnership through what we do privately, through our private companies and private individuals do through their generosity and through the time that they make available to one another.

Henrietta H. Fore, Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), greets an official at the Yangon International airport May 12, 2008. The U.S. Military plane delivered water, food and medical supplies to Burma which was struck by Cyclone Nargis on May 2, 2008. Credit: Sgt Andres Alcaraz, U.S. Marine Corps.

U.S. Responds to Crises in China and Burma

The people of the United States extend their deepest sympathies and condolences to those injured and to the families of the victims of this week’s earthquake in China's Sichuan Province. In an effort to demonstrate our friendship and support, President Bush phoned President Hu to express condolences and offer American readiness to assist in the relief efforts. In addition, U.S. Ambassador to China Clark T. Randt, Jr., presented a $500,000 donation to the International Federation of the Red Cross to assist China’s relief efforts in areas affected by the earthquake in Sichuan province.

Director of Foreign Assistance and USAID Administrator Henrietta Fore said during a briefing yesterday, "We extend our deepest condolences to the people of China and to the people of Burma. The earthquake in China and tropical cyclone in Burma are the largest natural disasters that they have experienced in a generation. The extent of the devastation is vast, and the relief efforts require the cooperation and coordination of the entire international humanitarian aid community. USAID continues to focus our efforts on providing lifesaving assistance to both of these countries, and our hearts go out to all of those who are affected."

. Complete transcript of Director Fore’s briefing 
. An update on USAID's emergency humanitarian assistance to Burma 

U.S. Sends Aid to Cyclone Victims in Burma

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Henrietta Fore is traveling to the cyclone-stricken region of Southeast Asia in her capacity as the President's Special Coordinator for International Disaster Assistance. Her visit shows the deep commitment of the American people to support the relief efforts in Burma. She will review USAID relief operations within the region and encourage more access for the international relief community to provide critical life saving humanitarian supplies and support.

Since the disaster, the U.S. has taken the following steps:

• On May 5, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Shari Villarosa declared a disaster in Burma due to the effects of Cyclone Nargis. In response, USAID/OFDA deployed a USAID/DART and immediately provided $250,000 to UNICEF, WFP, and the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for emergency food, water and sanitation, and shelter assistance.
• On May 6, an additional $3 million from USAID/OFDA was allocated for the provision of emergency relief assistance to cyclone-affected populations, including $1 million to the American Red Cross and $2 million for NGO partners.
• On May 12, USAID Administrator Fore announced $13 million in food aid and logistics assistance through WFP. A DOD plane delivered more than $67,000 of USAID/OFDA commodities to Rangoon.
• U.S. Navy ships currently remain in the vicinity of the affected areas of Burma for training exercises and could be redirected, if necessary to support relief efforts. The U.S. Military continues to make plans to support potential relief operations to Burma.

For more information about USAID's emergency humanitarian assistance to Burma, please visit www.usaid.gov/locations/asia/countries/burma/cyclone_nargis

Statement on the Violence on Beirut

White House News
May 9, 2008 

The United States condemns the violence which has erupted in the streets of Beirut. The Hizballah terrorist organization, aided by its Iranian and Syrian sponsors, continues to undermine Lebanon's sovereignty and democratic institutions. After months of paralyzing the democratically-elected Lebanese government, Hizballah has now turned its arms against the Lebanese people and challenged Lebanon's security forces for control of the streets.

The international community, through UN Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701, has confirmed Lebanon's right to sovereignty and independence. We call on all of Lebanon's friends to stand with the Lebanese people in support of Lebanon's institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Hizballah's relationship with Iran and Syria, as well as its history of international terrorism and provision of lethal support and training to Iraqi-based extremist groups, demonstrates the threat it poses to international peace and security. The United States is consulting with other governments in the region and with the UN Security Council about measures that must be taken to hold those responsible for the violence in Beirut accountable.

>>Statement from the Friends of Lebanon

Turkey-United States Economic Partnership Commission Releases Joint Communiqué

The Turkey-United States Economic Partnership Commission (EPC) met for the fourth time April 16-17, 2008, in Washington.  The Turkish delegation was led by Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Ertugrul Apakan and included officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Energy and Natural Resources, as well as the Foreign Trade and Treasury Undersecretariats, and the Turkish Investment Promotion Agency (TIPSA).  Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs Daniel S. Sullivan, joined by officials from the Departments of State, Commerce, Energy, Treasury, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and the U.S. Small Business Administration, co-chaired the EPC at the State Department. 

