Los Angeles Times | 10-12-2009
“The agreement calls for a panel to discuss ‘the historical dimension’ of the killing of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians during World War I. The discussion is to include ‘an impartial scientific examination of the historical records and archives to define existing problems and formulate recommendations.’
That clause is viewed as a concession to Turkey, which denies genocide, contending the toll is inflated and those killed were victims of civil war.
The politically powerful Armenian American community, which Obama courted during his campaign, appeared split over Saturday’s accord.
‘If Turkey normalizes relations with Armenia and ends its blockade of that landlocked country, it would be a very positive step for the region,’ said a statement by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Glendale), a leading supporter of Armenian genocide resolutions in Congress. He said, however, that ‘Turkey must not be allowed to rewrite the history of the Armenian genocide as a price of diplomatic relations.’ “
Tags: Armenian Genocide, Middle East, World Events
