Today’s Zaman, Turkey
Feb 16 2007

Business group urges US congress on Armenian issue
In a letter sent to members of the US House of Representatives, the
American Business Forum in Turkey (ABFT) urged Congressional
representatives to reconsider the Armenian genocide resolution and
work toward reconciliation efforts between Turkish and Armenian
communities.
The ABFT, which represents about 70 US firms operating in Turkey,
said that the resolution was counterproductive and could set back
recent progress toward reconciliation between Armenians and Turks.
ABFT noted that the murder of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink
last month brought tens of thousands of people onto the streets in
sympathy and protest, and has compelled communities to work even
harder to achieve reconciliation based on inter-communal dialogue.
"The murder of Hrant Dink was tragic and great loss for Turkey," said
Galip Sukaya, ABFT chairman. "It has also renewed efforts between the
communities to achieve peaceful reconciliation. The path of dialogue
is the one to walk down, not judgment."
ABFT, which serves as an American Chamber of Commerce, also cited
the potential harm to investments and commercial relations between
the US and Turkey. "US companies invested $4 billion in Turkey just
last year. Trade between the US and Turkey shot up by 18 percent
last year to a record $12 billion. American companies are helping to
power the growth of the Turkish economy, which is rapidly raising
standards of living here."
From: Baghdasarian