BY NASUHI GUNGOR
STAR- Tonight everybody in Ankara is casting their eyes across the Atlantic. The issue is well-known. A resolution alleging that the 1915 events amounted to 'genocide' is facing a vote in the US House of Representatives Foreign Relations Committee. As this column goes to bed, we're still awaiting the vote.
Turkey is carefully watching where the issue is going, while making clear that if the resolution passes, all options, including recalling the ambassador to US for consultations, are on the table. [Note: After the vote, Turkey did recall its ambassador.]
But the vote's result won't be the last word or the end of the world. Besides, things for Turkey are quite different than in the past. Turkey's position in its region and the world has moved forward. Despite difficulties taking some steps, Turkey wants to be a mover for a solution, not part of the problem.
There have been some problems with the protocols signed last year between Turkey and Armenia. Taking into account both countries' domestic balances, it's not an easy step for either, especially on such a complicated issue. Ankara's stance on the Karabakh issue is also at stake, as it should be. Contrary to what some believe, this stance is a part of its policy of not obstructing a solution but making it a lasting one.
But none of these problems can change the fact that last year Turkey and Armenia started to talk. This is what we should focus on. What Ankara needs to do now is step up efforts to get Russia involved. Russia's support will lessen Azerbaijan's unease.
Let's turn back to across the Atlantic. It's well known that this bothersome issue comes up every April. But Ankara has fallen flat in countering the Armenian arguments and actors pushing the issue.
As a result, despite Turkey's new role, no decision will be definitive. Everybody should adapt to a Turkey thinking differently from the big powers and even taking steps in spite of them.