Armenian Genocide issue on agenda of Clinton's talks in AnkaraMarch 2, 2009 - 17:18 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - One thorny issue that will come on agenda of Hillary Clinton's talks in Ankara is whether the Obama administration will recognize the Armenian Genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Empire and how it might deal with the plans in Congress to revive a resolution describing it as such. A Turkish official in Washington said the Armenian issue, "which poisoned ties in recent years, would be raised, but Ankara wanted the focus to be on areas of cooperation." "At this moment, we hope that sound judgment will prevail and that they will keep this issue from being further politicized. I think it is susceptible to distortion," he said. "Strategically, it is important for the United States to have Turkey on its side. A big question is how much of a distraction this Armenian Genocide issue will be," said Turkey expert Samuel Brannen of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Washington think tank. "The administration is aware about Turkish views on this and is thinking about this issue in light of all the factors. There is more to say, but none at present," said the official, on condition of anonymity, Today's Zaman reported. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |