567) Polish F.M. Meller Proposes Turkish, Armenian & Polish Historian To Meet

ANKARA - Polish Foreign Minister Stefan Meller suggested Turkish, Armenian and Polish historians to meet to discuss so-called Armenian genocide allegations...

Turkish deputy Parliament Speaker Sadik Yakut received Meller in Ankara on Thursday.
Yakut said, ''Turkey expects support from Poland during EU membership process.'' He also said, ''we felt very sorry over Polish Parliament's decision (in April 2005) about so-called Armenian genocide. This distressing development against Turkish nation emerged after Armenia's unilateral propaganda which deteriorates the realities. I believe Poland will not allow the initiatives of marginal Armenian groups against the relations of the two countries. I believe such groups will not be supported by Polish Parliament.''

Regarding cartoon crisis, Yakut said, ''the cartoon crisis in Denmark brought clash of civilizations onto agenda again. Those who used freedom of expression irresponsibly depressed billions of Muslims deeply. We believe that Poland's exerting efforts to end anti-Islamic winds by using its influence within EU will have important consequences.''

Meller said that both the prime minister of Poland and himself released the necessary statements to apologize from the Muslim world for the cartoon crises.

Referring to a decision approved by the Polish parliament last year to recognize the events in 1915 as genocide, Meller said that Armenian people had been living in Poland for centuries.

Recalling that a number of Polish citizens of Armenian origin have carried out significant duties, Meller said that they considered that decision of the Polish parliament as a compensation for suffering and pain stemming from 1915 events.

Noting that the decision did not have any binding impact on Poland's foreign policy, and it did not reflect the view of their government, Meller said that the decision was not against Turkey.

Meller said that he proposed Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul to undertake a good-will mission and bring together Turkish, Armenian and Polish historians.

Stressing that they did not aim to give lessons to the others, Meller said that Poland had earlier succeeded in resolving the problems with Germany and Ukraine through dialogue.

Published: 4/13/2006
http://www.anatoliantimes.com/hbr2.asp?id=118850