ANKARA PREPARES AGAINST ‘APR. 24’ WITH JEWISH LOBBY
By Suleyman Kurt, Ankara

Zaman Online, Turkey
April 19 2006

Ankara intensifies efforts against the Armenian Diaspora, which
attempts to “make the so-called Armenian genocide recognized,” as
the anniversary of “24 April 1915 events” approaches.

Turkish officials, who closely monitor the resolution drafts in the US
Congress, French and Argentinean parliaments, continue their efforts
to prevent a counter decision.

Diplomatic sources oppose claims suggesting that the Jewish lobby has
ended its support to Turkey in relation to the “so-called Armenian
genocide allegations” following the Islamic Resistance Movement’s
(HAMAS) Ankara visit. They also do not think it is possible for the
US Congress to take such a decision.

US President George W. Bush is not expected to use the word “genocide”
in his April 24 speech.

“Turkey and the Jewish lobby have always had good relations. If there
is a weakness in the relations, we will do our best to eliminate it, we
are working towards this end,” a foreign ministry official explained.

Along with the US Congress, developments in the French and Argentinean
parliaments are being closely monitored.

A draft law in the French parliament foresees the “punishment of
those deny the existence of Armenian genocide,” and another law in
the Argentinean parliament aims to “giving the Armenian genocide
issue a place in the school books.”

Ankara realized the “necessary” efforts to the Argentinean government
and asked them “not to nurture generations being hostile to Turkey”.

Political experts comment that the draft will not be passed by
parliament.

Secret diplomacy continues with Yerevan

Problems between Turkey and Armenia, including the “so-called genocide
allegations,” were handled in the Austrian capital, Vienna, by the
diplomats of both countries.

During these talks, the “commission of historian” project put forward
by Turkey concerning the Armenian genocide allegations was not adopted.

Ankara rejected the proposal of Armenia relating to the issue as well.

In order for the start of diplomatic relations between the countries,
a text should be signed by the both parties, which shows that some
of the problems between the countries, including the dispute over
borders, have been settled.

The parties have not reached such a level, it is noted. Along with
the diplomatic meetings, Turkish diplomats recently gathered with
representatives of the Armenian Diaspora defending “moderate” opinions
in the US.