U.K. AMBASSADOR’S INTERVIEW WITH NEWS.AM
news.am
Nov 13 2009
Armenia
NEWS.am has posted an article by The Guardian "Britain accused of
‘genocide denial’ over Armenia" dated Nov. 3, where David Leigh quotes
Geoffrey Robertson Q.C. who maintains "Recognising the Genocide would
provide no practical benefit to the U.K." The author also quotes the
U.K. Foreign Office documents "revealing the government’s refusal
to recognise the so-called Armenian massacre of 1915" saying —
"Anglo-Turkish relations are too important to be jeopardised by the
issue." So, all these excerpts inter-alia stirred deep concern.
Upon our request His Excellence Ambassador of The United Kingdom to
Armenia, Mr. Charles Lonsdale has kindly agreed to comment on the
article for NEWS.am.
Q.: Does the "truth-denying" course "provide practical benefit to
the UK"?
A.: We will look at the points raised in Geoffrey Robertson’s opinion,
though we should note that it is the opinion of one lawyer and not
a legal judgement.
Q.: What are the prospects of Turkey’s joining EU if it persists in
Genocide negation?
A.: Recognition of the events of 1915-16 as Genocide is not a
pre-condition for Turkey’s membership of the EU. However, under the
political criteria for membership Turkey is expected to maintain
‘good neighbourly relations’ with countries in the region.
Q.: As crimes against humanity, how does Holocaust differ from the
Armenian Genocide and why the great powers are so inconsistent on
the matter?
A.: We acknowledge and regret the terrible suffering that afflicted
the Ottoman Armenian population early in the past century. We must
ensure that such suffering is not forgotten. But we believe that it
is first and foremost for the Turkish and Armenian people to address
their common history. We would encourage any process which helps them
do so in an open, honest and constructive manner.
Q.: Please comment on the extract from the article: "The border
between the two countries was re-opened last month after being closed
since 1993, thanks to an accord which includes a promise to set up
a commission of historians to re-examine the affair."
A.: This is really a question for the journalist who wrote the
article. For our part, we congratulate Armenia and Turkey for the steps
that they have taken in their reconciliation process. We encourage
both countries to ratify the protocols signed in October and to take
further steps to address their differences and complete the process
to rebuild relations between the two countries.