During the trip to the US members of the Democracy Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey met with US Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz. During the talks P. Wolfowitz named the spheres, in which the Bush Administration would like to see the Turkish Government’s support. Specifically, he touched upon the topic of the Armenian Genocide. In Mr. Wolfowitz’ words, in exchange for the negative response to the US for the wishes of Armenians on acknowledgement of the Genocide, Ankara has to support the White House in some foreign policy tasks. Wolfowitz named the issues, in which the US expects support from Turkey. Specifically, Washington expects Ankara to hold the same position with itself in respect of Iran and Syria, up to joint actions. The Bush Administration wishes abrupt reaction from Ankara at the state level in response to the accusations referring to the US and Jews, as well as the opening of a missionary school. As reported by the Turkish press, Ankara has to improve relations with Yerevan and make actual steps to open the border with Armenia. The US Turkish lobby has launched intense actions thereupon too. The President of the Federation of Turkish American Associations Ata Erim stated that Turks of the US have decided to struggle against acknowledgement of the Genocide. In his words, Turks gradually become notable players in the US political life. A. Erim noted that the Armenian lobby had made efforts to attain official recognition of the Genocide, however it did not succeed. According to the information of the Federation President, the Armenian lobby is expected submit a draft on acknowledgement of the Genocide to the Congress, however the Turkish lobby will do its best for the bill not to be passed.
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