“We Will Warmly Welcome Armenian Kids, Too,” Promises Turkey’s Ambassador

The school of Turkey’s embassy in Tehran celebrated the Children’s day at the Ambassador’s residence, hosting Turkish, Iranian and other foreign children. During the event, we sought to know Umit Yardim’s viewpoints toward holding such events, and also about the protests of some Armenian citizens in front of Turkey’s embassy.

AVA Diplomatic’s Exclusive Interview with Umit Yardim, Turkey’s Ambassador in Iran

Interview by Mohammadreza Nazari

Celebrating the Children’s day at your personal residence happened for the first time. What was the main goal of doing so?

This is a brand new experience for us, as the school is newly opened. In the previous years, the event was held on Ferdowsi St. inside the embassy. But now, to be able to invite more kids from various foreign schools, we decided to hold it here. We intend to learn from such a celebration so as to better what may be held in the upcoming years. We also expect our guest to leave comments, criticisms or suggestions about the occasion.

The Middle East is now on the rough and many kids are suffering from such a destiny now. What is your message for them? How do you tell them to keep their hopes up?

To achieve the intended future, all countries should join hands to implement various plans and projects which can help us live up to such a goal. If unity does not exist, then we cannot be optimistic about the future. In fact, the foundations of such matters is that we should respect each other’s ideologies and cultures to be able to live peacefully besides one another. Some time ago, a group of protesters gathered in front of the embassy and chanted most insulting slogans to the flag of Turkey. The red color on the flag represents the blood of Islam’s martyrs and the crescent shows our Islamic values. When comparing both the protest and this event together, we can obviously see there are numerous disagreements in the world. Personally, I do not approve of the incidents which happened in front of the embassy and try to convey my message of peace to all by holding such a friendly occasion.

The Armenian children who stood before Turkey’s embassy believed their ancestors were killed by the Ottoman Empire. What is your take on this?

We never overlook people due to their religions, cultures or races, and send our messages of brotherhood to all of them. But if there are people who are after taking reprisals, then you should ask this question from them.

It would have been better, however, if you had invited the Armenian kids to this party, too.

Turkey’s embassy is open to everyone. No doubt. Prior to everything is respecting and observing Islam’s values. We will also warmly welcome Armenian kids. Those who gathered in front of Turkey’s embassy are the ones from who you should ask these questions. It intrigues me to know how they will answer you. You can go ask them the very same questions, and after that, I all ready to have a more thorough interview with you to discuss this matter in detail.