Turkey likely to block Armenian Genocide Resolution in U.S. Congress

PanARMENIAN.Net - The policy of the AKP party, which won the July 22 parliamentary elections in Turkey, diverts a little from the official Turkish line towards Armenia, Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies at the RA Academy of Sciences, Dr Ruben Safrastyan told a news conference July 27.



The statement made in 2002 on building relations with Armenia taking into account not only political but also economic interests was unprecedented.



With a good deal of optimism we can hope that the ruling AKP will make a positive step towards improvement of relations with Armenia, according to him.



However, Dr Safrastyan said, Turkey will press for blocking passage of the Armenian Genocide Resolution in the U.S. Congress and is likely to succeed.



He said Armenia should not perceive the Armenian Genocide recognition issue as a burden. "It's not only 'our duty' but also a possibility to strengthen positions on the international arena," he noted, IA Regnum reports.