Zaman, Turkey
May 4 2005
‘Let Historians to Examine Genocide Allegations’
By Erdal Sen
Published: Wednesday 04, 2005
zaman.com
German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder visited Ankara last evening as
the guest of his Turkish counterpart Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan. Upon his arrival, the Chancellor gave support for Turkey’s
European Union (EU) bid and the Armenian issue.
Schroder met with Erdogan last night and the two leaders spoke
about Turkish-German economics, political, commercial, and cultural
relations as well as exchanging views on the EU, Armenia, and Cyprus
issues. Schroder provided his support for the suggestions made by
Erdogan regarding the formation of a joint historians commission
to examine the Armenian issue. “We are happy that you will open
the archieves and conduct a complete examination of the issue by
specialists and historians. We find this suggestion just correct
and we support it,” said Schroder. While he praised Turkey’s efforts
regarding the EU membership process, German Chancellor pointed out the
importnance of signing the additional protocol regarding Cyprus issue.
It should be signed by October 3
According to information released, “Turkey has so far delivered all
its promises in the EU process. I believe it will continue to do
so by October 3. Turkey will continue with the reforms. We welcome
Turkey’s steps regarding the Cyprus issue. I hope that Turkey will
sign the Ankara Agreement Protocol by October 3,” said Schroder.
Touching upon Turkish-German relations as well, he said bilateral
relations accelarated more in the last period and wished for further
developments in this regard. Schroder will have an official meeting
with Erdogan today and will be received by President Ahmet Necdet
Sezer at the Presidential Residence. After completing his contacts
in Ankara, he will travel to Istanbul around noon and will meet with
the Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomeous. Later, the German Chancellor
will visit Marmara University and attend a Turkish-German forum. An
entourage of 600 businessmen are accompanying Schroder on his tour.