AZG Armenian Daily #196, 14/10/2006

Turkey

MESROP MOUTAFIAN AND HRANT DINK ON FRENCH BILL ON DENIAL OF ARMENIAN
GENOCIDE

According to Turkish Milliet newspaper, Hrant Dink, editor-in-chief of
Agos, stated that after the adoption of the French bill on the
Armenian Genocide Turkey appeared in more beneficial position that
Armenia. He explained this by the fact that the international
community had always considered the Armenians as victims in this
issue, while at present; the Turks have occupied this favorable
position. At the same time, Dink stated that the adoption of the
French bill was a shame from the viewpoint of the freedom of speech.

According to the Turkish newspaper, Mesrop Moutafian, Patriarch of
Constantinople, stated that the French bill made great harm to the
tense Armenian-Turkish relations. He added that the bill is
anti-democratic, as it hinders the right of the freedom of speech.
Besides, Moutafian said that the Armenian residents of Turkey follow
the developments with concern and expect pressures from the Turks
after the adoption of the abovementioned bill.

In his turn, Famous Turkish writer Elif Safak said in the interview to
the French Le Monde, that the adoption of the bill would not
contribute to the recognition of the historical issue (the Armenian
genocide). At the same time, he added that that the Turks should share
the grief of the Armenian people, respect that and get along with the
past. He expressed hope that the Turks are able to discuss the mistake
committed by their ancestors.

By Hakob Chakrian

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress