Statement Made By Government Spokesman And Minister Of State Prof. Şükrü S.Gürel May 4, 1998 Press Release On The Turkish-Ukrainian Joint Communique May 21, 1998 Statement Made By Foreign Minister Ismail Cem On the Adoption By The French National Assembly Of A Draft Bill On The So-called "Genocide" Luxembourg, May 29, 1998 (Unofficial Translation)
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  5. Statement Made By Foreign Minister Ismail Cem On the Adoption By The French National Assembly Of A Draft Bill On The So-called "Genocide" Luxembourg, May 29, 1998 (Unofficial Translation)
Statement Made By Foreign Minister Ismail Cem On the Adoption By The French National Assembly Of A Draft Bill On The So-called "Genocide" Luxembourg, May 29, 1998 (Unofficial Translation)
  1. The adoption of a draft bill on the “recognition of the Armenian genocide” by the French National Assembly is, in terms of the repercussions it will create, extremely dangerous and worrisome.
  2. The decision that the French National Assembly has taken will encourage terror and hearten terrorists who already claimed the lives of 34 Turkish diplomats. The French National Assembly has created a consequence that would legitimize, in the eyes of the terrorists, their inhuman acts.
  3. I strongly condemn this decision that inflames racist terror against Turkey and promotes racism. I also follow, with abhorrence, the predicament of those who require hatred and animosity in order to have a self-identity.
  4. Those who get alarmed by a Turkey that is getting stronger must know that Turkey will continue on its determined, peaceful and promising path and will under no circumstances be intimidated by the terror that is rekindled and now in the process of being reinforced by new elements.
  5. This decision, at the same time, has been an initiative aimed at undermining the relations between Turkey and France. It is obvious that the supporters of this decision have favoured their racist feelings to the detriment of France’s national interests. We believe this will not be endorsed by the majority of the French people who value Turkish-French friendship that has historic depths.
  6. In my judgement, the threat of terror against Turkish diplomats in France will grow stronger. Therefore, I have already given instructions that relevant precautions be taken for a more effective protection of the Turkish representative offices in France. Furthermore, a diplomatic note is to be delivered to France asking all protective measures be taken. I hope the French Senate will act with common sense and halt this erroneous development.