MEMRI, DC
Aug 23 2007

Turkey Reacts: Description of Events as `Genocide’ Lacks Historical
and Legal Basis; Our Jews Are Safe

Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted to ADL’s decision in a
statement that said, `Use of the term `genocide’ to describe the
tragic events of 1915 lacks historical and legal basis. Contrary to
ADL’s claim there is no consensus among historians on this issue.
Furthermore, it is Turkey that has offered to set up a joint
commission to investigate the events of 1915, with full access to the
archives of all concerned parties. Armenians are yet to respond.’

In response to ADL’s remarks on ‘risks to the Turkish Jewish
community’ and its call to Turkey `not to take it out on Turkey’s
Jews’ the Ministry’s statement said, `The Jewish community in Turkey
is a part of our people and there cannot be any reason for concern
that they would be affected in any way by developments concerning the
Armenian claims. We regard ADL’s statement as unfortunate and expect
its correction.’

Source: Milliyet, Turkey, August 23, 2007