ISTANBUL (Marmara)–On Monday–Novemeber 20–the foreign ministers of the European Union member states will meet to announce the final conditions on Turkey’s entry into the EU–one of which is recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
Needless to say–Turkey is not happy with the conditions being placed on it. The recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the Italian Parliament last Friday has further angered Turkey. Ankara has always stated that its joining the EU should not be tied to the resolution of any political issues. Turkey also expects the Greek deman’s concerning the invasion of Cyprus to be not included. However–Turkish officials are doubtful any of these deman’s will be dropped.Therefore the Turks are prepared to issue stern warnings to the European Union and alter relations.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry criticized the Italian Parliament’s adoption of the resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide and calling on Turkey to do the same. Italian ambassador to Turkey Vittorio Surdo was called over to the ministry and presented with a memorandum containing the Turkish declarations on the issue. Foreign ministry officials told Surdo that it was obvious that Italian parliamentarians did not understand the Turkish reaction to the European Union.
The Turkish memorandum says–"It is remarkable how a couple of Italian deputies have made it an obsession to adopt anti-Turkish positions–and now they have taken on the Armenian issue to help realize their sentimen’s. The passage of an unfounded resolution like this–indicates the lack of seriousness within the Italian Parliament."
The resolution also urged Turkey to normalize relations with Armenia. However–the Turks have protested about this too–claiming it is their right to establish diplomatic relations with whomever they choose. The memorandum went on to say–"These types of decisions have a negative effect on any existing talks on establishing normal relations between Turkey and Armenia."
The Hurriyet announced German–Swiss–Russian–and Swiss plans to adopt similar resolutions concerning the Armenian Genocide in the near future.