Turkish public is alarmed at Iranian Vice President’s statement. Leading media outlets labeled official’s words as shocking and noted that Iran “stabbed Turkey in the back”.

The Turkish authoritative Hurriyet and Milliyet dailies referring to NEWS.am news agency reported that during the conference dedicated to the 70th anniversary of conquest of Iran by allies during World War II, country’s Vice President Hamid Baghaei stated that 100 years ago the Ottoman Government committed Genocide against Armenians. Although the Ottoman Government does not exist now, Armenians demand official apologies and restitution from Turkey, he added.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told the journalists that he had talked to his Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki and demanded explanations. “Iranian FM told me that Tehran’s position on the issue remains unchanged, while Vice President’s speech referred to World War I and had nothing in common with publications in press,” Davutoglu said.

In response to a journalist’s remark that Mottaki’s words do not dispel doubts, Turkish FM noted that he had requested Iranian Foreign Minister to issue an official statement.

NEWS.am has presented a report by the Iranian IRNA news agency.