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US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES APPROVES DRAFT RESOLUTION 252 ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

ArmInfo
2010-03-05 08:48:00

ArmInfo. US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee under
a ratio of 23 votes "for" and 22 "against" voted for adoption of
the draft Resolution 252 on recognition of the Armenian Genocide,
the Caucasian Knot portal reports.

Chairman of the Committee Howard Berman reported on completion of
discussion and voting regarding the draft Resolution 252 on March 4
at 11:45 PM by Moscow time. The voting procedure was preceded by a
long discussion, during which the Committee members expressed their
opinions on the necessity of adoption of the draft Resolution and
presented their substantiations of for or against its adoption.

A democrat Bill Delahunt, who voted against adoption of the draft
Resolution, expressed concern over the fact that adoption of the
Resolution will negatively affect the process of normalization of
the Armenian-Turkish relations. As he said, the last closed border
of Europe will be opened in case of ratification of the Protocols on
settlement of the Armenian-Turkish relations, as a result of which
Armenia will be in pocket and will have an opportunity to become EU
member. According to a democrat Gerald Connelly, Turkey is a faithful
ally of the USA. He said one should not adopt the Resolution when
condemning the incumbent government for the actions of the previous
one. He added that Great Britain may be condemned for the pogroms of
the Irish or Russia for Stalin repressions just as well.

A congressman-republican Mike Pence said he sincerely believes that a
genocide was committed with respect to the Armenian people, however,
he said he will vote against adoption of the Resolution condemning
the Armenian Genocide. According to him, this is not yet the time
to recognize the Armenian Genocide, and added that Turkey is a
strategic partner of the USA. Mike Pence thinks that adoption of the
Resolution will damage the presence of the American troops in Iraq
and Afghanistan. A congressman- democrat Jeff Fortenberry recognizes
the fact of the Armenian Genocide, though he thinks that this is the
wrong time for the Resolution adoption. As he said, the process of
settlement of the Armenian-Turkish relations is currently underway,
and the Resolution may hinder this process. He offered to delay this
process until Armenia and Turkey reach a consensus. In his turn,
a Congressman Jimm Xot who voted for adoption of the Resolution,
asked a question: "Those who speak out against the Resolution say
this is not yet the time. When this time will come then?".

Chairman of the Committee Howard Berman said he has been in the
Congress for 27 years already and he does not remember a moment to
be convenient for adoption of such a resolution. According to him,
the majority of the world experts and scientists agree that the
events in Ottoman Turkey in early XX Century were a genocide. As he
said, a Turkish writer Orhan Pamuk was persecuted in Turkey for his
recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Howard Berman added that the
materials, proving the reality of the Genocide, are available in the
archives of the USA, France, Great Britain, Russia and even the allies
of Turkey in the World War I – Germany, Austria and Hungary. According
to Berman, all the states should put up with their history, though this
will be a difficult but useful process for Turkey in the context of
its democratization and even in the context of the Turkish-Armenian
relations. We cannot but recognize the truth, and Turkey cannot
resent. Germany could not resent either if we voted for the Holocaust.

A congressman-republican Dan Rorabaker urged to vote for the truth.

According to him, pendency of this issue will give a handle to further
disputes. As he said, Turkey is a friendly country for them, however
they cannot but acknowledge the truth, and Turkey cannot resent.

Germany could not resent either if we voted for the Holocaust.

Earlier, the Parliament of Turkey sent a letter to the House of
Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, indicating the inexpediency
of discussing the Resolution of recognition of the Armenian Genocide
and emphasizing that this step may hinder the process of normalization
of the Armenian-Turkish relations.

The American aerospace and military-industrial corporations also argued
against the draft Resolution 252. They are sure that adoption of the
Resolution will damage USA- Turkey relations and may cause loss of
jobs in a number of concerns.

Draft Resolution 252 calls on the US president to assure adequate
perception and reflection of the Armenian Genocide in the foreign
policy of the United States. Approval by the House of Representatives
is just required for adoption of the draft Resolution, i.e. approval
by the Senate and the president’s signature are required for its final
adoption. The Armenian Genocide has been recognized by 44 American
states, and chapters about the Armenian Genocide n Ottoman Empire
have been included in the history schoolbooks of these states. The
Armenian Genocide has been recognized by Uruguay, Russia, France,
Lithuania, the Lower Chamber of Italian Parliament, the majority of
American States, the Greek, Cyprian, Argentinean, Belgian Parliaments,
the Parliament of Wales, the National Council of Switzerland, the
House of Commons of the Canadian Parliament and Polish Seim.

