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One month after his appointment, US Ambassador to Turkey Hassan Murad Mergan acknowledged the tense relationship between the two NATO allies.
“I know the differences between the two countries. I’m not naive to ignore them or say there are no differences, ”Mergan said.
Mercan cited President Joe Biden’s promise to reinvest in the Atlantic Alliance, citing Afghanistan and Syria as potential locations for cooperation.
The ambassador’s comments hit a low point in US-Turkish relations.
Ankara’s face in Washington has been shaken by Turkey’s military campaign against PKK terrorists in northeastern Syria and the ongoing US lawsuits against the Turkish state-owned bank.
Nearly three months later, Biden – once described by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as “autonomous” – has not yet called on his Turkish opponent.
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The United States says Turkey’s purchase of a Russian – made S – 400 missile defense system is a major source of tension, threatening NATO’s air defense capabilities and endangering the safety of F – 35 fighters.
Ingredient in the Mediterranean
“Gas from the eastern Mediterranean is an economic resource if Turkey is part of the whole picture,” Mergan said.
“Eastern Mediterranean gas is currently a resource that everyone can use, which will improve stability in the region with Turkey’s involvement. Otherwise it is economically impossible, very difficult to achieve. We will continue to talk about this issue for the next 10 years, 20 years, 30 years.”
When asked about issues with Greece, Mergan said at a recent press conference that the Greek foreign minister had “exaggerated” some of the claims, but that “we are ultimately neighbors”.
“Turkish-Greek relations are completely different,” Mergan said.
“We will continue to talk about these differences, but the approach should be of good will.
Position in Ukraine
“Turkey’s position on Ukraine is well known. We want a united Ukraine,” he said, stressing his country’s relationship with Russia.
Next week, US-Turkey relations could take another step if Biden, the first U.S. president to recognize the so-called “Armenian genocide”, lives up to his campaign promise.
April 24 is the anniversary of the so-called Armenian question.
“I hope this doesn’t happen,” Mergan said.
Bron: Al-Monitor
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