More than enough proofs of the Armenian Genocide are available, Peter Weiderud, Chairman of the Christian Social Democratic Party of Sweden, stated at a news conference in Yerevan.

The 1915 events were a genocide, which is a fact, he said. Many independent experts view the events as genocide, and even some Turkish specialists say this, Weiderud. The politician reported that the Swedish Parliament has regularly discussed the issue of recognizing the Armenian Genocide for ten years. This year a relevant resolution has been adopted by a majority of votes. Also, the Parliament discussed the issue of whether the resolution will cause damage to the Armenian-Turkish dialogue. However, the longer is the delay the worse, Weiderud said.

Crimes like that have no limitation, and Turkey must realize the fact, Weiderud said. He expressed hope that both Armenia and Turkey will make proper use of the Swedish Parliament’s resolution and reach an agreement without other states’ interference. Although the Swedish Government was strongly against the bill, and the Opposition won with only one vote more, no party represented in the Swedish Parliament calls the fact of the Armenian Genocide into question, Weiderud said. He also addressed the issue of Turkey’s membership in the EU. According to him, Sweden has always been for Turkey’s membership and will continue assisting the country, as Turkey is part of Europe. However, that state would be closer to the EU if it put up with the dark pages in its history.

On March 11 the Swedish Parliament approved an Armenian Genocide resolution. Turkey recalled its Ambassador to Sweden.

T.P.