Turkish Ambassador to U.S. Nabi Sensoy called the recently introduced resolution on Armenian Genocide “an unfortunate development”, Turkish Zaman daily reports.

“It is extremely wrong and unfortunate to introduce such a thing to the Senate in the immediate aftermath of the protocols signed between Turkey and Armenia. I hope it will not make much progress,” he told the Voice of America.

When the Ambassador was reminded of Barack Obama’s position, the diplomat said: “We were hoping that Obama, like previous presidents, would not use the word ‘genocide' in his April 24 speech, and this what happened.” Sensoy underlined he did not thing that “Obama will use such a ‘controversial' phrase, given that the two sides have made an agreement and declared that they will deal specifically with this issue in some way or other.”

Asked about Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, the Ambassador stated: ""We believe in the first place that it would be extremely beneficial to divert Turkish-Armenian relations into a new channel with these protocols, thereby starting diplomatic relations between the two countries, followed by the opening of the common border and the start of an exchange between them. We think that this will prove useful not only to the bilateral relationship between Turkey and Armenia, but also in terms of making positive contributions to the peace, stability and security in the South Caucasus, especially in the region rife with ‘frozen problems.' In this respect, our expectation is that this will not have any negative impact on the bilateral relations between ‘two states with one nation,’ i.e., Turkey and Azerbaijan. We have already made this clear with statements made by authorities at the highest level. Turkey can never be expected to launch or support any move that will not be in favor of our Azerbaijani sisters and brothers. Thus, our Azerbaijani sisters and brothers can rest assured that we will always continue to keep their interests a priority at all times."

The Resolution was introduced to the Senate by Bob Menendez and John Ensign. Over 130 Congressmen supported the Resolution.