To deal with historical truths with honesty call Turkey the Nikos Papandreou And the MEPs of the inter -party for freedom and beliefs in response to the letter of protest by the Turkish ambassador to the EU, Faruk Skidregarding the debate in the plenary on the Genocide of Armenians.
“Although we share your understanding of the difficult historical period around the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire and the tragic impact on all its people, it should be emphasized that systematic oppression and discrimination against Christian minorities throughout the Empire are an extremely documented event. Violence against Armenians, Assyrians and other Christian populations was not limited to a period from 1915 to 1923, but has reappeared during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The 1915 Armenian Genocide has been widely recognized in the European Union, including the majority of the Member States, as well as the European Parliament, as the first genocide of the 20th century, “MEPs said in their response letter, adding: including the Holy See. “
Members of the European Parliament remind the Turkish diplomat that the European Parliament has absolute freedom to set its own agenda and emphasize that the EU was created with the aim of not repeating tragic events of the past.
Indeed, on the occasion of the issue of the Armenian genocide, they call on Turkey to move on the path of good neighborly and genuine reconciliation efforts rather than attempting to interpret historical events.
Following the full text of the letter
Excellent,
We, members of the European Parliament, representing the inter -party for freedom in religion and beliefs, appreciate the sincerity of your letter on April 8, 2025, and welcome the opportunity to continue the discussion, which followed the 200th Plenary of the 200th Plenary of the European Parliament.
While we recognize your point of view on this sensitive and important issue and fully respect your position, we must express some different perspectives.
Although we share your understanding of the difficult historical period around the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire and the tragic impact on all its people, it should be emphasized that systematic oppression and discrimination against Christian minorities throughout the Empire are an extremely documented event. Violence against Armenians, Assyrians and other Christian populations was not limited to a period from 1915 to 1923, but has reappeared during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Armenian Genocide of 1915 has been widely recognized in the European Union, including the majority of the Member States, as well as the European Parliament, as the first genocide of the 20th century. This view is supported by broad consensus between historians and has been recognized by numerous international and religious institutions, including the Holy See.
It is recalled that the European Parliament is free to set its own agenda, of which such events are an integral and relevant part and each member has the right to participate in any discussion without external pressure.
As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Suman’s Declaration of the EU’s founding text in the form we know today, it is important that Europe was built on a common reflection on tragic historical events, through common dialogue and respect, to promote reconciliation. To ensure that we do not repeat the same mistakes of the past and how we protect core values – human dignity, democracy and world rights and freedoms, including freedom in faith and rights of minorities.
These values are the daily foundation of a society that ensures the well -being of its people, but they are also the guidelines for every country that wants to join the EU. Turkey is an important EU strategic partner with which we share interests and positions into common challenges. That is why we believe that it is important to examine and discuss difficult issues, with honesty and honesty, despite the different views.
Good neighborly relationships and genuine reconciliation efforts constitute the spine of the EU integration process and we strongly believe that only through progress in this issue can we return to a positive agenda and further enhance the recent encouraging atmosphere and progress. These smoothing efforts must continue, leading to a creative and positive cooperation and confidence building between the two states, which should enhance contacts between people.
We would find very encouraging to watch an equal willingness to move on to the fully feasible, applicable and current perspective of normalization than in the interpretation of historical events.
Taking this, recognizing historical realities is not mainly an academic exercise, it is, above all, a moral responsibility that leads to the path of reconciliation. Righting the past with honesty and integrity is a moral imperative we all share, in the service of reconciliation and lasting peace.
We remain convinced that the open and respectful dialogue is the most constructive way forward and we expect future exchanges of views.
Appreciated
MEP Miriam Lexmann
Mep Bert-Jan Ruissen
MEP Nathalie LOISEAU
MEP Sebastian Tynkkynen
MEP Tomislav Sokol
Mep Carlo Fidanz
MEP Reinhold Shovel
MEP FOLTANT PARTHERISH
Mep Elena Donazzan
Mep Massimiliano Salini
MEP Christophe Gomart
MEP NIKOS Papandreou