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ANKARA: Erdogan Warns Schroder about Armenian Issue

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  • ANKARA: Erdogan Warns Schroder about Armenian Issue

    Erdogan Warns Schroder about Armenian Issue
    By Erdal Sen, Isa Sezen

    Zaman, Turkey
    May 5 2005

    Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned German Chancellor
    Gerhard Schroder over Armenian genocide allegations in a meeting in
    Ankara yesterday.

    Erdogan reminded Schroder of the vote to be held in the German
    Parliament for the recognition of the so-called genocide and said:
    "If you recognize the genocide, it would be more difficult for
    many Turks in Germany to integrate in your country. Our relations,
    which are currently on good terms, would be jeopardized." Speaking
    at a joint press briefing after the meeting, the German Chancellor
    tried to ease anxiety over the European Constitution referendum in
    France on May 29, saying, "Turkey's European Union (EU) process is
    a strategically and historically important issue. A referendum on
    European Constitution in an EU country does not affect this process."

    Supporting the end of the isolation over Northern Cyprus, Schroder
    explained that Turkey should continue with its reforms and the Union
    should ensure membership negotiations start on time. The German
    Chancellor underlined that the Adjustment Protocol of the Ankara
    Agreement should be signed before October 3.

    After personal and inter-delegation talks, the two leaders appeared
    before the press. While the alleged Armenian genocide issue was again
    on the agenda, the German Chancellor expressed that Erdogan's proposal
    of a joint research commission to study the genocide allegations is
    worth looking at and he hopes that it would be accepted by Armenia
    as well. Schroder indicated that the issue basically concerns Turkey
    and Armenia, but that they would do every thing in their power to
    help reach an agreement. He said German archives are also open and
    German historians will also join this study. When asked if there is a
    demand to open the Heybeliada Seminary, Schroder replied: "I would be
    glad if we have reached a more advanced stage. This issue requires a
    certain level of patience." Erdogan also responded to this question,
    saying, "No demands have come to me from Schroder yet. I say this very
    clearly." The German Chancellor left Ankara after his talks and flew
    to Istanbul to visit Istanbul Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomeos. He
    held closed talks with the Patriarch.
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