BERLIN—The President of the European Parliament Martin Shultz announced Monday that Turkey’s integration into Europe is preconditioned by the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, reiterating the body’s 1987 decision.
“Turkey should recognize the Armenian Genocide and it would be considered as a precondition to enter the European Union,” said Shultz whose remarks were posted on the official Web site of his Left Party of Germany, which also welcomed the position. Shultz said that Turkey must face its history.
The European Parliament leader made the statement during a meeting with Turkey’s European Integration Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis, who during a press conference later refused to answer questions pertaining to the announcement and comments he made earlier this year in Switzerland, effectively denying the Armenian Genocide.
The President of the European Parliament Martin Shultz stated about it at the meeting with the Turkish State Minister and the Minister for the EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis. They talked about the official role of Turkey in Syria, visa issues and Turkey’s possible membership in the European Union.
Instead Bagis told reporters that Switzerland was not an EU member and “I will not spend a single second to speak about issues, which do not concern the European Union.”