TURKEY DOES NOT HAVE A PAST TO BE ASHAMED OF: SPEAKER OF TURKISH PARLIAMENT

Trend News Agency
Dec 19 2008
Azerbaijan

Speaker of the Turkish Parliament Koksal Toptan sharply criticized
those who have launched apology campaign, Cihan news agency reported.

"Those who apologize accuse Turkey of an event that did happen in
past and they apologize for this guilt," Toptan said.

Around 200 Turkish academics, writers and journalists launched
a website issuing an apology to the Armenians regarding the 1915
incidents and calling for people to sign on in support. Over 5,000
people have registered on the website, Turkish media reported.

Armenia and Armenian lobby worldwide state that in 1915 the Ottoman
Empire, Turkey’s predecessor, committed genocide against Armenians
living in Anatolia. Armenians striving to make their statements
recognized worldwide have strengthened their propaganda of the
so-called genocide in several countries and have achieved recognition
of the "Armenian genocide" at several Parliaments.

Toptan recalled that over 40 Turkish diplomats were killed by Armenians
in 1980s. "Who will apologize for their murder?, he asked.

Toptan said Turkey does not have past to be ashamed of and added that
they are ready to introduce all historical documents on this issue.