Ragip Zarakolu—a well-known Turkish human rights defender and director of Belge Publishing House, in Turkey, who is imprisoned within the framework of the KCK (Kurdistan Communities Union) affair—forwarded, through his attorney, a petition letter to the Turkish parliament, asking the latter to recognize the Armenian Genocide.

In his letter, Zarakolu noted that 100th anniversary of the Genocide is approaching yet the policy of denial is continuing, and that the concept of “if necessary, we will do it again” is being reflected. “Yes, Turkey must face with its history. This is not only an obligation before the martyrs, but also a duty for the sound public thinking. A fundamental apology is very important for 1915. Its place must be the parliament of Turkey. It will not debase Turkey, but rather strengthen and elevate it,” Demokrathaber website of Turkey informs.               

“At this time, when 100th anniversary of the 1915 Genocide is approaching, the Republic of Turkey must apologize to the martyrs and its citizens alike. In parallel with the approaching of the 100th anniversary of 1915, the parliament of Turkey must assume this difficult but responsible duty,” Ragip Zarakolu’s letter reads.

To note, Ragip Zarakolu’s Belge Publishing House has published numerous books on the Armenian Genocide, and Zarakolu had visited Armenia in February 2011.