. Joint Communiqué: Turkey-United States Economic Partnership Commission, Washington, D.C. (May 2, 2008) | Türkçe

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Ambassador Schulte speaks to Kanal 24 and Star.

U.S. Ambassador to the IAEA, Greg Schulte, Visits Ankara

Ambassador Greg Schulte was in Ankara April 28-29 to consult with Turkish officials and experts on several issues, including non-proliferation and Iran’s efforts to develop nuclear arms capability. Ambassador Schulte met with officials from the MFA, the Turkish military and the Turkish Atomic Energy Agency. Turkey will become a member of the IAEA’s Board of Governors in the summer and Ambassador Schulte also consulted with officials on the future agenda of the IAEA.

. Ambassador Greg Schulte Kanal 24 Interview, Ankara (April 29, 2008)

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Native American Storyteller Red Rose Elk focused on themes of environmental stewardship, diversity, tolerance, and mutual respect. Native American Storyteller Amazes Audiences Across Turkey Ms. Rose Red Elk, a Native American storyteller, amazed secondary school and university students throughout Turkey this month. Native American culture has a rich tradition of storytelling, which serves both as a means of oral historical record and as a way to impart themes of tolerance, ethnic diversity, and mutual respect. In particular, her stories highlighted Native American values regarding the protection and care for the environment. Such messages are particularly timely as we celebrate Earth Day. Red Rose Elk’s program included performances at high schools and universities in Izmir, Manisa, and Ankara. Turkish students highlighted the special link between Turks and Native Americans during each post-performance question-answer session. Red Rose Elk’s gift of storytelling brings an important part of Native American culture to Turkey. Her work communicates a valued tradition that is part of the American cultural tapestry.     . For more information on Earth Day, please visit http://www.earthday.gov/ and http://science.america.gov/science/environ/earthday.html      . For the White House’s Focus on the Environment, please visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/environment/      . For more information on Rose Red Elk, please visit her website at http://www.redfeatherwoman.com/

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice speaks on rising food prices. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Responds to Rapidly Rising Food Prices This week, Secretary Rice outlined ways the U.S. is assisting the countries who are most affected by rapidly rising food prices. The following are excerpts of U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s comments concerning the recent rise in food prices. "In recent years, the United States has consistently provided more than half of all food aid worldwide. We are now taking further steps. The President pledged this week to provide an additional $200 million to meet unanticipated needs. This is on top of an extra $350 million for emergency food assistance that we are requesting from Congress in our supplemental. In the weeks ahead, we hope to announce an even more -- to announce further steps to help ease the burden of rising food prices on the world’s neediest people. Ultimately, though, the world must come together to forge a long-term solution to rising prices of food. We need to encourage farmers and transporters, markets and governments to meet this urgent worldwide challenge. One of the most important steps we can take is to successfully complete the Doha round, which would help to increase agricultural productivity and moderate prices."      . For a complete transcript      . To view the video      .

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Secretary of State      Condoleeza Rice

Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice Speaks to American-Turkish Council

Yesterday, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice delivered remarks during the American-Turkish Council’s annual conference.  Her remarks emphasized the importance of our strategic bilateral relationship, along with our deep historical friendship.  This is an excerpt from her remarks.

Now, as NATO allies over many decades, our cooperation today is closer and more necessary than ever – in fighting terrorism, in promoting freedom and democracy, and in ensuring that all people within the region can live safely and securely without fear.  Our commitment to these goals also leads us beyond the region, to cooperate on a global basis for the advancement of peace and prosperity and freedom.  The United States views our great democratic ally, Turkey, as an active shaper of positive global trends, and it is a mission that is uniting us more and more in the 21st century.

       . For a complete transcript of her remarks, please click here.  |  Video

Bettie Mae Fikes will   perform in a six-city tour  of Turkey.

