November 26, 2007 - 17:05 AMT
Armenian Genocide resolution fell victim to complicated circumstances in U.S. foreign policy
Memory is alive not only for Armenians but also for the entire humanity, Russian Duma member Konstantin Zatulin said during Yerevan-Moscow space bridge. In due time Russia demonstrated political will and despite timeserving circumstances the State Duma approved a legislation recognizing the Armenian Genocide and announcing April 24 the Day of Commemoration. There is no doubt that Russia holds a balanced stand on the issue," he said.

"The U.S. has approached adoption of H.Res.106 but unfortunately the legislation fell victim to complicated circumstances in the U.S. foreign policy. These are strategic relations with Turley, situation in Iraq and the problem of Northern Kurdistan," Zatulin said.

According to him, in this case national interest outweighed democracy. "Russia always supports Armenia in the Genocide recognition issue, since neglect of these problem resulted in other crimes against humanity," he said adding that Armenia and Russia are strategic partners. "We have a military base to deprive the neighbor states of temptation to proceed from blockade to other actions," he said. "Straggle against national minorities is a part of Kemal Ataturk's political heritage and Turkey's military doctrine doesn't tolerate multiformity."

October 10, with a vote 27 to 21 the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted the Armenian Genocide Resolution, H.Res.106, which was introduced by Representative Adam Schiff January 30, 2007. However, late October lead authors called on Speaker Pelosi to postpone the House vote.