Turkish professors condemn reaction to conference on Armenian issue

NTV television, Istanbul
25 May 05

Issuing a statement on the postponement of the conference on “Ottoman
Armenians during the collapse of the empire,” the organizing committee
condemned attempts to pinpoint the Bogazici University as a target.

Selim Deringil and Edhem Eldem, who are members of the organizing
committee, held a news conference. Eldem said that the targeting of a
state university with unfair accusations is worrisome, adding that
Turkey will be the side to lose most from this action.

Noting that their aim is to leave aside the bellicose and sterile
style and discuss the issue within a broad historical perspective,
Selim Deringil said, in turn, that the policy of the government or of
the official circles does not bind them, adding that they are not
obliged to be of the same opinion with them.

And a group of Bogazici University students held a protest action on
the campus, asserting that a concerted campaign is being waged against
the independence of the university.

The organizing committee said that the conference organization and
advisory boards will meet to decide the future course.