The president of the Forum of Armenian Associations of Europe (FAAE) Ashot Grigoryan responded to recent remarks by Turkish Ambassador to Slovakia Ms Lebibe Gulhan Ulutekin published in Tyzden periodical.As the Ambassador noted in an interview, “Turkey is ready to face its history, without avoiding mention of past events. We opened access to all our archives, including the military ones, yet saw no response from Armenia. Calling 1915 events Genocide is a serious and questionable step, requiring complete analysis and reliable source-based research. I’d also like to express regret over the absence of any mention about the sufferings of Turks or Muslims, who lost their lives in those dark times.”
According to Mr Grigoryan, Yerevan-based Armenian Genocide Museum provides a full scope of Genocide-related facts. “The whole world, except Turkey and its ally Azerbaijan specified their position on the issue. Turkey, however, is attempting to consign Genocide to oblivion.”
“The Ambassador’s statements, suggesting the fact of Genocide is questionable show utter disrespect to Resolution № 1341 of the National Council of Slovak Republic dated November 30, 2004 and conflict with the country’s Law № 300/2005 dated May 30, 2005 making such remarks punishable.”
“Ms Ambassador’s attempts to stir up compassion to “the sufferings of Turks or Muslims” is akin to neonazis’ calls for compassion to the Third Reich leaders, Hitler and the likes of him,” FAAE president noted, dubbing the Ambassador’s remarks as cynical.
In conclusion, Mr Grigoryan demanded the Ambassador for explanation over public violation of Slovak laws, stressing that a representative of a civilized state would never allow himself to disrespect the laws of the country that welcomed him.
