US Congressmen Warn Turkey of Support for Armenian Genocide Recognition
Jun 17th, 2010 | Category: Politics
YEREVAN (Panorama.am), July 17–Supporters of Israel in the US House of Representatives warned Turkey on Wednesday they might support a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide that so far has failed to come up for a vote by the full chamber.
According to CNN, however, House members who have been unwilling to support the resolution now say they might change their minds due to Turkey’s pro-Iranian moves and support for the recent effort to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
“There will be a cost if Turkey stays on its present heading of growing closer to Iran and more antagonistic to the state of Israel,” Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), told a news conference. “It will bear upon my view and I believe the view of many members of Congress on the state of the relationship with Turkey.”
In particular, Pence said, “They need to understand going forward there’s going to be a cost regarding the Armenian resolution.”
Rep. Peter King (R-NY), echoed Pence in saying he was reconsidering his past opposition to taking up the Armenian Genocide resolution.
King said he and “many” other House members believe there was an Armenian Genocide, but have been reluctant to support the resolution due to the strategic US relationship with Turkey.
“I think that’s about to change,” King said.
Rep. Shelley Berkley, (D-NV), said she would actively oppose Turkey’s bid to become part of the European Union.
“They don’t deserve that recognition and they don’t deserve to be a part of the EU until they start behaving more like European nations,” Berkley said.