US LAWMAKERS BACK ARMENIA-TURKEY THAW
Agence France Presse
March 30 2009
France
WASHINGTON (AFP) — A group of US lawmakers told leaders of Armenia and
Turkey on Monday that they stood ready to help the neighbors as they
strive to end decades of animosity and forge closer diplomatic ties.
"It is essential that the building blocks of trust and cooperation
are established between Armenia and Turkey to heal open wounds,
mend broken hearts and create a better future for both nations and
peoples," they wrote Armenia President Serzh Sarkisian and Turkish
President Abdullah Gul.
The group, all Democratic allies of US President Barack Obama, included
Representatives Robert Wexler, a member of the House Foreign Affairs
Committee; Ike Skelton, the chairman of the House Armed Service
Committee.
It also included Representatives John Murtha, who has close ties to
the Pentagon, and Alcee Hastings, co-chairman of the Commission on
Security and Cooperation in Europe.
"As members of Congress who agree that lasting Armenian-Turkish
rapprochement should be a top priority for the United States,
please know we are ready to assist your nations’ efforts to normalize
relations and build a better future for generations of Armenians and
Turks," they wrote.
"This process is difficult and at times painful, but we remain hopeful
that ongoing bilateral engagement will lead to a positive breakthrough
that forever changes the dynamics of the region and opens the door
to new possibilities and brighter futures for Armenia and Turkey,"
they said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
