272) Justin McCarthy: 'Turkey should use propaganda against Armenian allegations'

 

 

Professor Justin McCarthy from the U.S Louisville University said on
Monday that Turks had not committed genocide against the Armenians and
Turkey should use comprehensive propaganda to counter the Armenian
allegations.

 

Speaking at a conference organized by the Rotary 2420th District
Governorship at Cemal Resit Rey Concert Salon in Istanbul, McCarthy said
the French parliament's approval of the Armenian genocide allegations
and initiatives in the American Congress to get the claims accepted were
wrong.

 

Stressing that the Armenians' accusations that Turkey had committed
genocide were illogical, McCarthy said Turkey was one of the most
important countries in the world and a model country in its region.

 

He also emphasized that the resolution taken by several countries'
parliaments concerning the Armenian genocide claims were politically
motivated.

 

Drawing attention to the fact that the Christian missionary and British
Propaganda Office played very important roles in spreading these
allegations during World War I, McCarthy said similar propaganda was
continuing today.

 

"In order to prevent this incorrect propaganda Turkey should open the
Ottoman archives," he said.

 

He also noted that brochures, handouts and books should be prepared that
explain that Turkey did not commit genocide against any nation and also
the Ottomans' religious tolerance with other nations during its rule.

 

"Although there are 2,000 brochures with the Armenian's claims, in the
American teachers' hands they can teach two million children, while
there are no documents or brochures concerning Turkey's view," he said.

 

Emphasizing that not only should the state's propaganda be influential
and convincing, McCarthy said other civil organizations should take part
in the promotional work.