3 Turkish candidates removed from election lists in Holland speak to press
Güncelleme Tarihi:
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Eylül 29, 2006 11:40
Three ethnically Turkish citizens of the Netherlands, who had been candidates for the upcoming November 22 early general elections until they were removed from their parties' candidate lists following their refusal to recognize the so-called Armenian genocide, have publicly criticized their political parties.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Osman Elmaci, who had been a candidate for the Christian Democratic Party, said it was a "dark day for Holland," noting he had been penalized in an un-democratic manner for personal views he held. Said Elmaci, "We have said we think the subject is one for historians to research. I would also like to know what happened 100 years ago. With these views, there is no reason I shouldn't take my place on that candidate list. We could have pulled out earlier, but we waited until the last minute. We wanted to see what they would do. We will continue our struggle within the party."
Another ethnically Turkish candidate from the Christian Democratic Party, Ayhan Tonca, noted of the developments within his party: "I do not even think that 99% of the party members understand this issue. We had to either support the official party view on this matter, or separate."
Another Turkish candidate, Erdinc Sacan of the Dutch Social Democrat Workers' Party, was also removed for refusing to support the Armenian claims of genocide.
Another ethnically Turkish candidate from the Christian Democratic Party, Ayhan Tonca, noted of the developments within his party: "I do not even think that 99% of the party members understand this issue. We had to either support the official party view on this matter, or separate."
Another Turkish candidate, Erdinc Sacan of the Dutch Social Democrat Workers' Party, was also removed for refusing to support the Armenian claims of genocide.