Turkish Viewpoint

Your news article “Armenians Rally at Consulate to Mark Genocide Anniversary” (April 25) contained two errors: It claimed that the Turkish Consulate “. . . was closed in anticipation of the (Armenian) rally. . . .” The fact is that it was open and business was carried out as usual. It also claimed that “. . . consular officials did not even bother to issue a press release disputing the Armenian claims. . . .” The fact is that a press release was issued by the consulate on April 24, which was picked up by other members of the media.

Armenian allegations of genocide cannot be supported by historical evidence, which points to the fact that both Turks and Armenians suffered greatly due to a civil war within a world war further complicated by disease, famine, rough terrain and climate. Armenian allegations are disputed by an overwhelming majority of the “nonpartisan” historians who specialize in Ottoman and Middle East history.

At a time when “the new world order” is desperately seeking peace, we see no benefit in fanning the flames of racial hatred. Peace requires work.

ERGUN KIRLIKOVALI, Western Regional Director, Federation of Turkish American Societies, Rancho Santa Margarita