AK Party Deputy Chairman of External Affairs Suat KINIKLIOGLU went to Washington on March 2, 2009 with a mission from the Turkish Grand National Assembly to conduct comprehensive discussions with the new administration about bilateral relations, including the Armenian “Genocide” legislation which is expected to be sent to the Foreign Affairs Committee.

KINIKLIOGLU not only met with House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs  Chairman Howard Burman but also with Committee on Foreign Affairs Middle East and South Asia Sub Committee Chairman Gary Ackerman, US Congress Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe Co-Chairman Alcee Hastings but also members of Congress and senators. KINIKLIOGLU stated that the names close to the lobby are also aware of the fact that the house resolution may have an adverse impact on both Turkish – American and Turkish – Armenian relations.

KINIKLIOGLU made the following evaluations in the aftermath of Washington: “There is no doubt that it has been a timely and fruitful visit. We think that the relations between the new US administration and Turkey will be positive. Of course it is an unfortunate event that the new administration has to immediately deal with the Armenian issue that might overshadow relations. Although they have an intention of restructuring the relations between the US and Turkey and although they mentioned such a determination in their own policies, they are of course faced with such an unpleasant topic right at the beginning. However, I believe that between the new administration and Turkey when compared to the previous eight years, a more hopeful and warmer relationship will be established.”