Two resolutions referring to the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire in 1915-1923 were passed in the California Congress with much difficulty, stated California Senator Jack Scott at a news conference in the Armenian MFA. In his words, the strong Turkish lobby caused this. "Their representatives were trying to persuade there had been no Genocide. They were presented some facts, but we did not hear them," the Senator noted adding at that, "The Armenian Genocide is a very important issue that should be paid utmost attention." Mr. Scott also stated, "We will made every effort for the Armenian Genocide Resolutions to be passed by the US Senate." In his turn Armenian FM Vartan Oskanian stated that the Senator "is a good friend of Armenia and has made an important contribution to promotion of the Armenian issue in California," reported IA Regnum.