Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmet Davutoglu urged the U.S. Congress on Friday not to impede the normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations in connection with the adoption of the resolution "On the Armenian Genocide" by the Foreign Relations Committee of the House of Representatives.
"The intervention of third parties in the process of normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations will impede it. Ankara is determined to normalize relations with Armenia" - he said during the urgently convened press conference.
“At the same time he warned that adoption of the resolution "may lead to a cessation of the process of normalization".
Davutoglu also repeated Turkey’s appeal to create a joint commission with Armenia to investigate the tragic events of 1915.
"We call on Armenians around the world to establish a joint commission. Instead of judging historical events in parliament, let us take counsel together and investigate the problem. Let this be an example for future generations" - said Davutoglu.
Immediately after the adoption of the resolution on the Thursday evening, the Turkish government announced the recall of its ambassador to the U.S. for consultations. Turkish President Abdullah Gul said that the decision taken by the committee of the House of Representatives "has no significance for the Turkish people".
"This event will damage efforts to ensure peace and stability in the South Caucasus and to establish friendly relations" - RIA Novosti quoted the Turkish leader as saying.
