Turkey rejects Greek-Cypriot law upholding Armenian claims

The Turkish Foreign Ministry blasted late Thursday the law adopted by the Greek-Cypriot administration to criminalize any denial of Armenian claims over the 1915 incidents.

“The Greek-Cypriot administration’s decision is null and void for Turkey and not worthy of comment,” AA news agency reported, citing a statement by the Ministry’s spokesman Tanju Bilgic.

“It is without doubt that those who try to exploit the 1915 incidents at every opportunity by using simple political ambitions, cannot get any result,” Bilgic said hours after the Greek Cypriot parliament passed into law a bill to uphold the Armenian allegations over the incidents.

The Greek Cypriot move coincides with Armenia preparations for a mass commemoration in capital Yerevan on April 24 to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1915 incidents.

The law, backed by all political parties represented at the Greek-Cypriot parliament, imposes a five-year imprisonment and fine of USD 10,000 on those who may deny Armenian allegations.