IKV PRESS RELEASE ON EP'S RESOLUTION REGARDING THE 1915 EVENTS

19 April 2015, Istanbul 

"The European Parliament is a political body not a judicial organ."

The European Parliament (EP) has unanimously accepted the draft resolution titled "100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide" on April 15 2015; and has displayed a partial approach with regard to the interpretation of the 1915 events.

While since 1987, the Parliament approved similar resolutions, some being more rigid, the question is this: Is the EP aiming to create a new wedge in relations with Turkey and antagonize Turkey further by pinpointing a new problem area in addition to the already existing Cyprus issue?

IKV who has been closely following Turkey's EU story for the last 50 years believes that; the issue of 1915 events that became one of the chronic elements of the relations between Turkey and the EU, does not only harm Turkey's raprochement to the EU and her relations with Armenia; but also negatively effect Turkey's international reputation and her relations with the international community.

The fact that Turkey being accused over and over again by this issue in political and diplomatic circles is a discriminatory and partial approach towards Turkey. For sure such an approach will not contribute to the permanent resolution of the problem. In this context, we strongly believe that an objective evaluation of the 1915 events from a historical perspective will make an important and effective contribution to the resolution of the conflict. IKV believes that 1915 events need to be evaluated through the lense of national memory on both sides and academic studies need to be conducted when national memories are insufficient or inconsistent.

As IKV we would like to remind once again that Turkey has taken a key step to eliminate criticisms regarding the 1915 events by opening most of the Ottoman archives for the use of national and internatioanal researchers. Turkey also repeats its call to the researchers regarding the screening of the archives. 

Besides, IKV would like to remind to all parties that the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide signed in 1948, which alleged in the Parliament resolution, cannot be applied retrospectively. Moreover, as it is stated in the Convention, a resolution of a national or international court recognized by both parties is required to name 1915 events as "genocide".

No matter what the reasons undernearth, 1915 events are undoubtedly a "source of mutual suffering for both sides".

It is important to remind that in 2014, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed his condolences on 1915 events and acknowledged this mutual sorrow. Unfortunately the EP's resolution, forgetting the good will on Turkey's side could only damage these efforts that could positively contribute to the resolution of the problem. 

As a final word: The EP's last decision on 1915 events, that came in a moment when peace and stability are much needed, is not contributing to a comprehensive resolution to this ongoing problem and is further damaging our country's relations with the international community at a time where tension is high in the region. 

As a result of the resolution that was voted in the Parliament, Turkey-EU relations have been seriously damaged. Before taking such a decision, we would have preferred the EP to fully evaluate all-related consequences, keeping in mind that Turkey is a candidate country of the EU. Furthermore, we would have expected the Members of the Parliament to further explore in depth and objectively analyse the 1915 events and similar tragedies in the history of EU Member States.

In conclusion; IKV would like to remind that Turkey took courageous steps in understanding so-called 1915 events in the last years. Its our hope from all others to act similarly.

At that point, the most effective method would be to renew the process of rapprochement that had been interrupted between Turkey and Armenia and to boost further cooperation by creating new opportunities for citizens of both countries.

Ömer Cihad Vardan 
Economic Development Foundation 
Chairman