December 23, 2005 - 15:16 AMT
If Pamuk Had Explained His Words, Everything Would Be in Another Way
Turkish FM Abdullah Gul has denied the reports that differences have appeared in the Government over the disputed 301 article of the Turkish Criminal Code. Conversations on that topic began after Turkish Minister of Justice Jemil Cicek stated the article on insulting the dignity of the Turkish people cannot be changed or withdrawn from the Criminal Code in the near future. Commenting on the trial on Orhan Pamuk's case J. Cicek said, «If he further explained his statement, this would not take place. If he had said he meant something different or the translation was not correct, it would be much better.» It should be reminded that Pamuk's interview to Tages Anzeiger Swiss newspaper is the point. During the interview the famous writer spoke about 1 million Armenians and 30 thousand Kurds killed in Turkey.