ACTIVITIES OF PKK SET AGAINST THE PROCESS OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RECOGNITION

Azg/arm
28 July 05

The issue of the soonest prevention of Armenian Genocide’s
international recognition used to top Ankara’s political agenda before
the PKK, Kurdish Workers’ Party of Turkey, hasn’t resumed its military
activity. PKK made Turkish authorities search for world community’s
support in fight against this Kurdish organization.

Interestingly, the European states whose parliaments have recognized
Armenian Genocide or demand Ankara to recognize it before entering EU
began labeling PKK’s actions as “resistance” and its members “freedom
fighters” and called for Turkey to refrain from cracking down on this
organization.

Given this situation, the process of international acknowledgement of
the Armenian Genocide was set against legalization of PKK’s military
activities. Bumping into EU’s demands, Turkey went on a search for
all possible measures in its arsenal.

As a productive way to tackle the situation, Ankara turned to European
lawmakers of Turkish origin. Milliyet newspaper informed on July 26
that the ruling Justice and Prosperity Party invited them to
Ankara. The paper wrote that the lawmakers met with Turkey’s political
circles and expressed an opinion that Europe will reconsider its
approach to the PKK under the light of terror acts in Madrid and
London.

Lale Aqgyun representing Bundestag said that Europe has not properly
studied PKK that’s why it holds to the “Kurds’ rights” but the cruel
killings will make them change their stance.

Hussein Arac from Danish parliament confirmed her words citing
England’s example. Member of the House of Representatives of
Netherlands, Fatima Kaya, added, “Terrorism is not an issue for Turkey
to tackle alone. Europe gradually comes to understand this”.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdigan also received his European
compatriots. He expressed concern over the decision of European states
recognizing the Armenian Genocide and required their support to fight
“genocide recognition propaganda raging in Armenian Diaspora”.

In response, Turkish-born lawmakers pointed out to the “partial
approach of European states in the issue of Armenian genocide” and
underscore the need to unfold more active lobby.

By Hakob Chakrian