Lobbing battle over Genocide resolution go on in US Congress

PanARMENIAN.Net - Don't expect the perennial lobbying battle over a contentious genocide resolution to subside this Congress with Armenia and Turkey signing protocols to reestablish relations Saturday after close to a century of hostility between the two. The resolution's lead sponsor, Rep. Adam Schiff, intends to move forward with the bill despite the two countries meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, on Saturday.



"We intend to push forward with the recognition of the genocide," Schiff told The Hill, hoping Turkey will "come to grips with the past."



Despite Armenia and Turkey officially reconciling, lawmakers are still signing onto Schiff's bill. Seven House members have added their names to its co-sponsor list since the two countries announced on Aug. 31 the protocols they intended to sign. Two lawmakers Brian Bilbray and Darrell Issa - joined others in supporting the resolution this past week, bringing a total of 134 co-sponsors for the legislation.



Schiff said he was not sure on when the resolution would come before the House Foreign Affairs Committee for approval and then moved onto the floor for a vote. Nevertheless, the California Democrat can expect support from Armenian advocacy organizations, who have mounted a grassroots campaign this year to get it passed in Congress, as he pushes for his resolution.



Nabi Sensoy, Turkey's ambassador to the United States, said moving forward with the resolution in Congress now could harm his country's normalization process with Armenia.



The Turkish Embassy will have ready a stable of PR operatives and lobbyists to beat back the resolution this Congress.



Sensoy believes Saturday's agreement between the two countries will help Turkey's case against the resolution in Congress by bolstering its ties with U.S. lawmakers, The Hill daily reported.