TURKEY ISSUES STATEMENT AGAINST IRAN'S HOLOCAUST

UNCLAS ANKARA 006683 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV IR TU SUBJECT: TURKEY ISSUES STATEMENT AGAINST IRAN'S HOLOCAUST CONFERENCE ¶1. (U) Regarding the Tehran conference "Genocide of Jews: Global Perspectives," the Turkish MFA issued a statement December 15 that the Holocaust suffered by the Jews during World War II is an historical fact, and it finds attempts to question this historical fact to be "indecent." This statement referred to a previous statement MFA made in December 2005 in response to a press question. Full text of December 15, 2006 statement is in para 2. Full text of December 9, 2005 statement is in para 3. ¶2. (U) Informal Embassy translation of MFA statement made on December 15, 2006: Begin text: We fully hold to the opinions expressed in the Ministerial statement of December 9, 2005 regarding the conference on "Genocide of Jews: Global Perspectives," held in Tehran on December 11-12, 2006. In said statement, we clearly say that the "Holocaust" suffered by Jews in World War II is an historical fact that has tarnished the conscience of the world and that this crime committed against humanity has also been established by international law. We are agitated and upset by these attempts to question this historical fact and find them to be indecent. End text. ¶3. (U) Informal Embassy translation of MFA statement made on December 9, 2005: Begin text: QA 52: December 9, 2005, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Mr. Namik Tan's reply to a question concerning a statement by Iranian President Ahmedinejad about the Jews: Today, international dialogue plays a significant role in promoting and developing friendships and understanding. Especially in a world full of these kinds of problems, such dialogue emerges as a vital requirement. It is not possible to approve of such confrontational statements at a time when we most need dialogue, cooperation and compromise. Such statements are not in the interest of anyone, either its author or anyone else. They can only add to the instability and crisis of confidence. The genocide (Holocaust) committed against the Jews is a historical fact, a stain on the conscience of humanity. This crime against humanity has also been established by international law. As a matter of fact, our country helped those escaping from the Nazi persecution and provided shelter for them. Lastly, Turkey accepted the relevant resolution of the UN General Assembly. Everyone's priority should be to solve existing problems and to prevent new ones and disasters. End text. Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/ WILSON