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U.S. Recognition Of Armenian Genocide In Turkey May Strengthen Ties

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  • U.S. Recognition Of Armenian Genocide In Turkey May Strengthen Ties

    U.S. RECOGNITION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE IN TURKEY MAY STRENGTHEN TIES BETWEEN ANKARA AND MOSCOW
    Sergey Strokan

    RusData Dialine - Russian Press Digest
    March 10, 2010 Wednesday

    After the U.S. Congress' Foreign Affairs Committee passed last week
    a draft resolution recognizing the Armenian genocide carried out by
    Turkish authorities early in the 20th century, Ankara recalled its
    ambassador from Washington for consultations and announced it could
    find another energy partner: Russia.

    The U.S. Congress had already considered similar resolutions in 1974
    and 1985, but did not adopt them. In 2007, the House Foreign Affairs
    Committee approved the draft resolution. At that time, as now, Ankara
    lodged a strong protest and recalled its ambassador. President George
    W. Bush had a difficult time persuading the Congressmen not to vote.

    This time matters are complicated by the fact that during his election
    campaign Barack Obama promised to recognize the Armenian genocide
    and many now expect him to be a man of his word.

    The United States historically has a strong Armenian lobby. Its
    only rival is the Jewish lobby, but following a cooling of relations
    between Israel and Turkey, their active support for Ankara declined.

    Washington is also concerned that Turkey's policies are too independent
    and that it has strengthened its relations with Iran.

    When, in February of this year, the U.S. proposed that it deploy
    an anti-missile radar system on Turkish soil, Ankara diplomatically
    declined, saying it first needed to secure support of the other NATO
    countries. Nor are the Turks in a hurry to ratify the protocol on
    the normalization of relations with Armenia, although the U.S. has
    long urged them to do so.

    Meanwhile, Ankara has hinted that it could easily find another energy
    partner, such as Russia, for example. Sources in the Turkish government
    say that Turkey "is prepared to open its doors to renewed cooperation
    with Russia on this issue" if the U.S. persists on the genocide issue.

    However, Congress is unlikely to pass a resolution on the Armenian
    genocide: there is too much at stake. Turkey supports U.S. operations
    in Afghanistan and Iraq, and Washington is not only interested in
    the continuation of this cooperation, but also in strengthening it.

    Equally important is the U.S. base in Incirlik, which is essential for
    many U.S. air force operations. In addition, Turkey is strategically
    placed on oil and gas routes from the Middle East and the Caspian
    region to Western countries.
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