Turkish nationalists urge to arrest intellectuals calling to apologize to ArmeniansDecember 6, 2008 - 14:21 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Some Turkish intellectuals and academicians are getting ready to launch a campaign to apologize to the Armenian nation for denial of the 'Great Calamity' of 1915, Vatan Turkish daily reports. "We are apologizing for not being able to discuss this topic openly for such a long time, nearly one hundred years. I follow the dictates of reason," Dr. Cengiz Aktar said, when explaining why he joined the campaign against the Armenian Genocide denial. "What happened to Armenians is not well-known but people are forced to forget it. The topic is highly provocative. Turks have heard much from their elders, their grandfathers about this calamity which, unfortunately has not been studied properly. Therefore, many people in Turkey, with good intentions, think that nothing happened to Armenians," Aktar said. Meanwhile, Turkish nationalists demand that the people "supporting Armenian claims should be arrested." Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |