Martin Schulz: Genocide recognition precondition to Turkey EU bid

PanARMENIAN.Net - The President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz announced that Turkey’s integration into Europe is preconditioned by the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, reiterating the body’s 1987 decision, according to Asbarez.

“Turkey should recognize the Armenian Genocide and it would be considered as a precondition to enter the European Union,” said Schulz whose remarks were posted on the official Web site of his Left Party of Germany, which also welcomed the position. Schulz said that Turkey must face its history.

The European Parliament leader made the statement at a meeting with Turkey’s European Integration Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis, who during a press conference later refused to answer questions pertaining to the announcement and comments he made earlier this year in Switzerland, effectively denying the Armenian Genocide.

Instead Bagis told reporters that Switzerland was not an EU member and “I will not spend a single second to speak about issues, which do not concern the European Union.”