U.S stance on Turkey's AKP neutral official says
Güncelleme Tarihi:
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Matt Bryza has said that there was no hidden meaning or message in the United States' point of view about the closure case against Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
"We were neither a supporter nor an opponent of the ruling AKP," Bryza said in his speech delivered at a conference hosted by the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association in Washington, D.C. on "U.S.-Turkey Relations in the 21st Century."
Bryza said that the political future of Turkey should be determined by Turkish voters themselves in line with Turkey's secular values and democracy.
Asked whether the United States was concerned that the EU could decide to halt the negotiation process with Turkey in case of the ruling AKP's closure by the court, Bryza said that they, of course, were concerned, but it would be the EU's decision.
We are concerned since we believe that one of our deepest strategic interests in the eastern Mediterranean is Turkey's full integration with the European-Atlantic, and it means Turkey's full membership to the EU, Bryza added.
Turkey's chief prosecutor filed a lawsuit against the AKP claiming the ruling party became the focal point of anti-secular activities and demanded its closure on March 14.
Photo: Hurriyet Archives