FMR US Ambassor Wilson: "Ricciardone is reflecting American values"

U.S. Ambassador Francis J. Ricciardone's recent criticism of media freedom in Turkey "reflects American values" and should not hamper his ability to do his job, former US Ambassador to Turkey Ross Wilson said this week. "I think our ambassador is reflecting American values, something American ambassadors do all over the world at any time and in any place," Wilson said in an interview. He said he had enjoyed the three years he spent as ambassador to Turkey, "I felt that I had good access, I felt that I could see people when I needed to see them and when I had serious concerns to raise. I am sure that Ambassador Ricciardone will be treated the same way," he said from his office at the Atlantic Council, where he serves as director of the Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center. Elaborating on media freedom in Turkey, he added: "There are a number of people in this country [the US] and in Turkey who are very concerned about the events. They are speaking out. My opinion is, and what gives me confidence and optimism about Turkey's future is, that it is a strong and committed democratic country."