Istanbul-Armenian journalist and writer Etyen Mahcupyan, who was recently appointed Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister of Turkey, spoke with Haberturk news agency of Turkey.  

During the interview, the Haberturk reporter also asked Mahcupyan how he, as an Armenian, feels about the recent Turkish decision to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli on April 24 which, as per the reporter, is the remembrance day of the Armenian events.     

“If we [, Turkey,] take the right step on the topics of the April 24 Armenian issue and genocide, there is no problem in celebrating such an event. Last year’s message of condolence [to the Armenians by the Turkish PM], this year’s message [by the PM] in connection with [the anniversary of the murder of] Hrant Dink [the founder and chief editor of Agos Armenian bilingual weekly of Istanbul, and who was shot dead on January 19, 2007 outside the office of his weekly]…   

“Turkey is slowly moving on a specific road. Regardless of [Armenia-Turkey] interstate relations, there is a positive shift also from the viewpoint of the demeanor of the Turks,” said the Armenian Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister of Turkey.