US LAWMAKERS EXPRESS READINESS TO CONTRIBUTE TO ARMENIA-TURKEY THAW

armradio.am
31.03.2009 16:48

A group of U.S. lawmakers told the Presidents of Turkey and Armenia
on Monday that they were ready to help both countries as the two
neighbors strive to normalize bilateral relations.

"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,"
AP quoted the U.S.

lawmakers as writing Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Armenia’s
President Serzh Sargsyan, Hurriyet Daily reported.

Representatives Robert Wexler, a member of the House Foreign Affairs
Committee, Ike Skelton, the Chairman of the House Armed Service
Committee, John Murtha, who has close ties to the Pentagon, and Alcee
Hastings, Co-chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation
in Europe, were among the group who penned the letter.

"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," the group, all Democratic allies of U.S. President Barack
Obama, said in the letter.

"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 added.