US independence day celebrated

The United States' Independence Day, officially falling on today, July 4, was celebrated with a reception at US Ambassador to Ankara Ross Wilson's residence yesterday with the attendance of many statesmen, diplomats, high-level officials and other guests. Foreign Minister Ali Babacan represented the Turkish government at the reception. Addressing the gathering, Babacan said, "Turkey and the US enjoy a long-lasting friendship and alliance. The friendly relationship between our two countries has successfully passed some key tests, and is based on shared values such as democracy, the rule of law, and human rights." He said that both Turkey and the US are working to spread those values. Babacan also stressed that cooperation between the two countries is important for establishing peace and stability both worldwide and in Turkey's region. He added that Turkey and the US are cooperating to fight the threats of the 21st century. For his part, Wilson also stressed the deep-rooted and strong relations between the two countries, saying, "Sharing common ideals, the US and Turkey are looking to the future with confidence." In one of the surprises of the evening, asked by reporters why he was attending the reception for the first time in many years, main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal said, "The US government took a clear stance against the terrorist PKK and gave strong support to Turkey's ground operation into northern Iraq."