Muslim converted Hamshen-Armenian Adnan Genç believes that Turkish political parties talking about the tragic events of the last century should also present the reality to the society. A member of the Turkish Union of Greens is in Yerevan to participate in the round table discussion on “The Perspectives of Justice for Western Armenians” organized by “National Council of Western Armenians” and “Union of Heirs of Western Armenians”. In the interview with Aravot.am, referring to the perspectives of resolving the Armenian Cause through the glasses of Turkish political parties, he noted that the main task of political parties at this phase should be not only informing people, but also awakening their conscience. “People do not know history and do not want to learn,” said our interlocutor, surprisingly recalling a discussion, which referred to the massacres in Adana in 1905, and their socialist-Adana partners who were present there had asked, “And what had happened in 1905?” “We should make all those Armenians whose ancestors have lived on that land, also the Armenians representing the Diaspora, territorial citizens. I am a Muslim converted Hamshen-Armenia, but I do not know my language. The churches, which still exist, should not become museums, they must become functioning churches,” said our interlocutor, adding that nowadays they are free to talk about these issues in Turkey, because the struggle for democracy is a struggle for democracy.
He highlights the fact that in recent times the representatives of the Armenian community are involved in local government, they had even candidates to the ministry in Anatolia and in the eastern parts of Turkey. In fact, the pre-election posters were posted in Armenian-populated places in Armenian. Referring to the Armenian-Turkish protocols, Adnan Genç made a visual comparison. “A closed door for three times.” He considers such upshot of protocols as the Azerbaijani gas pressure on the Turkish government. Note that Azerbaijan is selling gas to Turkey at a very cheap cost. “Turkey does not like the Azerbaijan government, but there is a thesis, “two states – one nation”, which refers to the Turks and Azerbaijanis,” opines our interlocutor, adding that despite everything, there should be some attempts made for opening the Armenian-Turkish border, which will also promote to people knowing each other.
“The atmosphere in Turkey is favorable for establishment of relationship since there is such a government, which mostly gains people’s support. If the Turkish government opens the doors, the public will accept. Our, the left-sided, efforts are not enough, it is necessary for the Islamists to be involved in the process, too.”
Nelly GRIGORYAN
