TURKISH MPS TO LOBBY AGAINST ARMENIAN GENOCIDE BILL IN USA

Anatolia News Agency, Turkey
March 1 2007

Ankara, 1 March: Turkish lawmakers Aziz Akgul and Egemen Bagis will
send brochures and letters that contain information and documents
related to so-called Armenian genocide, to members of US House of
Representatives and US Congress.

Referring to Turkish historian Yilmaz Oztuna’s assessments saying
"there were reciprocal clashes between Turks and Armenians in 1915"
quoted from Turkish ideologue Ziya Gokalp, Akgul told a joint press
conference today that unfortunately both Turks and Armenians were
killed during those clashes.

"In these brochures, to be sent to US congressmen, we will reveal by
the help of documents and evidences provided by Turkish History Society
that a genocide against Armenians has never happened," said Akgul.

Akgul said US congressmen have not got enough information related to
this issue, noting that congressmen were misinformed and influenced
by some certain institutions.

Another Turkish lawmaker Egemen Bagis said the brochure was printed
in five languages.

"Its cover letter says the bill on so-called Armenian genocide is
full of historical mistakes. It also reminds Prime Minister Recep
Tayyip Erdogan’s remarks saying (I am ready to face my history but
Armenia should be ready to face its history too)," Bagis said.

Recalling that 10-12 million Muslim people live in the USA most of
whom are black Muslims, Bagis said W.D. Muhammed, one of the leaders
of them, will be in Turkey from March 6th to 9th.

"He may have impact on lobbying activities in the USA regarding
so-called Armenian genocide claims," he said.

Bagis also noted that a second delegation of Turkish lawmakers will
travel to USA on March 11th to attend a meeting of the American
Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which is the biggest Jewish
organization in the USA.