07/10/2020

Written question to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on Turkey’s aggressive policy of intimidation and denial of the Armenian Genocide

Below the question, co-signed by 25 MEPs.

In the past months, the Turkish authorities have adopted a particularly aggressive policy of intimidation inter alia against groups engaged in civic activism that are raising awareness on the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocide in Ottoman Turkey.[1]

In May, an Armenian church in Istanbul was desecrated.[2]

During the month of June, anti-Armenian demonstrations were held in Lebanon at the initiative of a group of extremists supported by Turkey, which was triggered by a video that glorifies the Armenian Genocide.[3]

On June 15, the meeting of “Turkish Presidency’s High Council of Consultation” took place, aiming to develop a predefined strategy to promote the denial of the Armenian Genocide and to oppose those fighting for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide worldwide.[4]

Finally,on June 23rd several high-level Turkish officials announced the launch of an organization the sole objective of which will be to fabricate material denying the Armenian Genocide.

1- What is the position of the EEAS on Turkey’s aggressive policy of intimidation and denial of the Armenian Genocide, considering that denial is the last stage of a genocide?

2- How does the EEAS intend to address these dangerous developments?


[1] https://greekcitytimes.com/2020/05/12/erdogan-vows-to-fight-greek-armenian-lobbies/

[2] https://en.armradio.am/2020/05/27/armenian-church-in-istanbul-attacked-cross-ripped-off/

[3] The video also contained death threats and racist insults addressed to a Lebanese journalist because of his Armenian origins. Link to the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAh3xR_9S_M

[4] This five-hour meeting was chaired by president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan himself. In addition to the above, just one day after the Consultation Council the Turkish President received the representative MHP, a Turkish extremist and fascist Party. Further information: https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/turkish-presidency-discusses-proper-response-to-groundless-claims-on-1915-events

Read the reply given by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell here.