Doug Bereuter: “this Member rises to commend the Turkish Grand National Assembly for its decision to approve the deployment of Turkish…”

“this Member rises to commend the Turkish Grand National Assembly for its decision to approve the deployment of Turkish troops to Iraq to help restore security and stability there. Last week, the Turkish parliament voted by a nearly 3 to 1 ratio to authorize the government to send troops to Iraq. This was an important and politically courageous step by our fellow parliamentarians in Ankara, one that could help stabilize Iraq, while at the same time helping to repair Turkish-American relations, a strong and positive signal that the Turkish parliament values the Turkish-American alliance and that the vote last winter was an unintended anomaly in our relationship. This Member is optimistic that this vote marks a return to a normal pattern of cooperation that has marked Turkish-American relations. At the same time, we should recognize it was a courageous vote because many Turkish voters harbor an understandable concern about sending their soldiers on an operation abroad, especially to their neighbor. Yet our Turkish colleagues recognized that international security depends on the stabilization of Iraq, and they have agreed that Turkey should play a role in helping to rebuild its neighbors. Mr. Speaker, despite the concerns of some Iraqis, the Turkish parliament's decision yesterday is a positive step and I commend them for it.”