ANKARA, YEREVAN (Combined Sources)—The US reiterated its support for normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkish Monday, when Secretary State Hillary Clinton discussed the matter with her Turkish counterpart and US Ambassador to Armenia said the matter was “an important issue” in the region.
Clinton underscored the importance of normalizing relations during a 35-minute phone call on regional matters with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Dovlatoglu.
Speaking at an event hosted by the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan on Monday, Ambassador to Armenia Marie Yovanovitch described Turkey-Armenia normalization as an important issue for Turkey, Armenia and the region, reported RFE/RL.
“Turkey-Armenia rapprochement is an important issue. It’s important for Turkey, it’s important for Armenia, it’s important for the region. The U.S. supports normalization of relations and the opening of the border, and our hope remains that there will be tangible progress soon,” said Yovanovitch during the opening of a condolence book at the U.S. Embassy for Senator Edward Kennedy, according to RFE/RL.
In her remarks, Yovanovitch described Senator Kennedy as a great American and a great citizen of the world.
“His death is a huge loss both for America and the world and I also believe for Armenia. Because from the very first days of Armenia’s independence Senator Kennedy supported a newly independent Armenia and stood firm with Armenia in all of its causes and also with the Armenian-American community in the United States,” she said.
RFE/RL reported that Yovanovitch also answered a journalist’s question regarding the process of the recognition of the Armenian genocide in the United States.
She said: “I would point you to President [Barack] Obama’s April 24 statement on this issue. He was very clear about what his personal views are. He was also very clear about how he sees the process forward, and that right now there are important talks between Armenians and Turks and it is important that we support that process.”
I am praying for Senator Ted Kennedy and his Family.
I am praying for all Global Citizens.
jeshmarid@yahoo.com
The image with this article is disgusting and insulting, “Asbarez” please be more considerate.
Yesterday I immediately shut my monitor down, I did not want my young Armenian sons to see that, no matter what the context may be.