U.S. Ambassador Regrets Decision By House Committee

ANKARA - U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Ross Wilson said he deeply regrets the decision by the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs to send the resolution (on Armenian allegations regarding incidents of 1915) forward for a vote by the full House and pledged to continue his efforts to convince members of Congress not to approve it.
Wilson said in a statement released on Thursday that the U.S. President George W. Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other administration officials oppose the resolution.
"I sincerely hope the resolution will not be passed," Wilson said.
"Among the many tragedies of World War I and the 20th Century were the large-scale deaths of Ottoman Armenians. This episode deserves careful attention and historical study. Mutual understanding and reconciliation among Turks and Armenians will remain the right course for all to follow," he continued.
"The partnership between Turkey and the United States is strong and will remain so. We are determined to pursue our common vital interests and strengthen our shared values," he added.
(TÇ-UK)