Zaman Online, Turkey
April 22 2005

MGK Prepares for ECHR Decision on Ocalan

Published: Friday 22, 2005
zaman.com

Turkish National Security Council (MGK) Secretary-General Ambassador
Yigit Alpogan has spoken in advance of the European Court of Human
Rights (ECHR) decision about the re-trial of separatist terror
organization leader Abdullah Ocalan, saying, “We are working on
possible alternatives”.

When asked about the possibility of a retrial if ordered by the ECHR,
Alpogan replied that ECHR has not taken its decision yet. Pointing to
the complexity of the issue, Alpogan said, “There is no decision yet.
When there is one, I am sure that an attitude will be determined and
what is required will be done.”

When asked about Turkey’s image abroad as a moderate Islamic country,
the Secretary answered: “We do not accept that this is a moderate
Islamic country and refute this view whenever we hear it.” As
for the alleged Armenian genocide issue, Alpogan said “these are
baseless allegations” noting there is no evidence that the Ottomans
committed the Armenian genocide. “They will regret their decision,”
said Alpogan of the Polish Parliament’s decision to recognize of the
alleged genocide.