Famous Blues Singer Bettie Mae Fikes Comes to Turkey

Bettie Mae Fikes, a renowned blues artist, and her band will be joined by the widely acclaimed Turkish blues guitarist Mehmet Ali Acet in a 6 city tour of Turkey from April 6-19. She will perform and lead music workshops in Adana, Mersin, Ankara, Eskisehir, Bursa, and Istanbul. On April 11th, Fikes will perform as part of the 25th International Ankara Music Festival at Saklikent in Ankara. During this jam session in honor of Ahmet Ertegun Anisina, she will perform with leading Turkish guitarists Gurbuz Barlas and Suleyman Bagcioglu.

A schedule of her performances and events are as follows:


. Monday, April 7 Mersin: Concert at Cultural Center, 8:00 p.m.
. Tuesday, April 8 Adana: Percussion Workshop at Cukurova University, 10:30 a.m.
. Friday, April 11 Ankara: Concert at Saklikent, 9:00 p.m.
. Sunday, April 13 Eskisehir: Concert at Anadolu University (Cinema Hall), 8:00 p.m.
. Wednesday, April 16 Bursa: Concert at Resimli Bar, 9:00 p.m.
. Thursday, April 17 Istanbul: Concert at Studio Live, Beyoglu, 9:00 p.m.

Dr. King makes his last public appearance in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 3, 1968. (© AP Images)

Martin Luther King’s Dream Lives on 40 Years After His Death

Americans remember the days of anger and hope

Courtesy www.america.gov

Forty years ago, on April 4, 1968, in Memphis , Tennessee , an assassin’s bullet took the life of Martin Luther King, the main architect and the leader of the nonviolent civil rights movement in the United States . He was 39 years old. The medical examiners said King died with the heart of a 60-year-old, because he had for so long carried the burden of so many. Some 100,000 Americans stood outside the church at the time of his funeral.

The African-American historical experience will always be unique. But meaningful federal enforcement of the right to vote equipped black Americans with the tools that immigrants and other minority groups long have used to pursue -- and achieve -- the American Dream. In the United States , people who vote wield real political power. With the vote -- and over time -- legal and political equality for African Americans has produced gains in nearly every walk of life.

The materials above are adapted from Free At Last: The U.S. Civil Rights Movement, a book to be published on America.gov during summer 2008. By Michael Friedman, Staff Writer

. For more information regarding this article, please click here
. For audio of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous Free At Last Speech, click here
. For more on Martin Luther King’s vision of equality, click here 
. For more on how Americans celebrate Dr. King’s legacy, click here 

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Ambassador Satterfield appears on Star TV.

Ambassador David Satterfield, Coordinator for Iraq, Visits Ankara

Ambassador David Satterfield, U.S. Coordinator for Iraq, visited Ankara in order to discuss critical U.S. - Turkish bilateral issues such as the fight against the PKK and support for stability in Iraq. Ambassador Satterfield met with Turkish government and military officials during his one day visit. He also talked with senior Turkish journalists during a press roundtable and appeared on Star TV where he outlined ways the U.S. and Turkey can work together to support stability in Iraq. On the continuing fight against the PKK, Ambassador Satterfield said, "It is in the interest of all parties that there is a definitive end to this threat and this challenge to peace and security."

• Senior Adviser, Coordinator for Iraq, Ambassador David Satterfield Interview with Murat Celik, Star TV, Ankara (March 31, 2008)
• Senior Advisor, Coordinator for Iraq, Ambassador David Satterfield Roundtable Interview, Ankara (March 31, 2008)

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President George W. Bush is applauded by Mrs. Laura Bush, Cabinet members and members of Congress, at the proclamation signing for Women's History Month. White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian

March is Women’s History Month

In his proclamation designating March Women’s History Month, President Bush said, "During Women's History Month, we celebrate the courage, foresight, and resolve of women who have strengthened our democracy. America has been transformed by strong women whose contributions shaped the history of our country.  Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, and she inspired generations of women to follow their dreams.  Physicist Chien-Shiung Wu helped advance our knowledge and understanding of the world through her achievements in atomic research.  Harriet Tubman fought racial injustice and opened doors for more Americans to participate fully in our society. This month, we honor the extraordinary women of our Nation's past and recognize the countless women who are demonstrating leadership in every aspect of American life."

