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[joe]

http://www.aina.org/news/2007033093819.htm

Turkey Makes Hollow Threats on Genocide Recognition
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Posted GMT 3-30-2007 14:38:19
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YEREVAN (YERKIR) -- "The Turkish government is threatening to obstruct U.S. operations in Iraq should the Congress recognize the Armenian Genocide. But a careful look at this threat shows that it is hollow," ANCA (Armenian National Committee of America) Executive Director Aram Hamparian told PanARMENIAN.Net. He said, opponents of the Armenian Genocide Resolution are crying wolf once again. "General Michael Moseley, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, stated on February 21, 2007, that, "I wouldn't say we have to use Incirlik airbase to conduct operations in Iraq."

"Train wrecks" in U.S.-Turkey relations were loudly but falsely predicted before President Reagan's 1981 public affirmation of the Armenian Genocide, the 1984 designation by the U.S. House of April 24th as a day for its remembrance, as well as before the amendments passed by the House in 1996 and 2004 restricting U.S. aid to Turkey based on its denial of this crime against humanity.

Despite threats of retribution, Turkey has taken only token steps against the European Parliament, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Argentina, Austria, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, and other states and international bodies that have recognized the Armenian Genocide. In fact, despite all its threats in 2001 against France's recognition of the Armenian Genocide, trade between France and Turkey grew 22% the following year, and has grown by 131% over the past five years," Hamparian stressed.