Senate passes bill recognizing the Armenian genocide in Turkey more than 100 years ago

On its fourth try, the Senate passed a resolution that recognizes as genocide the mass killings of Armenians a century ago, a move that infuriated Turkey and further strained ties between Ankara and Washington.

The resolution had been blocked three times at the request of the White House, but won unanimous approval Thursday.

President Donald Trump does not have to sign it as it's a non-binding resolution.

Turkey condemned the measure, saying it will not help improve relations with the United States. The two NATO allies are already at loggerheads over several issues, including Ankara's purchase of Russian missile defense systems and policy over Syria.

The Democratic-led House of Representatives passed the resolution by an overwhelming majority in October.

But a vote in the Senate was repeatedly blocked by President Trump's fellow Republican senators.

Co-sponsored by Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey and Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, the non-binding resolution affirms that the genocide occurred and that Turkey is responsible.

'I am thankful this resolution has passed at a time in which there there are still survivors of the genocide,' Menendez said.