Turkish Presidency Discusses Steps Against Armenian Genocide Recognition

ANKARA — High Advisory Board of Turkish presidency gathered on Tuesday June 16, to discuss how to respond to “groundless and anti-Turkey allegations” regarding the Armenian Genocide.

Following the five-hour meeting behind closed doors, Communications Director Fahrettin Altun said in a statement President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated that Turkey would not allow the “hostility seeds” that sought to be sown through “distorted historical events.”

The statement accused what it referred to as the “Armenian lobby” of exploiting the “challenging and painful era endured by all Ottoman citizens for the sake of political calculations through lies and slanders that were invented by various power groups.”

Altun said that during the meeting, “comprehensive steps” were discussed to prevent the Armenian lobby from using 1915 Genocide to “defame Turkey and our nation and also the propaganda made by countries through unrealistic allegations that manipulate the issue with political calculations.”

It also deliberated on projects and activities set to “shed light” on the issues with historical and legal aspects, along with “facts for the national and international public,” he added.