Turkish premier asks Armenia to open archives over genocide accusations

Anatolia news agency
27 Apr 05

ANKARA

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan asked on Wednesday [27
April] Armenia to open its archives as Turkey did when commenting on
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan’s letter.

Erdogan held a joint press conference with New Zealander Prime
Minister Helen Clark after their meeting in Ankara.

Answering questions of reporters, Erdogan said that political
scientists and historians should work on this problem, and stressed
that Turkey would examine its history if necessary.

Recalling the resolution of the European Parliament (EP) on Armenia’s
opening its archives, Erdogan said: “See that common sense has
prevailed, i.e. we can reach nowhere by lobbying.”

Erdogan added: “We are taking the political steps. There were no
flights from (Armenian capital of) Yerevan to (Turkish commercial hub
of) Istanbul when I became the prime minister (of Turkey). We opened
an air corridor. And I do not have any problems with our Armenian
citizens. Our Culture and Tourism Ministry is also exerting necessary
efforts regarding cultural heritage, and so we expect the similar
steps from our interlocutors.” [Passage omitted]