“ZERKALO”: EUROPE AND THE NOTORIOUS “GENOCIDE OF ARMENIANS”
M. Mejidli
Ïðaâî Âûaîða, Azerbaijan
Democratic Azerbaijan
May 22 2006
France has postponed “restoration of inquisition”
Regardless of expectations of Armenian lobby, parliament of France
has postponed voting concerning bill presented by Socialist Party. It
should be pointed out that the said document envisaged criminal
penalty – 1 year imprisonment or fine amounting to 45,000 Euro – of
persons who, being in France, do not recognize “Genocide of Armenians”
or oppose this “fact”. Armenians were getting ready thoroughly for
this event and they were almost convinced that statements of Turkish
authorities that in case of adoption of the bill they would review
Turkish-French relationship, would have no effect for French parliament
members. However, speaker of the French Parliament, Jean Louis Debre,
opposed it. Armenians, attending the meeting, as informed “Zerkalo”,
started loud protest. They were turned out from the meeting hall
by representative of security service. This time Turkey managed to
defend its position. But it is not the end. Armenian lobby with the
help of one of French parties may attempt to re-introduce the bill
with the same content next year.
Even when this bill was introduced to the commission of French
Parliament, our newspaper asked: why Armenian lobby are so insistent?
Lawmakers of France recognized “Armenian Genocide of 1915”, isn’t
it enough?
It is clear that there is precedent, as Jewish community made the
world recognize Holocaust. Moreover, denial of Holocaust is persecuted
in such developed countries as Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic,
France, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Switzerland,
and of course, Israel. And now Armenians decided to introduce the
similar bill to parliaments of different countries.
Their logic is based on precedent in the form of persecution of
Turkish historian, Yusuf Galaoglu well known with his anti-Armenian
statements, on the part of Swiss authorities. Earlier Federal
Department on Foreign Affairs of Switzerland emphasized the use of
Swiss law with respect to representative of Turkish Labor Party,
Dogu Perinchek who denies the fact of “genocide of Armenians”. The
matter is that accordingly criminal code of Switzerland, denial,
underestimation and justification of genocide and other crimes against
humanity are punishable actions. Though, Switzerland had to soften
its position under pressure of Turkish government. In this respect
Swiss representatives said that they welcome proposal of Turkish
government concerning creation of joint Turkish-Armenian historic
commission, which should investigate historic facts of “genocide
of Armenians”. We wrote about it several times. However, Armenians
continue attacking Turkish positions despite discontent of European
countries. For example, professor of law from Belgian university ULB,
O. Gorten, calls the use of punishment of people who deny this “fact”
restoration of inquisition. Accordingly to him, history of Europe
is full of facts of “genocide” of different nations and if “Armenian
genocide” is recognized chain reaction will occur (“Hurriyyet”).
“I am not historian, and I cannot judge the events of 1915. But as a
jurist I believe that this issue is unacceptable. I informed commission
of Belgian parliament about the issue in question.
Armenians are ready to introduce the same bill to it. I gave my advices
to the French parliament”, jurist pointed out. The main reason of
Gorten’s discontent is that, first, there is no court decision of
those years proving the fact of “Genocide of Armenians”.
Second, even if such decision had been made by French parliament,
the law would not have had retroactive effect.
“At the beginning of XX c. there was no notion of “genocide”. History
does not provide unique evaluation of events of 1915. If we accept
the events of the beginning of XX century then how can we call actions
of Belgium in Congo? I think that the notion of “genocide” should be
used in connection with events occurred after World War II.
Otherwise, whole Europe will face legal questions – which criterion
prove realization of genocide? If we review history then facts of
killing of people can be found right up to the times of Roman Empire.
But to use punishment for the actions which cannot be proved is
unacceptable from legal point of view”, Gorten said.
“Imagine, that Belgium will adopt the mentioned law. And what do
we have to do – to arrest our Ministry descent from Turkey, Emir
Kir, who does not recognize “genocide of Armenians”. Or to send to
prison Turkish high officials who no doubt touch upon this issue
during discussion on European Union membership. If Belgian parliament
accepts this issue, it will be unpleasant surprise for me”, Belgian
professor stressed. It should be pointed out that, Emir Kir does not
recognize “genocide” that is why some Belgian politicians cooperating
with Armenian lobby have launched undermining campaign against him,
attempting to slander the Minister.
Ambassador of Algeria to Egypt, Abdulkadir Khijar, said: “First,
France should answer for mass destruction of population in Algeria
and Africa”. “Why world is silent when the matter concerns the fact
that during the war for independence of Algeria (1954-62) the French
destroyed 1,5 million Algerians. I partook in liberation fight
of Algeria. I was cruelly tortured in prison. When France started
occupation of Algeria in 1830, population was 9 millions. 120 later,
when we started liberation fight there were 10 millions of Algerians.
Is it possible for Muslim country to have just one more million
of population for 120 years? It proves the fact that our nation
was destroyed deliberately. What France dares to speak about?”,
Ambassador stressed.
There are many similar opinions. But it is strange that Europe
follows Armenian lobby and imposes “genocide of Armenians” on the
world. As for Turkey, the response of European country is substantial
step. In the end Europe will see that Turkey in turn will issue decree
on prohibition to deny in Turkey “genocide Algerians by France”,
“genocide in Congo by Belgium” etc. And to arrest diplomats who will
not recognize the fact of “genocide”.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey expressed discontent concerning
temporal postponement of consideration of bill on persecution for
denial of “genocide of Armenians”. Accordingly to “Trend” agency in
Ankara referring to Turkish mass media, Turkey expects that France
will reject bill and Paris will promote organization of meeting
between Turkish and Armenian historians for unbiased investigation
of made up problem of “Armenian genocide”.
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