Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec.2
By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:
Pope Francis has no right to talk about the opening of Turkish-Armenian border, TRT Haber TV channel quoted head of Turkey's National Action Party (MHP) Devlet Bahceli as saying on Dec.2.
He said these remarks made by the Pope are related to the 100th anniversary of the "Armenian genocide" and are dangerous.
During his visit to Turkey on Dec.1, Pope Francis expressed hope that the Turkish-Armenian borders will open in the near future.
The pontiff said he prays for the betterment of relations between Turkey and Armenia.
Pope Francis added that the message of Turkey's then prime minister and current President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Armenians in April 2013 has a special meaning and should be regarded as a serious step taken by Turkey to normalize the relations.
The break in relations and closing of the Turkish-Armenian border in 1993 were due to Armenia's claims for recognition of the "Armenian genocide" in the world, as well as Armenia's occupation of Azerbaijani lands.
Armenia and the Armenian lobby claim that Turkey's predecessor, the Ottoman Empire allegedly carried out "genocide" against the Armenians living in Anatolia in 1915. Turkey in turn has always denied "the genocide" took place.
While strengthening the efforts to promote the so-called genocide in the world, Armenians have achieved its recognition by the parliaments of some countries.
Although Turkey has repeatedly proposed to create an independent commission to investigate the events of 1915, Armenia continues to reject this proposal.
Edited by CN
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