Turkish political parties release joint statement against EP’s ‘genocide vote’

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) signed the declaration on late April 16; only the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) abstained from signing the declaration.

The statement condemned the EP’s “partial” approach as it “opposes the idea of peace, toleration and building of a common future.”

“Despite our objections, the European Parliament prefers to deepen the problem and gap between our two societies … and prevent impartial and scientific research of the issue,” said the joint statement.

Since 1985, some 13 joint statements have been released in the Turkish parliament’s general assembly about various countries’ statements, including ones by France and the United States, about Armenian claims.  

“The government should found a truth and reconciliation commission in order to face the past,” HDP Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş told reporters on April 16, displaying a different approach than other political leaders.

“The pope says something; they give a childish reaction. The European Parliament makes a decision; they give a childish reaction to this, too. It’s like a kindergarten, not as if they are governing a state. They are like children attending a kindergarten,” he said. 

“You should explain to society how the Armenian reality should be faced. This is an issue which is not discussed in Turkey. This is an issue which is not officially clarified,” he said. “This problem cannot be resolved by saying ‘We don’t recognize the pope.’”

The HDP has long recognized the 1915 events as a genocide.