LEFT PARTY OF SWEDEN DETERMINED TO GET ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RECOGNIZED
News.am
March 16 2010
Armenia
Below is an interview with Ulla Hoffmann, the former leader of the
Left Party of Sweden.
NEWS.am: On March 11, the Swedish Parliament held a discussion of a
resolution on the Genocide of the Armenians and other peoples residing
in Turkey. That was a heated and intense discussion, the vote results
being evidence thereof. What is the essence of the two views expressed
at the Riksdag?
Answer: Our opponents did not deny the very fact of the genocide,
without, however, spelling the term "genocide" itself. They believe
it is a historical, rather than a political, problem. Therefore,
it should be discussed by historians, not in Parliament. Moreover,
Armenia and Turkey are now holding active negotiations, and the
recognition of the Armenian Genocide may thwart the process. That
was their second argument.
NEWS.am: That argument was put forward at the discussion held by the
U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Relations.
Answer: Yes. But, of course, it has nothing to do with the reality. If
nations have a sincere wish to establish good relations, they should
turn over a new leaf. If any disagreements, "black spots," remain, no
reconciliation is possible. Besides, I think it is a process between
the regimes, rather than between the peoples, which does not inspire
much confidence. But open border are necessary – for Armenia as well.
But if it requires forgetting national history and not mentioning
the Genocide, it is too high a price.
NEWS.am: The Left Party of Sweden you have been representing for
many years has raised the issue of the Armenian Genocide before. It
was on the party’s initiative that Riksdag voted for recognizing the
Genocide. One gets the impression it is a matter of principle for you.
Answer: Certainly. We are also convinced it is of high importance for
Sweden as well. For new genocides to be prevented, the previous ones
have to receive recognition and a proper assessment. If it had been
done in time, many other tragedies – including the Holocaust, which
was recognized — would have been prevented. Also, many Armenians,
Assyrians and Greeks reside in Sweden. They must be sure that the
country remembers and cares for its citizens.
NEWS.am: The Swedish political circles and mass media actively
discussed the adoption of the bill. What about the public? Was it
concerned over the problem?
Answer: Yes, it really was. An Internet poll conducted after the
discussion is evidence. Most of the respondents said the Swedish
Parliament must recognize the Genocide. We are also informed of the
Swedish Government’s opinion and of Turkey’s reaction. But we do not
know anything about Armenia’s reaction, particularly about President
Serzh Sargsyan’s response. I cannot understand his silence.
NEWS.am: About the Swedish Government’s reaction. Like in 2000,
it will obviously be opposing the bill at further stages.
Answer: New parliamentary elections are to be held this September. The
Left Party, which forms a coalition with Social Democrats and the
Greens, hopes for success. Therefore, it will participate in forming
a new government. The issue of recognizing the Armenian Genocide will
finally be settled then.