ISTANBUL (AA) - Mesrob II, Patriarch of Armenian Community in Turkey, said on Thursday that he always advocated Turkey's membership to the European Union (EU). He said he believed the EU would give a date to Turkey on December 17th to start full membership negotiations.
Mesrob II told A.A correspondent that he shared the view that the EU was not a Christian club, and noted that, ''religion and religious culture have become a tool of politics both for the EU and the Turkish politicians more than necessary. Parliaments of the EU member countries do not make decisions according to the doctrines of the Bible and the Turkish parliament does not make its decisions according to Koran. Integration of the EU and Turkey would be for the interest of the region, the world and the peace among the civilizations.''
Replying to a question about the attitude of the Armenians living in France, putting forward the allegations of ''so-called Armenian genocide'', toward Turkey's EU membership, Mesrob II said, ''the disaster in 1915 is an issue which can be abused. To this end, the foreigners will bring this issue on the agenda when they have the opportunity. The issue should be excluded from being an issue of exploitation soon by starting official and unofficial dialogue process.''
''Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in an earlier statement said this was the job of historians and should be left to historians. His statements are extremely realistic. Meeting face to face with history is important for building of future on solid basis. People can not embrace each other before making peace. Dialogue process should be initiated,'' Mesrob II said.
(AY-A֩
2004-12-16