ANKARA (Zaman)–Following the settlement in which Axa agreed to compensate descendants of Armenian policyholders killed during the Armenian genocide–the Turkish Armed Forces Pension Fund (OYAK) launched an investigation into Axa–its partner.
According to the French newspaper Le Monde–Axa is troubled by OYAK’s decision. The French daily indicated that the company had initially remained silent about the compensation decision–which is causing widespread criticism in Turkey. An Axa spokesperson is quoted as saying: "We faced internal reactions as well. We had to report the situation to our Turkish personnel and our partners in OYAK via letter."
After Axa’s decision was made–OYAK released a statement saying: "Considering the sensitivity apparent in Turkish public opinion–the issue has been carefully reviewed by OYAK–and the necessary decisions have been made at the top level. All the initiatives–which reflect the sensitivity of our society–have been discussed with top level Axa/France management. We have reached the decision to take prompt action–in line with the results of the studies we have been carrying out."
Despite harsh reactions from nationalists in Turkey–Axa’s spokesperson said: "There are no contradictions for us. I do not know whether it had an effect in Turkey–but we did what we are supposed to do."