TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER, PM’S RESPONSES TO OBAMA ‘COMPLEMENTARY’

news.az
April 26 2010
Azerbaijan

Ahmet Davutoglu Ahmet Davutoglu has denied any contradiction between
his reaction to Barack Obama’s 24 April speech and the response of
the Turkish prime minister.

After answering questions from MPs in parliament on Monday, Davutoglu
told reporters in Ankara that, on the contrary, their reactions
complemented each other.

Erdogan said on Saturday that Obama’s statement showed he was sensitive
about Turkey’s concerns, welcoming Obama’s avoidance of the word
‘genocide’.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Saturday,
criticizing Obama’s message.

The ministry said, ‘We deeply regret this statement which reflects
an incorrect and one-sided political perception.’

Davutoglu also criticized Obama’s message, saying it was not right
and was unacceptable.

Some columnists raised criticism about Erdogan and Davutoglu’s
reactions to Obama’s message, arguing that they were contradicting
each other.

Davutoglu said Prime Minister Erdogan did not express happiness at
the use of the words ‘great tragedy’ by Obama, saying that Erdogan
welcomed only the avoidance of the word ‘genocide’ as was expected
by Armenian circles.

Davutoglu said these circles expected tension in Turkish-American
relations and the break up of the rapprochement between Turkey
and Armenia. He said these circles also expected Turkey would make
concessions under pressure, and out of fear of the use of ‘that word’
(genocide), noting that they had waited in vain. He said Erdogan’s
remarks showed the world once gain that Turkey would not make
concessions under pressure.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress