Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec.1
By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:
Pope Francis expressed hope that the Turkish-Armenian borders will open in the near future, Turkish Anadolu agency reported on Dec.1.
The pontiff said he prays for the betterment of relations between Turkey and Armenia.
Pope Francis added that the message of Turkey's then prime minister and current President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Armenians in April 2013 has a special meaning and should be regarded as a serious step taken by Turkey to normalize the relations.
The message the Pope was referring to was spread by Turkish Cabinet of Ministers in connection with the events of 1915 in April 2013. The message said it is important not to be a captive of historical events and there is need to create a foundation for building a common future.
The message also said that the events of 1915 were a difficult time not only for the Armenians, but also for Arabs, Kurds and representatives of other nations living in the country.
"Nevertheless, it is impossible to use the events of 1915 as a tool of political pressure on Turkey," the message of Turkish government said in the message.
The message said Turkey supports the creation of a joint historical commission to investigate the events of 1915 and expresses condolences to the families of those killed in the events of 1915, including the Armenians. The message highlighted that the events of 1915 are common grief.
The break in relations and closing of the Turkish-Armenian border in 1993 were due to Armenia's claims for recognition of the "Armenian genocide" in the world, as well as Armenia's occupation of Azerbaijani lands.
Armenia and the Armenian lobby claim that Turkey's predecessor the Ottoman Empire allegedly carried out "genocide" against the Armenians living in Anatolia in 1915. Turkey in turn has always denied "the genocide" took place.
While strengthening the efforts to promote the so-called genocide in the world, Armenians have achieved its recognition by the parliaments of some countries.
Although Turkey has repeatedly proposed to create an independent commission to investigate the events of 1915, Armenia continues to reject this proposal.
Edited by SI