Uruguay's Foreign Minister Condemns Cavusoglu for Gesture Towards Armenians

Uruguay's Foreign Minister Francisco Bustillo has condemned Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu for a nationalist gesture directed at Armenians in Montevideo. This was reported by El Pais.

During an event dedicated to the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Bustillo stated that Uruguay is a country that respects memory, strives for peace, and looks toward the future.

“Our country is one that prefers reconciliation in the face of conflicts. We advocate for understanding, tolerance, and hope that those who visit this country, which promotes peace and tolerance, will act in the same way. I reject and condemn any offensive behavior or gesture that implies physical or moral violence,” Bustillo emphasized, referring to Cavusoglu's nationalist gesture.

It should be noted that a protest was organized in front of the Turkish diplomatic mission against Cavusoglu's visit to Uruguay, demanding recognition of the Armenian Genocide. As the demonstrators saw the Foreign Minister exiting the diplomatic mission, they began chanting “Murderer.” In response to the chants, Cavusoglu smiled broadly and made a gesture associated with the far-right nationalist “Gray Wolves,” which symbolizes Turkish nationalism.

The Turkish ambassador to Uruguay, Hussein Muftuoglu, has been summoned by that country’s Foreign Ministry. It is expected that the Turkish ambassador will appear at the foreign ministry on April 25.