ANKARA - Yusuf Halacoglu, chairman of the Turkish Historical Society (TTK), stated that he did not make any statements affirming that he would not open some parts of the (Turkish) archives (on Armenians) or not display some documents, regarding the joint research planned to be carried out in Harput, recently cancelled by Armenian historian Ara Sarafyan.
Commenting on the articles of several columnists, alleging that Sarafyan has given up the idea due to Halacoglu`s unwillingness to show several documents, TTK chairman said in a written statement that such allegations were inaccurate.
Halacoglu emphasized that he was never unwilling, nor he never made any statements on not opening archives or documents to researchers.
"Every researcher knows that I do not have the authority to hide documents or make any restrictions. Management of the state archives belongs to the State Archives DG," Halacoglu indicated.
Halacoglu reiterated that he would like to carry out studies on the issue with not only Armenian colleagues, but with scientists from other countries as well.
"We will continue to cooperate with those who accept our proposal to carry out a joint research," Halacoglu added.