US CONGRESSWOMAN URGES EU TO PRESS TURKEY ON ARMENIAN CLAIMS
Kezban Iyiyurek (JTW)
Journal of Turkish Weekly, Turkey
June 21 2006
US Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) has urged the European
Union (EU) to press Turkey to recognize the Armenian historical
claims. Armenians argue that the 1915 events was genocide while the
Turks argue the reverse.
The US does not recognise Armenian claims, and the American presidents
have never mentioned the word ‘genocide’ in their regarding speeches.
A Turkish diplomat told the JTW that the American congresmen should be
more constructive in Turkey-Armenia relations instead of provocating
the sides. "We should focus on the current problems. An EU member
Turkey would be a golden opportunity for the neigbouring Armenia"
the diplomat added.
The United States has called upon Turkey to restore economic, political
and social ties with Armenia, while the European Parliament has
adopted a resolution urging Ankara to open its border with Armenia,
and recognize the genocide, as a precondition to membership to the EU.