Expert in Turkish studies: Bundestag bill discussion over Genocide to expand perception of Genocide within Turkish public

YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. Expert in Turkish studies Ruben Melkonyan says the adoption of the Armenian Genocide bill in the German Bundestag will lead to the wide response by the international media, as well as will become a topic of discussion within German and Turkish public circles.

According to the expert, the Bundestag bill includes two important points: first of all, it is said in the bill that genocide took place in the Ottoman Empire 101 years ago. “This is an interesting "message" since it helps to expand the international recognition processes after 100 years of the Genocide and the perceptions of the Genocide within the international community”, Melkonyan stated. Secondly, the common formation of the bill which says that genocide was committed against the Armenian and other Christian minorities of the Ottoman Empire, can have both positive and negative consequences.

“Turkish response is the same, however, we can notice a return to the previous methods. New Turkish Prime Minister Bilani Yildirim’s policy is similar to the 1980-90s rhetoric”, Melkonyan said. In this context, the political field in Turkey is being consolidated, since the two powers represented in the Turkish Parliament support the authorities. He said the Bundestag bill is a challenge for Turkish policy after Davutoglu’s resignation.

Melkonyan stated that it is important to remember about the 3 million Turkish citizens living in Germany. Moreover, Turkish-German relations have a long history, and this bill can harm their relations. “Unfortunately, the Armenian Genocide again becomes a subject of the international political trade”, the expert said.

In general, the expert doesn’t believe in the adoption of the Bundestag bill. “Of course, the statement and the use of the word “genocide” by the German President are encouraging, however, we should take into account the President’s institute and its role in Germany”, Melkonyan stated.

Recognition by Germany will create new problems since not only condemning, but also reparation issues will arise.