Turkish media widely covered the developments following the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) national director Abraham Foxman’s statement recognizing the tragic events of 1915 as “genocide”, which was a reversal of decades-long support that ADL gave to Turkey on this issue.

Ankara’s diplomatic attack that also involved a phone conversation between Turkish PM Erdogan and Israeli President Shimon Peres resulted in ADL stepping back, last night. In a new statement ADL reiterated its support for efforts to bring together Turkey and Armenia to resolve their profound differences over the facts of their shared painful history. ADL called for efforts to be made for the creation of an atmosphere in which Armenia will respond favorably to Turkey’s invitation to convene a joint commission of both Armenian and Turkish experts to examine the disputed historical facts.

PM Erdogan disclosed to the media today that ADL had faxed to his office a letter of apology.

Source: Sabah, Turkey, August 24, 2007