“Freedom of speech is a fundamental value of the Union,” PASOK MEP Nikos Papandreou said in a letter to the Turkish ambassador to the EU.
This letter was a response to a previous letter from the Turkish diplomat about his statements and the event he organized on May 15 at the European Parliament for the Pontian Genocide. In his letter, N. Papandreou emphasizes that the Turkish opposition is similar to the Genocide of the Armenians and welcomes the Turkish diplomat’s references to the Lausanne Treaty, expressing hope that this can signal a change of attitude by the Turkish government and the Turkish government.
In addition, in response to the Turkish diplomat’s reports on the course of Venizelos and Ataturk, he stresses that the founder of the Turkish state maintained Hagia Sophia as a museum, as opposed to the actions of current President Erdogan. N. Papandreou also stresses that his father, Andreas Papandreou, his brother George and himself have worked for good neighborhood, peace and friendship between the two nations.
“In the end,” Mr Papandreou concludes, “I would like to refer to your appeal to prevent what you call” parody of history “in the European Parliament. Freedom of expression is a fundamental and non -negotiable value of the European Union. As an elected representative, I have the right and obligation to express the concerns of European citizens, including the Greeks, Cypriots and others, as you have the freedom to express your objections and dissatisfaction. This open exchange is the fundamental element of democracy and the cornerstone of our common path. “
The full text of Mr. 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 contradiction 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 questions 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 it was Ataturk himself, who maintained 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 Jam, continued the spirit of reconciliation first embodied by Venizelos and Ataturk – a spirit that culminated in the “Earthquake Diplomacy” in 1999 and the signature. 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 the Greeks, Cypriots and others, just as you are free to express objections and distressYour. This open exchange is the essence of democracy and the cornerstone of our audiences. “