Journal of Turkish Weekly
April 12 2005

Turkish Prime Minister Addresses anti-Turk Sentiments in Europe

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan currently on a state visit to
Norway, met with Turkish citizens at the Oslo Military Museum Meeting
Hall, Monday. Speaking at the meeting Erdogan addressed the
“anti-Turk sentiments” that have been felt across Europe recently.

“We regret to see negative attitudes against Turkish and Muslim
people in some European countries recently. it is impossible to
understand such attitudes against Turks and Muslims in a period when
the world focuses on dialogue among different civilizations and
cultures.”

“We saw similar attitudes before December 17th. However, we overcame
them. the EU is not a Christian club. It is the outcome of compromise
among civilizations.the EU is a whole of political values.”

On the subject of the so-called Armenian genocide the Turkish PM said
that the issue would be addressed in a special session April 13. and
will be debated in parliament, the outcome of which will be a
statement signed by 550 MPs that will then be sent to several
countries including Britain.

The PM also addressed the issue of sensationalized domestic events,
in comparison with domestic events within EU countries. “Students
held demonstrations in France and in other European countries. Police
used force to disperse demonstrators and beat some of them. none of
these events in Europe are mentioned or criticized.”

Erdogan also reiterated Turkey’s stance on a peaceful and fair world.
“We have been advocating since the very beginning that a peaceful
world cannot be established on hatred and enmity.”

Source: Hurriyet, 12 April 2005