The Armenian Genocide resolution adopted by the German Bundestag will help all the Turks opposing official Ankara and admitting the facts, Mr Krzysztof Jabłonka, Head of the East Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland, told Tert.am.
Mr Jabłonka, as a historian, what is your opinion of the Armenian Genocide resolution passed by the German Bundestag?
We should not be surprised. It is a normal process. The crime committed in 1915 cannot be called anything but genocide. And it is especially important for Germany to specify its position on the Armenian Genocide as Germany was Ottoman Turkey’s ally in those years. Germany admitted the fact of the Jewish Holocaust and could not fail to recognize the Armenian Genocide. They faced up to history and could not deny historical truth.
Will this resolution influence Turkey’s policy toward the fact of the Armenian Genocide in any way? What needs to happen for Turkey to admit the Armenian Genocide?
As far as I am concerned, Turkey is seriously split over it. Some people admit the fact of the Armenian Genocide. It is time to accept the facts for this issue not to remain unsettled, and it is Turkey that primarily needs it. However, according Turkey’s official position, admitting the Armenian Genocide is a crime. But the resolution passed by the German Bundestag will help all those opposing official Ankara’s position. The Turks not opposing the truth will not fear to oppose the official lies. Reality must be accepted to get rid of all the problems.
Will German-Turkish relations worsen? Turkey has recalled its ambassador to Germany.
I do not think so. This is just the first response. Turkey cannot make a demarche because of a large Turkish community in Germany. Turks will just have one more occasion to face up to their history. Especially Turks living in Germany have to face up to it as the topic is being discussed and may overcome the fear to voice their opinions. Any lies at the state level must remain outside European borders.