  Turks accuse PM Erdogan of racismMarch 20, 2010 - 13:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - More than 100 protesters took to the streets of Istanbul Friday, accusing Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of racism over his threat to deport illegal Armenian workers.Between 100-150 demonstrators marched along the Istiklal Avenue, the main commercial street on the European side of the city, carrying banners with the inscription "You are not Alone" in Turkish, English, Armenian and Kurdish. "Tayyip should be deported! A world without nations, borders and classes," chanted the demonstrators gathered at the call of a non-governmental organization campaigning for immigrants' rights. A statement, distributed to the press, accused Erdogan of treating Armenian immigrants as a pawn in Ankara's protests against some foreign parliament's recognition of Armenian Genocide by Ottoman Turks. "We strongly condemn Erdogan... and those who share his racist and discriminatory mentality," the statement added. The demonstration ended peacefully, AFP reported.   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 |  Latest news 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.First Canadian expert join EU mission in Armenia The first Canadian expert to join the European Union’s civilian mission in Armenia has arrived in Armenia.Armenian cemetery in Fresno hit by arsons six times since January Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance.Iran vows to “decisively” defend sovereignty, national interests The Iranian embassy in Armenia has defended its “defensive and proportional action in in occupied Palestine.” |
