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dcnovice -> Turkish envoy warns against U.S. genocide resolution (10/6/2007 9:22:14 AM)
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Turkish envoy warns against U.S. genocide resolution
WASHINGTON — Approval of an Armenian genocide resolution by the House of Representatives would have "very, very unfortunate" consequences for U.S.-Turkish relations, Turkish Ambassador Nabi Sensoy warned Friday.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee will consider the diplomatically charged resolution Wednesday. In an interview, Sensoy said "we are deploying all the efforts that we can" to defeat the nonbinding measure, which he thinks could unravel a strategic alliance.
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Introduced by Rep. George Radanovich , R-Calif., and Rep. Adam Schiff , D-Calif., the 1,780-word resolution declares that "the Armenian Genocide was conceived and carried out by the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1923." Armenians say an estimated 1.5 million died during the period.
Symbolically, the resolution puts the House on record as characterizing the Armenian slaughter as genocide. Politically, it has high visibility in regions with large Armenian-American populations, including Southern California , California's San Joaquin Valley , Michigan and New Jersey .
"Silence is genocide's greatest ally, and I am very happy that the silence regarding the Armenian genocide will be ending next week," said Rep. Jim Costa , D-Calif. "It is well past due that the Armenian genocide finally be recognized as such in our nation."
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Almost four-fifths of Turks surveyed earlier this year favored "strong action" by their government if an Armenian resolution passes. More than 80 percent said they'd oppose Turkey helping out in nearby Iraq . Many said they'd consider boycotting U.S. products. American exports to Turkey totaled about $5.4 billion last year.
Tricky question, this one. Do we state the truth as we see it, even if that means fraying relations with an ally and trading partner? Is Ottoman/Armenian history an appropriate subject for the U.S. Congress to address?
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