Hollande: Turkey Must Acknowledge the Armenian Genocide

YEREVAN — Turkey must recognize the Armenian Genocide, French President Francois Hollande said today in Yerevan in comments on a statement by Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on April 23 in which he offered condolences to the grandchildren of Armenians killed in World War One by Ottoman soldiers.

“I always try to find something positive in such signs … But it is vital that the annihilation of Armenians were recognized as genocide,” said Hollande during a joint press conference with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.

Francois Hollande reaffirmed his willingness to participate next April in the commemorative events to take place in Armenia on the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

“I will arrive in Yerevan to attend the 100th anniversary of the genocide. It will mean France’s participation at the highest level to remember this horrific genocide,” he said.

This is a step toward a nation that went through great pain. This is a message to the world so as such terrible slaughter should never be committed again. France’s responsibility is that such things do not happen in the world, the French leader said.

Speaking about the Karabakh issue, President Hollande said: “As a Minsk Group co-chairing country, France is ready to do its best to find a solution to the issue. Although there is a ceasefire agreement, it’s not enough. A thorough solution is needed,” he said.

Francois Hollande added that France is ready to host a meeting of the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan to help find confidence-building measures. He said that during his visit to Baku he had expressed his willingness to do everything in his power for the peaceful resolution of the conflict.

“It was the 20the anniversary of the ceasefire yesterday, but that’s not a solution, we must find a new solution,” Hollande said.