By an amazing coincidence, some time after the Iranian Vice-President used the expression “Armenian Genocide”, the gendarmerie in Beblesin, Baskale subregion, Van, Turkey, did not allow Iranian tourists that crossed the Hakkari-Esendere customs station to continue their way.

Zaman reports the gendarmes did not allow the Iranian buses to continue their way, the reason being the tourists were carrying Iranian products. The passengers and drivers held an action of protest in front of the kaymakam’s house. The Iranian drivers said they crossed the border and five checkpoints without problems, but faced problems at the Beblesin checkpoint. The passengers were carrying food, which is within the allowed €430.

Three of about 300 tourists met with the kaymakam Bilgehan Bayar and told him about the problem. The official promised to consider it and issue instructions.

The Iranian foreign office issued a statement on a recent incident in Van, when a Turkish bus was stoned. The statement says such incidents affect Turkish-Armenian relations.

Although Iranian Vice-President Hamid Baghaei explained his statement did not unequivocally express his stance on the Armenian Genocide, he did not actually deny the fact. So an anti-Iranian wave is still sweeping over Turkey.