YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–The Armenian National Academy of Sciences objected to the inclusion of Kemal Ataturk–who is fast acquiring votes–in Time magazine’s "Man of the Century." According to the Rockefeller Center–Kemal Ataturk is now holding the top position with 1.7 million votes–ahead of such prominent 20th century figures as Winston Churchill–Thomas Edison–Albert Einstein and Marie Sklodowska-Curie.
In a letter addressed to Time magazine–NAS expressed puzzlement and concern regarding the magazine’s decision to consider Ataturk in all categories of this competition–saying that Ataturk–being a major political figure–is responsible for "horrible atrocities in relation to Armenia’s–Greeks and Kurds."
Executive Secretary of NAS Vladimir Barkhoudarian encouraged all organizations–operating in Armenia and abroad–to express their concern regarding Ataturk’s candidacy for "Man of the Century."