TURKISH PREMIER RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN ADDRESSES PACE SESSION TODAY
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
June 28 2006
A debate on freedom of expression and respect for religious belief
was held at today’s meeting of the Council of Europe Parliamentary
Assembly (PACE).
APA’s Europe bureau reports from the session that Finish
parliamentarian Snikka Hurskaine presented a report on the basis of
the report of the PACE Education, Science and Culture Commission.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressing the Assembly
talked about the religious situation, religious tolerance and freedom
of expression in Turkey. The Premier responded to the questions of
parliamentarians. Danish parliamentarian Rune Lund stood against
Turkey accusing it of committing genocide of Armenians, occupying
Cyprus and using torture on Kurds. Erdogan in his response called him
"helpless who cannot base on historical facts".
The Prime Minister advocated investigation of the issue on genocide
by historians and said they invite Armenian historians to participate
in this process. Responding to the question "Why did God let the
genocide occur?", Erdogan said there is no genocide in Islam adding
that Islamic community loves all creatures created by God like they
love the Creator.
Armenian parliamentarian Gegamyan accused Turkey of Armenian genocide
and imposing a blockade on Armenia. Gegamyan called on the Turkish
government to recognize the Armenian genocide.
Azerbaijani parliamentarian Elmira Akhundova said populist and
groundless speeches like that of Armenian parliamentarian are
unacceptable in the Assembly. As a response to Gegamyan’s groundless
claims on destruction of Armenian monuments, the Azerbaijani
parliamentarian mentioned the facts on Armenian aggressors destroying
Azerbaijani monuments. She stated that disputed historical issues can
be solved progressively only through inter-religion and intercultural
dialogue.