AAA APPLAUDS U.S. GOVERNMENT FOR SUPPORTING LIFTING OF VISA RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY TURKEY

WASHINGTON, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS:The Armenian Assembly of America (AAA) commended the Bush Administration and Members of the U.S. Congress for their role in the Turkish Government°s lifting of visa restrictions imposed against the citizens of Armenia, a press release by the AAA said. On Monday, Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem alluded to this development and on Tuesday, Turkish officials confirmed that visa restrictions had been lifted as a goodwill gesture. Turkey installed the visa restrictions in 2000 during Congressional consideration of a House resolution to reaffirm the American record on the Armenian Genocide. The Assembly immediately advocated against these retaliatory tactics and for the removal of the restrictions. Because Turkey refused to establish diplomatic relations with Armenia, and continues to blockade Armenia, citizens had to go through the expensive and difficult procedure of getting visas in a third country in order to visit. Under the new procedures, Armenians can obtain a visa at any border point rather than being required to secure one before arrival in Turkey. The announcement comes as Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit arrived in the U.S. for an official visit. A meeting with President George W. Bush has been scheduled for January 16. In a joint statement, Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chairs Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) stated, "The imposition of the Turkish visa restrictions against Armenians was a serious misstep by the Turkish Government. By removing this barrier, we hope Turkish-Armenian dialogues will continue and will lead to a mutual understanding between the Turkish and Armenian Governments." Members of the Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission (TARC) also called for lifting of visa restrictions on Armenian citizens traveling to Turkey following their November 2001 meeting in New York City. The Commissioners stated their belief that "lifting visa restrictions on Armenian citizens traveling to Turkey and the normalization of trade and transportation between Armenia and Turkey would advance reconciliation."-0-/39/