HOUSE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE’S APPROVAL OF BILL ON SO CALLED “ARMENIAN GENOCIDE” TRIGGER PROTESTS IN TURKEY
House Foreign Affairs Committee’s approval of the resolution on the so-called “Armenian Genocide” sparked strong protests in Turkey.
Turkey’s ambassador in Washington Nabi Shensoy was called back to Ankara for further consultations. Admiral Metin Atac’s visit to the United States was put off.
In an interview to journalists, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyib Erdogan described the resolution as “unsuccessful” decision for future bilateral relations. According to him, US congressmen’s step contradicts Washington’s interests and Turkish Government will continue its fight before discussions in the Congress.
During a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, Recep Tayyib Erdogan said this resolution would serve neither the interests of the United States nor Armenia.
Condoleeza Rice said she regrets over House Foreign Affairs Committee’s approving the resolution, and that she will continue her efforts to prevent the document from being adopted by the Congress.
US Department of State cautioned U.S. citizens living in or visiting Turkey to be alert, avoid large gatherings, and especially places known to be frequented by Americans.
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