"ECHO": TO STOP AIR FLIGHTS TO ARMENIA AND TO EVICT 70,000 CITIZENS OF ARMENIA
20.02.2007
Deputy of Great National Assembly of Turkey, Shukru Elekdar, made
such proposal
To stop air flights between Turkey and Armenia, to stop "indirect
trade" and to evict 70,000 illegal Armenians from Turkey – Shukru
Elekdar, deputy of Turkish parliament from Popular Republican party,
former Ambassador of Turkey to USA and former head of executive
administration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, called on.
Deputy called to take these response measures in return to ongoing
attempts to push through US Congress resolution on recognition of
"genocide of Armenians". Former diplomat underlined that Turkish
government and Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a mistake in this
respect. "It was pointed out before that Armenian diaspora in USA is
strong enough and stands behind all decisions. But now there is no
such tendency. After gaining independence by Armenia, foreign policy
and administration of activity of diaspora is governed by Yerevan.
Director and corrector of this work is Ambassador of Armenia in
Washington. For this reason our policy with regards to Armenia should
be reviewed. No Turk will accept game of Turkey and Armenia. Under
the pressure of USA and European Union we changed policy towards
Armenia. After occupation of Azerbaijani territories, Turkey imposed
embargo against Armenia. It strongly pressed the country, but USA and
European Union forced Turkey to soften embargo. And what do we have
now? 6 planes land in Istanbul airport every week from Armenian,
which damages image of Turkey. Armenians coming to Istanbul exist
from account of "shuttle trade" – they need it so much. Foodstuffs of
Turkey are exported to Armenia via Iran and Georgia. 70,000 Armenians
live in Turkey illegally.
Turkey should make necessary pressure upon Armenia – in order to
prevent taking decision on recognition of "genocide of Armenians"
first of all air flights and indirect export to Armenia should be
stopped, and 70,000 Armenian citizens should be evicted. Armenia
should be notices that it is time to be wise.
Armenia should understand that if it continues anti-Turkish policy
it will cost dear for it".