“Freedom of speech is a non -negotiable value of the Union,” PASOK MEP stresses Nikos Papandreouin the letter he sent to the Turkish ambassador to the EU, in response to a Turkish diplomat’s letter to him regarding his statements and the event, which he had organized on May 15, to the European Parliament, for the Pontian Genocide.
According to the announcement, in the text of his letter, N. Papandreou, “after pointing out that the Turkish opposition is similar to that of the Armenian genocide, welcomes the Turkish diplomat’s references to the Treaty of Lausanne, expressing his hope that International Law. “
Also, “in response to the Turkish diplomat’s references to the road that carved Venizelos and Ataturk, he emphasizes that the founder of the Turkish state maintained Hagia Sophia as a museum as opposed to the acts of current President Erdogan,” Neighborhood, peace and friendship between the two nations. “
“In conclusion,” Mr Papandreou concludes, “I would like to refer to your appeal if it prevents what you are referring to as the” parody of history “to be put to the European Parliament. Freedom of expression is a fundamental and non -negotiable value within the European Union. As an elected – not appointed – representative, I have the right and obligation to express the concerns of European citizens, including Greeks, Cypriots and others, just as you are free to express your objections and discomfort. This open exchange is the essence of democracy and the cornerstone of our audiences. “
Following is the full text of N. Papandreou’s letter
Dear Mr. Ambassador of the Turkish Republic,
Thank you for your letter expressing your dissatisfaction with the references to the right of Greeks to sadness and especially for the Pontian genocide. I fully understand your opposition to the demand for recognition of this tragic capital in history, a contrast that reflects your government’s long opposition to any debate on Armenian genocide.
However, I would like to focus on your report on the Lausanne Treaty. Your appeal in this fundamental text shows that, at least in your diplomatic capacity, it recognizes its timeless importance. Greece and the European Union are particularly respectful of this treaty and the confirmation of its importance on your part is a welcome contrast to the repeated statements of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who often disputes its importance as a part of the broader revisionist. I hope, then, that your reference is not only a personal view, but a sign of real change in the Turkish attitude towards the Lausanne Treaty.
You also highlighted the historical proposal of Eleftherios Venizelos for awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. This is indeed an important reminder. Despite the bitterness of the war, which had preceded their approach and the two leaders followed the path of peace in words and actions. It is worth remembering that Ataturk himself was, who retained Hagia Sophia as a museum – a gesture of secularity and respect – until this regime changed from the current Turkish government, as opposed to agreements with UNESCO for the protection of cultural heritage.
I also welcome your call for “common sense and wisdom” prevailing to maintain today’s positive potential in Greek -Turkish relations. In this context, I proudly point out the long -term efforts of my family to enhance dialogue and peace between the two nations. My father, Andreas Papandreou, reserved a warm welcome to Turkish Prime Minister Turgut Ozal during his historic visit to Athens. Later, my brother, George Papandreou, along with Ismail Jem, continued the spirit of reconciliation first incarnated by Venizelos and Ataturk – a spirit that culminated in the “diplomacy of earthquakes” in 1999. President Erdogan himself kindly accepted my invitation to visit Mikis Theodorakis’ home in 2010, a gesture made in the spirit of Greek -Turkish friendship. These moments speak for themselves and contradict the accusations that are made against me in your letter.
In conclusion, I would like to refer to your appeal if it prevents what you are referring to as the “parody of history” to be put to the European Parliament. Freedom of expression is a fundamental and non -negotiable value within the European Union. As an elected – not appointed – representative, I have the right and obligation to express the concerns of European citizens, including Greeks, Cypriots and others, just as you are free to express your objections and discomfort. This open exchange is the essence of democracy and the cornerstone of our audiences.