Ricciardone: Hakkari will open up to the world thanks to peace

US Ambassador to Turkey Francis Ricciardone on Monday visited Hakkari, after 33 years. As part of his visit, Ricciardone met Hakkari Governor Orhan Alimoglu and signed the book of honor. Stating that he visited Hakkari in 1980, Ricciardone said, "I was on duty in Adana at the time. We have good memories related to Hakkari. I do not think Hakkari is just an important place. Zap River is very beautiful. There are various wild flowers in this season." Ricciardone then visited Mayor Fadil Bedirhanoglu. Thanking Bedirhanoglu for their hospitality, Ricciardone expressed support for the solution process, saying, "We support your solution process a hundred percent. It is an important thing for Turkey, for the region, and for all of us. I hope the best possible result will be obtained as soon as possible. Your success is very important for us as an ally and a friend. Hopefully, Hakkari will open up to the world to a higher extent thanks to peace, and will develop more in terms of tourists and investment." Having a puncture in his car tire fixed at a repair shop by the road, Ricciardone chatted with the repairman.