JUDGE ORDERS "ARARAT BRANDY & WINE" TO HAND OVER FINANCIAL REPORT

/
2010/03/04 | 16:30

court

At today’s trial session in the on-going legal battle between the
German firm "Ostinvestor" and Gagik Tsarukyan’s "Ararat Brandy and
Wine", Judge Melkumyan sustained the motion of "Ostinvestor" to have
Ararat Brandy hand over company documents regarding the valuation of
50% of stock owned by "Brandy Bridge.

"Ostinvestor" had requested the account information from Ararat
Brandy but never obtained the documents. Davit Danielyan, one of
the German firm’s attorneys, warned that they would petition the
Compulsory Enforcement Service to procure the paperwork if Ararat
Brandy disregarded the court’s ruling. Judge Melkumyan postponed the
trial until he heard back from Ostinvestor as to whether they had
received the report or not.

U.S. ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE: "THERE’S NOT A COMMON UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT HAPPENED 90 YEARS AGO"

2010/03/ 03 | 11:21

world

The following is an excerpt of the March 2, U.S. State Department
press briefing by Assistant Secretary of State Phillip J. Crowley
dealing with Turkish-Armenian relations.

Question: I have a question on Armenian genocide resolution which will
be discussed on Thursday on the Foreign Affairs Committee. Last week,
Secretary Clinton made a statement on this issue and she said that
the United States is supporting the peace process ongoing between
Armenia and Turkey.

Mr. Crowley: Mm-hmm.

Question: But the problem is Turks are claiming that she supported
Turkey, and some Armenians is claiming that – or claim they supported
Armenians diaspora. Will State Department redefine his position on
this issue or that’s all that –

Mr. Crowley: Well, first of all, I think we have supported the current
process that we hope will result in normalized relations between Turkey
and Armenia. And within that process, as the Secretary said last week,
we think that there is ample room for Turkey and Armenia to evaluate
the historical facts as to what happened decades ago. So we haven’t
changed our view, but we continue to engage at a high level with
both countries and to encourage them – having worked to reach the
agreement in Switzerland last year to see it implemented on both sides.

Question: So Turks or Armenian are right on the comment?

Mr. Crowley: Well, I – (laughter) – I think I would borrow a phrase
from what Richard just said the different context, is – is I think
this is clearly to see the advancement of normalized relations between
Armenia and Turkey is in the interest of both countries. It’s in the
interest of the region as well. We cannot afford to look at this in
zero sum terms, that somehow scoring a point on one side is a loss
for the other. So I would just say that we continue our high-level –
we’ve had intensive conversations at high levels. The Secretary has
been directly involved extensively and repeatedly. Deputy Secretary
Steinberg, Under Secretary Burns, Assistant Secretary Phil Gordon have
all been directly engaged with the leadership in Turkey and Armenia.

The Secretary had a meeting with Prime Minister Erdogan in Doha
talking about this issue.

So we continue to encourage both sides. We understand how difficult
this is, how emotional this is. There’s not a common understanding
of what happened 90 years ago. But we value the courageous steps
that both leaders have taken, and we just continue to encourage both
countries to move forward and not look backward.

Question: Just to follow up.

Mr. Crowley: Sure.

Question: Do we have any scenario over the – if the resolution passes
by the committee, do we have a scenario about the relation with Turkey,
because there is a Turkish group – parliamentary group here in the
town and they are – they have meetings with congressmen in the House,
and they are saying that we are allied, and if this resolution passes,
some things will change. Did you get any feedback from Turkish foreign
ministry on the resolution about – if the –

Mr. Crowley: I think we have a pretty good understanding of how
everyone feels on this issue.

WHAT GARNIK ISAGULYAN WANTED TO SAY

044.html
14:33:31 – 04/03/2010

The head of the Center of Political Studies under the RA president
Garnik Isagulyan stated today that from the point of the national
security, the Armenian and Turkish relations are a new way, new
infrastructures, and new relations. "Armenia showed that even in case
the border was not closed by its party, it is ready to collaborate
with Turkey to establish diplomatic relations and to open the border",
said Garnik Isagulyan.

