Turkish commentary urges “pragmatic” stance on Armenian genocide issue

Milliyet web site, Istanbul
26 Apr 05

Excerpt from report from column “Commentary” by Sami Kohen, “We
survived it this year too, but…”, published by Turkish newspaper
Milliyet web site on 26 April

This year’s 24 April (Armenian Genocide Day) was weathered with
relatively little damage despite attempts to give it a special
significance by virtue of it marking a 90th anniversary.

It is true that demonstrations were held, parliamentary resolutions
were passed, commemoration ceremonies attended by senior officials
were organized and extensive media campaigns were waged in countries
ranging from France and the United States to Poland and Ukraine, but
all these are in the past now. [Passage omitted]

Still, we must not think that the pro-Armenian (or anti-Turkish)
campaign that uses 24 April as a lever or excuse will not continue or
that we will not encounter similar situations again in the
future. This possibility always exists (that is before even next 24
April).

We are pleased that President George W Bush did not use the word
“genocide” in his 24 April message this year either. There was a
genuine concern about this issue. Because of the “sour” state of
Turkish-US relations the Bush administration might use a style
different from that of the past in this year’s message, that is it
could use the word “genocide.”

That it did not shows its willingness to disregard domestic political
considerations because of the importance it attaches to
Turkish-American relations. Administration circles in Washington
realized that the use of the word “genocide” in Bush’s message this
year could create a serious crisis in US relations with Ankara –
especially at a time when they seem to be improving.

Nonetheless this should not prevent us from seeing that the general
climate in the United States with regard to the “Armenian question” is
“to support the genocide hypothesis.” Indeed this is the climate in
numerous states and even the US Congress. A resolution that has
gathered many signatures in recent days is expected to go before
Congress soon. This time the likelihood of the passage of such a
resolution is considered quite high – unless the administration tries
to stop it.

Would it do that? That remains unknown, at least for now.

We will find out about this in the coming weeks. This means the
following: We have survived 24 April but the matter is not closed.

This is true for not just the United States but several other
countries (and even the EU).

In other words, unless a reasonable, conciliatory and compromise
course is taken, the “Armenian question” will come up on the agenda
continually and will create problems and tensions in relations with
not only with the Armenian world but also numerous countries.

In view of this, Turkey has to think more globally in order to develop
new strategies and to maintain the initiative on this issue. In this
context, the latest steps taken by Ankara (its proposal to Armenia for
the formation of a joint commission and the discussion of
confidence-building measures in some recent secret contacts) are
positive developments. Turkey can certainly pre-empt future
adversities with new initiatives without waiting for the next 24
April. At a minimum this would show Turkey’s good will and impress the
international community. For example, Ankara can propose new openings
in bilateral relations with Yerevan, and nongovernmental organizations
in Turkey can engage in a constructive dialogue with the Armenian
diaspora.

Yes, the way to prevent this issue from looming before us every year –
or throughout each year – is to generate new rational and pragmatic
strategies.