As the litigation counsel for the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey and the Turkish Republic Ziraat Bank, I respond as follows to recent assertions that the Turkish Republic has defaulted in the Bakalian case, which alleges that the Turkish Republic, the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey, and the Turkish Republic Ziraat Bank expropriated the properties of three Armenian claimants during WWI.
Please note that the Turkish Republic has not yet made an appearance in this case and has not, therefore, designated litigation counsel. The Turkish Republic is immune from the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States in litigation of this nature, particularly on sensitive foreign affairs issues. The court cannot, therefore, enter a judgment against the Turkish Republic on the alleged claims. The Turkish Republic will do all that is necessary to preserve its immunity and its sovereignty.
Gunay Evinch
Saltzman & Evinch
Washington DC
