U.S. Ambassador John Bass
Remarks During an Independence Day Celebration
Hilton Hotel
Adana, Turkey
July 13, 2017
[As delivered]
[Sayın Vali, Sayın Belediye Başkanı,] Değerli Konuklar, Hanımefendiler, Beyefendiler, hoşgeldiniz.
Thank you all very much for joining us this evening to celebrate the 241st anniversary of our independence.
Let me first express our deep appreciation to our sponsors for supporting this event. Each of them, in addition to their support this evening, continues to help strengthen our relationship in many different ways. Through their partnerships with American and Turkish companies, they show that we are always stronger when we work together.
Maalesef, it has been another difficult, painful year since Holly Hanim and I hosted you at this event last year. Our societies, Turkey, the United States, and those of many of our friends here this evening, have suffered pain and loss at the hands of terrorists. Turkey’s citizens, almost one year ago, defended democracy against the illegal coup attempt – at great cost. We again extend our deep condolences to everyone in this society who has suffered loss this year as a result of violence. Başınız sağolsun.
The past year’s events have shown us again that the only answer to terrorism and violence is justice and the rule of law. And we continue to support the Turkish government’s efforts to bring those responsible for the terrible events on 15 Temmuz to justice.
In seeking justice, in creating opportunities for all of our citizens, the United States will continue to support our friends and allies here in Turkey. And we look forward to working with all of you in the months and years ahead. Birlikte çalışmayı iple çekiyoruz.
Tekrar, hoşgeldiniz ve çok teşekkür ederiz
