Turkish politicians trapped
By FRANS BOSMAN and ANNA RIJKSBARON
Het Parool (Dutch national newspaper)
28-09-2006, 11:56
AMSTERDAM – Almost all Amsterdam politicians of Turkish descent refuse to
recognize the genocide that Turkey committed against the Armenians in 1915.
Therefore, half of the councilors that this newspaper approached have no
understanding for CDA (Christian Democratic Appeal) and PvdA’s (Dutch Labor
Party) decision to withdraw members from the national elections’ draftlist,
because they refuse to recognize the genocide.
Most claim to know too little about the issue to give an opinion and ask for
"more research." Others admit that terrible things happened, in which
hundreds of thousands of people perished, but they do not want to call it a
genocide.
Except for one, most did not let this newspaper know what they were really
thinking. The one who did let us know said that he would be honored if the
PvdA should request a recognition of the genocide. A few were simply afraid
to voice their views. One took back his comments later.
The Turkish politicians struggle with double loyality. If they recognize the
genocide, they will betray their supporters. If they keep the views of their
homeland, they will get in trouble with their parties.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
