06 04 20 - Turks & Azerbaijanis to protest Armenian demonstration in USA

Hurriyet Thursday, April 20, 2006 20:42 Annette Melikian USA
http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/english/4284490.asp?gid=74

Turks and Azerbaijanis living in the USA will protest the demonstration the Armenians are planning to stage in Washington D.C. on April 24th, the anniversary of the so-called genocide. Around 600 Armenians, who will gather in front of Turkish Embassy in Washington D.C. between April 21st and 25th, will carry banners and stage demonstrations protesting the so-called genocide.
On the other hand, Turkish and Azerbaijani communities in the USA will stage a counter demonstration to support Turkey's theses. Turkish diplomats have warned the two communities to stay calm and “not to be provoked.”
Security measures will be tightened in front of the embassy building during the demonstrations. The secret service and Washington police will be responsible for ensuring the security.

USA'S STANCE
On the other hand U.S. President George Bush is not expected to use the term “genocide” in the speech he will make on April 24th.
There are actually three drafts, acknowledging the so-called genocide allegations, at the Senate and House of Representatives. Two of them were passed by the congressional committees. According to diplomatic sources, the drafts may be adopted in case they are broughtto the full House of Representatives and Senate.
White House and State Department executives have assured Turkey that the drafts will not be taken up. However, one of them may be annexed to any regulation debated at the Senate, and be passed by a 'fait accompli'. Therefore, Turkish diplomats are closely monitoring the developments at the U.S. Senate.

V.V