AAE: 'Outbreaks of xenophobia are widespread in Turkey'

The Assembly of Armenians of Europe has issued a statement, condemning Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who said Tuesday in an interview with BBC that would expel 100,000 Armenians from Turkey.

“This statement by Prime Minister Erdogan shows that outbreaks of xenophobia are widespread even in modern Turkey, and in particular, it shows Turkey’s intolerance for Armenians,” said in the statement.

“It’s surprising that such a statement was made by a leader of a country, whose most citizens are illegally and undocumented living in the European countries.

“And what is more surprising that a country with such approach and position is seeking for accession to the European Union.

“We are calling for the European community to condemn Erdogan’s statement and take steps in this situation, which violates human rights and shows intolerance for other peoples in Turkey.

“We are calling for all European nations to make commitments to universal human values and recognize the 1915 Genocide,” said in the statement.