A panel is hold by governorship of Adana, Ataturk Research Center and Turkish Historical Society for the 100th anniversary of the 1909 Adana incidents in which Armenian gangs had attacked over citizens of Adana. Opening statement is made by Vice President of Turkish Historical Society Professor Doctor Kemal Cicek. Cicek said that Armenians started to get armed from the begining of constitutional period and said, "France, England, Italy and Russia provocated Armenians and Armenians started riots. Armenians were the ones who killed the atmosphere of tranquility and trust. Armenian population was about 15 percent of the Muslims. The number of Armenians who perished were more than the number of Muslim people who perished. Excessive force was used since the Muslims were vast majority. Thus, more number of Armenian loses is normal. We invite Armenians and diaspora Armenians here, we may discuss these if they come."
President of Ataturk Research Center Professor Doctor Cezmi Eraslan said Armenians who were provocated by external forces did not make a good exam and they became an instrument for the provocations of England, France, Italy and Russia. He said Turkish people been broadminded all along the history but everyone talks about the issue except historians.
Mayor of Adana Ihsan Atis reacted to the statements of vice President of Turkish Historical Society Cicek and said, "Armenians tried to benefit over the weakness of their neighbours. They were in a betrayal. And their neighbours standed against it, thus we are being accused of genocide in return. Armenians were moved to Syria, and that turns to a catastrophe. Why? Syria was an Ottoman province in that time. I do not agree with statements of vice President of Turkish Historical Society Cicek. Maybe he stumbled. If you ask to me, there was no use of excessive force. There was normal reaction. Armenian citizens of Ottoman Empire started riots and precautions were held. They are treating us with genocide so we will be silent if someone betrays. Turkish people were massacred in Balkans, in Khojaly. Turkish people have nothing to apologize about. We did not do anything that we should apologize about. The ones who should apologize are the people who massacred their neighbours as a result of provocations. Nobody cares when Turkish people die but it turns into a "genocide" when Armenians die. We are sons of Ataturk. Our Azan will never stop and our flag will wave. Armenians will hold an internatinal meeting for Adana incidents in Yerevan in April. We should arrange an international meeting too."
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