US Has Deep Respect for Turkish PM, Says James Steinberg

The US is "delighted" by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his brave decision on the Armenia-Turkey Protocols, and for that reason, the US has deep respect for him, said US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg at Washington-based think tank Atlantic Council.

According to CNN Turk, Steinberg, speaking on Turkey recalling its US ambassador after the adoption of the resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide, said he was sorry.

“I am sorry that the Ambassador Namik Tan was recalled. Our policy is based on dialogue... I think that it is important to continue communication and discussions regardless of disagreements with Congress on the issue,” said Steinberg.

“We believe that there is a very strong and constructive dialogue with Turkey. We hope that the Turkish administration, conscious of the fact that we place great importance on the dialogue, will continue to work to fulfill our joint objectives,” added Steinberg.