Anadolu Agency, Turkey
April 26 2009

OBAMA’S STATEMENT ON EVENTS OF 1915 SERIOUSLY HARMS NORMALIZATION
BETWEEN TURKEY AND ARMENIA, PARLIAMENT SPEAKER TOPTAN

ISTANBUL (A.A) – 26.04.2009 – Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan said
Sunday statement’s like U.S. President Barack Obama’s remarks on
events of 1915, seriously harmed the process for normalization of
relations between Turkey and Armenia. Toptan told reporters that
Turkey might have to take some measures in the future. He said despite
Turkey’s efforts Obama was misinformed about what happened in 1915.

Referring to Turkey’s call to open its archives to parties interested
in finding the truth regarding these events, Toptan said nobody was
interested.

"We are ready to open our archives. Whoever is curious may use our
archives. All related countries should open their archives," said
Toptan.

Toptan said certain circles were trying to exert pressure on Turkey
based on speculations without making through research and warned
Armenian officials that this way relations could not be normalised.

Also commenting on relations with Azarbaijan in the face of the
normalization process with Armenia, Toptan said there was
disinformation about recent developments.

He said the course of Turkey’s relations with Azarbaijan would not
change in this process, noting that Turkey would never sign any
document that would have negative implications for
Azarbaijan. (OZG-BRC)