Patriarch Of Armenian Community In Turkey: I Advocate Turkey’s Membership To The E.U.

Anadolu Agency: 12/16/2004

ISTANBUL (AA) – Mesrob II, Patriarch of Armenian Community in Turkey, said on
Thursday that he always advocated Turkey’s membership to the European Union
(EU). He said he believed the EU would give a date to Turkey on December 17th
to start full membership negotiations.
     Mesrob II told A.A correspondent that he shared the view that the EU was
not a Christian club, and noted that, ”religion and religious culture have
become a tool of politics both for the EU and the Turkish politicians more than
necessary. Parliaments of the EU member countries do not make decisions
according to the doctrines of the Bible and the Turkish parliament does not make
its decisions according to Koran. Integration of the EU and Turkey would be for
the interest of the region, the world and the peace among the civilizations.”
     Replying to a question about the attitude of the Armenians living in
France, putting forward the allegations of ”so-called Armenian genocide”,
toward Turkey’s EU membership, Mesrob II said, ”the disaster in 1915 is an issue
which can be abused. To this end, the foreigners will bring this issue on the
agenda when they have the opportunity. The issue should be excluded from being
an issue of exploitation soon by starting official and unofficial dialogue
process.”
     ”Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in an earlier statement
said this was the job of historians and should be left to historians. His
statements are extremely realistic. Meeting face to face with history is important
for building of future on solid basis. People can not embrace each other before
making peace. Dialogue process should be initiated,” Mesrob II said.
     (AY-A?

2004-12-16

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