AP Interview: US diplomat warns Turkey of eroding support, urges show of commitment to West
By Desmond Butler, APSaturday, June 26, 2010
US: Turkey must demonstrate commitment to West
WASHINGTON — The United States is warning Turkey that it is alienating U.S. supporters and needs to demonstrate its commitment to partnership with the West.
The remarks by Philip Gordon, the Obama administration’s top diplomat on European affairs, are a rare admonishment of a crucial NATO ally.
Gordon told The Associated Press that U.S. officials think Turkey remains committed to NATO, Europe and the United States, but that needs to be demonstrated. Gordon cites Turkey’s vote against a U.S.-backed United Nations Security Council resolution on new sanctions against Iran and noted Turkish rhetoric after Israel’s deadly assault on a Gaza-bound flotilla last month.
Turkey’s ambassador to the United States says Turkey’s commitment to NATO remains strong and should not be questioned.
