Haber7 News Agency of Turkey interviewed Turkish former diplomat Volkan Vural who, at present, is a permanent member of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (TÜSİAD). Below is an excerpt from the talk.  

During an interview you said relations should be established with Armenia, that we should apologize from the Armenians, [but] without accepting the [Armenian] Genocide. Do you still hold the same view?     

Yes. Close to a million Armenians lived in these lands. They are the children of this land. Several incidents occurred [in these lands]. In my view, this was a deportation and a tragedy. It is possible to apologize for this guilt. [But] of course, the Armenians are at fault, too.   

The historians are unable to resolve [this matter]. How will politicians resolve [it]? 

In my view, this is a political matter, and the politicians will resolve [it]. An apology can be made here, and a call can be made to the grandchildren of those that died and were deported: “These are your lands, as well. Come [here], there is place for you, too!” [And Turkish] citizenship can be granted to those who come.     

All right, but what will we do if millions come?

Not that much [will come]. Five-hundred thousand can be the maximum [that would actually come]. Let it be 600,000, with [their] children and grandchildren.   

Will we open the borders [with Armenia] in 2015 [that is, on the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide]?

I think we should open [the borders]; this likewise is very important for the region of Kars [in Turkey]. Due to not conducting direct trade [between Armenia and Turkey], third countries are making use of this.