March 27, 2007 - 18:36 AMT
Turkish businessmen joined in "struggle" against Armenian Genocide Resolution
During the 26th annual summit of Turkish and U.S. government and military officials and businessmen the issue of recognizing the Armenian Genocide by the Congress was discussed. Turkish Daily News reports that one more subject of discussion became the possible adoption of a resolution condemning the murder of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink in January. "Everything has been said. I hope it (Armenian Genocide Resolution) doesn't pass," said General Ergin Saygun, deputy chief of the Turkish General Staff, at a Sunday reception at the Turkish Embassy in Washington. The newspaper notes that even if the Armenian Genocide Resolution is passed the U.S. stance towards Turkey will not change. "The U.S. policy will not change regardless of what Congress does on this issue. We would like to see the resolution not pass," U.S. Ambassador to Ankara Ross Wilson stated. Turkish Daily News also notes that Turkish Economy Minister Ali Babacan and head of Microsoft Corporation Bill Gates were present at the conference.