.... Interrupting questioner Erdogan said that the penal code supposes no such sentence. But the journalist insisted asking: “In your view, is the demand for Armenian Genocide’s acknowledgement a punishable act?” Erdogan replied: “Turkey does not bother about the Armenian genocide. Genocide allegations are to be resolved by historians, not parliaments”.

He underscored that Turkey has negative attitude neither neither towards Armenia nor the Armenians of Turkey. “There are many Turkish citizens of Armenian descent in my party. Armenians have 58 churches and 57 national educational establishments in Turkey. All of them are functioning. We do not complain of Armenians, and they have been tremendously supportive Turkey’s EU bid. You have no right of dictating from outside. Let’s contribute to the development of friendly ties instead of creating hostility. Turkey has opened an air corridor to Armenia, and 4 planes land in Istanbul weekly. Try to have positive look at everything.