Cumhuriyet - Asam Prepares Book to Counter 'Ararat'

4/6/02

The Eurasian Strategic Research Center (ASAM) has prepared a book to refute the view of the so-called Armenian genocide depicted in Canadian director Atom Egoyan's new film, "Ararat." ASAM Chairman Omer Engin Lutem held a press conference yesterday to promote the book entitled, "Ararat: Artistic Armenian Propaganda." Remarking that the movie had failed to show the historical truth, Lutem argued that it was made in order to cover up the failures of the Armenian lobbies in defending their incorrect arguments on the international stage. He also stated that there were important differences between the movie and the book it is based on, "An American Doctor in Turkey" written by Dr. Clarance D. Ussher. /Cumhuriyet/

Turkish Officials: "Ararat is Nothing but a Propaganda Movie"

23/05/02

State Minister Yilmaz Karakoyunlu yesterday remarked that Canadian director Atom Egoyan's latest movie "Ararat," which is currently being screened at the Cannes Film Festival, constituted an example of anti-Turkey campaigns in the international community. "This presentation is shameful," said Karakoyunlu. "There is no doubt that the Turkish government will do its utmost against such attempts." Furthermore, Culture Minister Istemihan Talay denounced Egoyan for exploiting cinema in a way which he said distorted historical facts and would worsen hostilities between Turkey and Armenia. /Cumhuriyet/

Austrian Documentry, Canadian Director Feels the Heat from Protests

8/2/02

Turkish lobbies in Austria and other European countries have launched a protest campaign against a TV program entitled "Kurdistan: Gods' Plateau" set to appear soon on Austrian state TV channel ORF. The Austrian branch of the Kemalist Thought Association has drafted letters of protest to be sent to ORF Director-General Monika Lindner. Meanwhile, French daily Le Monde yesterday gave prominent coverage to protests against Canadian movie director Atom Egoyan, whose parents are Armenian and who is currently shooting a movie entitled "Ararat" which airs allegations about the so-called Armenian genocide. The paper stated that Turkish lobbies were trying to prevent the release of the movie by sending letters of protest to the distributor company. /Cumhuriyet/