Ambassador Marc Parris-US-Turkish Relations After Obama's Visit.mp4

On April 30, 2009 during the Rumi Forum Luncheon Series, Mark Parris, former Ambassador to Turkey, spoke about the improvement of US-Turkish relations since President Obama's recent visit to Turkey. Overall, Parris was extremely pleased with the direction of bi-lateral relations between the two countries; however, there are still some questions and tribulations that must be addressed. One of the "traps" that Parris is most concerned about is the continuing Armenian issue. In the past, Obama has referred to the Armenian question in a disfavorable light to the Turks. Although there was a fear that this would cause tension between the two countries, Obama's recent visits to Turkey have proven otherwise. Parris is convinced that these comments have done no lasting harm and that the new administration has effectively avoided this "trap" in US-Turkish relations.