Erdogan Warns Schroder about Armenian Issue
By Erdal Sen, Isa Sezen

Zaman, Turkey
May 5 2005

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned German Chancellor
Gerhard Schroder over Armenian genocide allegations in a meeting in
Ankara yesterday.

Erdogan reminded Schroder of the vote to be held in the German
Parliament for the recognition of the so-called genocide and said:
“If you recognize the genocide, it would be more difficult for
many Turks in Germany to integrate in your country. Our relations,
which are currently on good terms, would be jeopardized.” Speaking
at a joint press briefing after the meeting, the German Chancellor
tried to ease anxiety over the European Constitution referendum in
France on May 29, saying, “Turkey’s European Union (EU) process is
a strategically and historically important issue. A referendum on
European Constitution in an EU country does not affect this process.”

Supporting the end of the isolation over Northern Cyprus, Schroder
explained that Turkey should continue with its reforms and the Union
should ensure membership negotiations start on time. The German
Chancellor underlined that the Adjustment Protocol of the Ankara
Agreement should be signed before October 3.

After personal and inter-delegation talks, the two leaders appeared
before the press. While the alleged Armenian genocide issue was again
on the agenda, the German Chancellor expressed that Erdogan’s proposal
of a joint research commission to study the genocide allegations is
worth looking at and he hopes that it would be accepted by Armenia
as well. Schroder indicated that the issue basically concerns Turkey
and Armenia, but that they would do every thing in their power to
help reach an agreement. He said German archives are also open and
German historians will also join this study. When asked if there is a
demand to open the Heybeliada Seminary, Schroder replied: “I would be
glad if we have reached a more advanced stage. This issue requires a
certain level of patience.” Erdogan also responded to this question,
saying, “No demands have come to me from Schroder yet. I say this very
clearly.” The German Chancellor left Ankara after his talks and flew
to Istanbul to visit Istanbul Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomeos. He
held closed talks with the Patriarch.