Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Opening of New Consulate GeneralIstanbul, Turkey June 12, 2003 On June 12, the new U.S. Consulate General building in Istanbul was dedicated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Turkish dignitaries and U.S. Government officials, led by Ambassador W. Robert Pearson and Overseas Buildings Operations Assistant Secretary Charles Williams. The construction of the new facility began in 2000. It represents another example of the U.S. commitment to upgrade its overseas diplomatic facilities, particularly in response to the threat of devastating acts of terrorism. As seen in photos below, Consul General David Arnett and a folk-dance troupe from a local elementary school also shared in the celebration. (Photos courtesy the Consulate General in Istanbul, Turkey; click for larger image and caption.) |
