European Parliament Calls on Turkey to Recognize Armenian Genocide and Uphold Commitment to Protect Armenian Heritage

The European Parliament adopted a report on June 7, urging Turkey to recognize the Armenian Genocide and respect its commitment to protecting Armenian cultural heritage. According to Armenpress, the report was approved with 448 votes in favor, 67 against, and 107 abstentions, addressing recent efforts to normalize Armenian-Turkish relations.

Specifically, it noted that the European Parliament "welcomes the recent rapprochement process between Turkey and Armenia related to the decision to start bilateral contacts, appoint special representatives, and resume flights between the two countries." It deemed this development as highly positive, likely to have a beneficial impact on regional welfare and security. The European Parliament urged the parties to advance these efforts for the full normalization of their relations and called on the EU to actively support this process.

Members of the European Parliament called on Turkey to "pave the way for genuine reconciliation between the Turkish and Armenian peoples, including the resolution of the Armenian Genocide issue, and to fully adhere to its obligations to protect Armenian and other cultural heritage." The authors of the report expressed hope that this could become a pathway for the normalization of relations in the South Caucasus.

Citing the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, the report reiterated the call for Turkey to acknowledge the genocide based on the resolution adopted by the European Parliament on April 15, 2015. The report also highlighted that despite Turkey's repeated declarations of its aim to join the EU, the country has systematically retreated from its obligations related to the accession process over the past two years. Additionally, the report emphasized the ongoing violations of human rights in Turkey.

Members of the European Parliament also urged official Ankara to approach Finland and Sweden's NATO membership applications sincerely, calling on it to refrain from exerting undue pressure during this process.