At a press conference held today in Yerevan, Kiro Manoyan, who heads the ARF "Hay Dat" and Political Affairs Office, stated  that, "Obama will carry out his obligation and will definitely recognize the genocide as he promised before being elected and as he recently declared in Turkey, saying that his views on the matter hadn't changed. If he said these things in Turkey than President Obama will be much more comfortable in his own country, talking to his own citizens, and to whom he made such a pledge." Mr. Manoyan said that the Armenian National Committee (ANC) lobbying organization was working round the clock to see to it that President Obama keeps his word. The ARF official also stated that if the U.S. president didn't carry out his pledge his standing in the eyes of the American people would suffer since he was elected as a leader who promised change. Mr. Manoyan stated that there was no connection between recognition of the genocide and talks between Armenia and Turkey and that such recognition wouldn't hinder such negotiations. He added that such a move would also not threaten Turkish-U.S. relations. "Turkey might play the role of an aggrieved party but it would only last for one or two months." Mr. Manoyan placed importance on U.S. recognition of the genocide since it would obligate Turkey to come to grips with its past history and that it would also impact on other nations to recognize the genocide. In addition, Turkey would be forced to negotiate with Armenia on a more serious basis.