In a March 16 interview on BBC radio, Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated (for the second time) that Armenia needs to shed its “dependence on Diaspora,” and threatened that at any time he has the power to deport Armenian illegal aliens.

“There are 170,000 Armenians living in my country, and only 70,000 of them are my citizens, however, we shut our eyes to the rest 100,000 Armenians. And if there is a need in the future, I will tell those 100,000 Armenians to leave for their country,” Erdogan said.

On March 15, Turkish oppositionist parliamentarian Janan Artman made a statement demanding deporting the illegal Armenians.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu opposed Artman and Erdogan, saying this step is not driven by Turkey’s interests.

“The expelling of citizens of Armenia from Turkey will become a trump card in the hands of those countries which are against us; all newspapers will publish articles about expelled Armenians. A racist image will be created, Turkey will appear in a hard situation,” Davutoglu stated.

Erdogan, who is in London on an official visit, invited by UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, also said that Armenia is to blame for the protocol process having stalled.

“The problems connected with relations with Armenia occur not because of us but rather because of the Armenian side. Armenia must make an important decision. Armenia ought to get rid of the Diaspora mortgage,” Erdogan said.

In Yerevan some indignant groups were calling for authorities to rebut Erdogan.

“A distinct note must be sent (to Turkey), and it must be clarified that the Diaspora and Armenia have one and the same nation, and that the very Diaspora was formed because of the crime they (Turks) committed. I am angry with not Erdogan’s statement, but rather with the silence from our side,” member of the Youth Union Marine Minasyan told ArmeniaNow.