WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
has added its voice to the growing opposition to the proposed
inclusion of Turkish armed forces in U.S. operations in Iraq.

The presence of Turkish forces in Iraq has been rejected by the
Iraqi Governing Council and sparked controversy in the region and
around the world, over fears that Turkish efforts to manipulate the
political situation, ethnic issues, and energy resources to its
advantage will further aggravate an already unstable region.

“Neither American values nor U.S. interests are served by allowing
the entry into Iraq of a Turkish military with a legacy of Ottoman
oppression and a modern-day track record of abuse at home and
aggression abroad,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian.
“The troops that Turkey has already sent illegally into Northern
Iraq – despite its decision to block coalition forces from opening
a northern front against Iraq – have already engaged in all manner
of disruptive activities and come into conflict with U.S. forces.
Sending more Turkish troops can only be a recipe for greater
problems.”

In a statement issued on October 10th, the American Hellenic
Institute noted that, “Turkey is the former colonial master for 400
years of Iraq and the Middle East. Putting Turkish troops in Iraq
at this time is like putting German troops in Poland or Israel or
Japanese troops in Manchuria or Korea.”

“The Turkish government, which denies the Armenian Genocide,
continues to militarily occupy Cyprus, denies the rights of its own
Kurdish citizens, restricts the rights of Christian communities,
and has among the world’s worst human rights records, is in no
position to serve as a role model for the people of Iraq on either
democracy or responsible international conduct,” added Hamparian.

On October 21st, the ANCA joined with the American Hellenic
Institute, American Kurdish Information Network, Order of AHEPA,
Hellenic American National Council, and Hellenic American Women’s
Council in cosigning a letter to President Bush outlining 12
reasons why it is not in the best interests of the U.S. to support
Turkish armed forces in Iraq.