He accepted that in the text of the Armenian and Turkish protocols,
there were points causing worry even within circles close to the
president. Serge Sargsyan himself warned about it in his address
when signing the protocols. "Nevertheless, there was an agreement
that these issues will not return, and only the opening of borders
and establishing diplomatic relations will be discussed. And Armenia
has proved that it can come out of the situation, in any case, the
pressure is now mainly on Turkey. In addition, the decision of the
Constitutional Court closed the way for different interpretations of
the protocols", said Isagulyan.

Commenting on the process of the NKR issue settlement, Isagulyan
stated that Armenia has already sent its proposals in connection with
the updated principles of Madrid to OSCE. He did not go into details
but only stated that among the proposals, there may be the demand for
a NKR representative’s participation in the negotiations. "Armenia
did not occupy territories to give them back now. In connection
with territorial issues, they need to negotiate exceptionally with
Karabakh", noted the analyst.

He also noted that separation of the Armenian and Turkish process and
the NKR issue enabled to ease the pressure. "When there are several
problems, the pressure, in essence, on one issue stops since there
are other issues interesting the superpowers", says Garnik Isagulyan.

THE MEMORY OF THE VICTIMS HONORED IN TBILISI

Aysor
March 3 2010
Armenia

On the occasion of the Sumgait anniversary Hrach Silvanyan the Armenian
ambassador to Georgia, Vazgen Mirzakhanyan bishop of the Armenian –
Georgians, the head of the Armenian organizations in Georgia, and
many Georgian Armenians visited the pantheon of the Armenian writers
and social activists and put a wreath on the memorial of the Armenian
victims yesterday.

As the RA press, information and public relations department of the
Ministry of Diaspora informs the present honored the memory of the
victims of the Sumgait massacres with a minute of silence.

At the evening in Tbilisi in the Armenian dramatic state theatre after
Petros Adamyan was held a concert with classical music dedicated to
the memory of the victims.

On the February 28 in the Armenian apostolic church of Tbilisi and
in all the churches belonging to the Georgian Armenian diocese took
place ceremonies of Liturgy for the memory of the tragic events.

THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION IS A FARCE ALL AROUND
Henri Barkey

Hurriyet
March 3 2010
Turkey

The United States House of Representatives has decided to make a
problem from the past into a problem of the present. On Thursday,
the House Foreign Affairs Committee is set to launch its fruitless
annual effort to declare the 1915 massacre of over a million Armenians
by Ottoman Turks as "genocide." As in the past, the resolution is
not likely to get very far. But this year, it portends great damage
to the Barack Obama administration’s attempts to rescue a fragile
Turkey-Armenia reconciliation.

To be clear, the overwhelming historical evidence demonstrates what
took place in 1915 was genocide. But while some U.S. lawmakers feel
strongly about the Armenian genocide resolution, most realize no
moral good can come from a label applied almost a century later. They
support the resolution only to score points with the highly organized
Armenian-American lobby. And they know full well pressure from Turkey,
which remains a critical U.S. ally, ultimately will prevent passage
on the House floor.

The cynicism of this effort is matched only by the cynicism of the
Armenians and the Turks.

For Armenians, the genocide issue is of paramount concern and Armenian
populations in Europe have even supported laws punishing Armenian
genocide deniers. Yet in 2007, Yerevan State University awarded an
honorary degree to the No. 1 Holocaust denier in the world: Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad.

The Iranian president not only invited fellow deniers to Tehran for a
"conference," but he has systematically called for the destruction
a member state of the United Nations. This clearly did not bother
Armenian politicians, who in the interest of fostering ongoing
friendly ties with neighboring Iran, decided to honor him. They must
have been disappointed, though, when Ahmadinejad skipped a trip to
Yerevan’s Armenian genocide memorial, citing important obligations
in Tehran. Maybe he values his country’s relations with the Turks,
or maybe he does not believe there was an Armenian genocide any more
than a Holocaust.

