Tweet
CANADA WELCOMES THE RECONCILIATION EFFORTS BETWEEN TURKEY AND ARMENIA
PanArmenian News
April 23 2009
Armenia
The federal government of Canada says Turkey's decision to recall
its ambassador does not represent a diplomatic breakdown between
the countries.
The spokeswoman for Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon insisted
Canada's position on the issue is "not an indictment of modern Turkey."
"Turkey is a democracy, we have good relations with Turkey -- they
are allies," said the spokeswoman Catherine Loubier. "We welcome the
reconciliation efforts between Turkey and Armenia."
Turkey pulled Ambassador Rafet Akgunay from Ottawa after it learned
that a cabinet minister attended an event this week commemorating
the Armenian Genocide by Turks during the First World War.
Akgunay was called home for "thorough evaluations and consultations,"
Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Burak Ozugergin said in Ankara.
However, another Turkish official, speaking on condition of anonymity,
said the ambassador was being withdrawn temporarily to protest the
Canadian government's presence at the event on Parliament Hill.
Aris Babikian, executive director of the Armenian National Committee
of Canada, said Immigration Minister Jason Kenney and Liberal Leader
Michael Ignatieff attended the group's event Tuesday.
The ceremony marked the fifth anniversary of Canada's recognition of
the genocide.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper did not attend, but he sent a letter
of support saying Canada hopes "tolerance and openness . . . will
guide Armenia and Turkey in developing their relations."
"We remember the terrible loss of life during the demise of the Ottoman
Empire in 1915, and in particular the horrific suffering endured by
the Armenian people," Harper wrote in an annual message officials
said was virtually unchanged from his original comment in 2006.
Ignatieff said the memory of the "Great Calamity" is "a reminder of
the destructive power of animosity between nations."
"The memory of the victims of genocide must never be an incitement
to hatred," he added.
"On this day, we commemorate that condemnation of the Armenian
genocide of 1915 as a crime against humanity. In our own time, we
commit ourselves to the intolerance of hatred and the defence of our
shared humanity."
PanArmenian News
April 23 2009
Armenia
The federal government of Canada says Turkey's decision to recall
its ambassador does not represent a diplomatic breakdown between
the countries.
The spokeswoman for Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon insisted
Canada's position on the issue is "not an indictment of modern Turkey."
"Turkey is a democracy, we have good relations with Turkey -- they
are allies," said the spokeswoman Catherine Loubier. "We welcome the
reconciliation efforts between Turkey and Armenia."
Turkey pulled Ambassador Rafet Akgunay from Ottawa after it learned
that a cabinet minister attended an event this week commemorating
the Armenian Genocide by Turks during the First World War.
Akgunay was called home for "thorough evaluations and consultations,"
Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Burak Ozugergin said in Ankara.
However, another Turkish official, speaking on condition of anonymity,
said the ambassador was being withdrawn temporarily to protest the
Canadian government's presence at the event on Parliament Hill.
Aris Babikian, executive director of the Armenian National Committee
of Canada, said Immigration Minister Jason Kenney and Liberal Leader
Michael Ignatieff attended the group's event Tuesday.
The ceremony marked the fifth anniversary of Canada's recognition of
the genocide.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper did not attend, but he sent a letter
of support saying Canada hopes "tolerance and openness . . . will
guide Armenia and Turkey in developing their relations."
"We remember the terrible loss of life during the demise of the Ottoman
Empire in 1915, and in particular the horrific suffering endured by
the Armenian people," Harper wrote in an annual message officials
said was virtually unchanged from his original comment in 2006.
Ignatieff said the memory of the "Great Calamity" is "a reminder of
the destructive power of animosity between nations."
"The memory of the victims of genocide must never be an incitement
to hatred," he added.
"On this day, we commemorate that condemnation of the Armenian
genocide of 1915 as a crime against humanity. In our own time, we
commit ourselves to the intolerance of hatred and the defence of our
shared humanity."