"We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values."
Obama, Apr. 6, 2009
Obama told reporters in Turkey that America is not defined by any one religion. Ive said before that one of the great strengths of the United States is, although, as I mentioned we have a very large Christian population. We do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values.
Turkey rejects US led Sanctions on Iran
Both nations are Muslim majority nations while Turkey purchases about 30% of its oil from Iran.
Jan 13, 2012
President John F. Kennedy's message to Turkey, on the 25th anniversary of Ataturk's death
Remarks on the 25th anniversary of the death of Kemal Atatürk, 4 November 1963
http://www.jfklibrary.org/Asset-Viewer/Archives/JFKWHA-237-001.aspx
What are the difference between President Kennedy's remarks about Ataturk and Turkey and Obama's statements?
Description: Audio recording of President John F. Kennedy’s remarks on the 25th anniversary of the death of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Turkish writer and first President of the modern Republic of Turkey. In his speech President Kennedy compliments Atatürk’s leadership, describes the United States’ historical relationship with Turkey, and characterizes the Turkey’s independence as an example of national self-reliance.
I am honoured to join in commemorating the 25th anniversary of the death
of Kemal Ataturk. The name of Ataturk brings to mind the historic
accomplishments of one of the great man of this century, his inspired
leadership of the Turkish People, his perceptive understanding of the
modern world and his boldness as a military leader.
It is to the credit of Ataturk and the Turkish People that a free Turkey
grew out of a collapsing empire and that the new Turkey has proudly
proclaimed and maintained its independence ever since. Certainly there is no
more successful example of national self reliance then the birth of the
Turkish republic and the profound changes initiated since then by Turkey
and Ataturk.
Ataturk was deeply interested in the friendly relations that have
traditionally existed between Turkey and the United States. He noted our
democratic governments and once said, prophetically, ' We are friends now
and we will be much closer friends in the future '.
Our present close alliance can be traced to the firm base prepared by
Ataturk for free government in an independent Turkey. I am proud that
United States can be a partner in this alliance linking us to the country of
Ataturk and to the ideals which Ataturk helped establish in Turkey and
the World.
I salute this great man on the anniversary of his death.
John F. Kennedy
President John F. Kennedy's message to Turkey President Cemal Gursel and The Turkish People on the Anniversary of the Death of Kemal Ataturk, November 10, 1963
John F Kennedy, US President, His speech to the Turkish People on the occasion of 25th Anniversary of the Death of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and the 40th anniversary of the Turkish Republic.
Comments from Roosevelt, Kennedy, Hemingway and Churchill about Ataturk and the Turkish Republic!