Next US Ambassador to Turkey on Armenia

10 November 2005
NTV MSNBC

WASHINGTON - It was important not to create problems in relations between Ankara and Washington, the US diplomat nominated to be the next American ambassador to Turkey said Wednesday.
[...]
Speaking at a hearing of the US Senate Foreign Relation Committee to ratify his appointment to the Ankara posting, Ross Wilson said that facilitating smooth relations between Turkey and the US was vital. He also said that it was important that the terrorist group the PKK be combated.
[...]
In reference to the so-called Armenian genocide Wilson said that it was important that both countries were moving towards reconciliation on what occurred in history. He added that Turkey would be encouraged to open its border with Armenia.
[...]
The European Union negotiation process was a historic step for Turkey concerning the issue of freedoms, Wilson said, adding that as far as he knew the US had not warned Turkey concerning the forthcoming trial of prominent writer Orhan Pamuk on charges of insulting Turkish identity. However, he said that many people criticised the court case and added that it was important to protect the freedom of expression in Turkey.

Note: Above are excerpts from the article. The full article appears here. Clarifications and comments by me are contained in {}. Deletions are marked by [...]. The bold emphasis is mine.