Turkey's Reaction to Latvia's Recognition of the Armenian Genocide

Latvia's recognition of the Armenian genocide by its parliament has sparked discontent in official Ankara.

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement, noting that this step is an "unfounded attempt to rewrite history for political motives."

"We reject and strongly condemn this decision," stated the Turkish foreign policy agency.

On May 6, Latvia officially recognized and condemned the Armenian genocide. In the resolution adopted by the legislative body, Saeima, it is stated that Latvia condemns all crimes against humanity and acknowledges its duty to recognize and remember such crimes in order to prevent their recurrence. At the same time, it emphasized that Latvia condemns the crimes, massacres, and forced displacement perpetrated against the Armenian people by the Ottoman authorities and honors the memory of all victims of the Armenian genocide, paying tribute to all survivors.

"Latvia affirms that open and free discussions on historical issues are intrinsically linked to the development of a healthy and mature democracy and calls on the international community to evaluate these historical events, looking towards the future we wish to build, free from violence and intolerance, a future where human rights are respected and every individual can be free, secure, and safe," the resolution recognizing the Armenian genocide states.