May 10, 2009 - On the occasion of joining the Turkish Caucus, New York Congressman Michael McMahon (D-NY 17th) issued the following statement:
"Turkey has been a reliable ally through the years to the United States, and through my position on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I would like to further this relationship. Today, I have joined the Turkish Caucus to develop this relationship and hopefully, follow in President Barak Obama’s lead in changing the negative perception of the United States in countries, such as Turkey. I firmly support Turkey’s accession into the European Union and commend Turkey in its efforts to mediate several global conflicts, including its own disputes with Armenia. Turkey is an invaluable ally to our troops in Iraq and US military involvement to defeat the Taliban in Afghanistan. Turkey is truly a positive example for the rest of the Middle East. Locally I have been impressed with the commitment and dedication of the local Turkish American community in Staten Island and Brooklyn who always engage in the political process and give back to the community. They are an important part of the fiber of our City and our Nation. I look forward to working with the Turkish community to further the Turkish-American relationship."
