Erdoğan urges restraint over Armenian allegations

ANKARA – Hürriyet Daily News

Erdoğan’s recent remarks aims to cool down tensions with France. AA photo

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has called against “bellicose rhetoric” in rows with countries backing allegations of Armenian “genocide,” stressing that Turkey should debunk the claims with comprehensive research of historic facts.

Erdoğan’s remarks appeared to be aimed at cooling down tensions with France after the Lower House of its Parliament adopted a bill criminalizing the denial of Armenian “genocide” last week, prompting Ankara to recall its ambassador and suspend political and military cooperation with the EU heavyweight.

“Those who are bothered by Turkey’s continuously growing economic, political and diplomatic power and stability are trying to pressure Turkey through various methods,” Erdoğan said yesterday in a speech at a gathering of the Turkish Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK).

“Momentary reactions and temporary solutions will not yield results. Instead of using a populist, bellicose rhetoric and displaying momentary reactions over the 1915 incidents, which some countries want to turn into a campaign against Turkey, we must make use of the guidance of history and science,” Erdoğan said.

The prime minister urged researchers to intensify studies of Turkey’s recent history to help refute allegations that Armenians were the victims of genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

“In the face of illegal, racist, separatist and malevolent campaigns we will only respond with documents, information, archives and the language and method of science,” he said. “As we can see from recent events, the gap left by science is filled by populist politicians and racists exploiters.

“We will take into consideration books, archives and scientific research, not parliamentary votes. The counter-theses that we will share with the world will be based on solid foundations,” Erdoğan said. “Therefore, I’m especially asking researchers and universities to please focus your studies on our recent history.”

Referring to Turkey’s anti-terror struggle, Erdoğan said it should not rely solely on security measures but also on sociology, psychology, economy and diplomacy.