“The latest version of an Armenian genocide resolution is on track to win House committee approval, but its long-term prospects remain uncertain,” reads the article by Michael Doyle posted on the FresnoBee website — local news from California. The author comments on Genocide Resolution scheduled for a vote on March 4, 2010.

The source quotes one of the resolution co-sponsors Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno) as saying, “Genocide is not something that can simply be swept under the rug and forgotten, and our nation cannot continue its policy of denial regarding the Armenian genocide.” The source recalls that presently resolution has only 137 House co-sponsors out of 218 necessary for approval.

The author names Turkish lobby among the reasons that might hinder the resolution passing. According to Doyle, former House Speaker Dennis Hastert – one who killed the resolution in 2000 is presently lobbying Turkish interests. “His firm (Dickstein Shapiro) has been paid up to $45,000 a month for its work on Turkey’s behalf, public records show,” the source says.