Prominent Turkish historian Taner Akcam, who is well known for his research on the Armenian Genocide, wrote an article in Taraf daily of Turkey, in connection with Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s address to the Armenians.

In his article, Akcam drew attention the section in the address where it says, “…we wish that the Armenians who lost their lives in the context of the early 20th century rest in peace, and we convey our condolences to their grandchildren.”

“This was perhaps the most important point of the message, but the word ‘massacre’ was missing,” the historian wrote.

Stating that Erdogan’s claim, according to which Turkey’s archives are open before historians, is an absolute lie, Akcam stressed that the documents on the events in 1915 are actually in the Armed Forces General Staff of Turkey.

“Had the PM said these words ten years ago, it could have been called  ‘revolutionary.’ But, now, the situation is different.

“In my view, the dynamics of change in connection with the 1915 topic is no longer in the hands of the Turkish authorities.

“Realizing that they have missed the train, they are attempting to make it to the last railroad car. 

“They have no other choice but accepting the historical crime before 2015 [the centennial of the Armenian Genocide], and apologizing for it to Armenia and the [Armenian] Diaspora and negotiating,” Taner Akcam specifically wrote.