TURKISH AMBASSADOR CALLS ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION ATTEMPTS "BAD INITIATIVE"

Yerkir
26.10.2009 14:41

Yerevan (Yerkir) – Turkey’s Ambassador to the United States, Nabi
Sensoy, appearing today on a Voice of America television news segment
on the Senate introduction of the Armenian Genocide Resolution,
cited the newly signed Turkey-Armenia Protocols as a new reason for
his government’s intensifying campaign to block U.S. recognition of
this crime against humanity, reported the Armenian National Committee
of America (ANCA).

Responding to a question on this legislation, the Turkish envoy
stressed: "I hope that there will be no progress on this issue. I don’t
think it was the right time to take this step since the resolution
was introduced immediately after the signing of the Turkey-Armenia
Protocols. It is wrong and sad. I am hopeful that it [the resolution]
will not reach the [Senate] floor."

ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian, who was interviewed by Voice
of America’s Aram Vanetsyan for this segment, cited the broad-based
support for the Armenian Genocide Resolution from President Barack
Obama, Vice-President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
during their years in the Senate. Responding to reports that the
Turkey- Armenia Protocols would harm international Armenian Genocide
affirmation efforts, Hamparian explained that Turkey entered into
negotiations with Armenia, not because of any charitable impulse, but,
rather, because of its desire to somehow derail the growing pressure
of Armenians worldwide in isolating Ankara’s bankrupt campaign of
denial. Armenian Americans will, Hamparian added, continue to press,
assertively, powerfully, and effectively for a truthful and just
resolution of the Armenian Genocide.