And what of the Turks? You would think they would be careful
about throwing around a word like genocide. On the contrary, in a
country where a Turkish citizen can be jailed for arguing that the
Ottoman massacres were genocide, Turks will hurl that accusation at
almost anyone else. The speaker of the Turkish parliament recently
declared the killing of 400 Azeris by the Armenians during the 1992
Nagorno-Karabakh war as genocide. Turkish politicians have on numerous
occasions accused Israel of genocide in the occupied territories. And
last year, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the
Chinese of committing genocide in Xinjiang, where interethnic riots
killed 200 people. (He did, however, deny the Sudanese government’s
actions in Darfur were genocidal, on the grounds that "Muslims do
not commit genocide.")

The Turks, Armenians and the United States all dilute the meaning of
the word genocide by playing politics with it. But the U.S. alone has
the power to help broker an agreement to make a meaningful difference
in Armenians’ lives by ending their economic isolation.

The Obama administration has been pushing for a deal to normalize
Turkish-Armenian relations and open the borders between them.

Realizing the delicacy of the situation, Obama made a point to avoid
"genocide" in his April 2009 statement commemorating the start of the
massacres, instead using the Armenian expression "Great Catastrophe."

Unfortunately, Turkish leaders have shown signs of cold feet. And
further antagonism would undoubtedly set back the process for years.

With that in mind, the U.S. Congress should drop its annual Armenian
genocide resolution. And lawmakers worried about responding to
Armenian-American constituents should focus their efforts on helping
to mediate a reconciliation that would benefit Armenians. It would
be better if they used their power to end ongoing fights than to pick
old ones.

* The writer is a nonresident visiting scholar at the Carnegie
Endowment for International Peace and professor of international
relations at Lehigh University. This piece was first published by
the Washington Post.

AZERBAIJANI EXPERT: ARMENIA WILL GET NO CSTO SUPPORT IN CASE HOSTILITIES ARE RESUMED

Today
March 4 2010
Azerbaijan

Day.Az interview with Azerbaijani political expert Rasim Musabayov.

What is happening in the process of settling the Armenia-Azerbaijan
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

Actually, nothing is happening in this process. It seems the
negotiation process is taking a little pauzse, and the sides are
thinking over their reactions on refined version of the Madrid
principles proposed by the Minsk Group

But it was determined in Sochi that the parties will submit their
comments and suggestions in a written form in two weeks. Time has
passed, but there is not any move by co-chairing countries yet. They
also do not hurry to visit the region. What is the reason?

Yes, it’s true. Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said at a press
briefing with his Israeli counterpart Lieberman that although
Azerbaijan has some objection, it is ready to accept the document
proposed at a meeting in Sochi to reach a compromise. He also said
that he had a phone talk with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov to
specify whether the Armenian side has expressed its position, made
a clarification or objections to the document on the negotiations’
table. It turned out that the Armenian has not yet voiced its official
reaction.

It seems that the Sargsyan-Nalbandian tandem is in a very tough
situation. So far, they displayed an ostentatious constructivism in
a hope that Azerbaijan will thwart peace agreement with its objections.

But Azerbaijan’s consent forces Armenia to open cards. Armenia does
not want to accept the updated Madrid principles. This is clearly
evident from the comments of the Armenian media.

In Serzh Sargsyan’s recent statement in the Chatham House in London,
where he ignored the latest Minsk Group proposals and instead imposed
biased Armenian version of the problem on the participants, also shows
unwillingness to compromise. However, Armenia does not dare to reject
the Sochi document, offered not only by the Minsk Group co-chairs,
but President Dmitry Medvedev, president of a country that is a patron
of Armenia. Armenia delays time hoping that suddenly the situation
will take a turn in its own favor.

Armenia hopes that Turkey will ratify the Zurich protocols under the
U.S pressure ruining the Azerbaijani-Turkish strategic alliance. In
case of Turkey’s refusal to do so, the Armenians cherish dream that the
U.S. Congress may recognize the so-called "genocide of 1915."Armenia
believes it will be able to derail a peace agreement that does not suit
it without much implications for itself and to preserve status quo.

What are Armenia’s chances to achieve this?

Armenia has very small chances to do this. American congressmen will
face re-election this autumn. Because of this, they become more
susceptible to the Armenian lobby, which ensures votes and money
of the Armenian voters. Washington is not very happy with Ankara’s
stance on Iran, and believes that the Turkish support in Iraq and
Afghanistan could be substantially greater. In addition, traditional
close relations between Turkey and Israel took a bad turn and this
may deprive Ankara of a traditional support for the Jewish lobby in
the United States.

