SWEDISH PM: SOME FORCES IN TURKEY MAY USE THE GENOCIDE BILL TO STOP THE RECONCILIATION WITH ARMENIA

armradio.am
16.03.2010 15:48

Sweden’s Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt has issued a statement,
commenting on Riksdag’s decision concerning the Armenian Genocide.

Fredrik Reinfeldt expressed his concern that "this could be used
by forces in Turkey that are trying to put a stop to the process of
reconciliation with Armenia and the process of reform in Turkey."

Drawing attention to the ongoing accession talks with the European
Union, Reinfeldt said the reform process in Turkey bodes well for
the country’s possible future EU membership. "It is a process that
takes time and must be allowed to do so," he said.

The Swedish prime minister urged an ease to tensions, saying: "I hope
that these valuable contacts between people will help us get over what
has now happened. What is important now is that we are able to prevent
any deterioration in the extraordinarily good relations between our
countries, by continuing our open and constructive dialogue."