Aysor, Armenia
March 20 2010

AAE: ‘Outbreaks of xenophobia are widespread in Turkey’

The Assembly of Armenians of Europe has issued a statement, condemning
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who said Tuesday in an
interview with BBC that would expel 100,000 Armenians from Turkey.

`This statement by Prime Minister Erdogan shows that outbreaks of
xenophobia are widespread even in modern Turkey, and in particular, it
shows Turkey’s intolerance for Armenians,’ said in the statement.

`It’s surprising that such a statement was made by a leader of a
country, whose most citizens are illegally and undocumented living in
the European countries.

`And what is more surprising that a country with such approach and
position is seeking for accession to the European Union.

`We are calling for the European community to condemn Erdogan’s
statement and take steps in this situation, which violates human
rights and shows intolerance for other peoples in Turkey.

`We are calling for all European nations to make commitments to
universal human values and recognize the 1915 Genocide,’ said in the
statement.