Belgian Parliamentarian: International Recognition of the Armenian Genocide Seriously Progressed

Honorary member of the Parlament of the Kingdom of Belgium François Rola Du Vivle believes that over the past 15 years, the international recognition of Armenian Genocide has seriously progressed.
“Of course, recognition is not worldwide, but you have to look at what was achieved in the past 10-15 years. Significant progress” he said in an interview with Radio Liberty. “Of course, the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Western European countries is important and, hopefully, one day the United States will follow. But more important is, the recognition by Armenia’s neighbor Turkey. This is the essential question of the future, but in this context, I cherish some hope. Because, for example, in Belgium, we already have a third generation of Turks who were born here, this is the third generation that goes to university and is instilled by critical thinking in universities, they teach that history, which they did not hear from Armenians. I think that this is a great hope for the future.”
Talking about what, in his opinion, will continue the process of recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey and the international community, du Vivle, in particular, said: “I am from that generation which thought that the Berlin Wall will never collapse, and suddenly it happened. Since this was preceded by an intelligent network for 20-30 years, which eventually yielded results. The same thing I think about the Armenian Genocide – I am sure the day will come when Turkey recognizes it.”
“I can tell you about my conversation with Abdullah Gul, when he was the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey. He was displeased with the fact that there was no discussion on the Armenian Genocide among Armenian and Turkish historians, he said that it would be a good idea,” recalled Du Vivle, “I told him – Mr. Minister, you’re talking about establishment of a commission of historians from the country that you do not even recognize. Do not you think that the first step in this direction should be the opening of borders and the exchange of ambassadors? To what Gul replied: “Yes, what you saying is reasonable.”