In a move which looks to be sparking a major diplomatic row with Turkey, the House Foreign Affairs Committee narrowly passed a resolution declaring the Ottoman era killing of Armenians “genocide.” The 23-22 vote will send the measure to the full House for a vote.
But it will do so over the staunch objections of President Barack Obama, who pledged during the campaign to support such a resolution. Since his election Obama has opposed the resolution, with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton explaining only that “circumstances have changed.”
Exactly how circumstances have changed is unclear. The vote would be non-binding and would only express Congress’ sentiment that President Obama should recognize the genocide label in his annual statement. President Obama’s refusal over a House vote would likely be a serious embarrassment, particularly after his campaign pledges on the issue.
The Armenian government maintains that 1.5 million Armenians were killed by the Ottoman Empire during World War 1. The modern Turkish government has acknowledged a large number of deaths but insists they weren’t part of any systematic policy of genocide. They have fought vigorously against foreign nations labeling the deaths “genocide,” and the dispute remains a serious strain on Turko-Armenian relations to this day.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu cautioned the House panel against the vote today, warning that it would harm bilateral ties. After the vote Turkey announced that Ambassador Namik Tan was being recalled immediately in protest. A Turkish officials was also quoted as saying “all options are on the table” if the House goes though with a final vote on the resolution.
The genocide…, True or not has nothing to do with the vote, what is important is the present time and the relations where the Armenians and Turks are enjoying and live side by side in Turkey; however, recently the similar notion – vote was conducted in Sweden by the Swedish Social Democrats party representative whom is a Turkish emigrant himself…, in reality this masseur is and was nothing but a political maneuvering to attract those who would still think about those days and years in mankind history but for Social Democrats in Sweden to get the votes of Armenians and Assyrians whom are living in Sweden. In US.., the notion is also a political maneuvering in terms of the declined relations in regard to Turkeys condemnations of Israel’s militarism killings of innocent Palestinians’ during the Gaza war and to further divide people by opening a old wound, otherwise the question is…, what would US and or Swedes gain by asking for such a condemnations, in the other hand the Swedes nor EU or US have or will ask their parliament to condemn Israel and its 50 years in killing Palestinians.
Shut up …..you have to talk the truth or shut up forever.
Aren't we the rational debater…
hey if its not the truth correct it, don't be an ass
"Turkeys condemnations of Israel’s militarism killings of innocent Palestinians."
please turkey is just as complicit in Israels activities as the usa, if you don't like the militarism of a neighbor supporting their MIT and selling them vital resources does not seem like the best way to show your protest.
also running spy rings togher also kind of tarnishes that whole "condemnations"
Obama is a disgrace,has no honour in him.truth must prevail,you can't cover up history .whenever there is Islam,there is killing.ISLAM=DRACOLA
i can see OBAMA as an allay to ISlam not to America and freedom.
wake up american impeach this fake man.
Who is this "Dracola" you speak of? Is he a mascot for some anti-semetic soft drink?
NEW!!! DRA-COLA!!!
"Taste the blood of your enemies!"
And how is Obama an "allay to ISlam" when he has signed off on killing Muslims in more countries than even Bush. Will no amount of Muslim bloodshed appease you?
What about the American-made genocide in Iraq? Remember that? In case anyone forgot, a pack of big-mouthed assholes jumped an oil-rich nation and proceeded to conduct a genocide in which over one million Iraqis have been slaughtered. Not to mention American torture chambers. Any word as to whether the government of Turkey will pass a counter-resolution, one bemoaning crimes that took place now instead of a hundred years ago?
God Bless America.
I posted here last night but you did not put my well-documented comments up. Why?
1- My question to the fellow angry Samira.. What would the world gain if even the present government of Turkey would come out and say.. Yes, it is true and we did kill over a million Armenians during the First World War… but it was a war and we needed to do that…!! Do you think that world would come out and kill a million Turks just for the hell of it…? The humankind history is full of falsified, used and abused time of power to fool the fellow humankind when the power – government could benefits of it.. Swedish Social Democrats are a desperate and opportunistic political party to gain their lost power and to steal and monopolize the people’s wealth more then before .. So is the Swedish Communist party.. they do anything to get the vote of those who does not know but claim to be the one working for democracy. If you ask these people to define democracy.., most likely they would answer you.., is what people vote for..?
2- that is where people are fooled…, and vote for those whom can fool them with a falsified hopes.., at the same time.., If you look at the present global political situation and governments political maneuverings the same notion would be the fact in American politics by the far right whom would do anything to support Israel where its genocide done as a on going facts for last 50 years.., such a politic combined with Israel’s apartheid regime has become a threat to entire region and present Turkish government is against such policy.., which shows that they are not racist and willing to work with any government if the relation is based on mutual benefits. To clarify.., let me say this.., I am not for any religious government or its philosophy but I think that people needs to understand that what is their right to know where governments or those who are out their and just seeking power will not tell the people that: we say this or do that because of the moment in politics where we see it would benefit us as a government.