ANKARA (Hurriyet)–Turkey’s powerful National Security Council (MGK) issued a statement on Wednesday calling for an “objective and scientific” evaluation of Armenian and Turkish history.
The announcement, issued after a meeting of the MGK, comes as a further sign that Ankara still demands Yerevan agree to a historical commission on the Genocide before relations can be normalized. Turkey has made the establishment of such a commission a precondition for Armenia that must be met before the borders are opened.
“The joint history of the Turkish and Armenian nations should be evaluated with an objective and scientific approach that is supported by undisputable proofs and documents and is free of all pre-conceived notions,” the MGK said in the statement.
During its meeting, the MGK also discussed the possibility of increasing Turkey’s contribution to NATO forces in Afghanistan.
The MGK said that issues related to Turkey’s security were also discussed, including discussion of Turkey’s role in Iraq. The statement said Turkey will to continue the fight against terror under the framework of democracy and the rule of law was emphasized.
“We have evaluated our relations with Iraq and discussed in detail the fight against terrorist incidents stemming from north of Iraq,” the MGK said. “The issue of Turkey’s energy needs was discussed from political, strategic and diplomatic perspectives. We welcome with pleasure the early elections that took place in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in a peaceful atmosphere.”