Speaking to international reporters in Berlin, Steinmeier raised concerns that reducing the debate on the Armenian tragedy to the use of the “genocide” label might block reconciliation efforts between Turkey and Armenia.
“I have always said that dealing with these historical facts after 100 years is something not only understandable, but also necessary,” Steinmeier said at an event organized by the Foreign Press Association.
“But it is not so simple, and is problematic when one reduces the complex historical facts to a single term,” he added.
Germany’s parliament is set to vote Thursday on a controversial resolution submitted by the parliamentary groups of the ruling Christian Democrats, its coalition partner Social Democrats, and the opposition Green Party.
The resolution accuses the Ottoman government of 1915 of carrying out systematic genocide against Armenians, as well as other Christian minorities.
Turkey denies the alleged genocide, but acknowledges that there were casualties on both sides during the events taking place during World War I.
Steinmeier underlined that it is important for Turkey and its neighbor Armenia to come to terms with history, to overcome their differences and normalize relations.
He expressed regret for the failure of various initiatives in recent years towards this goal, and said the German parliament’s initiative might also not help reconciliation between Turks and Armenians.
“I hope that this [the resolution] would not block what is necessary and what could be a way forward to put an end to the current situation where we have no communication between Armenia and Turkey,” he said.
Despite his personal reservations about the resolution, Steinmeier said his party group recently decided to vote for it, after a debate where Social Democratic lawmakers expressed different views on the issue.
Chancellor Angela Merkel’s coalition government has not actively supported the controversial resolution, but also has not tried to block it in parliament....
[aa.com.tr]
31/5/16
--
-
Related:
Members of Bundestag Accept German Complicity in Armenian Genocide and the crimes against the other Christian peoples
German president recognises Armenian genocide, says Berlin bears ‘responsibility’
Turkey’s Warning Against Armenian Genocide Bill is Unacceptable, German Legislator Says
---
From Genocide to the Rights of Humanity
Turkey recalls ambassador to Brazil over ‘genocide’ legislation
Piden a Rusia reconocer el genocidio griego en Turquía
GR
FR
DE
ES
IT
RU
EU
No comments:
Post a Comment
Only News