US’ GATES WARNS OF TURKISH RESPONSE OVER ARMENIA RESOLUTION

Forbes, NY
Oct 11 2007

LONDON (Thomson Financial) – US Defense Secretary Robert Gates
warned today of possible reprisals from Turkey after a committee
of US lawmakers called the Ottoman Empire’s World War I massacre of
Armenians a genocide.

The US House of Representatives committee defied warnings from
President George W Bush and Turkey’s authorities, voting yesterday
in favour of the resolution by 27 votes to 21.

Turkey condemned the committee’s action today and warned against any
move to take it to a full House vote, saying it would jeopardise
a strategic partnership with an ally and friend and would be an
‘irresponsible attitude.’

Gates said Turkey is crucial to US supply lines into Iraq, with 70
pct of US air cargo, 30 pct of fuel shipments to US forces and 95
pct of new Mine Resistant Armored Protected Vehicles (MRAPS) going
through Turkey.

‘The Turks have been quite clear about some of the measures they would
have to take if this resolution passes,’ Gates said after talks with
his British counterpart Des Browne in London.

‘It’s worth noting that the French parliament passed a similar
resolution, and there were a number of steps taken by the Turkish
government to punish, if you will, the French,’ he said.

The Turkish government will formally ask parliament next week to
approve an incursion into northern Iraq to crack down on Kurdish
rebels taking refuge there, according to a ruling party official.

The United States has repeatedly urged Turkey not to take unilateral
action in Iraq.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress