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От
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Mike
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К
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All
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Дата
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02.08.2000 19:01:16
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Рубрики
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Современность; Армия;
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TURKEY'S HELICOPTER TENDER
TURKEY'S HELICOPTER TENDER -14 MEMBERS OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES EXTEND SUPPORT TO TURKEY REGARDING HELICOPTER ISSUE
WASHINGTON D.C. - Leading 14 members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent a joint letter to the U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and called for support for the sale after American Bell Helicopter Textron company won Turkey's giant helicopter tender.
The letter stressed that Turkey was one of the most important members of NATO, and noted that Turkey has a vital importance for America's interests and policies in Southern Europe, Middle East, and Central Asia. It said Turkish Armed Forces has been on the side of the U.S. army since Korea War that was 50 years ago, and noted that this fact was seen in Bosnia and Kosovo today.
It said Turkey's key role in Gulf War caused serious financial loss to this country, and despite this financial loss, Turkey's cooperation has a key importance in sanctions imposed on Iraq, and no fly zone implementation in Northern Iraq. It said Turkey also has close and constructive relations with Israel.
The letter stressed that Turkey deserved the U.S. supported in meeting its military needs because of these, and noted that Turkey, which has to live in a geostrategical position and a tough neighbourhood, should consider the U.S. as a reliable source and partner in strengthening its defense. We are calling on the U.S. administration to take effect in sale of helicopter.
Earlier, 38 members of Senate, that is the higher flank of the Congress, wrote a similar letter to Albright.