M.F.A. EXPRESSES DEEP SORROW OVER STATEMENTS OF CHIRAC IN ARMENIA
Turkish Press
Oct 4 2006
ANKARA – Turkish Foreign Ministry expressed deep sorrow over statements
of French President Jacques Chirac who supported so-called Armenian
genocide during his visit to Armenia.
Foreign Ministry stated that it is not possible to accept Chirac’s
definition of the incidents (which occurred under World War I
conditions in 1915 and were interpreted differently by many respected
international historians) as "genocide".
"However, when several implementations during colonialism period
of France were brought onto agenda last year, President Chirac had
defended the view that historical incidents should be examined by
historians," noted the Ministry.
"Turkish people have rightfully reacted to Chirac who is making
groundless statements and giving an impression as if so-called Armenian
genocide is among Turkey’s EU criteria instead of supporting Turkey’s
proposal to Armenia to examine the allegations in a joint commission
of historians which we have not yet received a positive response,"
added the Ministry.