NTV MSNBC, Turkey
Oct 12 2007
Turkish PM calls US resolution on Armenian claims `unfortunate’
Ankara has recalled its ambassador in Washington for consultations in
the wake of the vote.
ISTANBUL – The US House of Representatives Committee on Foreign
Relations voting to approve a resolution accepting allegations that
the Ottoman Empire committed an act of genocide against its Armenian
citizens during World War One.
Haberin devamý
Speaking to journalists at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport Thursday night,
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said that Tuesday vote was
against the interests of the US itself.
`The approval of the resolution regarding Armenian allegations on the
incidents of 1915 by the US House of Representatives Committee on
Foreign Relations is a really unfortunate decision for the future,’
Erdogan said.
However, he also tied to downplay the significance of the decision,
which has yet to be voted on by Congress.
`The committee made similar decisions in 2000 and in 2005,’ he said.
`In 2000, 38 members of the committee voted in favor against 12. In
2005, 40 members of the committee voted in favour against seven. This
time, 27 members voted in favour against 21. The U.S. administration
tried really hard to prevent its approval. However, some circles
carried out lobbying activities.’
The Prime Minister said Turkey would continue to work to prevent the
resolution being adopted by Congress.
`It is an unfortunate decision made by those who could not understand
Turkey’s position,’ he said. `Our struggle will continue until the
debates at the full House. There are steps we will take later.’