!İ> �ce="Verdana" size="2">I quoted journalist Fatih Altayl? in this column yesterday. Altayl? wrote that Turkish History Institute (TTK) President Yusuf Halaço?lu has introduced restrictions about opening archives while he could have taken an important first step with Armenian researcher Ara Sarafyan, resulting in the cancellation of the shared research project. I had not researched the subject again as I trusted the sources of the Sabah daily newspaper's editor-in-chief. I have criticized professor Halaço?lu for this attitude and have written that Turkey has hurt itself unnecessarily.

  Professor Halaço?lu called yesterday and forwarded his e-mail correspondences with Ara Sarafyan. He said my article was inaccurate.

  According to professor Halaço?lu, the cancellation of this project does not have anything to do with any restrictions. “We did not even discuss what will be opened, what documents will be introduced yet. Moreover, I do not have the authority to open or restrict archives,” he said.

  Halaço?lu believes the main reason behind Sarafyan's relinquishment is the reaction of the Armenian diaspora to such a project.

  I apologize for having made an incorrect evaluation.

  However, I would also like to add a footnote: These sorts of meetings should be disclosed to the press only after all preparations are made in detail and all conditions are confirmed. Otherwise, media-monitored meetings and discussions in front of the media can prove to be destructive. I would have expected someone as experienced as Halaço?lu to be much more sensitive about this issue.