The Labour Party (Emek Partisi) and the Freedom and Solidarity Party (Özgürlük ve Dayanışma Partisi (ÖDP)) of Turkey issued a statement denouncing the Armenian massacres in 1915 and offering condolences to the Armenian people.

The statement issued by the Labor Party particularly says that on April 24 the international community focused its attention on the great tragedy of 1915. The massacre and displacement of Armenians by the imperialistic forces for the purpose of founding a Turkish Republic were later downplayed or ignored. The fact has not so far been admitted and no apologies have been offered to the people. The ruling Justice and Development Party has not included the issue in its package of constitutional amendments either.

The ruling party as well as the Republican People’s Party (RPP) (Turkish: Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi (CHP)) are competing in nationalism instead of facing historical facts. Also, Recep Erdogan’s statement on the deportation of 100,000 Armenians proved the real worth of the Justice and Development Party. Turkey must put up with its own history and re-open communications without any preconditions. The Armenian-Turkish relations must be improved, says the statements.

A statement made by Alper Taş, leader of the Freedom and Solidarity Party says that April 24 is an anniversary of great pain of “our Armenian brothers.” The great tragedy that occurred in Turkey 95 year ago “remains in our hearts.” Alper Taş pointed out the necessity for a conditions for a dialogue between the two nations. The Armenian-Turkish border must be reopened and named after Hrant Dink, says the statement.

T.P.