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2011 SESSION

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11104675D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 455 Offered February 9, 2011 Recognizing the contributions of the Turkish-American community of Virginia. ----------
Patrons-- Petersen, Barker, Colgan, Herring, Houck, Howell, Locke, Marsden, McDougle, Miller, Y.B., Norment, Puckett, Puller and Stuart; Delegates: Carr, Ebbin, Plum, Scott, J.M., Sickles and Watts
---------- Unanimous consent to introduce ---------- Referred to Committee on Rules ----------

WHEREAS, the Republic of Turkey and the United States are long-standing allies, both cherishing the universal values of freedom, democracy, and human rights; and

WHEREAS, in its alliances with the United States, the Republic of Turkey has demonstrated its commitment to world peace and liberty, as well as its political and religious tolerance; and

WHEREAS, there are approximately 400,000 Turkish Americans in the United States, and almost 10,000 Turkish Americans live in Virginia; and

WHEREAS, in Northern Virginia, Turkish Americans are proprietors of businesses specializing in granite, tile, and iron works, many others are professors at Virginia institutions of higher education, and there are 15 state chapters of the Mid-Atlantic Federation of Turkic American Associations throughout the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the Republic of Turkey, the world's fifteenth largest economy and Europe's sixth largest economy, is a valued trading partner with the Commonwealth of Virginia and significantly contributes to the global economy; and

WHEREAS, Virginia and the Republic of Turkey have enjoyed a strong, vibrant, and mutually beneficial economic relationship with the prospect of further growth; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth welcomes everyone who comes to our state in the interest of friendship and commerce; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the Commonwealth to further cultivate the good relationship with the Republic of Turkey and other Turkic nations, which is the ancestral home of Turkish-Americans; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth values its Turkish-American citizens, its relationship with the Republic of Turkey, and its contributions as the nation's ally; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the contributions of the Republic of Turkey be recognized; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit a copy of this resolution to the Mid-Atlantic Federation of Turkic American Associations (MAFTAA) Board of Directors so that they may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter.