TURKEY COULD RECALL AMBASSADOR TO US IF RESOLUTION PASSES, ANKARA SAYS

Hurriyet
March 4 2010
Turkey

Ankara warned on Thursday that all options remain on the table,
including recalling its ambassador to the United States, if a
congressional panel in Washington recognizes the 1915 killings of
Armenians as genocide.

The U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee will
consider the resolution Thursday.

Turkey is weighing all the risks and is making calculations over
potential retaliatory measures against the contentious resolution,
one Turkish official said, adding, "All options are on the table."

In 2007, when the U.S. Foreign Affairs Committee passed a similar
measure, Ankara recalled its ambassador to Washington in protest and
says it is one of the options today.

Turkish officials, basing their argument on the strong partnership
with the United States, warned that the U.S. administration should not
let the relationship be harmed by the resolution but admitted that the
Obama administration has been less supportive than the George W. Bush
administration in opposing the measure. Washington has been pursuing a
"wait-and-see" policy, according to Ankara.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul called Obama late Wednesday, an
indicator of Turkey’s quest to secure support from Washington until
the last moment to block the measure.

The passage of the resolution could overshadow Turkish-U.S.

cooperation in Afghanistan and Iraq, say Turkish officials. Turkey may
even consider closing the Ä°ncirlik air base, which would be a severe
blow given the close Turkish-U.S. military ties that have developed
since Turkey joined NATO in 1952. Both countries are jointly involved
in several missions.

The current U.S. administration is also considering Turkey as a
possible radar-base site as part of efforts to neutralize Tehran’s
nuclear and missile programs and prevent a Middle East arms race.

Turkey has not yet answered Washington, and the Turkish General Staff
is still evaluating the idea.

‘Stakes are higher’

Turkey says the resolution would not only damage the Turkish-U.S.

relationship but also undermine reconciliation efforts with Armenia.

One Turkish official said: "We are at a more different situation
today than in 2007. The stakes are higher."

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu warned Thursday against
any steps that would put at risk efforts for a comprehensive peace
in the Caucasus, saying the resolution would not only negatively
affect Turkish-Armenian relations but also Armenia’s relationship
with Azerbaijan.

"Today those steps that have been sought to achieve long-lasting peace
in the Caucasus and those that risk it are standing up against each
other," he said. "We are in favor of the first option."