TURKEY AND THE CONFLICTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
The Times/UK
October 23, 2007
If the recent congressional resolution on the Armenian genocide was
appallingly timed, when is a suitable time to talk about genocide?
Sir, If the recent congressional resolution on the Armenian genocide
was, as you suggest, appallingly timed, when is a suitable time to
talk about genocide ("Danger signs", Oct 22)? The Armenian lobby is
so vociferous precisely because of the apparent conspiracy of silence
that has surrounded the genocide for almost a century.
Turkey argues that Armenian fatalities in 1915 were largely caused
by the First World War and because the Armenians sided with Russia,
Turkey’s enemy. How does Turkey explain the estimated 500,000-plus
deaths of Pontic Greeks and Assyrian Christians who were not allies
of Tsarist Russia? The lack of any explanation would suggest that
they were killed systematically because of their ethnicity or religion.
Reconciliation between Turkey and Armenia is an important element
of Turkey’s effort to join the EU. Just as important is a lasting
settlement to the conflict in Cyprus, which remains at an impasse. The
handling of these critical issues will show us how prepared Turkey
is to face up to its past before embracing its future.
Dr Charles Tannock, MEP Brussels
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
