'Turkish diaspora will not let racism poison relations with communities'

By Nazli Yuzbasioglu

ANKARA (AA) – The Turkish diaspora will not allow racism to poison its relations with the communities where they live, the head of the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) said on Friday.

Abdullah Eren was speaking at an event held in the capital Ankara to commemorate the victims of the deadly 1993 arson attack on a Turkish family by far-right extremists in the German city of Solingen.

The YTB erected a replica at Ankara’s Ulus Square of the Genc family’s house that was set on fire by four far-right extremists on May 29, 1993.

Three girls and two women were killed and 14 others injured, including several children, in the harrowing attack.

Eren said the Turkish community in Germany embraces local culture while preserving their Turkish identity and makes significant contributions to both countries.

He said Solingen and other racist attacks have caused immense trauma to the Turkish community in Germany, adding that the number of people killed in racist attacks in Germany has reached 213.

The official, however, praised Germany for its awareness on the issue and the measures taken to prevent more such incidents in the country.

Eren also spoke about the forced expulsion of Turks from Bulgaria in 1989.

Emphasizing Turkey and Bulgaria’s cultural and historical ties and neighborly relations, he said it was essential to remember such events to ensure that they are not repeated.

* Writing by Ahmet Gencturk