Zaman, Turkey
April 27 2005
‘Let’s Settle the Scores with Our Own History First’
By Zaman
Published: Wednesday 27, 2005
zaman.com
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan noted that he is ready
to face with his own history regarding the so-called Armenian
genocide allegations and said, “If we have to settle with our
history, then we will; however, those, who also have to settle with
history, should do so.”
Erdogan confirmed Turkey’s readiness to open the archives regarding
the events in 1915 and said: “No one has the right to put Turkey, our
past and our ancestors under suspicion by lobbies. We cannot say
“yes” to this.” The Prime Minister continued: “Armenians, too, should
open their state archives. If there are third-party countries
involved in this, let them open their state achieves, too.” Erdogan
also repeated his proposal of a joint study by politicians and
historians of the two countries. Attending a meeting titled “The 14th
Business World Round Table Meeting with the Turkish Government” that
was organized by the Economist Group within the framework of the
Economist Conferences series, Erdogan answered questions from
participants. He underlined that Turkey does not find steps taken
regarding the so-called Armenian genocide allegations by various
regions of the world correct. The Prime Minister warned that some
decisions reached by fait accompli in some countries’ parliaments
trigger hatred and animosity around the world. Erdogan urged that he
would inform the parliaments of 15 countries and 56 state councils,
which had made decisions on the so-called genocide, about Turkey’s
recent steps and the latest proposals regarding the issue.