Turkish PM goes easy on Germany, calls Armenian genocide decision ‘historic mistake made by friendly ally’

By Robert Hackwill



Turkey’s Prime Minister has made an official government statement in the wake of the German parliament’s recognition of the Armenian genocide, and it contains nothing that suggests bilateral relations are going to take a radical downward turn.

Binaly Zildrim said the vote will “not destroy ties”. He added: “The resolution on the 1915 incidents that was adopted in the German parliament with the pressure of the Armenian lobby is a historic mistake made by a friendly ally’s parliament.”

While the soft-pedal line was adopted by some commentators, others were less restrained.

Hurriyet led with the opinion Zildrim has no intention of destroying ties with Berlin.

The opposition paper Sabah showed how it thought Germany would react to any diplomatic bashing over the issue, while Kemalist opposition paper Söczü cried “shame” and portrayed Angela Merkel as Hitler.

Nationalists also gathered in Istanbul to stage a protest against the German decision, while in Germany the Turkish ambassador left his embassy for “consultations” back home with President Erdogan.

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-06-04

After all, not biting the hand that feeds you is a sensible course of inaction.

Guess what would happen to these statements the day after Turkey signs an agreement to join the EU? No need to be all warm and fuzzy anymore.

There won't be an EU to join.

As Elton John would say, 'Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word' eh

Perhaps rephrace the first part of the head line?

Why the Turks cannot admit to this when it is well documented and proven is beyond me.

Why the Turks cannot admit to this when it is well documented and proven is beyond me.

Apparently the Ottoman Empire itself acknowledged it before it was dissolved.

Such a great tragedy that the Armenians (and the Kurds too for that matter) were not invited to Versailles following the end of WWI. They'd probably have their own independent countries now.

Just found a good page with a great map that highlights the extent of this tragedy:-

It's a wonder any Armenian's survived this track. Kinda brings it home when you see the distances involved eh.

Imagine being a young family trying to survive this, almost impossible!

Link to the article I got the graphic above from:-

Vox mag

It is more telling that the west does not impose sanctions on Turkey for being holocaust (Armenian) deniers in the 21st. century.

Very civilised of Turkey to choose not to take offence...but of course we must understand how being portrayed as anything other than victims does not suit the mindset of folks east of the Bosphorous. Poor misunderstood masses.

Why the Turks cannot admit to this when it is well documented and proven is beyond me.

Apparently the Ottoman Empire itself acknowledged it before it was dissolved.

Such a great tragedy that the Armenians (and the Kurds too for that matter) were not invited to Versailles following the end of WWI. They'd probably have their own independent countries now.

It’s interesting to note that various Kurdish tribes were heavily involved in the killing of Armenians, but since ‘apologised’. The President of Armenia encouraged Turkey to also apologise. Believe you find one of the many contributing reasons for not establishing Kurdistan after WW1 was the Turkish War of Independence and the resulting Treaty of Lausanne in 1923.