But Turkey also takes action…

Of course. As in the past year, delegation of the Turkish Parliament
plans to visit the U.S. Turkish PM Erdogan and FM Davutoglu have
made warnings in connection with the beginning of the discussion
over the "genocide of 1915." Ankara argues that consideration of
so-called "Armenian genocide" in the Congress committee will fully
torpedoe already stalled normalization process which still has some
perspective. Ankara can also stop flights with Yerevan, make it
difficult for Armenians to obtain visa, to restrict money transfers,
send back illegal Armenian guest workers back to home.

They do not say it in a loud voice, but I believe that it has been made
clear to the U.S. privately that adoption of resolutions unacceptable
for Ankara will have extremely negative impact on US-Turkish
relations. The Parliament can deny the U.S. to use Turkish territory
for the supply and withdrawal of troops from Iraq and restrict use
of Incirlik airbase. It already happened when the Bush administration
undertook the invasion of Iraq to overthrow Saddam Hussein.

In response to the unwanted resolution of the American congressmen,
the Parliament can take a decision on withdrawal of Turkish troops
from Afghanistan. Turkey can also stop support in the Iranian issue.

Let me remind you that Turkey is a non-permanent member of UN
Security Council and it will take over chairmanship of this important
international body.

In short, resolution on the "genocide of 1915" can throw oil on
wounded consciousness of the Armenians, but not bring them practical
use. Simultaneously, it will cause direct harm to U.S. national
interests. I think that the reasons I have cited are quite obvious to
the U.S. State Department, Pentagon and White House. These reasons
are perfectly able to neutralize attempts of the Armenian lobbying
organizations and the Armenian Caucus in Congress.

Clarity in this issue will come soon. But negotiation on settlement
of the Karabakh conflict have stalled. Confrontational rhetoric is
growing. Can it really lead to resumption of hostilities?

If Moscow and Washington clearly explain to the Armenian leadership
that it makes no sense to delay time, chances of signing a framework
agreement based on the updated Madrid principles are significant.

May-June is deadline for this. Otherwise, growth of confrontation
between Azerbaijan and Armenia is inevitable.

I do not think that large-scale military action will begin
immediately. But the arms race will begin with greater force. The
information war will be stepped up. Shooting can become permanent
on the front line. It is possible that at one point all this will
result in real clashes. The threat to peace can be so dangerous
that it would require intervention of UN Security Council. But this
is unwelcome scenario, which would negate long-term efforts for a
peaceful settlement of the conflict.

May the sides expect real help from their allies? Can Azerbaijan
expect help from Turkey, OIC, GUAM, and Armenia from Russia & CSTO?

There has always been such a support. For Armenians, it was crucial,
because their own resources are not enough to face Azerbaijan. Russia
pumped arms to Armenia, granted loans and the U.S. still continues to
provide financial assistance. But now the situation in Armenia is not
too favorable. Money is given less and less. It has become difficult
to deliver weapons from Russia to Armenia after Georgia severed ties
with Russia.. In addition, Moscow is eager not to jeopardize mutually
beneficial economic relations with Azerbaijan and lose confidence
contacts that it has established with Azerbaijani leadership.

In the event of renewed hostilities Armenia will not receive not only
political and moral, but also military support from CSTO. Even Russia
could not obtain desired reaction from the CSTO during the August war
with Georgia in 2008. During the last year’s vote on a resolution on
the situation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan in the United
Nations none of CSTO member countries showed solidarity with Armenia
except for Russia. Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
abstained, and Uzbekistan supported Azerbaijan.

As for the Azerbaijan , I believe we can count on Turkey’s support.

Turkey is ready to help Azerbaijan militarily, which is a signal to
those, who believed we will stay alone with our problems. OIC was
mostly providing political and moral support, but separate countries,
like Pakistan, didn’t hide their willingness to act militarily. As for
GUAM, speaking of political support to Azerbaijan, it was high enough,
and all the included countries gave their votes to us in the UN.

Day.Az

URL:

TURKISH PRESIDENT CALLS OBAMA ON ARMENIA BILL

armradio.am
04.03.2010 11:36

Turkish President Abdullah Gul called U.S. President Barack Obama
Wednesday, hours before the voting on the Armenian genocide bill at
the Foreign Relations Committee of the US House of Representatives,
Turkish media report.

Gul repeated Turkey’s views about the resolution on the incidents
of 1915.

