Voice of America
April 26 2005
Armenia Gives Cautious Reply to Turkish Offer for Study of Genocide
Claims
Armenia says it could take part in a commission with Turkey to study
decades-old allegations of Turkish genocide against Armenians during
World War I and other issues, but first calls for improved ties.
Armenian President Robert Kocharian said the proposal would only work
if the two countries improve bilateral relations. The neighbors share
a border, but have no diplomatic ties.
Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul earlier this month said Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the offer in a letter to the
Armenian president.
Turkey has refused to establish diplomatic ties with Armenia because
of Armenia’s campaign to gain international recognition of the World
War One massacres as genocide.
Armenia says 1.5 million of its nationals were slaughtered by the
Turks during the final years of the Ottoman Empire 90 years ago.
Turkey says 300,000 Armenians and thousands of Turks were killed
during a Russia-backed Armenian uprising against Ottoman rule.