ERDOGAN SPEAKS OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE WITHOUT PUTTING “SO-CALLED”

This Fact Sets Him Apart Among Turkish MPs

Azg/am
23 Oct 04

Turkish printed media informs in October 22 issues that Turkish Prime
Minister Racep Tayyip Erdogan’s speech at the press conference of the
Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris turned
into a dispute because of French-Armenian and foreign journalists’
questions on Armenian Genocide.

Before passing on the questions we want to mention about a rally
organized by around 25 Armenians at the OECD office in
Paris. Armenians left only after the French police intervened.

The questions of Irish Dublin Times newspaper and Paris’ Armenian Ayb
Ben radio station are to be singled out. The Irish paper’s
correspondent asked PM Erdogan about Turkish penal code’s 305 article
according to which all those requiring acknowledgment of the Armenian
Genocide or withdrawal of Turkish forces from Cyprus will receive 5
year sentence.

Interrupting questioner Erdogan said that the penal code supposes no
such sentence. But the journalist insisted asking: “In your view, is
the demand for Armenian Genocide’s acknowledgment a punishable act?”
Erdogan replied: “Turkey does not bother about the Armenian
genocide. Genocide allegations are to be resolved by historians, not
parliaments”.

Irish journalist’s question was noted by Aksham, other newspapers,
Hyuriet, Sabah and Zaman touch on the questions put by Paris’ Armenian
radio. The latter ones prescribe the question to a French
journalist. In fact, they didnâ=80=99t know that he was Armenian
radio’s correspondent. Aksham writes that the Armenian journalist
didn’t mention his name while asking the question.

He asked: “You are the first Turkish MP who doesn’t say the
â=80=98so-called’ when referring to the Armenian Genocide. Can we
consider this a step towards Genocide recognition?” In the meantime,
the French-Armenian journalist tried to find out if erection of
monuments to Taleat pasha, one of masterminds of Armenian Genocide,
does not disagree with Erdogan’s supposed approach to it.

Donald Johnston, general secretary of the OECD interrupted saying: “It
is a propaganda”. MP Erdogan, nevertheless, answered the question,
according to Aksham.

He underscored that Turkey has negative attitude neither towards
Armenia nor the Armenians of Turkey. “There are many Turkish citizens
of Armenian descent in my party. Armenians have 58 churches and 57
national educational establishments in Turkey. All of them are
functioning. We do not complain of Armenians, and they have been
tremendously supportive in Turkey’s EU bid. You have no right of
dictating from outside. Let’s contribute to the development of
friendly ties instead of creating hostility. Turkey has opened an air
corridor to Armenia, and 4 planes land in Istanbul weekly. Try to have
positive look at everything”.

By Hakob Chakrian