Postimees web site, Tallinn, in Estonian
18 Nov 04

Estonian leader condemns 1915 genocide of Armenians

President Arnold Ruutel has said that the 1915 Turkish genocide of
Armenians should be recognized and condemned. Asked why he or other
Estonian leaders had not said so before, he said the situation ahead
of accession to the EU had been tense, but now the country would have
the strength to issue clear statements on foreign policy. The
following is an excerpt from a report by the Estonian newspaper
Postimees web site on 18 November:

When asked at Yerevan university what Estonia thinks of the genocide
committed by Turkey in 1915, President Arnold Ruutel said: “It is
right that the injustice done to the people of Armenia should be
recognized and condemned.” Prolonged applause followed.

Correspondent You are the first top politician to condemn the
genocide that took place 90 years ago and took the lives of more than
1m Armenians. Why has Estonia so far avoided clear statements?

Ruutel Ahead of accession to the EU, Estonia itself was in a very
tense situation and did not wish for foreign-policy involvement in
acute crisis centres. Now, however, as Estonia is on solid ground, it
has the strength – and I have faith in this – to issue clear
statements on its positions. This cannot always coincide with all our
allies in all nuances, since every country has also bilateral
relations, even if some of the countries are located in crisis areas.

Understandably, EU value judgments form the basis for all this. They
in turn are based on the understanding that there must be no
injustice against any one people. If we speak of the Turkish-Armenian
relations that have been historically difficult it is impossible to
re-do anything or go into the reverse. The right thing, however, is
to acknowledge what has been and this will create a spiritual basis
for subsequent cooperation. Once there is acknowledgement there will
be specific steps taken towards deeper mutual understanding.

Correspondent What was your strongest message to Armenian President
Robert Kocharyan?

Ruutel To convey our experience of reform: how Estonia managed to
reform its society and comply with quite harsh requirements that were
necessary for EU membership. Passage omitted

Correspondent On the one hand, Armenia aims to join Europe and is
seeking an individual programme from NATO, on the other hand, there
are more than 6,000 Russian soldiers there, as well as a clear
military and security orientation on Moscow, which at present seems
to them as the most solid guarantor of security. What would the EU
have to offer to Armenia?

Ruutel Perhaps we will succeed, precisely through the EU, in taking
the Turkish-Armenian relations to a new level for a start. This is
where we will certainly be able to help. So that the old hatred
disappeared, to be replaced by the basic values that these societies
are now aiming for. And to arrive at a more specific agreement on
borders and territory.

Correspondent Should Estonia be involved at all in the resolving of
conflicts smouldering on the edge of Europe?

Ruutel We have the experience of restoring our independence. Why not
help the others inasmuch as it is within our powers? Positive
cooperation with all Transcaucasus countries in the fields of the
economy, culture, science and education encourages positive thinking
in those societies, which is how they can, step-by-step, rise to
cooperation between themselves. What is the alternative? Backwardness
and regional instability on the verge of conflict that is constantly
smouldering.