Davutoğlu says measures taken against ‘initiatives bothering Turkey’April 11, 2014 - 12:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Several hours before the adoption of the Armenian Genocide Resolution by the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, journalists questioned State Department Press Spokesperson Jen Psaki regarding the Obama Administration's position on the resolution and pending Committee consideration. "Well, our position has long been that we acknowledge – clearly acknowledge as historical fact and mourn the loss of 1.5 million Armenians who were massacred or marched to their deaths in the final days of the Ottoman Empire. These horrific events resulted in one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century, and the United States recognizes that they remain a great source of pain for the people of Armenia and of Armenian descent, as they do for all of us who share basic universal values. Beyond that, I don’t have any other comment for you," Psaki replied. Despite repeated queries, she stopped short of the State Department's traditional practice of openly arguing against the adoption of Armenian Genocide legislation. Meanwhile, according to the Hurriyet Daily News, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu held a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry prior to the committee vote, to discuss the document. The Turkish government is taking measures against “initiatives that will bother Turkey,” he said. Related links: Related issues: The Armenian Genocide The Armenian Genocide (1915-23) was the deliberate and systematic destruction of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire during and just after World War I. It was characterized by massacres and deportations, involving forced marches under conditions designed to lead to the death of the deportees, with the total number of deaths reaching 1.5 million. Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). |