US lawmakers told leaders of Armenia and Turkey, they are ready to help

PanARMENIAN.Net - A group of US lawmakers told leaders of Armenia and Turkey on Monday that they stood ready to help the neighbors as they strive to end decades of animosity and forge closer diplomatic ties, AFP reports.



"It is essential that the building blocks of trust and cooperation are established between Armenia and Turkey to heal open wounds, mend broken hearts and create a better future for both nations and peoples," they wrote Armenia President Serzh Sarkisian and Turkish President Abdullah Gul.



The group, all Democratic allies of US President Barack Obama, included Representatives Robert Wexler, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Ike Skelton, the chairman of the House Armed Service Committee. It also included Representatives John Murtha, who has close ties to the Pentagon, and Alcee Hastings, co-chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe.



"As members of Congress who agree that lasting Armenian-Turkish rapprochement should be a top priority for the United States, please know we are ready to assist your nations' efforts to normalize relations and build a better future for generations of Armenians and Turks," they wrote.



"This process is difficult and at times painful, but we remain hopeful that ongoing bilateral engagement will lead to a positive breakthrough that forever changes the dynamics of the region and opens the door to new possibilities and brighter futures for Armenia and Turkey," they said.