Will Turkey take lessons?
"Turkish authorities have not responded to the detainment of Armenian journalists and 20 passengers of Yerevan-Istanbul flight by Turkish emigration service, Yerevan Press Club Chairman Boris Navasardyan told reporters Sept. 18.
"We shall not hold any event in Turkey unless the issue is settled. If Turks invite Armenian journalists, they must ensure normal conditions and avoid scandals. For some time, I shall follow the developments and monitor the situation. Any change in Turkey's behavoiur will indicate that Turkey has taken a good lesson and the incident will not repeat.
Remind that the Armenian journalists were on their way to Istanbul to participate in a regional conference when Turkish emigration service employees conducted a search and interrogation of Armenian passengers in spite of prior notification by Hrant Dink Foundation representative.
The incident was settled only upon the interference of Boris Navasardyan.
The YSU chairman does not expect elucidations from Turkey as the Turkish frontiers were executing a definite order.
"I am hopeful that after the wrangle Turkish authorities will change their harsh attitude towards Armenians as it mars Turkey's image," Mr. Navasardyan said.
Boris Navasardyan also links the incident to Armenian-Turkish relations.
"By 2009, Turks were well-disposed to Armenians while today Armenians are undesirable guests in Turkey. Besides, Turkey's ill-treatment is connected with a religious gathering to be held in Holy Cross church in Akhtamar Island on Sept. 19," he said.
