TRANSCRIPT

Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs for Public Diplomacy Colleen Graffy speaking with NTV Television

Istanbul, September 12, 2007

Twelve nations including Albania, Greece, Russia and Turkey, as well as the United States of America in its observer status, came together at a symposium entitled: "Environmental Protection for Economic Growth."

The Organization for the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, representing nearly 350 million people, attracts attention with its increasing importance with every passing day.

"The Black Sea has a lot of potential with its population, energy resources and economic development. Our meeting here is important from the perspective of sharing issues. If we work together, we can accomplish a lot in this region." The panel, in which the United States participates as an observer, is addressing cooperation between countries in the region.

"For us, the observer status is a very important role, because the Black Sea Economic Cooperation organization has strategic importance. We are addressing how to maintain economic development while also being sensitive to the environment. We have four areas of interest with the member nations. These are democratic and economic reforms, energy, security, and bilateral relations."

The symposium, which will also include bilateral meetings between member nations, will conclude on Thursday.