Turkish premier chides Polish envoy over Armenian genocide decision

NTV television, Istanbul
24 Apr 05

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s harsh statement to the Polish
ambassador made a mark during the reception held at the National
Assembly on the occasion of 23 April, National Sovereignty and
Children’s Day. Erdogan told the ambassador: You played into some
people’s hands by recognizing the Armenian genocide. You should not
have done this to us.

As in past years, this year too, President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and CHP
[People’s Republican Party] Chairman Deniz Baykal did not attend the
reception. Erdogan, who arrived late and stayed a short time at the
reception, reacted against the ambassador of Poland, which recognized
the Armenian genocide in recent days. Erdogan told the ambassador: You
upset me. Poland supported us greatly with regard to the EU but you
should not have done this to us. Erdogan also claimed that Poland was
deceived by a very small group.