Thomas Oppermann: Bundestag to accept resolution on Armenian Genocide in June
“The Bundestag will adopt a resolution on June 2, concerning characterization of the mass murder and expulsion of Armenians during World War I as genocide the,” Social Democratic Party member, Thomas Oppermann told the Tagesspiegel, reports Deutsche Welle.
Oppermann noted that violent reactions from Turkey should not be an obstacle.
The initiative for a resolution on the Armenian Genocide has already been suggested to be on the agenda by the Greens a year ago on the 100th anniversary of the genocide. After a parliamentary debate, it was decided to adopt the resolution in April 2015. Yet considering the negotiations on the refugee crisis with Turkey, the leading coalition representatives called the timing inappropriate. Still, German President Joachim Gauck has already referred to the massacre of Armenians, calling it a “genocide” and pointing out Germany’s participation.
However, Turkey has warned the German Bundestag not to adopt a resolution naming the expulsion and massacres of Armenians by Turkey a “genocide”.
"It is not the place of national parliaments to judge history. “Genocide” is a legal concept defined by the Geneva Convention. In this case, it shouldn’t be excluded that politicians can act on political or religious motives,” Turkish Ambassador to Germany, Huseyin Avni Karslioglu told Rheinische Post on May 2.
He also said that with accepting of the resolution, Bundestag would hinder further improvement of Armenian-Turkish relations.