The Republic of Turkey and the United States of America have had a friendship dating way back in time based on many years of political, economic and cultural evidence. Every now and then certain announcements were made to damage this relationship. As a Turkish-American civilian group we are in favor of continuously growing and exercising these friendship bonds, we cherish.

Even though the response of the United States presidential candidate, Rick Perry, to a live TV question was irresponsible and unacceptable, but yet we hope it will not damage the strong and firm friendship between the United States and Turkey.

During these critical moments of Arab Spring and other ongoing unrest around the world, the United States and Turkey are in need of each other more than ever.

When it comes to the issue of NATO: an institution of 63 years has its own specialized rules. Turkey is a country who has carried out all responsibilities and fulfilled all duties to the best of her ability since the membership to NATO in 1952. Just recently Turkey’s attitude alone, in Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, Egypt, the missile shield and etc. speak for Turkey’s actions and are clear witnesses.

As a result of what seems to be an oblivious explanation, due to ambition of winning election by trying to gather and target supporters at specific areas, have saddened us as Turkish-Americans. We believe this outburst will not help grow Turkish American friendship nor contribute to the world peace. During this phase, an assurance by both Turkish and American officials about not damaging our bilateral relations has given us much hope for the future.

update:

In a statement Tuesday, Namik Tan, Turkey's ambassador to the United States, expressed "disappointment" with Perry's remarks.

"Turkey is obviously not the same country that Governor Perry visited in the 1970s," he said. "As an accession country to the European Union and a founding member of the Council of Europe, Turkey has been continuously reviewing and enhancing the rights of all its citizens irrespective of their ethnic or religious background."

"While it was unfortunate, we do hope this episode in last night's debate leads to a better informed foreign policy discussion among the Republican Party candidates, one where long-standing allies are treated with respect not disdain."

State Department spokesman Mark Toner was asked at his daily briefing about whether the U.S. considered the Turkish government to be populated by “Islamic terrorists.”

“We absolutely and fundamentally disagree with that assertion. You know, Turkey, as I said, is a -- is a strong partner in the region. We've seen it make a very courageous stand against what's going on in Syria, for example. It continues to play a very positive and constructive role in the region. And it is often cited -- an example of a so-called Islamic democracy in action,” Toner said.

“Turkey is one of the oldest members of NATO and it's been a stalwart member of NATO and a strong ally to the United States. And, you know, we stand by our relationship,” Toner said. (LA Times)

Tan also said that Turkey's economy doesn't need aid from the United States and in fact has helped create "thousands of jobs" in Perry's home state of Texas through trade. (ANI)