. For more information on women’s history month, please click here
. For a complete transcript of President Bush’s proclamation, please click here

Also see:
. Secretary Rice’s Remarks during 2008 International Women of Courage Awards
. Secretary Rice’s Remarks following Domestic Violence Roundtable at the State Department
. Secretary Rice’s Remarks Senior Roundtable for Women’s Justice 

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President George W. Bush delivers remarks on the Global War on Terror during a visit Wednesday, March 19, 2008, to the Pentagon. White House photo by Eric Draper

President Bush Discusses The Global War on Terror

On March 19, President Bush delivered a major speech on the Global War on Terror. While addressing representatives from each branch of the U.S. military -- including some who served in the theater at the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the President said, "Five years into this battle, there is an understandable debate over whether the war was worth fighting, whether the fight is worth winning, and whether we can win it. The answers are clear to me: Removing Saddam Hussein from power was the right decision -- and this is a fight America can and must win."

 

. For a complete transcript of President Bush’s speech, please click here 
. Fact Sheet: Five Years Later: New Strategy Improving Security In Iraq 

US Vice President Dick Cheney

Vice President to Visit Middle East

Vice President Cheney will travel abroad beginning March 16, 2008.  President Bush has asked the Vice President to travel to Oman, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the West Bank, and Turkey for discussions with these key partners on issues of mutual interest.  The Vice President will meet with Sultan Qaboos of Oman, King Abdullah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Olmert of Israel, President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad of the Palestinian Territories, President Gul and Prime Minister Erdogan of Turkey, as well as senior officials of their respective governments.

. Interview of the Vice President by Martha Raddatz, ABC News,  Ambassador's Residence-Ankara, Turkey (March 24, 2008)
. Vice President Dick Cheney
. Speeches and News Releases

Dana Perino, White House Spokesperson, spoke to reporters yesterday.

Mr Çalışır has embraced the idea of working with members of the BDC and creating and performing a dance program in Konya that combines elements of the Sufi musical tradition and modern American dance. For more information, contact the US Embasssy Public Affairs Section.

     . see also: http://www.batterydancecompany.blogspot.com/

US Defense Secretary and Turkish Minister of Defense interact with reporters in Ankara.

Defense Secretary Gates Emphasizes Transparency, Cooperation, and Communication

February 28, 2008

US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates paid a one-day visit to Turkey today. While in Ankara, Secretary Gates met with Turkish Minister of Defense Gönül, TGS Chief General Büyükanıt, Prime Minister Erdoğan and President Gül. He began his day with a visit to Anıtkabir where he laid a wreath and signed the guest book. Secretary Gates had positive discussions with Turkish officials on a wide range of military and security issues, including the ongoing operations against the PKK. After his meeting with Ministery Gönül, the Secretary told reporters about the operations against the PKK, "I believe there is a broad appreciation of the complexity of the situation - balancing the right of Turkey to defend itself with the need to maintain the Iraqi sovereignty and territorial integrity. The key for all parts is transparency, cooperation and communication."

. Secretary Gates Press Conference with Turkey's Ministry of Defense

Early Morning Work, William H. Johnson, Oil on burlap, 1940, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation

Celebrate African American History Month By Visiting the Online National Museum of African American History and Culture

February 2008

Every February, Americans celebrate African American History month. One way to do this is to join the online experience of the new National Museum of African American History and Culture. As a fully virtual precursor to the museum to be built on the Washington Mall, this is the first time a major museum is opening its doors on the Web prior to its physical existence.

The centerpiece of the NMAAHC Museum on the Web is the collection of life stories of ordinary Americans. These stories, called "memories" are collected as text, images, and audio uploads in the virtual Memory Book where website visitors are encouraged to submit their own histories, traditions, thoughts and ideas. Memories are then associated visually with other aspects of the museum's holdings and scholarship, such as photographic portraits from the "Let Your Motto Be Resistance" traveling exhibit or the "Save Our African American Treasures" program. Memory Book contributions may also be associated with offerings from other visitors, enabling the creation of a dynamic social network for the NMAAHC community.

The Museum on the Web establishes the NMAAHC as museum for its visitors and by its visitors, open for the enjoyment and education of all, well in advance of its opening on the Mall in Washington, D.C.

R. Nicholas Burns

Invitation to Discuss “Kosovo: The Way Forward”

On February 17, after lengthy negotiations with Serbia led by the EU/Russia/U.S. troika, the elected representatives of the people of Kosovo declared that province’s independence. 

Please join Under Secretary of State R. Nicholas Burns for an online discussion about the significance of Kosovo’s independence and the way forward to lasting stability and prosperity in the Balkans.

