Political Quotes

“Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I don't think there is a single Member of the U.S. Senate who doesn't have serious concerns about Turkey's behavior both historically and currently. In fact, I support the spirit of this resolution. I suspect 99 of my colleagues do. At the right time, we may pass it, as Senator Cruz has stated; however, I don't think this is the right time. If there is a right time, this certainly isn't it. It is largely because just hours ago, our President returned from the NATO summit in London with NATO leaders, where this was a topic of discussion with the leadership from Turkey--this being the acknowledgement of genocide, as well as the purchase of the S-400. I want to have a clear readout of the President's interaction and discussion with President Erdogan and our delegation's negotiations with Turkey before adopting this resolution. I don't think we can take the risk of undermining the complex and ongoing diplomatic efforts which are in our national security interests as a country. I, too, want to be on the right side of history. I believe we will be on the right side of history, but these negotiations that the President is currently in are a part of getting on the right side of history. I appreciate the ongoing conversations and still hope we will be able to overcome the challenges in the bilateral relationship with Turkey.…”