ADL national director calls on Turkey and Armenia for reconciliation

PanARMENIAN.Net - Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League, is in Turkey for extensive talks with Turkish politicians, seeking to keep up-to-date with both the government and opposition, and to reduce tensions that erupted after the organization "endorsed Armenian claims," reports the Turkish Daily News.



"We continue to oppose a resolution that would contain the word genocide," Foxman said. "Armenia and Turkey need to solve this, not in a political forum such as Congress or parliaments," he said, but added that the "Jewish community does not deny the suffering of Armenians."



The issue came up during his talks in Ankara, noted Foxman, who met with President Abdullah Gul, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, main opposition Republican People's Party, or CHP, leader Deniz Baykal and Deputy Chief of Staff Gen. Ergin Saygun. "They were angry a year ago. But now they seem to understand our position," Foxman said.



Foxman suggested President Gul that Turkey mends its ties with Armenia as soon as possible. "My advice is that Turkey be creative and pro-active in strengthening the relationships with Armenia as a way to deal with the issue. That will bring about a coming together on history," Foxman said. "I suggested finding ways to work together that will help change the atmosphere, because we have a concern today on the well-being of Armenia, which is in need of help. I think the Jewish community could be helpful," he said.



Foxman admitted the existence of sympathy for Armenians within the Jewish community that, he said, "never denied the suffering of Armenians." "The only issue is to use the word or not. I think that the Jewish community is more interested, today, in helping (improve) the lives of Armenians living in Armenia, rather than becoming judges in an issue that they cannot resolve. So, yes, there is sympathy," he said.