Turkish general views Armenians’ “anti-Turkish activities”

TRT 1 television, Ankara
17 Jun 05

[Presenter] Gen Yasar Buyukanit, Ground Forces commander, has commented
on the recent attack against the Turkish flag in Lebanon. He said
that the attack against the flag during Prime Minister [Recep Tayyip]
Erdogan’s visit to Lebanon was very ugly, adding: There are circles
in every part of the world that systematically engage in anti-Turkish
activities.

During a visit to the Erzincan Governor’s Office, the commander was
asked by reporters to comment on the issue.

[Buyukanit] Unfortunately, there are impertinent circles in every
corner of the world which systematically engage in anti-Turkish
activities. It is impossible for them to achieve their aims. The
Turkish nation is powerful enough to overcome them.

[Presenter] Yasar Buyukanit was asked to comment on Armenia’s refusal
to open its archives relating to the genocide allegations.

[Buyukanit] That is because it is not sure, it is not confident. Turkey
announced that its archives are open and invited Armenia to study
them, to set up a joint committee and study them together. If it had
self-confidence, Armenia would have taken up the offer. After all,
Turkey officially proposed to set up a joint committee. The systematic
anti-Turkish activities have become a source of livelihood for the
Armenians outside Armenia.