KURDISH MAYOR IN TURKEY APOLOGIZES TO ARMENIANS
Tert.am
14:49 â~@¢ 08.02.10
Osman Baydemir, mayor of Diyarbakır in eastern Turkey who is of
Kurdish origin, has apologized to those peoples who densely populated
eastern Turkey at one time, including Armenians, reports Turkish
daily Sabah.
"At one time, Assyrians, Armenians, Kurds and other peoples lived in
Mesopotamia [area between Tigris and Euphrates rivers], who, with
their religious identity, were a symbol of happiness, tolerance,
and peace. However, certain individuals came and ruled over us for
many years. People were forced to leave.
"I say this with great pain; the number of Armenian families in
Diyarbakır is not more than three — when 120 years ago they made
up 40% of the population. No apology can make that tragedy any easier.
Yes, you have endured great pains; you’ve been forced to emigrate.
However, you can be sure that you haven’t lost; rather, we have lost.
You also took the happiness and peace with you," said Baydemir.