Armenian, Assyrian and Hellenic Genocide News

Ilkin: Armenia should take correct lessons from History
by Anadolu Agency
Posted: Monday, December 04, 2000 06:27 am CST

Baki Ilkin, the Turkish Ambassador to the U.S., said on Friday that Armenia should take correct lessons from history.

Ilkin and Robert Pearson, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, delivered speeches in the 21st annual General Congress of the Assembly of the Turkish-American Associations (ATAA).

Thanking U.S. President Bill Clinton for the critical leadership he exhibited in the post Cold War era and the role he played in the Turkish-U.S. relations, Ilkin said that the Turkish-U.S. partnership has critical importance for the Trans-Caspian energy lines.

Reminding his listeners that the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline is planned to start functioning in 2004, Ilkin said that he believes that whoever comes to power in the U.S. will support the project.

Touching on the Armenia issue, Ilkin said that Armenia should behave by taking lessons from history rather than behaving with hatred.

Ilkin noted that the resolution on the so-called genocide on the Armenians which was brought to the agenda in the U.S. was a saddening incident and that this led to the reaction of Turkey.

History is not the responsibility of the legislative organs, Ilkin stated.

Ilkin thanked Clinton and the U.S. House of Representatives leadership for their efforts to prevent the resolution from taking effect.

Responding to a question which linked the Armenian issue with Turkeys rapprochement with Iraq, Ilkin said, ``I do not see a connection between these two issues. Iraq is our neighbor. On one hand, the United Nations (U.N.) resolutions should be kept. There is not a change in the policy we pursue towards Iraq for five years.``

Robert Pearson said that Turkey should one by one overcome all the obstacles it may face in its path to Europe to reach the European Union (EU) target as Turkish soccer club Galatasaray did in its path in Europe.

Pearson noted that the decisions taken by Turkey will carry importance for the shaping of the following century.

The EU process may not be an easy process, Pearson stated.

Pearson said that the U.S. supports Turkeys EU membership from the very beginning and that Turkey should one by one overcome the obstacles in its path to the EU.

The majority of the criteria which was put forward for Turkeys EU membership are the reforms required to meet the needs of the Turkish nation, Pearson noted.

A Turkey, which fulfils all the criteria and creates a strong economic basis, can rank among the biggest ten countries of the world, Pearson stated.

Pearson stressed that he agrees with the view of the Turkish government, adding that the EU-Turkey relations should depend on mutual trust, dialogue and confidence.

Turkey will unite Europe, Pearson said.

Pearson noted that the economic measures taken by the government in recent days are very pleasing.

The privatization of three public banks a short time ago indicates that the Turkish government is determined to implement the economic reform program, Pearson stated.

Pearson emphasized that the U.S. is very interested in Turkeys energy sector and that the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline should start operation in 2004.

He is pleased that Turkey chose the U.S. Bell Textron company for the attack helicopter purchase, Pearson said.

Pearson noted that he believes that Turkey can exhibit the struggle and courage it had exhibited until the foundation of the Republic, today to reach better conditions.

Turkish-U.S. relations, Armenian issue, Turkey`s membership process to the EU, Cyprus, Turkish-Greek problems, and Turkey`s domestic and foreign policy were discussed during 21st annual General Congress of the Assembly of the Turkish-American Associatons (ATAA).

Initiatives for the recognition of so-called genocide on Armenians, and Turkey`s membership process to the European Union (EU) were mainly discussed during the panel discussions at the congress.

Tony Blinken, the Senior Director of the National Security Council for European Affairs, said resolution on so-called genocide on Armenians was prevented this time, yet added that he was not sure how this would be resulted in case it is brought to the agenda during next congress term.

Blinken said they should find a way to withdraw this issue from the relations, adding that he thought Turkey has the responsibility to take the first step.

Meanwhile Ilter Turkmen, the former Foreign Minister, said the Armenian resolutions would not have important influence on relations with Europe and the U.S.

Turkmen said, ``they say this issue should be left to the historians. However, I don`t think the historians would reach a definite decision. An objective historian can not be found. Armenians and Turks should discuss the issue. International Court of Justice in the Hague is not the address where this issue would be solved. How can you expect the lawyers to solve this problem.``

Blinken, the Senior Director of the National Security Council for European Affairs, speaking about the EU process, said Helsinki decisions of the EU were encouraging.

Blinken said finding a solution on Cyprus would be beneficial both for Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots, and noted that the solution would put an end to the isolation of Northern Cyprus, and will contribute to the security and economic richness.

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