EU's Schulz told Turkey he understood reaction to genocide vote -sources

EU parliament president Martin Schulz speaks at a news conference in Beijing March 17, 2015. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - European Parliament President Martin Schulz told Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Thursday he "understands" Ankara's reaction to a vote calling the 1915 mass killing of Armenians a genocide, sources in the prime minister's office said.

In a telephone call, Schulz also said the vote was made in his absence, the sources, who declined to be identified, said. There was no immediate comment from Schulz's office.