February 24, 2009 - 16:03 AMT
Genocide recognition can't prevent Turkish-Armenian reconciliation
Draft resolution on the Armenian Genocide recognition will soon be submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives, ARF Dashnaktsutyun Bureau's Hay Dat and Political Affairs Office Director Kiro Manoyan said.

"A purposeful work is being carried out among the congressmen to bring resolution to the House floor. There is a strong probability that Barack Obama will use the term 'genocide' in his Apr. 24 statement. All depends on the U.S. interests while Turkish media is engaged in guesswork," Manoyan told a news conference on Tuesday.

He also denied suppositions that U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide will prevent normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations.

"Turkey should assume responsibility for the crime against humanity committed by the Ottoman Empire," Manoyan said.

"Still, I believe, no steps will be undertaken till Apr. 24, as local administration election is due in Turkey in Mar. 29 and the ruling AKP has to win majority of votes. Some changes are possible after the election,'' he said.