US Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) has urged the European Union (EU) to press Turkey to meet its accession criteria, properly recognize the Armenian Genocide and end its ongoing blockade against Armenia, reports the Armenian Assembly of Armenia. The congressional correspondence, addressed to European Commission President José Manuel Barroso and signed by nearly two dozen lawmakers, states that Turkey's progress towards establishing guarantees for democracy, rule of law, human rights and respect and protection of minorities remains wholly inadequate.

The bipartisan letter states in part: "Of particular concern is Turkey's lack of interest in considering improvements in areas that are of paramount importance for the integrity and credibility of Turkey's bid for membership. Principal among such areas is the question of Turkey's diplomatic recognition of Armenia, and the removal of its blockade, as a major impediment to regional security and development in the South Caucasus. Equally critical is Turkey's ability to end its official policy of denial of the Armenian Genocide, and come to terms with its genocidal legacy."

The United States has called upon Turkey to restore economic, political and social ties with Armenia, while the European Parliament has adopted a resolution urging Ankara to open its border with Armenia, and recognize the genocide, as a precondition to membership to the EU.