Turkish premier criticizes parliaments’ Armenian genocide resolutions

NTV television, Istanbul
17 May 05

[Announcer] Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the working
spheres of the European Union and the Council of Europe should be based
on cooperation, not duplication. Erdogan, addressing the Council of
Europe leaders summit, criticized countries whose parliaments have
adopted Armenian genocide resolutions.

During the Council of Europe leaders summit session on the architecture
of Europe, Erdogan criticized the countries that adopted Armenian
genocide resolutions.

[Erdogan] I certainly do not find it right, either in terms of human
rights and in terms of the supremacy of the law, that interested
or disinterested parliaments adopt such resolutions through some
simple lobbying activities without basing themselves on documents
or information.

[Announcer] Recounting that Turkey has opened its archives, Erdogan
called on Armenia and third countries to do the same.

[Erdogan] Turkey has opened all its state archives. We are now opening
our military archives as well. Similarly, Armenia should also open
all its archives.

[Announcer] Expressing support for the summit declaration, which
includes a pledge to preserve and develop the unity of Europe, the
prime minister stressed that the activities of the EU and the Council
of Europe should be based on cooperation, not duplication. Erdogan also
stated that the expansion of the EU should not create new divide lines.