InternationalWashington briefing: Senate Democratic leader raises concerns over Armenia-Turkey protocols
Published: Monday November 09, 2009
Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.).
In a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Sen. Harry Reid (D.-Nev.) communicated his constituents' concerns over Armenia-Turkey agreements signed last month. Mr. Reid leads the majority Democratic Party in the Senate.
Writing on October 20, ten days after Secretary Clinton helped secure signing of the Armenian-Turkish deal in Zurich, Switzerland, Sen. Reid noted that he "received many letters from Nevadans who do not support the creation of an international commission to examine the historical record on the genocide and who believe that the agreements are unfair to Armenia."
The Armenia-Turkey agreements, in addition to establishment of diplomatic relations and opening of the border, envision creation of a bilateral panel on "historical dimension" of relations, a measure that the Turkish government hopes would help it fight resolutions condemning Armenian Genocide.
Sen. Reid's letter, made public by the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) on October 30, also encouraged the secretary of state to meet with Armenian-American groups to discuss their concerns. In its press release, ANCA noted that both Secretary Clinton and President Barack Obama have repeatedly declined its offers to meet to discuss Armenia policy.
A strong supporter of Armenian-American concerns, Sen. Reid is expected to face a tough Republican Party challenge in the 2010 elections. Armenian American businessperson Danny Tarkanian is among leading candidates for the GOP nomination in that election.
