CONDOLEEZZA RICE TELLS SERGE SARKISIAN THEY PREFER TO TURN THEIR FACES TOWARDS THE FUTURE RATHER THAN TOWARDS THE PAST

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Oct 25 2007

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stated that they are against the
bill adopted on Armenian genocide in the US House of Representatives
Committee on Foreign Affairs. APA reports in reference to Anadolu
agency.

On the question of bill, which is expected to adopt by the House of
Representatives Ms. Rice stated that they are against the progress
in this direction.

"This is a very sensitive period for Turkey. We have very important
strategic interests in Turkey."

US Secretary of State Rice noted that she had met with Armenian
Prime Minister Serge Sarkisian the day before. Ms. Rice told Serge
Sarkisian that Americans preferred to turn their faces towards the
future rather than towards the past and that the same stance was
necessary for Turkey and Armenia.

"I encouraged Sarkisian to make relationship with Turkey through NGOs.

Ms. Rice underlined that the adoption of the bill will strain US –
Turkey relations.