05/19/12 - Remarks submitted for the Congressional Record --- Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our strong friendship and strategic alliance with the Republic of Turkey.

Turkey has continuously stood with the United States in our efforts to promote democracy and freedom throughout the world. As a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, Turkey has committed troops and necessary resources to efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan through the years, and serves as a crucial transit point for supplies and personnel going to these countries. Additionally, Turkey announced last year that it would lead the International Security Assistance Force, ISAF, regional command in Kabul for a third year. Turkey is also at the beginning operational stages of a NATO radar facility in its southeast region as part of a missile defense system intended to protect NATO allies from ballistic missiles.

In addition to cooperation on NATO-led efforts, Turkey plays a critical role in promoting democracy throughout the region. Over the last year, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has traveled throughout Egypt, Tunisia, and other countries affected by uprisings to encourage secular constitutions and democratic reforms that are vital to U.S. interests. Turkey has also taken a leading role in addressing the ongoing situation in Syria, opening its borders to tens of thousands of Syrian refugees and encouraging Arab countries to lead a coordinated effort to find a peaceful resolution in Syria.

Turkey continues to increase efforts to support religious minorities in its own borders as well. Last August, Turkey issued a decree for the return of hundreds of properties, including cemeteries, hospitals, and schools, to non-Muslim communities. This announcement also provides compensation to the non-Muslim community foundations for properties currently registered to third parties. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton applauded Turkey's efforts to ``take serious steps to improve the climate for religious tolerance.''

Turkey remains a vital ally of the United States, and I am encouraged by the steps that Turkey has taken to improve its own commitment to democracy and to promote democracy throughout the Middle East. Turkey has earned our respect, gratitude, and recognition for its efforts over the last 60 years. I look forward to continuing to work in support of our mutual interests.

12/13/11 - Lead floor debate opposition to H. Res. 306. Wrote e-mail against H. Res. 306 vote, claiming Congress is unfairly picking on Turkey, which has declared it will return Christian properties and that the resolution is controversial.

05/31/11 - Remarks submitted for the Congressional Record --- Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan, a strong strategic partner and ally of the United States, and congratulate them on celebrating their Republic Day on May 28. As co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Turkey, I have been particularly interested in the development of nations in the Middle East and Central Asia.

On May 28, 1920, Azerbaijan declared its independence from the rapidly disintegrating Russian Empire. In doing so, Azerbaijan not only adopted a democratic form of government, but it also granted women the right to vote and embraced many other integral cornerstones of democracy.

Sadly, their independence was cut tragically short when the Soviet Union invaded the nation in 1920 and ended Azerbaijan?s dream of democracy in the 20th Century. That dream re-emerged in 1991 with the disintegration of the Soviet Union, and Azerbaijan declared its independence yet again and rejoined the world?s community of democratic Nations. Having lived under Soviet rule, the people of Azerbaijan appreciate their role in a democratic civil society.

Azerbaijan?s geographical location has made it a crossroads for interaction between a number of diverse nations and religious traditions. This position has given it a unique ability to serve as a cultural and political bridge between traditionally Western and Eastern viewpoints. It also has a proud history of influential writers and artists, and its people have made a tremendous impact on the rich cultural framework of the South Caucasus region.

I congratulate the people of Azerbaijan, and commend them on their continued efforts and commitment to build a strong and vibrant democracy in the critically important region of the South Caucasus.

01-19-11 - Lydia Borland from Caspian Group LLC met with Representative Whitfield on behalf of the government of Turkey regarding U.S.-Turkish relations

01-20-11 - Lydia Borland from Caspian Group LLC called Alex Whitaker from Representative Whitfield's office on behalf of the government of Turkey regarding U.S.-Turkish relations

01-25-11 - Lydia Borland from Caspian Group LLC met with Alex Whitaker from Representative Whitfield's office on behalf of the government of Turkey regarding U.S.-Turkish relations

02-16-11 - Patton Boggs LLP met with Alex Whitaker from Representative Whitfield's office on behalf of the government of Azerbaijan regarding U.S.-Azerbaijan bilateral relations

05-17-11 - Patton Boggs LLP met with Representative Whitfield on behalf of the government of Azerbaijan regarding U.S.-Azerbaijan bilateral relations

07-06-11 - Janice O'Connell from Gephardt Group Government Affairs LLP e-mailed Alex Whitaker from Representative Whitfield's office on behalf of the government of Turkey regarding destruction of Christian properties resolution

07-07-11 - Janice O'Connell from Gephardt Group Government Affairs LLP e-mailed Alex Whitaker from Representative Whitfield's office on behalf of the government of Turkey regarding destruction of Christian properties resolution

07-08-11 - Janice O'Connell from Gephardt Group Government Affairs LLP e-mailed Alex Whitaker from Representative Whitfield's office on behalf of the government of Turkey regarding destruction of Christian properties resolution

09-13-11 - Christine Rake from Caspian Group LLC called Ellen Dargie from Representative Whitfield's office on behalf of the government of Turkey regarding U.S.-Turkish Relations

09-14-11 - Christine Rake from Caspian Group LLC met with Ellen Dargie from Representative Whitfield's office on behalf of the government of Turkey regarding U.S.-Turkish Relations

09-15-11 - Patton Boggs LLP met with Alex Whitaker from Representative Whitfield's office on behalf of the government of Azerbaijan regarding U.S.-Azerbaijan bilateral relations

09-28-11 - Christine Rake from Caspian Group LLC e-mailed Ellen Dargie from Representative Whitfield's office on behalf of the government of Turkey regarding U.S.-Turkish Relations

11-02-11 - Azerbaijan America Alliance Corporation contacted Ellen Dargie from Representative Whitfield's office on behalf of the government of Azerbaijan regarding Introduction to the Azerbaijan America Alliance

02-07-12 - Janice O'Connell from Gephardt Group e-mailed Ellen Dargie from Representative Whitfield's office on behalf of the government of Turkey regarding Armenian resolution

03-07-12 - Laurie McKay from Dickstein Shapiro LLP e-mailed Cory Hicks from Representative Whitfield's office on behalf of the government of Turkey regarding Turkish American relations

03-08-12 - Laurie McKay from Dickstein Shapiro LLP e-mailed Ellen Dargie from Representative Whitfield's office on behalf of the government of Turkey regarding Turkish American relations