Member of the German Bundestag: It was terrible to see a country responsible for the elimination of millions of Armenians getting involved in a war against Christian Armenians again
168.am’s correspondent sat down for an interview with Member of the German Bundestag (Christian Democratic Union), Vice-Chair of the Germany-South Caucasus Parliamentary Friendship Group and President of the German-Armenian Forum Albert Weiler.
168.am: Mr. Weiler, this year marks the 106th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. You know that Turkey, the successor state responsible for the crime, continues labeling it as the ”so-called” genocide, and, in essence, fails to acknowledge this historical fact. Germany became the 25th country to officially adopt a resolution to recognize the Armenian Genocide a few years ago, and you were one of the MPs who was actively working for adoption of this resolution. How should the world react to Genocide today?
Albert Weiler: The international community has already recognized the Genocide. There is no doubt about this historical fact, and there is also no doubt about who the victim was and who the executioner was. Today, the biggest challenge remains Turkey’s failure to rigorously and sincerely reassess this Genocide and to recognize it. To date, Turkey fails to recognize the injustice that took place back then. Thus, I continue to urge the Turkish government to scrutinize, acknowledge and rework the past and history. This is the best path to take to have a common future.
168.am: It seems that Germany’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide is not the final milestone for the efforts being made in this direction.In your opinion, what are the next steps that Germany should take?
Albert Weiler: Through recognition, the Bundestag also acknowledged the joint liability. Based on German history, the topic of the culture of remembrance is of great significance for Germany. Without acknowledging its history, Germany would have never reached the level of reconciliation with Israel that it was able to reach after 1945.
With the Bundestag’s recognition, Germany particularly encourages the Turkish government to take the first courageous step for recognition which will contribute to reconciliation, as well as peaceful coexistence in the region. Germany is ready to support Turkey on this path, as well as the civil societies of both countries [Armenia and Turkey].
168.am: Months ago, during the war that took place in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Armenian people once again felt that Turkey has a strong anti-Armenian policy when Turkey sent thousands of terrorist mercenaries from Syria to Azerbaijan to fight against the Armenians. This is also why April 24th is different from the ones in the past because once again,the Armenians realized that the threat of Turkey is not just a thing of the past. It would be interesting to know your position: How would you assess Turkey’s regional policy?
Albert Weiler: I have already condemned Turkey’s involvement in the war in Nagorno-Karabakh. It was terrible to see a country responsible for the elimination of millions of Armenians getting involved in a war against Christian Armenians again. The establishment of long-term peace requires efforts in the social and political sectors. Turkey must not endanger the fragile stability in the region. I particularly call on refraining from using military and aggressive rhetoric.
