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Roxanne Makasdjian: Armenian Genocide denial must end
ArmRadio.am
27.03.2007 15:15
Roxanne Makasdjian, Chairperson of the Bay Area Armenian National
Committee said during the `Hay Dat' meeting in San Francisco that
«Hrant Dink's assassination is inextricably linked to Turkish
government policies." "We must be on guard against attempts by the
government to use his assassination to further their denial campaign."
Referring to the writers and minority groups in Turkey who are now
more reluctant to speak out, Makasdjian said, "As if those effects
aren't enough, the Turkish government actually attempts to use Hrant's
outspokenness as a way to demonstrate how democratic Turkey is
becoming. It makes public overtures to Armenia, not for true
reconciliation, but to communicate to the European Union, the US, and
other nations, 'There's no need to pass resolutions recognizing the
Genocide, because we're already on the road to reconciliation with the
Armenians, and a resolution would only antagonize the situation.'"
"The truth is that it is Turkey's Genocide denial that fueled the
fires that led to Dink's murder, directly or indirectly, and for which
it is unrepentant," said Makasdjian. "It's the denial that must end,
not the international community's recognition of the Armenian
Genocide. It is not the truth that must be suppressed and opposed, it
is the lie. It's the lie that poisons the atmosphere in Turkey; it's
the lie that fuels hatred and mistrust; it's the lie that complicates
Turkey's relationship with its neighbors and its allies. It's the lie
that prevents reconciliation. And reconciliation can only come through
truth and restitution for Armenians, and hopefully some redemption and
rehabilitation for Turkey."
ArmRadio.am
27.03.2007 15:15
Roxanne Makasdjian, Chairperson of the Bay Area Armenian National
Committee said during the `Hay Dat' meeting in San Francisco that
«Hrant Dink's assassination is inextricably linked to Turkish
government policies." "We must be on guard against attempts by the
government to use his assassination to further their denial campaign."
Referring to the writers and minority groups in Turkey who are now
more reluctant to speak out, Makasdjian said, "As if those effects
aren't enough, the Turkish government actually attempts to use Hrant's
outspokenness as a way to demonstrate how democratic Turkey is
becoming. It makes public overtures to Armenia, not for true
reconciliation, but to communicate to the European Union, the US, and
other nations, 'There's no need to pass resolutions recognizing the
Genocide, because we're already on the road to reconciliation with the
Armenians, and a resolution would only antagonize the situation.'"
"The truth is that it is Turkey's Genocide denial that fueled the
fires that led to Dink's murder, directly or indirectly, and for which
it is unrepentant," said Makasdjian. "It's the denial that must end,
not the international community's recognition of the Armenian
Genocide. It is not the truth that must be suppressed and opposed, it
is the lie. It's the lie that poisons the atmosphere in Turkey; it's
the lie that fuels hatred and mistrust; it's the lie that complicates
Turkey's relationship with its neighbors and its allies. It's the lie
that prevents reconciliation. And reconciliation can only come through
truth and restitution for Armenians, and hopefully some redemption and
rehabilitation for Turkey."