Davutoglu, Clinton discusses "genocide" resolution on phone

In a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton yesterday, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu discussed the Turkish-Armenian rapprochement process and a US House panel's recent passage of a resolution seeking to recognize the so-called Armenian "genocide" claims. During the 40-minute conversation, Davutoglu relayed Turkey's hope that President Barack Obama will consider Turkey's sensitivities in his speech this year marking April 24 Armenian Remembrance Day. The negative impact third countries are having on the rapprochement process between Turkey and Armenia by mistakenly trying to judge history should be clear by now, he said. "As befits a global power, we expect the US government to adopt a stance that brings countries closer to each other, rather than alienating them," said Davutoglu. "The ongoing normalization process between Turkey and Armenia, which will positively affect peace and stability in the entire Caucasus as well, should not be allowed to fall victim to domestic political calculations." He urged Washington to take into account Turkey's positive ideas for not only the Caucasus but also other regions, making clear that Turkey will never bow to pressure, no matter its source. Davutoglu and Clinton also exchanged views on the results of recent Iraqi parliamentary elections.