Baku, Azerbaijan, April 24
By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:
Turkey doesn't recognize the so-called Armenian genocide, as throughout the country's history, there was not any genocide against Armenians that lived in its territory, Turkey's Minister for EU affairs and chief negotiator, Mevlut Chavushoglu said, Anadolu agency reported on April 24.
No one denies that Armenians were killed during the events of 1915, but we must not forget that alongside with Armenians, Turks, Arabs and Kurds were also killed during these events, according to Chavushoglu.
Turkey's Cabinet of Ministers spread a message in connection with the events of 1915 on April 23.
The message says 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 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, according to the message.
"Nevertheless, it is impossible to use the events of 1915 as a tool of political pressure on Turkey," the message of Turkish government said.
The message says 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 highlights that the events of 1915 are common grief.
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. While strengthening the efforts to promote the so-called genocide in the world, Armenians have achieved its recognition by the parliaments of some countries.
Despite Turkey's efforts on creation of a joint commission with Armenia to investigate the events of 1915, Armenia hasn't responded to this proposal so far.
Translated by L.Z.
Edited by C.N.