ATC head: ”Blocking the resolution for the US' benefit”

In an interview with Aksam daily, American-Turkish Council (ATC) head James Holmes spoke about Turkish-US relations. Commenting on the delayed annual Turkish-American Council meeting due to the passage last month of a so-called Armenian "genocide" resolution by a US House of Representatives panel, Holmes said the meeting is a huge fundraiser for them and that the situation is regrettable, as they are trying to play a positive role in bilateral relations. He said that they could be helpful during this difficult period and serve as a bridge, just like they did in the past. He added that US must block the Armenian resolution and protect its relations with Turkey for the sake of its own national, regional, and economic goals. "It's doing a favor for itself, not for Turkey," he said. "That's why it supports the Turkish-Armenian normalization process."