Phoenix Business Journal , AZ
Oct 12 2007
State Dems back Armenia-Turkey genocide bill that could impact Iraq
The Business Journal of Phoenix – by Mike Sunnucks The Business
Journal
Arizona’s four Democratic congressional members support a
controversial congressional measure that condemns Turkey for
persecuting Armenians during World War I.
The measure defines Muslim Turks assaults on Christian Armenians
during the early 20th century as a genocide. It passed the U.S. House
Foreign Affairs Committee Wednesday. Turkey recalled its ambassador
to the U.S. in response to the Congressional vote.
Critics, including the Bush administration, say the measure will sour
U.S. relations with Turkey which provides supplies including water to
Iraq and U.S. troops there. There also are historic tensions between
Turkey and the Kurdish region of Iraq.
U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, a freshman Tucson Democrat, voted for
the Armenia measure on the House panel as did most other Democrats
and a few Republicans.
"I am Jewish. I have both a moral and person obligation to condemn
all acts of genocide no matter where or when they occur. Our nation’s
relationship with Turkey is important. Our relationships with all
other countries are important. But our relationship with humanity
matters a well. I cannot vote to deny that the horrific actions of
the Armenian genocide occurred," said Giffords in a statement.
Democratic U.S. Reps. Raul Grijavla of Tucson, Harry Mitchell of
Tempe and Ed Pastor of Phoenix are cosponsors of the Armenia-Turkey
measure as is U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi, a Flagstaff Republican.
The Bush administration and other Republicans have warned the Armenia
resolution — which applies to incidents that occurred 90 years ago
— could strain relations with Turkey, a U.S. ally and supplier of
natural resources and supplies into Iraq. Congressional Democrats
have been unsuccessful in their attempts to end the Iraq War.
U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake, a Mesa Republican, also serves on the House
panel that passed the Armenia bill. Flake voted against it.
Arizona exported $36 million worth of goods to Turkey in 2006,
according to federal statistics. Most of those exports were in the
form of transportation equipment.
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