Doc. 11104
27 November 2006

Need for recognition of the Armenian genocide by Turkey

Written question No 511 to the Committee of Ministers
presented by Mr Rustamyan

      Considering that the recognition of the Armenian genocide of 1915 contributes to respect for human dignity and constitutes an act of prevention of crimes against humanity;

      Recalling the stances of the UN, the European Parliament and the parliaments of a number of Council of Europe member states regarding the recognition of the Armenian genocide;

      Drawing attention to the positions of many Turkish intellectuals advocating such recognition and deploring the judicial proceedings brought against them under Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code;

      Considering that Turkey’s recognition of the Armenian genocide will help overcome the enmities of the past and improve relations between Armenia and Turkey, thereby contributing to peace, security and stability in the region;

      Believing that in making this admission Turkey will perform an indispensable work of remembrance for the advancement of democracy and human rights in this country;

      Mr Rustamyan,

      To ask the Committee of Ministers, in the light of the foregoing, to invite the Turkish authorities to recognise the Armenian genocide of 1915 and thus to accept its implications where history is concerned, particularly by encouraging a broad-based debate within Turkish society on the reality of the Armenian genocide, by setting down the Armenian tragedy in Turkish schoolbooks, by fostering academic research and studies about this crime against humanity with the participation of Armenian historians if possible, and by permitting the annual commemoration of these events on its territory, and to commit the Council of Europe to giving this country its assistance in the performance of this work of remembrance.

Signed 1:

1     SOC: Socialist Group
       EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party
      ALDE: Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe
      EDG: European Democratic Group
      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left
      NR: not registered in a group