Turkish Foreign Minister backs PM's farcical condolences

April 26, 2014 - 15:30 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has said that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s message of condolences ahead of the 99th anniversary of the Genocide has accomplished its goal, considering the reactions worldwide and that the statements was primarily aimed at Armenians, rather than other countries, Today’s Zaman reported.

"It is our hope and belief that the peoples of an ancient and unique geography, who share similar customs and manners will be able to talk to each other about the past with maturity and to remember together their losses in a decent manner. And it is with this hope and belief that we wish that the Armenians who lost their lives in the context of the early twentieth century rest in peace, and we convey our condolences to their grandchildren. Regardless of their ethnic or religious origins, we pay tribute, with compassion and respect, to all Ottoman citizens who lost their lives in the same period and under similar conditions,” Erdogan's statement said.

“The statement of our prime minister brought positive reactions. It has been accepted that regarding this issue, the Turkish people have taken a historic step for dialogue and friendship. The message was intended for Armenians. It was a humanitarian message. The reactions from Armenian groups were extremely positive. The message has achieved its goal,” said Davutoğlu during a joint press conference with his Sudanese counterpart, Ali Ahmed Karti, on Friday, April 25.

“The Turkish prime minister has extended Turkey's hand to Armenia to bring our hearts and minds closer,” said Davutoğlu, adding that “if the statement gets an answer, then we can build a future together. If not, we will go back to the previous situation.”

The Turkish foreign minister noted that the statement demonstrates a just and humane stance and proposes the idea of building a future together, according to Today’s Zaman.

Davutoglu’s failing to see Armenia's resentment over Erdogan's address is Turkey's problem, with remark suggesting it accomplished its goal far from reality.

In conclusion, Davutoğlu emphasized that now it was Turkey's turn to expect Armenians to offer their condolences to Turkey for the murders committed by the Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia (ASALA) against Turkish diplomats.

It's hard to add anything to this cynical suggestion, considering that Davutoglu is fully aware of ASALA actions being acts of vengeance against perpetrators of the Armenian Genocide.

Armenian National Committee of America Executive Director Aram Hamparian issued the following statement regarding Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan's public remarks on the "events of 1915."

"Increasingly isolated internationally, Ankara is repackaging its genocide denials."