Turkish Foreign Minister backs PM's farcical condolencesApril 26, 2014 - 15:30 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has said that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s message of condolences ahead of the 99th anniversary of the Genocide has accomplished its goal, considering the reactions worldwide and that the statements was primarily aimed at Armenians, rather than other countries, Today’s Zaman reported. "It is our hope and belief that the peoples of an ancient and unique geography, who share similar customs and manners will be able to talk to each other about the past with maturity and to remember together their losses in a decent manner. And it is with this hope and belief that we wish that the Armenians who lost their lives in the context of the early twentieth century rest in peace, and we convey our condolences to their grandchildren. Regardless of their ethnic or religious origins, we pay tribute, with compassion and respect, to all Ottoman citizens who lost their lives in the same period and under similar conditions,” Erdogan's statement said. “The statement of our prime minister brought positive reactions. It has been accepted that regarding this issue, the Turkish people have taken a historic step for dialogue and friendship. The message was intended for Armenians. It was a humanitarian message. The reactions from Armenian groups were extremely positive. The message has achieved its goal,” said Davutoğlu during a joint press conference with his Sudanese counterpart, Ali Ahmed Karti, on Friday, April 25. “The Turkish prime minister has extended Turkey's hand to Armenia to bring our hearts and minds closer,” said Davutoğlu, adding that “if the statement gets an answer, then we can build a future together. If not, we will go back to the previous situation.” The Turkish foreign minister noted that the statement demonstrates a just and humane stance and proposes the idea of building a future together, according to Today’s Zaman. Davutoglu’s failing to see Armenia's resentment over Erdogan's address is Turkey's problem, with remark suggesting it accomplished its goal far from reality. In conclusion, Davutoğlu emphasized that now it was Turkey's turn to expect Armenians to offer their condolences to Turkey for the murders committed by the Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia (ASALA) against Turkish diplomats. It's hard to add anything to this cynical suggestion, considering that Davutoglu is fully aware of ASALA actions being acts of vengeance against perpetrators of the Armenian Genocide. Armenian National Committee of America Executive Director Aram Hamparian issued the following statement regarding Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan's public remarks on the "events of 1915." "Increasingly isolated internationally, Ankara is repackaging its genocide denials." Karine Ter-Sahakian / PanARMENIAN.Net Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | Azerbaijan must respect human rights, Scholz tells Aliyev German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for greater respect for human rights in Azerbaijan. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. |