WASHINGTON
The U.S. Department of State offered its condolences to family and colleagues of Turkish journalist Mehmet Ali Birand who passed away in Istanbul on Thursday.
Regarding demise of Birand, Spokesperson Victoria Nuland said, "First to say that I want to take a moment to note the passing of Turkish broadcast journalist Mehmet Ali Birand, one of Turkey's most influential media figures."
"We salute his lifetime contributions to freedom of the press in his country and beyond. He was known for his penetrating and insightful interviews with leading personalities in Turkey and the international community, including Secretary Clinton. Our condolences obviously go to his family and his colleagues in the Turkish media," Nuland said.
