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EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER FULE EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER KARS STATUE DEMOLITION
Today's Zaman
June 21 2011
Turkey
European Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Fule said on Monday that
the European Union is "deeply concerned" about the demolition of a
monument in Turkey's eastern province of Kars as he said that it is
the only statue dedicated to the struggle of peace between Armenia
and Turkey.
In response to a proposal presented by some European Parliament
members, Fule said that neither the commission, nor any other statesman
can define the aesthetic value of the statue, and that to demolish
a piece of art is a "very serious decision."
Popularly known as the "Monument to Humanity," the statue has been
almost demolished on grounds that it had been illegally erected.
The controversy surrounding the statue began after Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan called it a "monstrosity." It was erected to
commemorate the Ottoman soldiers who froze to death 96 years ago
during a military operation against Russia. The "Monument to Humanity"
is also meant to symbolize the friendship between Turkey and Armenia.
Today's Zaman
June 21 2011
Turkey
European Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Fule said on Monday that
the European Union is "deeply concerned" about the demolition of a
monument in Turkey's eastern province of Kars as he said that it is
the only statue dedicated to the struggle of peace between Armenia
and Turkey.
In response to a proposal presented by some European Parliament
members, Fule said that neither the commission, nor any other statesman
can define the aesthetic value of the statue, and that to demolish
a piece of art is a "very serious decision."
Popularly known as the "Monument to Humanity," the statue has been
almost demolished on grounds that it had been illegally erected.
The controversy surrounding the statue began after Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan called it a "monstrosity." It was erected to
commemorate the Ottoman soldiers who froze to death 96 years ago
during a military operation against Russia. The "Monument to Humanity"
is also meant to symbolize the friendship between Turkey and Armenia.