President Gul and Obama exchanged views on bilateral and regional
issues, as well.

CONGRESS URGED NOT TO ACT ON ARMENIAN RESOLUTION

AP
March 4, 2010 03:36 PM

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Obama administration is urging Congress to
hold off on a resolution declaring that the Ottoman-era killing of
Armenians was genocide.

The House Foreign Affairs Committee scheduled a vote on the resolution
for Thursday, and appeared likely to endorse it.

ButWhite House spokesman Mike Hammer says on Wednesday Secretary of
State Hillary Rodham Clinton spoke with Committee Chairman Howard
Berman and indicated the vote would jeopardize reconciliation talks
between Turkey and Armenia.

The move breaks a campaign promise by President Barack Obama to brand
the killings genocide.

Turkey is a NATO ally important to U.S. interests in the Middle East
and Afghanistan. Turkish officials have warned that the resolution
could jeopardize U.S-Turkish cooperation and set back negotiations
aimed at opening the border between Turkey and Armenia.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further
information. AP’s earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) – A resolution declaring that the Ottoman-era
killing of Armenians was genocide appears likely to be approved by
a congressional committee, a move that could alienate Turkey, a NATO
ally important to U.S. interests in the Middle East and Afghanistan.

The House Foreign Affairs Committee was expected to endorse the
resolution Thursday, sending it to the full House, where prospects
for passage are uncertain. Even if the measure does not go beyond the
committee, Turkey warns it could jeopardize U.S-Turkish cooperation
and set back negotiations aimed at opening the border between Turkey
and Armenia.

The United States relies on Turkey as a key supply route for U.S.

troops in Iraq and its troops serve in the U.S.-led coalition forces
in Afghanistan. The United States also is pressing Turkey, which holds
a rotating seat in the U.N. Security Council, to support sanctions
against Iran, Turkey’s neighbor.

The Foreign Affairs Committee approved a similar measure in 2007,
but it was not brought to the House floor for a vote after intensive
pressure from the Bush administration. This time, the Obama
administration has taken no public position.

Following the 2007 committee vote, Turkey promptly recalled its
ambassador, and U.S. officials feared passage by the full House might
prompt the Turks to cut off American access to a Turkish air base
essential to operations in Iraq.

The committee vote could prompt Turkey to recall its ambassador again.

Asked Thursday if his country would call home its envoy if the
measure is approved, a Turkish official said all options were being
considered. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of
the sensitivity of the issue.

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu says the resolution could damage
Turkish-U.S. ties and undermine reconciliation efforts with Armenia.

"If it passes, then the Obama administration should try to prevent
it from being voted by Congress," Turkey’s state-run Anatolia news
agency quoted the Turkish foreign minister as saying.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said she will wait to see the result
of the committee vote before deciding whether to bring the resolution
before the full House.

Armenian-American groups for decades have sought congressional
affirmation of the killings as genocide. Historians estimate that
up to 1.5 million Armenians were killed by Ottoman Turks around
the time of World War I, an event widely viewed by scholars as the
first genocide of the 20th century. Turkey denies that the deaths
constituted genocide, saying the toll has been inflated and those
killed were victims of civil war and unrest.

In April, Obama broke a campaign promise to brand the killings genocide
in an annual White House statement on the day marking Armenian
remembrance. Obama said that while he had not changed his views,
he did not want to upset promising talks between Turkey and Armenia
on improving relations and opening their border. Turkey sealed the
border in 1993 to protest Armenia’s war with neighboring Azerbaijan.

In October, Turkey and Armenia signed an agreement to normalize
relations, but Turkey has yet to ratify it. As progress toward a
breakthrough between the two countries appears stalled, it may be
harder for the Obama administration to oppose the resolution or
refrain from calling the killings genocide in this year’s statement.

SUREN ZOLYAN: ARMENIAN GENOCIDE WILL PASS THE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Nelly Danielyan

"Radiolur"
03.03.2010 16:45

Turkey will hardly ratify the Armenian-Turkish protocols not only by
April 24, but also by the end of the year, political scientist Suren
Zolyan told a press conference today.

Touching upon the Armenian Genocide Resolutin (H. Res 252) to be
voted on tomorrow at the Foreign Relations Committee of the House of
Representatives, Suren Zolyan said: "They will adopt it and pass to
the next instance."