Arinc: Turks Have Never Committed Genocide Throughout Their History

Turkish Press
Published: 5/18/2005

CANBERRA (AA) – Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc said on
Thursday that Turks had never committed genocide throughout their
history.

Arinc, who is currently in Australia on an official visit, met
Australian Prime Minister John Howard and Foreign Minister Alexander
Downer.

Replying to questions of the A.A correspondent following the
meetings, Arinc said, “I expressed Turkey’s regret over recognition
of allegations regarding the so-called Armenian genocide in some
countries. Bitter events occurred during the World War I. However,
Turks have never committed genocide throughout their history. Not
national parliaments but historians should deal with such events.”
Referring to Turkey’s EU membership bid, Arinc said, “relations between
Turkey and the EU have been continuing for the last four decades. On
December 17th, the EU decided to open entry talks with Turkey on
October 3rd 2005. However, both public opinions and politicians of
some European countries are opposed to Turkey’s membership. Some
of them are against enlargement of the EU while the others think
that Turkey’s predominantly Muslim population would contradict the
EU. These are prejudices.” “In fact, Turkey-EU relations are based
on mutual interests. Turkey will make important contributions to
the EU. Negotiation process will start on October 3rd. We know that
the process will last for a long time and will not be easy at all,”
Arinc added.

Arinc will proceed to Sidney on Friday. He is expected to return to
Turkey on Saturday.