Hillarysworld

09.01.2010 13:18

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will meet with Armenian-American organizations next month to consult on the protocols between Armenia and Turkey, announced the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly). The Assembly requested a meeting with Secretary Clinton to discuss issues of concern to the community.

"The Republic of Armenia through its President, has taken bold steps, yet the Republic of Turkey continues its counterproductive actions with respect to normalizing relations with Armenia," stated Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "As such, this meeting offers an important opportunity to discuss the Administration's efforts to hold Turkey accountable," added Ardouny.

The Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Western), the Knights of Vartan, along with the Assembly issued a joint statement in support of President Serzh Sargsyan's initiative "in taking a positive approach to the process of normalizing relations...." The joint statement also made it clear that we will continue "to stand firmly with the Nagorno Karabakh Republic to ensure its freedom and security" and will also continue to lead the charge with respect to "all those working for universal affirmation of the Armenian Genocide."

While Armenia has taken a constructive approach, in direct contradiction to the protocols signed in October of 2009, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to link progress on the protocols to a resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. In addition, while in Washington, DC last month, Erdogan, when asked about the Armenian Genocide on the Charlie Rose television program, stated that "I can say very clearly that we do not accept genocide. This is completely a lie."

"In the face of Turkey's ongoing campaign of denial, we must redouble our efforts to secure U.S. reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide and urge swift passage of the Armenian Genocide resolution in Congress," stated Ardouny.

Invited to attend the meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are: the Armenian Assembly of America, the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), the Diocese of the Armenian Church (Western), the Knights of Vartan, and the Armenian National Committee of America.

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