U.S. AMBASSADOR RICCIARDONE REITERATES SUPPORT

US Ambassador to Turkey, Francis Ricciardone paid a visit of courtesy to the Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator, Egemen Bagis to greet his post in the new cabinet and he reiterated USA's support against terrorism and for Turkey's EU membership.

At the reception, reminding that the United States was one of the countries extending the most support to Turkey's EU membership bid although it was not an EU member country, Bagis said: 'In the upcoming period, we expect the continuation of the US' support especially in reminding the EU the interests being ignored because of the current economic distress '.

Bagis said Turkish nation had "terrorism trouble" on their mind at the moment, noting that terrorism was a common problem of everybody. Bagis stated: 'Turkey and the United States, which have "model partnership" as described by U.S. President Barack Obama, should act together against terrorism trouble and I hope they will.'

US Ambassador, Ricciardone said: 'USA always supports Turkey against terrorism and will continue its support'. Ricciardone declared support for Turkey against terrorism and for the EU membership. Ricciardone added that he believed Turkey and the EU shared a common fate.

Source: AA