Anatolia News Agency, Turkey
Feb 8 2007

US official says Armenian genocide resolution could damage ties with
Turkey

Ankara, 8 February: Adoption of the resolution on so-called Armenian
genocide by the US House of Representatives would damage Turkish-US
relations and it would not serve Turkish-Armenian dialogue, said the
US assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs,
Dan Fried.

Answering questions of Turkish journalists at a video conference
organized by the US embassy in Turkish capital of Ankara, Fried said
that several matters concerning both the US and Turkey were discussed
during Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul’s talks in the USA,
stating that Turkish and US authorities exchanged views on Iraq,
Afghanistan, Israel-Palestine conflict, Lebanon, Caucasus and Central
Asia.

Stressing that the United States considered PKK [Kurdistan Workers’
Party] a terrorist organization, Fried said that they welcomed
operations against terrorist organization in some European countries.
Noting that Turkey and the USA had cooperation with their European
friends on this matter, Fried indicated that they would continue to
fight against terrorist organization PKK not only in Europe but also
in the north of Iraq.

Replying to a question on referendum in Kirkuk, Fried said Turkey was
free to explain its views on this matter but Iraqi people should make
a decision on it by themselves.

Fried summarized the US administration’s policy about the resolution
on the so-called Armenian genocide presented to the US House of
Representatives as the "administration does not support it".

Answering a question on possible outcomes of adoption of the
resolution, Fried said that its adoption would damage Turkish-US
relations and would not serve Turkish-Armenian dialogue. Turkish-US
relations are important than any particular issue, Fried underlined
and stated that Turkey and the USA had common interests in several
regions.

Fried noted that democratic countries should look at their dark sides
in their histories, stating that the USA also had some dark sides in
its history.

Stating that he felt deep sad over killing of journalist Hrant Dink,
Fried said the reaction that was shown during the funeral of Dink was
a strong and sound one.

Asked whether Turkey made some advices to the United States, Fried
noted that they welcomed Turkey’s advices, stating that Foreign
Minister Gul made some suggestions on several issues, including the
Middle East, Iraq, Lebanon and Afghanistan.