November 27, 2008 - 18:19 AMT
Armenian genocide: Turkey threatens U.S. again
The Armenian Diaspora in the U.S. has prepared a comprehensive plan to have Obama recognize the Armenian Genocide in his April 24 statement, Hurriyet reports.

Armenian organizations are also trying to ensure a vote of the Genocide resolution in Congress in February 2009 and to block the appointment of politicians who oppose the Armenian Genocide recognition to the new administration, according to the daily.

Meanwhile, a Turkish official said that Ankara will take all necessary measures to hamper these efforts. "They cannot do this easily... We even can stop the U.S. from utilizing Turkish capabilities in its operations in Iraq and Afghanistan," the official said on condition of anonymity.

Officials also say Turkey will be in a key position as Obama is set to change his country's foreign policy, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. Therefore Obama will not want to have problems with Turkey, they note.

Possible appointment of Hillary Clinton to Secretary of State is regarded as positive for Turkey.