Step toward closure?

17/05/06
Globe and mail
Insider Edition

By YONET TEZEL
chargé d'affaires, Turkish Embassy

Ottawa -- It might surprise many Canadians to know that, for centuries, the Turkish-Armenian relationship was predominantly about friendship, tolerance and peaceful co-existence. It is unfortunate that, all too often, only the incriminating version of the tragic events of 1915 are taken to represent this relationship.

It should not be inconceivable for both nations to come to terms with what happened during the First World War and renew their friendship. That is why Turkey has made a serious effort to engage the Armenian side in a dialogue about that tragic phase and has proposed establishing a group of Turkish, Armenian and other historians and experts to study the events, not only in the archives of Turkey and Armenia, but in all relevant archives. Their findings would then be presented to the international community.

There are other signs that Turkey should demonstrate but unfortunately is not showing. Why did Turkey enact the Penal Code Article 301 under which the discussion on the Armenian Genocide is considered a crime in Turkey? Why is Turkey's PM Mr. Tayyip Erdogan honouring Talaat Pasha, one of the responsible leaders for the Genocide, every year? Why has Turkey blocked its border with Armenia under condition that the latter drops its pursuit of the Genocide recognition? This proposed study is but a cynical maneuver to buy time in order to get into the EU. Turkey show that you care and extend your friendly hand without precondition, if you are such a friend.

Despite Turkey's offer, however, some accuse the Turks of being "denialists" and try to discredit any non-Turkish scholars, should they dare question the validity of Armenian claims.

It is disappointing that Patricia Marchak (The Bonds of History -- letter, May 12), in stating that she has already done research on this subject for a book she wrote, brushes aside this honest effort to get to the bottom of the claims of genocide by conducting a joint study of the primary sources.

Genocide is a very serious accusation. The language of knowledge, not conviction, should prevail. It could be the first step toward real closure for both peoples.