Date: February 22, 2008
Time: 10:00 a.m. EST / 17:00 Ankara Time
Location: http://webchat.state.gov
Topic: Kosovo Independence
Taking your questions: Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs R. Nicholas Burns
Sign up at:  http://webchat.state.gov/?tid=unsecure.register  or you may use our guest userid.

TO PARTICIPATE:
1.      Go to http://webchat.state.gov
2.      Enter your registered email or chat@state.gov
3.      Click “I Agree”
4.      Select “Join this Discussion”.

To ask a question, simply select the tab marked “Submit Question” and type your question in the space provided.  We welcome your questions anytime before or during the webchat.

You may begin submitting your questions now.  If you have more than one question, please submit each one separately.

Members of the press are kindly asked to state their affiliation when submitting questions.

If you have any difficulty accessing the webchat, please write to: askamerica@state.gov for assistance.

US Attorney General Mukasey visits Anitkabir to lay a wreath in honor of Ataturk

US Attorney General Michael Mukasey Visits Ankara

February 14-15, 2008

US Attorney General Michael Mukasey visited Ankara to express his appreciation for Turkey’s cooperation on counterterrorism, judicial and law enforcement matters, and to explore ways to strengthen our joint efforts. Attorney General Mukasey is the first U.S. Attorney General to visit Turkey in his official capacity.  While in Ankara, Mukasey met with Minister of Justice Mehmet Ali Sahin and Interior Minister Besir Atalay. During his contacts, he emphasized that Turkey is a strategic and stalwart partner of the United States in the fight against terror and he is committed to the continued cooperation of U.S. law enforcement and prosecutors in Turkey's fight against the PKK terrorist organization.

. Attorney General Michael Mukasey’s Remarks to the Press Prior to his departure at Esenboga Airport, Ankara (February 15, 2008)

 . Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Deputy to the Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Frank Urbancic w/Osman Sert at CNN Turk, Ankara (February 12, 2008)

News cameramen film the audience as Georgetown University Professor Clyde Wilcox shares his expertise regarding US elections

US Elections Expert Speaks With Journalists on Super Tuesday

Georgetown University Professor Clyde Wilcox, a leading expert on US public opinion and electoral behavior, spoke with Turkish journalists via digital video conference in Ankara on Tuesday. Wilcox spoke about the role of Super Tuesday in US presidential elections and responded to a variety of questions from Turkish journalists representing print, internet, and television news outlets. Wilcox explained the complicated primary system in the US and the possible implications of such an early Super Tuesday event in which 24 states participated. Journalists asked about the role of gender, religion and race in this year's election as well as the implications for US-Turkish relations.

For more briefings on US elections, go to the Department of State Foreign Press Center.

Mead addresses audiences in Ankara in order to share his expert perspective on American foreign policy.

American Foreign Policy Expert Speaks to Diverse Audiences in Ankara

American foreign policy expert Walter Russell Mead visited Ankara in the last of a three-country speaking tour sponsored by the US State Department.  Mead is the Henry A. Kissinger senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, and has written a number of influential texts on foreign policy, including his most recent work God and Gold: Britain, America and the Making of the Modern World (Alfred A. Knopf, 2007) and the highly-praised Special Providence: American Foreign Policy and How It Changed the World (Alfred A. Knopf, 2004).  While in Ankara, Mead spoke to journalists, academics, government officials, business professionals, and Americans living in Turkey. 

Mead’s remarks emphasized the rise and development of a liberal, capitalist world order based on the economic, social, and military power of the United States and its closest allies.  While this system is characterized by relative stability, he called particular attention to the fact that the September 11th attacks were attacks on this system itself, but that the system works successfully and will continue to work successfully.  Specifically, he pointed to the examples of Japan and Germany as two leading nations whose decisions to join the system after the devastation of World War II resulted in the complete reconstruction of their economic and social foundations.

Turkey was Mead’s last stop on a three-country tour that included Saudi Arabia and Oman.  He currently teaches at Bard College in New York.

