Posted at: 2007-08-23
Source: Sabah, Zaman, Turkey, August 23, 2007
Turkey Shaken By ADL’s Change Of Heart About `Armenian Genocide’
The New York based Anti Defamation League (ADL) announced yesterday
that it reversed its long standing position and recognized the killing
of Armenians during WWI as `Genocide’. The change came days after ADL
fired a regional director for taking the same position, that led to a
heated debate among regional branches of ADL.
ADL’s National Director Abraham Foxman said in his statement,
`In light of the heated controversy in recent weeks surrounding the
Turkish-Armenian issue, and because of our concern for the unity of
the Jewish community, ADL decided to revisit the tragedy that befell
the Armenians. We
have never negated but have always described the painful events of
1915-1918 perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire against the Armenians as
massacres and atrocities. On reflection we have concluded that the
consequences of those actions were indeed tantamount to genocide.’
However, Foxman reiterated their opposition to the pending
Congressional resolution on the matter, for being a counterproductive
diversion that would not help foster reconciliation between Turks and
Armenians and would put at risk the Turkish Jewish community and the
important relations between Turkey, Israel and the U.S.
In 2005 Foxman awarded Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan with Medal for
Courage.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
