At a conference attended by the heads of regional chapters of the Justice and Development Party, Turkish Premier Recep Erdogan, the party leader, addressed his statements about the deportation of 100,000 illegal Armenian immigrants, which evoked a violent response both in Turkey and worldwide. Premier Erdogan severely criticized the journalists slating him.

He said that Turkey’s first step to resuming air communication with Armenia. The Turkish Premier called on some journalists “teaching humanity” to Turkey to perform their “functions as advocates” properly. “First of all, you are advocates of the Turkish people. Let them look in the mirror first and then write. We have renovated the church on Akhtamar Island without receiving anyone’s order. They do not see. There has not been any problem with Armenian citizens in our country. We are now trying to get the Syrians that left our country to return to Turkey. They do not see that either,” the Turkish Premier said. He stated that he by ‘deporting Armenians from the country’ he meant illegal immigrants. Erdogan expressed his regret that mass media misinterpreted his words. He reminded the attendees that he is the first Turkish Premier that has clearly stated Turkey’s attitude to national minorities. Addressing those urging him to apologize, the Turkish Premier stated that the Turkish leaders know very well who they should apologize to. “It is most important for me that my nation have what is becoming to it,” Erdogan said.

The Turkish Premier is well aware that the word “illegal” in the phrase “deporting 100,000 illegal Armenian migrants” does not matter. What matters is the word “deporting.” “Deporting,” which is close to the Turkish spirit, “mass deportation,” as one of his fathers, Talaat would say. As regards media outlets, most of them accurately quoted Mr. Erdogan. As to the third-rate mass media, their reports by no means justify the Turkish Premier.

T.P.