Turkish boat Kybele faces with protest of Armenian diaspora in Marseille.
Weighing anchor from Izmir for attending to the Turkish season in France, Turkish boat Kybele encountered with the protests of Armenan and Greek diaspora in Marseille. City Mayor claimed during the reception that “1915 was agenocide.”
Departing from Urla, Izmir on June 8th, replica of the boats that were being used by Ionians 2600 years ago, Kybele arrived Marseilles. But the welcoming ceremony for the arrival of Turkish boat to Marseille turned into a protest demonstration against Turkey.
Turkish boat had to anchor far from the harbour where the ceremony was planned to be held. Assistants to City Mayor of Marseille, Didier Parakian and Daniel Hermann were present in the welcoming ceremony which was minimized as possible. Ultranationalist Front National Party distributed leaflets during the ceremony.
During the speech of Turkey’s Consul General to Marseille Ozer Aydan, an Armenian group went on with their protest and stated that it is a shame for France to hold a Turkish season for advertisement of Turkey which does not recognize so called Armenian genocide.
When Herman headed towards the door for leaving the saloon, a protester stopped the official and said, “You did not say ’genocide’, you cannot defend your position in Marseille where 100,000 Armenian live.” Thereupon vice-Mayor called Consul General Aydan and said, “What happened in 1915 was a genocide.” Turkey’s Consul General Aydan replied his claims; “That may be like that for you, not for us.”
Armenian descent Vice-Mayor Parakian stated that their efforts were successful and begining of Turkish season in Marseille was pale. He said that newspapers are writing about so called Armenian genocide more than Turkish season in France and that reflects their success.
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