NEWS.am has posted an article by The Guardian “Britain accused of 'genocide denial' over Armenia” dated Nov. 3, where David Leigh quotes Geoffrey Robertson Q.C. who maintains “Recognising the Genocide would provide no practical benefit to the U.K.” The author also quotes the U.K. Foreign Office documents “revealing the government's refusal to recognise the so-called Armenian massacre of 1915” saying — “Anglo-Turkish relations are too important to be jeopardised by the issue.” So, all these excerpts inter-alia stirred deep concern.

Upon our request His Excellence Ambassador of The United Kingdom to Armenia, Mr. Charles Lonsdale has kindly agreed to comment on the article for NEWS.am.

Q.: Does the “truth-denying” course “provide practical benefit to the UK”?

A.: We will look at the points raised in Geoffrey Robertson's opinion, though we should note that it is the opinion of one lawyer and not a legal judgement.

Q.: What are the prospects of Turkey's joining EU if it persists in Genocide negation?

A.: Recognition of the events of 1915-16 as Genocide is not a pre-condition for Turkey’s membership of the EU. However, under the political criteria for membership Turkey is expected to maintain ‘good neighbourly relations’ with countries in the region.

Q.: As crimes against humanity, how does Holocaust differ from the Armenian Genocide and why the great powers are so inconsistent on the matter?

A.: We acknowledge and regret the terrible suffering that afflicted the Ottoman Armenian population early in the past century. We must ensure that such suffering is not forgotten. But we believe that it is first and foremost for the Turkish and Armenian people to address their common history. We would encourage any process which helps them do so in an open, honest and constructive manner.

Q.: Please comment on the extract from the article: “The border between the two countries was re-opened last month after being closed since 1993, thanks to an accord which includes a promise to set up a commission of historians to re-examine the affair.”

A.: This is really a question for the journalist who wrote the article. For our part, we congratulate Armenia and Turkey for the steps that they have taken in their reconciliation process. We encourage both countries to ratify the protocols signed in October and to take further steps to address their differences and complete the process to rebuild relations between the two countries.