TUSIAD Sends Letter on the Armenian Genocide Resolution to all Members of the US Congress

TURKISH INDUSTRIALISTS’ AND BUSINESSMEN’S ASSOCIATION
WASHINGTON OFFICE

September 14, 2007

Dear Representative Nancy Pelosi,

I am writing to you in my capacity as the chairperson of Turkish Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (TUSIAD), to share with you my serious concern to see renewed efforts in the U.S. House of Representatives to debate H. Res. 106, “Affirmation of the United States Record on the Armenian Genocide Resolution.”

Turkey is a key ally of the United States both bilaterally and also within the framework of NATO. Their alliance is based on a long-standing partnership that took years to develop and nurture. Attempts by the U.S. Congress to introduce resolutions like H. Res. 106 will hinder development of good relations between Turkey and the United States at a time when it is of utmost importance. Positive public opinion plays a very significant role in defining these relations in all aspects.

Moreover, such efforts by the House of Representatives come as the debate in Turkey on Armenian issue is considerably more vocal and open-minded. The public is beginning to call for better relations with the Republic of Armenia as well as for a fresh look at the tragedy that took place at the time of the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

In April 2005, Turkey asked Armenia to set up a joint commission to study the genocide allegations and appealed for international support for the proposal. To this end, Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan sent a letter to Armenian President Kocharian, formally proposing the joint commission and requesting that not only Turkey but Armenia and other countries should open the holdings in their archives on the Armenian issue. The Turkish Parliament, in a statement, backed jointly by the government and the opposition, repeated this call for setting up a commission of Turkish, Armenian and other independent historians. Although President Kocharian rejected this offer, I sincerely hope that he and his government will take the opportunity to reciprocate this move by PM Erdogan.

On behalf of the Turkish business community, I urge your opposition to this resolution. I believe that floor deliberation of such resolutions would not be conducive to the improvement of relations between Turkey and the United States nor for the normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia.

Yours sincerely,
Arzuhan Dogan Yalcindag
Chairperson clomid effect on men of TUSIAD

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