Washington Times
Embassy Row
October 23, 2007
James Morrison – Turkey’s message
The Turkish ambassador returned to Washington yesterday after being
recalled 10 days earlier to consult with his superiors over growing
tensions with the United States, especially in the Democrat-controlled
Congress.
Ambassador Nabi Sensoy promised to express the anger of the Turkish
government over a congressional resolution that accuses Turkey of
genocide against Armenians nearly 100 years ago. He also plans to talk
with administration officials about the U.S. failure to prevent
Kurdish terrorist attacks on Turkish forces from positions inside the
Kurdish-controlled areas of northern Iraq.
"My most important message will be to explain the great disappointment
and frustration that the developments over the Armenian resolution
caused among the Turkish people," he told reporters at the Ataturk
Airport in Istanbul before boarding a flight to New York.
"I will convey the sensitivities of [President Abdullah Gul] and the
government officials to them once again. I will tell them of Turkey’s
expectations and the serious troubles that any further move in this
process will cause in Turkish-U.S. and other relations."
Turkey, a key NATO ally, allows the United States to use an air base
to resupply troops in Iraq.
Mr. Sensoy added that the Armenian issue might resolve itself because
of a surprising revolt among some House Democrats against Speaker
Nancy Pelosi, who has many Armenian-Americans in her San Francisco
congressional district.
Mrs. Pelosi, who pushed the resolution, is reconsidering whether to
schedule the measure for a full House vote, after reports surfaced
that as many as 60 Democrats would vote against it.
"Indeed, as far as I see, there has been a reversal of the wind," the
ambassador said.
Turkey concedes that the Ottoman Empire killed Armenians in fighting
beginning in 1915 but rejects claims of genocide. Armenia accuses the
Turks of slaughtering more than 1.5 million innocent Armenians.
Turkey also is angered over continued attacks by Kurdish terrorists
>From positions inside northern Iraq.
Asked about the attacks, Mr. Sensoy said, "The Foreign Ministry and
the government will take necessary measures. I will act in accordance
with my instructions."
Turkey yesterday continued moving troops toward its border with Iraq,
as the State Department urged restraint and announced a "diplomatic
full-court press" to prevent a clash that could further destabilize
Iraq.
King Khan
The president of Mongolia yesterday endorsed his ambassador’s campaign
to erect a statue in Washington to Genghis Khan, one of the most
reviled and revered warlords in history.
"You must understand, he was not just a warrior. He was a statesman,"
Nambaryn Enkhbayar told editors and reporters from The Washington
Times at Blair House, the presidential guest quarters across from the
White House.
Mr. Enkhbayar, who met with President Bush yesterday, said Ambassador
Ravdan Bold is negotiating for the purchase of land near the Mongolian
Embassy on M Street Northwest as a site for the statue.
"It would be good to have a location here," Mr. Enkhbayar said.
The embassy is trying to get D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty to endorse the project.
Genghis, who conquered of much Asia and parts of Europe in the 13th
century, ruled over a massive empire that tolerated different
religions and encouraged trade, according to historians. While
Mongolians regard him as the father of their nation, Genghis also is
known for brutal military campaigns.
– Call Embassy Row at 202/636-3297, fax 202/832-7278 or e-mail
jmorrison@washington times.com.
Source: REIGN02/110230069