Secretary of State Clinton to Consult with Armenian-American Organizations Regarding Protocols

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WASHINGTON — US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will meet with Armenian-American organizations next month to consult on the protocols between Armenia and Turkey announced the Armenian Assembly of America. The Assembly requested a meeting with Secretary Clinton to discuss issues of concern to the community.

Invited to attend the meeting with Clinton are: the Armenian Assembly of America, the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), the Diocese of the Armenian Church (Western), the Knights of Vartan and the Armenian National Committee of America.

“The Republic of Armenia through its president, has taken bold steps, yet the Republic of Turkey continues its counterproductive actions with respect to normalizing relations with Armenia,” stated Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. “As such, this meeting offers an important opportunity to discuss the Administration’s efforts to hold Turkey accountable.”

The Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Western), the Knights of Vartan, along with the Assembly issued a joint statement in support of President Serge Sargisian’s initiative “in taking a positive approach to the process of normalizing relations….”

The joint statement also made it clear that those organizations will continue “to stand firmly with the Nagorno Karabagh Republic to ensure its freedom and security” and will also continue to lead the charge with respect to “all those working for universal affirmation of the Armenian Genocide.”

While Armenia has taken a constructive approach, in direct contradiction to the protocols signed in October of 2009, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to link progress on the protocols to a resolution of the Nagorno Karabagh conflict. In addition, while in Washington, DC last month,

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Erdogan, when asked about the Armenian Genocide on the Charlie Rose television program, stated that, “I can say very clearly that we do not accept genocide. This is completely a lie.”

“In the face of Turkey’s ongoing campaign of denial, we must redouble our efforts to secure US reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide and urge swift passage of the Armenian Genocide resolution in Congress,” stated Ardouny.

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