OBAMA WILL BE BRAVER ON APRIL 24

Yerkir
08.04.2009 18:29

Yerevan (Yerkir) – US President Obama’s statement in Turkey should
be characterized as positive but not enough because as senator and
presidential candidate he had promised to use the word genocide. This
does not mean he will not use the word but he missed a good chance,
Kiro Manoyan, ARF Bureau’s Hay Dat and Political Affairs Office
director, told a news conference on April 8.

"As US president, he underscored that his views have not changed in
the Armenia genocide issue. He made the statement standing next to
the Turkish president," Manoyan said.

He said that Obama’s meeting with the Armenian and Turkish foreign
ministers had two goals: to establish diplomatic relations with
Armenia as soon as possible and open the border. "What will Turkey
do, is unknown. It wants to prevent the US from recognizing the
Armenian genocide, but it is only temporary. If Turkey gives way to
the Azerbaijani pressure and these talks bear no fruit, I think that
the Armenian side would stop the negotiations too," he added.

He said that he believes Turkey would establish diplomatic relations
with Armenia and would stop the blockade. This is in Turkey’s interest
because it wants to have a more significant role in the region but
it is impossible without having relations with Armenia.