Ankara increases pressure on Washington

In two days time, the U.S. House of Representatives will be voting on a resolution claiming the Armenians were subject to genocide in 1915. Turkish officials are conducting lobbying efforts prior to the voting on the motion, however President Obama is expected to step in at the last minute to ensure the resolution is not adopted.

Ankara has increased pressure on Washington prior to the March 4^th voting by the U.S. House of Representatives on a resolution for the 1915 incidents to be declared genocide. While it appears the pro and con votes are currently at 50 to 50 percent, Ankara’s goal is to try to influence those that are currently undecided. At this time, support is being sought out by the Jewish lobby, businessmen, former congress members and other lobbyists. Washington Ambassador Namik Tan has spoken with the chairmen of a variety of Jewish establishments, such as ADL, AJC and AIPAC.

ALL EYES ARE ON THE PRESIDENT

Ankara is expecting that US President Obama will intervene should the resolution be brought to the US Congress. Ankara is expecting that even should the resolution be passed by Congress, President Obama will use his Presidential authority to prevent the resolution from being adopted. Turkey is delivering the message that for the normalization process between Turkey and Armenia to not be obstructed and if importance is placed on collaboration with Turkey, especially regarding Afghanistan, then the USA must “offer help, for us to reciprocate.”