Discussion in US: Recognition of Armenian Genocide is important part of Turkey's democratization process
Recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey is an important part of the democratization process in that country [Turkey], Ronald Suny, a famous historian and professor at the University of Chicago, said at the discussion “The History and Politics of Genocide 100 Years Later” held at George Washington University. Citing the words of the prominent Turkish-Armenian journalist and intellectual Hrant Dink, Suny said it is first necessary to establish democracy in Turkey and then demand recognition of the Armenian Genocide. The historian stressed that in his context the interests of liberal Armenians, Kurds and Turks coincide and for them the problem of the Genocide recognition is already solved. The Kurds recognize the Armenian Genocide. By the way, Kurdish mayors have even renamed streets in honour of Armenian victims, restored Armenian monuments and churches," he said. The professor then reminded that in the last ten years Turkish historians have been studying in their archives the documents related to Armenians and although they have not yet found blatant evidence about the Genocide, the existing documents reveal the historical fact. Ankara claims that the massacres of Armenians during World War I were not orchestrated directly by the state. Anyway, Mr Suny is optimistic and says that the Turkish society has changed a lot in recent years. “Today you can find democratic Turks there. About 20 million Kurds live in Turkey top day. There are also many Armenians there. Many citizens today want their country to be democratic and are ready to recognize the Genocide,” he said.
