U.S. Assistant Secretary Philip J. Crowley at the today’s briefing was asked the following question: "As you’ve noted earlier, she [Hillary Clinton] will be in Zurich tomorrow for the signing of Protocols, breaking down some of the barriers between Armenia and Turkey. During the presidential campaign, then-candidate Obama mentioned Genocide talking about the events of 1915. As President, he has not. I’m wondering why there’s been a change in language, and I’m wondering whether the relationship with Turkey is such that you just don’t want to use that word.

Mr. Crowley answered: “Well, the President released a statement on April 24. That is a reflection of the Administration’s position. Here at the Department, we are focused on 2009, and that that’s expressly why the Secretary, as will other key figures – the Foreign Minister of Russia, the Foreign Minister of France, Javier Solana – and if I’m leaving anybody out, I apologize – they are in – will be in Zurich tomorrow, because they recognize the significance of this step that is being taken by Turkey and Armenia after a lengthy process, but also recognizing that there’s still work to be done, even with the signings tomorrow. I think there’ll be parliamentary debates in both countries.

But to see these two countries advance to where relations can be normalized, borders can be opened, that’s a significant step by both those countries. It’s been supported throughout the process by the United States and the European Union. And this is a significant moment, which is why the Secretary will be there.”

Touching upon the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process, Mr. Crowley has reminded that U.S. is a part of the process furthering under OSCE Minsk Group mediation and that U.S. has made a diplomatic workload. “We remain adherent to the basic principles of the peace process and hence will be cooperating with all parties and those who are interested in the Minsk process,” he stated.