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Cyprus Press and Information Office, Occupied Northern Cyprus
April 11 2005
The TGNA will discuss how Turkey plans to handle the Armenian
genocide issue. Gulīs views on Incirlik
Ankara Anatolia news agency (09.04.05) reported that the Turkish
Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul has stated
that Turkey's action plan against Armenian claims of a so-called
genocide will be discussed at the Turkish parliament on Wednesday [13
April]. Gul talked with Turkish journalists aboard the airplane en
route to Algeria.
"A discussion on Turkey's action plan will take place at the Turkish
parliament on Wednesday. I will make some explanations on the
Armenian claims," told Gul.
Gul stressed that Turkey fell behind on the topic of so-called
Armenian genocide. "Turkey could have been more active and brave in
dealing with this topic."
Gul noted that something which never occurred and has no truth has
become a tool of propaganda to win hearts in the West. "We must work
with full force to create extraordinary efforts to illuminate the
truth," commented Gul.
Asked if a United Nations committee could be formed to investigate
Armenian claims, Gul expressed the view that the UN is a political
organ and not one that deals with legal matters. "The UN may make
mistakes in voting. Individuals raising their hands to vote may vote
wrongly based on political gains and interests. History has many
examples of votings that proved to be fallacious."
Minister Gul remarked that there is a strong Armenian lobby in the
U.S.. "Every year, around this time, lobbies of the Armenians and
Turks in the United States work hard. There has never been a period
when the Turks disregarded Armenian attempts in the United States.
We, as Turks, have an ethical and moral obligation to inform the
world about certain allegations."
According to Gul, enlightening U.S. congress members is a task that
should be done by all Turkish citizens and friends of Turks.
Upon a question about the demand of the United States to use Turkey's
Incirlik Airbase for logistic purposes, Gul said: "Activities about
the issue continue. A new situation is out of question to discuss the
issue at Parliament."
In response to the attitude of the opposition party regarding the
issue, Gul said: "If demands are carried to Parliament, then the
opposition acts the way it likes."
When asked whether Turkey and the United States will sign a
memorandum of understanding about the issue, Gul said: "If a
political decision is taken, related officials set the framework of
the issue. We have not reached that stage yet."
Regarding the visit which will be paid by Turkish Foreign Ministry
Undersecretary Ali Tuygan to the United States, Gul said: "Many
changes happened at U.S. government in the second Bush term. Tuygan
will go to the United States upon the invitation of Washington for
meetings with the new government."
"Many issues will be discussed in technical aspect during the visit.
Meetings with high-ranking officials will also be held," he added.
"When it is considered in a realistic way, there is a will to deepen
expectations and relations between Turkey and the United States. We
are always in contact with the United States within that scope," said
Gul.
April 11 2005
The TGNA will discuss how Turkey plans to handle the Armenian
genocide issue. Gulīs views on Incirlik
Ankara Anatolia news agency (09.04.05) reported that the Turkish
Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul has stated
that Turkey's action plan against Armenian claims of a so-called
genocide will be discussed at the Turkish parliament on Wednesday [13
April]. Gul talked with Turkish journalists aboard the airplane en
route to Algeria.
"A discussion on Turkey's action plan will take place at the Turkish
parliament on Wednesday. I will make some explanations on the
Armenian claims," told Gul.
Gul stressed that Turkey fell behind on the topic of so-called
Armenian genocide. "Turkey could have been more active and brave in
dealing with this topic."
Gul noted that something which never occurred and has no truth has
become a tool of propaganda to win hearts in the West. "We must work
with full force to create extraordinary efforts to illuminate the
truth," commented Gul.
Asked if a United Nations committee could be formed to investigate
Armenian claims, Gul expressed the view that the UN is a political
organ and not one that deals with legal matters. "The UN may make
mistakes in voting. Individuals raising their hands to vote may vote
wrongly based on political gains and interests. History has many
examples of votings that proved to be fallacious."
Minister Gul remarked that there is a strong Armenian lobby in the
U.S.. "Every year, around this time, lobbies of the Armenians and
Turks in the United States work hard. There has never been a period
when the Turks disregarded Armenian attempts in the United States.
We, as Turks, have an ethical and moral obligation to inform the
world about certain allegations."
According to Gul, enlightening U.S. congress members is a task that
should be done by all Turkish citizens and friends of Turks.
Upon a question about the demand of the United States to use Turkey's
Incirlik Airbase for logistic purposes, Gul said: "Activities about
the issue continue. A new situation is out of question to discuss the
issue at Parliament."
In response to the attitude of the opposition party regarding the
issue, Gul said: "If demands are carried to Parliament, then the
opposition acts the way it likes."
When asked whether Turkey and the United States will sign a
memorandum of understanding about the issue, Gul said: "If a
political decision is taken, related officials set the framework of
the issue. We have not reached that stage yet."
Regarding the visit which will be paid by Turkish Foreign Ministry
Undersecretary Ali Tuygan to the United States, Gul said: "Many
changes happened at U.S. government in the second Bush term. Tuygan
will go to the United States upon the invitation of Washington for
meetings with the new government."
"Many issues will be discussed in technical aspect during the visit.
Meetings with high-ranking officials will also be held," he added.
"When it is considered in a realistic way, there is a will to deepen
expectations and relations between Turkey and the United States. We
are always in contact with the United States within that scope," said
Gul.