HILARY CLINTON TO CONSULT WITH ARMENIAN-AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS REGARDING THE PROTOCOLS
AZG DAILY
12-01-2010
Armenian-Turkish protocols
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will meet with
Armenian-American organizations next month to consult on the protocols
between Armenia and Turkey, announced the Armenian Assembly of America
(Assembly), according to armradio.am. The Assembly requested a meeting
with Secretary Clinton to discuss issues of concern to the community.
"The Republic of Armenia through its President, has taken bold steps,
yet the Republic of Turkey continues its counterproductive actions
with respect to normalizing relations with Armenia," stated Assembly
Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "As such, this meeting offers an
important opportunity to discuss the Administration’s efforts to hold
Turkey accountable," added Ardouny.
The Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America (Eastern), the Diocese of the Armenian Church of
America (Western), the Knights of Vartan, along with the Assembly
issued a joint statement in support of President Serzh Sargsyan’s
initiative "in taking a positive approach to the process of normalizing
relations…." The joint statement also made it clear that we will
continue "to stand firmly with the Nagorno Karabakh Republic to ensure
its freedom and security" and will also continue to lead the charge
with respect to "all those working for universal affirmation of the
Armenian Genocide."
While Armenia has taken a constructive approach, in direct
contradiction to the protocols signed in October of 2009, Turkish
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to link progress on
the protocols to a resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. In
addition, while in Washington, DC last month, Erdogan, when asked
about the Armenian Genocide on the Charlie Rose television program,
stated that "I can say very clearly that we do not accept genocide.
This is completely a lie."
"In the face of Turkey’s ongoing campaign of denial, we must redouble
our efforts to secure U.S. reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide and
urge swift passage of the Armenian Genocide resolution in Congress,"
stated Ardouny.
Invited to attend the meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
are: the Armenian Assembly of America, the Armenian General Benevolent
Union, the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern),
the Diocese of the Armenian Church (Western), the Knights of Vartan,
and the Armenian National Committee of America, the source reports.