[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 65 (Wednesday, May 9, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E743-E744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ED WHITFIELD

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 9, 2012

  Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our strong 
friendship and strategic alliance with the Republic of Turkey.
  Turkey has continuously stood with the United States in our efforts 
to promote democracy and freedom throughout the world. As a member of 
the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, Turkey has committed 
troops and necessary resources to efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan 
through the years, and serves as a crucial transit point for supplies 
and personnel going to these countries. Additionally, Turkey announced 
last year that it would lead the International Security Assistance 
Force, ISAF, regional command in Kabul for a third year. Turkey is also 
at the beginning operational stages of a NATO radar facility in its 
southeast region as part of a missile defense system intended to 
protect NATO allies from ballistic missiles.
  In addition to cooperation on NATO-led efforts, Turkey plays a 
critical role in promoting democracy throughout the region. Over the 
last year, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has traveled throughout 
Egypt, Tunisia, and other countries affected by uprisings to encourage 
secular constitutions and democratic reforms that are vital to U.S. 
interests. Turkey has also taken a leading role in addressing the 
ongoing situation in Syria, opening its borders to tens of thousands of 
Syrian refugees and encouraging Arab countries to lead a coordinated 
effort to find a peaceful resolution in Syria.
  Turkey continues to increase efforts to support religious minorities 
in its own borders as well. Last August, Turkey issued a decree for the 
return of hundreds of properties, including cemeteries, hospitals, and 
schools, to non-Muslim communities. This announcement also provides 
compensation to the non-Muslim community foundations for properties 
currently registered to third parties. Secretary of State Hillary 
Clinton applauded Turkey's efforts to ``take serious steps to improve 
the climate for religious tolerance.''
  Turkey remains a vital ally of the United States, and I am encouraged 
by the steps that Turkey has taken to improve its own commitment to 
democracy and to promote democracy throughout the Middle East. Turkey 
has

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earned our respect, gratitude, and recognition for its efforts over the 
last 60 years. I look forward to continuing to work in support of our 
mutual interests.

                          ____________________