Orkhan Sattarov, the head of the European office of Vestnik Kavkaza
Many observers are surprised at the sharpening of discussions on the events in the Ottoman Empire in 1915 and the inclusion of the word ‘genocide’ in the parliamentary resolution draft, which is planned to be adopted on April 24th in Germany. It should be noted that parties which are included in the ruling coalition have chosen rather strict wording. At the same time, the use of the word ‘genocide’ in the context of the Armenian massacres in Ottoman Turkey in the resolution draft is ambiguous. It is written there: “The fate of the Armenians is an illustrative example in the history of massive slaughters, ethnic cleansings, exiles, and genocides which dreadfully characterize the 20th century.” Thus, the resolution doesn’t answer the question whether the events of 1915 are “massive slaughters,” “ethnic cleansings,” “exiles,” or “genocide.” However, obviously the fact of using the notion of ‘genocide’ in the resolution is another bad surprise for Ankara.
Vestnik Kavkaza found out that the initiative on using the word ‘genocide’ came not from the Socialists, but from the CDU and CSU parties, considering their Christian ideological character. Thus, they supported the position of Pope Francis, who recently stated about ‘the genocide.’ Meanwhile, a few days ago the Western media noted a big mistake in the words of Pope; he called the mass slaughters of Armenians in 1915 ‘the first genocide of the 20th century.’ The Guardian reported that the first genocide of the 20thcentury took place in Namibia; it was conducted by Germany in 1904-1909; it led to destruction of 80% of the Herero tribe and 50% of the Nama tribe. In 2004 the German government apologized for its crimes, recognizing them as genocide. Obviously, even this direct historic mistake by the Pope didn’t make German politicians think that only professionals could study the events which took place hundred years ago.
However, the political agenda on ‘the genocide’ is determined not by the views of historians and lawyers, but by public opinions, ratings, and international interests which often have nothing in common with the topic under discussion. The position of the German establishment was significantly influenced by the popular German media, which critically regard the Islamic government of Erdogan. They use any opportunity to hurt him, including this in the Armenian issue. However, the journalists’ position reflects anti-Erdogan views in the political sphere of Germany. It is expected that the President of Germany will make a strict speech and call the events ‘genocide’; it also makes the ruling coalition amend its role.
Meanwhile, the Turkish Diaspora in Germany is dissatisfied with the German politicians’ steps and plans a protest in Berlin on April 25th. We will inform our readers about the protest through a special report.
