August 15, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with representatives of Turkish ethnic minorities. Armenian side was presented by Armenian Apostolic Church Dignitary in Turkey — Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, “Marmara” and “Agos” newspapers’ journalists (dailies are published in Istanbul) and others.

Erdogan underlined: “You know we pursue the policy of struggling for democracy. Many people assume there is no need for it, but we have made decision and together would overcome all obstacles. We are against ethnic nationalism and religious extremism. Turkey is a secular, social and constitutional state.”

He stated that made friends with many Armenians while playing football. Erdogan also stated they have never given preferences to the problems of any ethnic minority. “We treat all people equally,” Prime Minister concluded.