BERLIN–A group calling for an end to Turkey’s official denial of the Armenian genocide held a vigil on June 29 in Berlin–directly across the Turkish Consulate there. Interestingly–the gathering was organized by a group of Turkish intellectuals–who call themselves "Turks of Berlin."
Approximately 25 people–Turks and Germans alike–conducted the 5-hour vigil–calling on Turkey to officially recognize the genocide of Armenia’s by the government of Ottoman Turkey–and to issue an apology to the descendents of the Genocide.
The group displayed a banner that read in Armenian–German–and Turkish: "I denounce the genocide of 1915–and apologize to the Armenian people." They also made available photos depicting the Armenian genocide–and lit candles.
The following day–Turks and Armenia’s debated the topic: "Were Armenia’s the Victim of Genocide 90 years ago–in the Ottoman Empire." According to German Security Services–Turkish nationalist groups in Germany–including Milli Gorus (National Vision) organized an exhibit to counter the efforts.
Milli Gorus is an organization of Turkish immigran’s in Europe–composed of members of the former Turkish Welfare Party and the fascist Gray Wolves. Their aim is to shield Turkish immigran’s from Western cultural and political influences.
Organizers of the debate–which took place in Bremen–were not concerned with the efforts of the Turkish groups.