U.S. uses Armenian Genocide issue to press Turkey on NATO missile shield

October 23, 2010 - 12:20 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - With Turkey-U.S. ties challenged by NATO plans for a missile defense system, Washington is now attempting to use one of the touchiest issues in the two countries’ relationship to gain Turkish cooperation, Hurriyet Daily News reported.

Frustrated by the growing divergence of views, the U.S. administration has warned Turkey that it will not be able to block the adoption of the Armenian Genocide resolution by the Congress.

In talks with Turkish authorities, U.S. officials said Ankara’s policies on Iran, tensions with Israel and position on the anti-missile system would determine the course of Turkish-American relations and be a test case for how Turkey wants to position itself going forward. Unless there is some improvement in these three areas, Washington made clear through diplomatic channels that Turkey should not be surprised to see a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide pass before the end of the year.