1088) Patriarch Of Istanbul Considers Both Sides Responsible For "Genocide"

French President Jacques Chirac's expression "Turkey must recognize the Armenian Genocide for membership to the European Union," may be a "political precept." Archnishop Mesrob Moutafian, the Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul expressed this opinion to the Turkish "Hurriyet" newspaper. . .

According to Marmara, the Patriarch said: "If even Chirac's words are interpreted as a precondition for Turkey, one must not forget that Louis Michel, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium decisively said that one must not put new political standards before Turkey for membership to the European Union. Probably, the President of France considered proper to address a political precept to Turkey. We, as Armenians of Turkey, would prefer that the President of France made such statements that an atmosphere of dialogue was created between Armenia and Turkey. Untill an atmosphere of dialogue is not created between the two countries, it is impossible to expect solution of the existing difficult problems."

The Istanbul Armenian Patriarch made statements on this theme to the "Geo" periodical as well, which is published in German and Turkish.

He, particularly, stated that both sides are responsible for events of the past. "If Armenians did not lead separative, and Turks -Ittihat policy, at least 10 mln Armenians would live in Turkey today.

Turkey would win a lot with that population. It can't be helped, both Turks and Armenians lost this possibility," Patriarch Moutafian said.

Noyan Tapan News Agency
YEREVAN - ARMENIANS TODAY
Armenia Oct 5 2006