Turkish Embassy in London denies genocide claims

LONDON (AA) – Turkish Embassy in London issued a statement on Friday denying genocide claims following the acceptation of a motion on Armenian genocide claims by Gwynedd Council in Wales, Britain the same day.

Press Attache of Turkish Embassy in London Hasbi Akal said that Armenians were very distinguished members of the Ottoman Empire.

"Although part of Armenians became tools of Russian expansionism after 1870, they formed gangs and were involved in acts of terrorism; Armenians remained as distinguished members of the Ottoman Empire," said Akal. Akal stressed that the efforts of the Ottoman Empire to take the people away from the war region, caused casualties both among Armenians and also among Turks, stressing that this was not a genocide policy.

Noting that the issue was transferred to historians for discussion, Akal said that Turkey didn’t impose embargo on Armenia. Akal stressed that the Turkish government expected Armenia to improve relations with its neighbours by pursuing a constructive and peaceful attitude in line with international laws.