Turkish official slams US resolution on Armenian events

ANKARA

Turkey’s energy and natural resources minister lashed out Thursday at a U.S. resolution recognizing Armenian claims of 1915 events.

"I hope they will take back their mistake [so that]...we put our relations on the right track," Fatih Donmez told lawmakers in parliament.

“I condemn the U.S. Senate's decision on the Armenian events.”

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution earlier in the day that recognizes the so-called Armenian genocide.

Turkey's position on the events of 1915 is that the deaths of Armenians in eastern Anatolia took place when some sided with invading Russians and revolted against Ottoman forces. A subsequent relocation of Armenians resulted in numerous casualties.

Turkey objects to the presentation of the incidents as "genocide" but describes the 1915 events as a tragedy in which both sides suffered casualties.

Ankara has repeatedly proposed the creation of a joint commission of historians from Turkey and Armenia plus international experts to examine the issue.

During her speech in parliament, the deputy chair of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) party also condemned the resolution.

"This decision is null and void for us," said Ozlem Zengin.

The deputy chair of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) said they condemn the move.

"Turkey will never bow to U.S. imperialism," said Engin Ozkoc.

Opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) deputy chair Levent Bulbul called on the parties to move together against the U.S. resolution.

"We should take a joint move against this decision, which consists of slanders," he said.

The opposition Good (IYI) Party's deputy chair Musavat Dervisoglu called on the parties represented in parliament to issue a join condemnation of the resolution.

"I hope the Turkish parliament will give the necessary response [to the U.S. Senate]," he said.