U.S. Ambassador James Jeffrey Commemoration of the One-Year Anniversary of the Terrorist Attack on the U.S. Consulate General

July 9, 2009

Ambassador Jeffrey's Remarks at Commemoration Ceremony

Governor Güler, Chief of Police Çapkın, members of the Turkish National Police force, family members, neighbors, Consulate staff and other distinguished guests – I am honored to be with you today.

We have gathered to remember Turkish National Police officers Erdal Öztaş, Nedim Çalık, and Mehmet Önder Saçmalıoğlu, who were killed by terrorists who attacked this Consulate one year ago today.  On behalf of the government of the United States and the U.S. Mission in Turkey, I again express to their families and colleagues our deepest condolences for their grief.  We are grateful for their courage.

We thank officer Osman Dağlı for his bravery against the terrorists.  Thank you to the Turkish and American security personnel at the Consulate for everything they did flawlessly under extraordinarily difficult circumstances.

Everywhere – in Istanbul, in the Southeast, in Northern Iraq, and in Afghanistan – Turkey and America are cooperating against terrorists and this will continue.

We thank Governor Güler and Chief of Police Çapkın for your efforts in ensuring the security of the Consulate.  At this time, I would invite you and Consul General Sharon Wiener to join me here to unveil the plaque.