Greek Cyprus has officially
made it a crime to deny that the Ottoman Turks committed genocide and crimes
against humanity or war crimes against Armenian Turks in 1915, through a
resolution passed in parliament today. This legislation opens up new
opportunities for Turkey, as peace talks on the ethnically-split island remain
stalled, but can now begin. As parliament speaker Yiannakis Omirou says, “Today
is a historic day. It allows parliament to restore, with unanimous decisions
and resolutions, historical truths.” It is says by Armenia that up to 1.5
million Ottoman Armenians were killed in the genocide, beginning in 1915, a
number that turkey believes is inflated and lead to misconceptions. However, nearly
20 countries have recognized the killings as genocide. Further, the issue has
long been a source of tension between Turkey and several Western countries,
especially the United States and France, both home to large ethnic Armenian
Diasporas. With this resolution passed and the idea that it does not interfere with
freedom of expression, as it did prior, it is evident that tension will begin
to ease and progress can be made in the future towards more unity and
stability.
I find it surprising that
a resolution like this would be passed. Although I find it significant and vital
that all history with factual evidence is recognized, I do understand the
implications it might include. For example, as seen in the article, I could see
someone claiming that this resolution limits their freedom of expression and
speech. However, I do think that when it comes to such serious issues, complex
politics, especially concerning so many deaths, and international relations, parliament
should be allowed and has the right to produce such a resolution. I have read
many articles about people denying the holocaust, the Darfur genocide, and
creating conspiracies. Although I am a strong supporter of freedom of
expression, thought, and speech, I think that once there is ample evidence that
puts stories into facts that turn into history, one’s denial is nearly
arbitrary.
Jordanna Gisser
April 2, 2015
11:34 AM
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