Vartan Oskanian: Turkish Government Continues To Export Its Policy O

VARTAN OSKANIAN: TURKISH GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO EXPORT ITS POLICY OF GENOCIDE DENIAL

Noyan Tapan
Mar 06 2007

WASHINGTON, MARCH 6, NOYAN TAPAN. RA Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian
being in U.S. on a working visit met with US Assistant Undersecretary
of State and US Minsk Group co-chair Matthew Bryza on March 5. The two
discussed the issue of Nagorno Karabakh peaceful settlement and the
upcoming meeting of the ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, in Geneva,
on March 14, together with the co-chairs of the Minsk Group. According
to the report submitted to Noyan Tapan from RA Foreign Ministry Press
and Information Department, later in the day, with the co-chairs of
the Congressional Armenian Caucus, Minister Oskanian outlined the broad
US-Armenia agenda, and ways in which Congress can play a role. During
the meeting, the Genocide issue was also discussed. In referring to
the pending Genocide reaffirmation resolution, the Minister explained,
"The Armenian government, in contrast to the leadership in Ankara,
does not seek to lecture elected American officials on this core human
rights issue. Sadly, the Turkish government continues to export its
policy of genocide denial, seeking to impose upon the US and other
nations the very intolerance that inspired Section 301 and led to
the murder of journalist Hrant Dink. This should not be tolerated
by any individual or any country. The Armenian government has faith
in the American democratic process and respects the integrity of US
Congressional decision-making." During his visit, the Minister also
met with representatives of Armenian advocacy groups in Washington
and shared thoughts on current issues.