Conference On Armenian Ottomans Ends In Istanbul

9/26/2005
Turkish Press

ISTANBUL - ''This conference (the Conference titled ''The Armenians during the Collapse of the Ottoman Empire'') will have a positive impact on the point of view of foreigners on Turkey'', Cem Ozdemir, a member of the European Parliament, said on Sunday.

Taking the floor on the last day of the conference held at Istanbul's Bilgi University, Ozdemir said, ''if this conference had not been held, it would have caused extraordinary reactions. And, it would have strengthened the hands of those who do not want to see Turkey in the EU.''

Referring to Europe's perspective on Armenian issue, Ozdemir said, ''Armenia is Turkey's neighbor. Turkey's relations with Armenia should be just the same with its relations with Greece. Europe wants opening of borders and trade. Also, it (Europe) attaches importance to situation of non-Muslims in Turkey.''

[...]. If Turkey debates these matters, the pressure on it will be reduced.''
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12 sessions were held in the two-day conference to which 786 people were invited. Nine foreign journalists, including two from Armenia, and many Turkish reporters covered the conference.
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