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ARMENIAN GENOCIDE DENIAL BECOMES INDUSTRY IN TURKEY - TANER AKCAM
news.am
January 21, 2012 | 03:49
Armenian News-NEWS.am publishes an extract from the interview of the
Turkish sociologist and historian Taner Akcam in the French blog of
Le Monde.
In response to the question what he thinks of France and the bill
criminalizing denial of genocides and, in particular, the Armenian
Genocide, he said that the bill was accepted in Turkey very negatively,
as it was a short term effect, while the long term effects will be
more positive. Turkey may try to prohibit and force to keep silent
on the truth within its borders, while the international agencies
will constantly remind it of the issue, which Turkey must face and
solve eventually.
Besides, the French initiative is not a law for France. To the joy
and sorrow, it has become a part of the international campaign for
the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
Turkey's hysteria, anger and negative events will soon be forgotten,
while heavy reality of the serious indecisiveness of the issue will
remain. It will, hence, strengthen positions of those who ascertain
confrontation with the historical memory is closely linked with the
creation of a democratic society in Turkey.
Regardless of France's final goal, Turkish society and elite are again
claimed the necessity to make a decision on the fundamental issue.
As for it is effectiveness, he said that everyone should acknowledge
the fact. Turkey is irritated by being reminded of its memory. The
memory, like a ghost, pursues it for decades.
"I have been discussing the Armenian Genocide issue for many years
and the truth is that I felt alone. I even had to explain my closest
relatives the meaning of the 1915," Akcam said.
To comprehend Turkey's denial policy, one should realize that denial
is a structure
Denying the 1915 events, Turkey reproduces institutes, public relations
and mentality. Denial also fuels the continuing policy of aggression
inside and outside Turkey towards anyone daring to speak against
mentality of denial.
Denial of genocide is an industry in Turkey and public policy of utmost
importance. As far as Turkey continues state policy of denial through
its institutes and mentality, Ankara will be sensitive to the outside
pressure, meantime, the pressure should be increased.
In response to what are Akcam's expectations of the pressure and where
it would lead to Turkey, he said that as far as the West allows Turkey
to run the policy of denial, it will go on.
"We must reach global comprehension of the Genocide and its prevention
equally. Struggle against Genocide denial is an issue of global
democracy and human rights. Recognition is essential for humanity,"
Akcam concluded.
From: Baghdasarian
news.am
January 21, 2012 | 03:49
Armenian News-NEWS.am publishes an extract from the interview of the
Turkish sociologist and historian Taner Akcam in the French blog of
Le Monde.
In response to the question what he thinks of France and the bill
criminalizing denial of genocides and, in particular, the Armenian
Genocide, he said that the bill was accepted in Turkey very negatively,
as it was a short term effect, while the long term effects will be
more positive. Turkey may try to prohibit and force to keep silent
on the truth within its borders, while the international agencies
will constantly remind it of the issue, which Turkey must face and
solve eventually.
Besides, the French initiative is not a law for France. To the joy
and sorrow, it has become a part of the international campaign for
the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
Turkey's hysteria, anger and negative events will soon be forgotten,
while heavy reality of the serious indecisiveness of the issue will
remain. It will, hence, strengthen positions of those who ascertain
confrontation with the historical memory is closely linked with the
creation of a democratic society in Turkey.
Regardless of France's final goal, Turkish society and elite are again
claimed the necessity to make a decision on the fundamental issue.
As for it is effectiveness, he said that everyone should acknowledge
the fact. Turkey is irritated by being reminded of its memory. The
memory, like a ghost, pursues it for decades.
"I have been discussing the Armenian Genocide issue for many years
and the truth is that I felt alone. I even had to explain my closest
relatives the meaning of the 1915," Akcam said.
To comprehend Turkey's denial policy, one should realize that denial
is a structure
Denying the 1915 events, Turkey reproduces institutes, public relations
and mentality. Denial also fuels the continuing policy of aggression
inside and outside Turkey towards anyone daring to speak against
mentality of denial.
Denial of genocide is an industry in Turkey and public policy of utmost
importance. As far as Turkey continues state policy of denial through
its institutes and mentality, Ankara will be sensitive to the outside
pressure, meantime, the pressure should be increased.
In response to what are Akcam's expectations of the pressure and where
it would lead to Turkey, he said that as far as the West allows Turkey
to run the policy of denial, it will go on.
"We must reach global comprehension of the Genocide and its prevention
equally. Struggle against Genocide denial is an issue of global
democracy and human rights. Recognition is essential for humanity,"
Akcam concluded.
From: Baghdasarian