Putin Angers Turkey by Referring to Armenian ‘Genocide’
April 24, 2015Turkey is continuing to quarrel with other countries over the definition of the mass killings of Armenians in 1915.
Russia on Friday became the latest country to be condemned by Turkey, after President Vladimir Putin referred to “genocide” during commemorations of the mass killings.
The Turkish foreign ministry responded to Putin’s comments by saying, according to AFP, “We reject and condemn… (Putin’s) characterization of 1915 events as genocide despite all our warnings and calls”.
Speaking earlier at a ceremony in Armenia, Putin referred to “mass” killings, but also once used the word “genocide” — which Turkey strongly objects to — while mentioning that Moscow is party to several international legal initiatives, including a convention against genocide.
“Such political statements which represent a clear violation of law is considered null and void by Turkey,” the ministry said, according to AFP.
Ankara also said Russian insistence on the “mistake” would not help peace and prosperity, urging Moscow “to leave its biased attitude and instead encourage Armenia and Armenians to respond positively to Turkey’s appeal for friendship and peace.”
Turkey says it shares the pain of Armenians over the events but has vehemently rejected use of the term genocide, contending that hundreds of thousands were killed on both sides as Ottoman forces battled the Russian empire for control of Anatolia.
Russia becomes just the latest country to be condemned by Turkey over the issue. Earlier this month, Pope Francis drew Turkey’s wrath after describing the killings as “the first genocide of the 20th century”.
Turkey summoned the Vatican’s ambassador in Ankara over the remarks and recalled the Turkish envoy to the Vatican. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan responded with anger to the Pope’s remarks, warning him not to repeat such a “mistake” again.
Last Thursday the EU Parliament also voted to recognize the genocide, and after Austria recognized the genocide, Ankara pulled its ambassador to Vienna on Wednesday.
Germany President Joachim Gauck also joined the condemnation of 1915 massacre as “genocide”.
More than 20 nations, including France and Russia, have recognized the Armenian genocide. President Barack Obama, however, has chosen not to recognize the genocide, despite an election promise he made during his 2008 presidential campaign.
(Arutz Sheva’s North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Arutz Sheva articles, however, is Israeli time.)
Similar posts
-
Israel Is Held To A Higher Standard Than Any Country
April 25, 2024In the intricate tapestry of global affairs, one nation stands out for enduring scrutiny and condem...
-
Israel Has The Most Moral Military In The World
April 10, 2024In the heart of a region often riddled with conflict, Israel stands out not only for its technologi...
-
The Resilience of the Israeli People
April 2, 2024Visitors from around the world have seen Hamas's October 7th Massacre's destruction in southern Isr...
-
Israel: Small Size, Big Impact
March 21, 2024Nestled along the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea, Israel is a land of immense historical sig...
-
Israelis Are Fighting For Their Lives
February 21, 2024By Jonathan S. Tobin The world looks a lot different from Kibbutz Kfar Aza than it does in the U...
-
Over 2 Million Arabs Live In Israel
January 23, 2024In the complex landscape of the Middle East, where diverse cultures and identities intersect, Israe...
-
'Fauda' Star Idan Amedi Injured Fighting in Gaza
January 8, 2024Despite the severity of his injuries, Amedi's father assured Israeli news channels that his life is...
-
Israel Is A Great Country To Live In
December 28, 2023Nestled at the crossroads of the Middle East, Israel stands as a vibrant and dynamic nation, offeri...