European Parliamentarians demand Armenian Genocide recognition be
included in the negotiations roadmap

ArmRadio.am
11.07.2006 12:23

On Wednesday, July 12th, the European Parliament’s Committee for
Foreign Affairs will vote on a draft resolution on "Turkey’s progress
toward accession," but not until it considers some 343 amendments
submitted to the report prepared by Mr. Camiel Eurlings, reported
the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD).

While Mr. Eurlings’ report made only vague references to Armenian
concerns, the amendments tackle key conserves comprehensively. Many
parliamentarians from the main political parties – including the
Conservative, Socialist, Liberal, and Communist – unanimously call
on Turkey to "withdraw without condition the blockade of Armenia" and
to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide as "a prerequisite to accession".

Further, many amendments urge the European Commission and Council to
include the Armenian Genocide as a perquisite in the Revised Accession
Partnership – the roadmap of the negotiation process.

"Twenty years ago, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on ‘a
political solution to the Armenian question’ the findings of which were
considered ‘insurmountable obstacles’ to Turkey’s accession. Twenty
years later, none of these issues has been resolved. Given these
circumstances, the continuation of the negotiations, without dealing
with the root concerns, is a political anomaly which must stop,"
commented Hilda Tchoboian.