December 9, 2008 - 15:20 AMT
Washington's Armenian Genocide recognition quite real
The goal of the worldwide campaign for recognition of the Armenian Genocide is the acknowledgement of this historical fact by Turkey, ARF Bureau's Hay Dat and Political Affairs Office Director said.

"The fact of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide is a reality. Moreover, recognition by the new U.S. administration seems quite possible now," Kiro Manoyan told a news conference today. "Turkey is recommended to work hard to normalize relations with Armenia to prevent such a scenario."

President-elect's pledges and composition of new administration give hope for official recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Washington, according to him.

"Turkish people already make attempts to study their history but in order to raise public awareness, the authorities should stop persecution of intellectuals whose opinion differs from the position of official Ankara," Mr. Manoyan added.