Ambassador Wilson opens the exhibit “Between Friends” at the Turkish American Association in Ankara

"Between Friends: Turkish-American Diplomatic Relations" Photo Exhibit

Photos from 1922 to 2006 Illustrate Lasting Friendship Between the US and Turkey

Ambassador Ross Wilson officially opened the US Embassy-sponsored photo exhibit, "Between Friends: Turkish-American Diplomatic Relations," at the Turkish-American Association in Ankara. The exhibit includes 48 photos taken between the years 1922 and 2006, collected from US and Turkish archives, including some from private collections in US presidential libraries.  The exhibit illustrates the deep and continuing friendship between the U.S. and Turkey. The photos document the relationship from the Ataturk era to the present, with pictures of Turkish delegations meeting with every president from Eisenhower to George W. Bush.  The exhibit is open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm and will run until February 3, 2008.

>> Remarks by Ambassador Wilson at the Opening of Photo Exhibit  
>>  Photo Gallery : Part I | Part II | Part III

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King Day

The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was an African-American clergyman who is ranked among the greatest of Americans because of his crusade to win full civil rights for his people. Preaching nonviolence, much in the same way as had Mahatma Gandhi of India, Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke and campaigned tirelessly to rid the United States of traditions and laws that forced on African-Americans the status of second-class citizens. Among these laws were those in some states which required them to take back seats in buses or which obstructed their voting.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, African Americans, led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., used boycotts, marches, and other forms of nonviolent protest to demand equal treatment under the law and an end to racial prejudice. A high point of this civil rights movement came on August 28, 1963, when more than 200,000 people of all races gathered in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., to hear King say: "I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slaveholders will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood....I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

Not long afterwards the U.S. Congress passed laws prohibiting discrimination in voting, education, employment, housing, and public accommodations. The world was shocked when Dr. King was assassinated in 1968. Ever since, special memorial services have marked his birthday on January 15. By vote of Congress, the third Monday of every January, beginning in 1986, is now a federal holiday in Dr. King's honor. 

>> Gateway to African American History

Kris Kristofferson and Charlie McDermott star in the independent film "Disappearances" which will be screened at Ankara Ankapol Cinema January 19th.

American Film Institute Screens International Independent Films in Ankara

The American Film Institute will screen four international independent films at the Ankarpol Theatre in Ankara January 17-20.

In Ankara, on January 17, Director Chris Bowman will attend a master class at Gazi University and will have a session with students and professors Communications Faculty, Cinema Department. Following his presentation, "American Fork" will be screened.

On Friday, January 18th, Directors Chris Bowman and Salif Traore will participate in a talk entitled, "Opportunities and Challenges of Independent Cinema for Independent Directors," Turkish interpretation will be available. Traore will present his film, Faro: Goddess of the Waters, on Thursday, January 17th and Bowman will present his film, American Fork, on Friday, January 18th at Ankapol Cinema. A schedule of the films is as follows:

President Bush welcomes President Gul to the White House

President Bush Meets with President Gül of Turkey

President Bush met with President Gül at the White House yesterday. The two leaders highlighted their strategic partnership and discussed critical bilateral issues. At a joint press conference following the meeting, President Bush emphasized "Turkey is a strategic partner of the United States.  Relations between the United States and Turkey are important for our country.  And we have worked hard to make them strong and I believe they are strong.  I think Turkey sets a fantastic example for nations around the world to see where it's possible to have a democracy coexist with a great religion like Islam.  And that's important.  I view Turkey as a bridge between Europe and the Islamic world, a constructive bridge." Secretary Rice, Vice President Cheney and Secretary Gates also met with President Gül on Tuesday.

. Remarks by President Bush and President Gul of Turkey in Photo Opportunity (January 8, 2008)  | Türkçe
. President's Meeting with President Gul of Turkey (January 8, 2008)

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Senator Martinez speaks to the press after the delegation’s meeting with the prime minister.

US Senate Delegation Visits Ankara

A congressional delegation led by Senator Mel Martinez (FL) visited Ankara January 7 and 8. Other members of Congress in the delegation include Senator Charles Grassley (IA), Senator John Thune (SD), and Senator Larry Craig (ID).

The delegation is traveling to Morocco, Turkey, and the Czech Republic. In Turkey, the delegation met with Turkish government and military officials to discuss bilateral issues including Afghanistan, Iraq, and the fight against the PKK. | Türkçe

. Senator Mel Martinez’s Statements to the Press Following the Meeting with Prime Minister Erdogan (January 7, 2008) | Türkçe