ERMAN: CERTAIN MEANINGLESS POLITICAL SUBJECTS HAVE INSULTED THE FEELINGS OF THE TURKS
ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkey's Ambassador in Ottowa Aydemir Erman has indicated today (Monday) that certain meaningless political subjects, like assertions of a so-called Armenian genocide, have insulted the feelings of the Turks.
Participating in the Turkey-Canada Business Council's Third Joint Annual Conference, within the framework of Foreign Economic Relations Organization, Erman stressed that Istanbul has been the center of global attention for centuries and that Istanbul still is the center of global attention.
Erman said that Turkey is in a much better shape today compared to ten years ago. Turkey continues to attract foreign businessmen for investments, told Erman.
Erman commented that the Canadian businessmen should not miss the Turkish train. ''Canadian business circles must take advantage of the Turkish economy's incentives for foreign investors. The Canadians should not miss the Turkish train of opportunities,'' expressed Erman.
''Certain political topics, as the so-called Armenian genocide, have offended the Turkish people. Turks think that they do not deserve such a treatment accusing them of a genocide. We think that this topic is a road accident that should not have a negative impact on our relations,'' mentioned Erman.
Meanwhile, Canadian ambassador in Ankara Michael Leir has stated that his embassy is doing all it can to develop the ties between Turkey and Canada. ''Even during the economic crisis, we (Canadians) thought that Turkey had a good potential. We are impressed with the economic conditions in Turkey today,'' told Leir.
Turkey-Canada Business Council Co-Chair Ron Denom has remarked that the Turkish economy looks like an economic spring. ''Our firms can be good partners for your companies. Canada is a friend of Turkey that does honest business,'' expressed Denom.
According to Denom, after a period of ups and downs, inflation rates in Turkey went down, various important reforms were made and the Turkish economy became a prominent one in the region. ''There has never been a better time to do trade with Turkey,'' indicated Denom.
Turkey-Canada Business Council Chairman Yilmaz Arguden has commented that the political and economic stability in Turkey will contribute to the growth of Turkey.
(SOL-A֩
2005-05-09