ARMENIANS SHOULD ACCEPT ERDOÐAN’S OLIVE BRANCH
Daily Sabah, Turkey
April 23 2014
Elnur Cevik 24 April 2014, Thursday
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan made a bold move by extending
an olive branch to Armenians all over the world when he offered his
condolences over the sad incidents experienced by their ancestors in
the Ottoman Empire in 1915.
About the incidents that occurred during the start of the 20th century
in the Ottoman Empire, Erdoðan said, “May the Armenians who lost their
lives in these events rest in peace,” and “We extend condolences to
their grandchildren.”
The prime minister also stressed the importance of showing
understanding about the fact the Armenians commemorate their losses
and it is our duty to share in their grief.
But he did stress that all other citizens in the Ottoman Empire
suffered during the same era, which is a way of saying Turks suffered
losses at the hands of the Armenians as well.
This statement shows the voice of reason and the maturity of the
Turkish state. It shows the strength of the Erdoðan administration
and its self-confidence.
The statement of the prime minister will of course be strongly
criticized by the opposition, especially conservatives and the
nationalists of all kinds, but such a statement was necessary and
long overdue.
It should be regarded first as a part of the bold democratization
campaign of the government to open up to the Kurds and other ethnic
groups. It should also be regarded as a foreign policy move to show
to the West this government is serious and will take the necessary
steps on the Armenian issue that befits a civilized country. But it
also is a message to those who try to build up a case against Turkey
with the “genocide” narrative.
The Armenians have to see that there is a serious olive branch being
extended to them by Turkey and grasp it. That means the Armenian
majority has to find a way to pacify the diehard extremist elements
of the Armenian diaspora. Can they do this? Can the supporters of
the Armenians in the West, especially the honorable members of the
American Senate, see this?
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
