Turkey must finally use the term ‘genocide’ and stop the denial: one century later, this insult must stop, French MEP Michèle Rivasi told Armenian News – NEWS.am.
According to the MEP, the adoption og the resolution commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was an important step for many reasons. “First, it’s a call to the European countries to recognize the Armenian genocide at their own level, what the EU Parliament already did in 1987, and what France did in 2001 under my fierce lobbying when I was a Member of the French Parliament. Second, it’s a call to Turkey to finally use the term ‘genocide’ and stop the denial: one century later, this insult must stop. Turkey will only find advantages in finally recognizing the Armenian Genocide and step into History. Third, it’s a call to both Armenia and Turkey for a genuine reconciliation, passing also by the renewal of diplomatic relations and the opening of their common border,” the MEP said. According to Michèle Rivasi, it’s in the interest of both countries and also for the European Union.
“After the Pope Francis on April 12, now we learn that Germany is ready to recognize the Armenian Genocide. Let’s hope more countries will follow, it is our duty to pay tribute to the one-and-a-half million innocent Armenian victims. And this is thanks to this many new recognitions that we will be able to counterbalance Turkish denial policy,” Ms Rivasi concluded.
On April 15, the European Parliament adopted a resolution by a majority vote. The resolution calls on Turkey to recognize the atrocities of 1915 as genocide confront its past and make efforts in the direction of actual reconciliation between the Armenian and Turkish people.
