US independence day celebrated

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