Pro-Turkish Congressmen urge U.S. to congratulate Turkey on Republic DayApril 18, 2011 - 17:21 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A group of congressmen this week presented a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives congratulating Turkey and its people on Republic Day, Oct. 29. The resolution was drafted by co-chairs of the Turkey caucus in the U.S. Congress Virginia Foxx, Ed Whitfield, Steve Cohen and Gerry Connolly. The resolution notes that Oct. 29, 1923, when Turkey was formally established by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, “the visionary leader of modern Turkey,” is celebrated by Turks as independence day. It also recalls a key visit by President Barack Obama to Turkey in 2009, when he reaffirmed the U.S.’s strategic ties with Turkey and described relations with Turkey as a “model partnership.” The resolution, dated April 12, which is due to be taken up in the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, also expresses “appreciation for Turkey’s contribution to global efforts to combat international terrorism and recognizes Turkey as one of the most important strategic partners of the U.S., commending it for strengthening its democracy and becoming a source of stability in its region.” Noting that Turkey is “a secular, pluralistic, Westward-looking democracy with a predominantly Muslim population”, the resolution says “Turkey has a significant and constructive influence in the Balkans, the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia.” Stating that recent dramatic developments in the Middle East have once again demonstrated the importance of the Turkish model as a vibrant democracy and a free-market economy, the resolution notes that the U.S. and Turkey “share the common values of democracy, diversity, tolerance, social mobility and the separation of religious and civic life,” Today’s Zaman reported. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |