AMERICAN CONGRESSMEN URGE TO REJECT TURKISH THREATS AGAINST GENOCIDE RESOLUTION

Yerevan, February 9. ArmInfo. Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs
Frank Pallone and Joe Knollenberg expressed outrage at recent warnings
by the Turkish government that it will take actions threatening
the security of U.S. troops in Iraq should Congress even consider
the Armenian Genocide Resolution, reported the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA). In a letter to House Foreign Affairs
Committee Chairman Tom Lantos Pallone and Knollenberg noted that,
"it is our understanding that senior Turkish government officials have
warned that, in response to Congress even considering this resolution,
they will close supply pipelines for our forces serving in Iraq.

This shameless threat to interfere in U.S. military operations is
absolutely unacceptable and deeply offensive." The Representatives
went on to express dismay at the response of several Administration
officials who, caving in to the Turkish government’s threats, have
urged Members of Congress to oppose even debate on this human rights
measure. "Sadly, the Turkish government is able to maintain its
denial – against all evidence and the tide of international opinion –
in large part due to the State Department’s efforts to silence those
who speak with moral clarity about the Armenian Genocide," said ANCA
Executive Director Aram Hamparian.