Ricciardone meets diplomacy correspondents in Ankara

Speaking at a meeting of the Diplomacy Correspondents' Association on Oct. 24 in Ankara, US Ambassador to Turkey Francis Ricciardone responded a question about highly critical articles in some US newspapers regarding chief Turkish intelligence official Hakan Fidan. "I have the greatest respect for him both personally and officially. He is certainly a dedicated, loyal, competent high official of your government in one of the most responsible, difficult and sensitive positions. It is a privilege and pleasure to work with him. I always learn a lot when I meet with him." Ricciardone also said the US had been closely following the peace process aimed at resolving the Kurdish issue and that he was particularly encouraged by the Turkish government's way of handling it. Responding to a question about the US involvement in the process, Ricciardone also said it was a political issue within Turkey and Turkey would find a solution. "I don't think you need us to get involved," Ricciardone said, adding that no request for the US involvement had been made so far. Responding to a question about whether Turkey could play a productive role in the recently initiated process of dialogue between the US and Iran, Ricciardone said that Turkey could use its power to persuade Iran when the time came for Iran to fulfill its obligations for the prevention of nuclear proliferation.