US envoy to Turkey reiterates support of peace process

VAN – Anatolia News Agency

US ambassador to Turkey Francis Ricciardone visited houses built by the Housing Development Administration of Turkey (TOKİ) and the historical Akdamar Church, and invited Americans to visit Van. AA photo

The United States reiterated its support of Turkey’s peace process as its ambassador to Turkey Francis Ricciardone said they stood 100 percent beside Turkey.

“We stand 100 percent beside you in the peace process. We stand against terrorism, and at the same time we want the success of this process,” Ricciardone said yesterday during his visit to the eastern province of Van.

Accompanied by his spouse, Marie Ricciardone, Ricciardone is paying a visit to the earthquake-hit province. The ambassador visited houses built by the Housing Development Administration of Turkey (TOKİ) and the historical Akdamar Church, and invited Americans to visit Van.

Asked about the Gezi protests he said: “We are here to support tourism and investment. Let’s put aside politics in Ankara and Istanbul.”