Turkey’s President Erdogan, referring to the Armenian Genocide, said, “It is time to abandon baseless memories” and focus on “the realities of the present” over “fictional historical narratives.” He said he hopes Armenia will break free from the darkness the [Armenian] diaspora has enslaved them in and chooses the path toward a brighter future.
Erdogan made these remarks during a conversation with reporters on a plane returning from Iraq on April 23, reports Anadolu Agency. Erdogan also urged the Armenian government to focus on current realities to develop a roadmap for normalizing relations with Turkey.
On April 23, while returning to Turkey from his trip to Iraq, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed a question posed by a reporter aboard the plane. The reporter asked, “President Erdogan, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan recently refrained from using the term ‘genocide’ when talking about the events of 1915, instead referring to them as the ‘Great Disaster.’ Pashinyan also criticized the inclusion of Mount Ararat in the state coat of arms, pointing out that it lies within Turkey’s borders. What do you think about this attitude, which seems to be in favor of peace? If Turkey continues to adopt a pro-peace stance in the major development projects in Azerbaijan, Turkestan, and the Caucasus, is there a possibility that Armenia could be included in these projects?”
Erdogan responded, “Now a new order is being established in the region. It is time to abandon baseless memories and to act based on the realities of the present which is better than moving forward with fictional historical narratives that are disconnected from reality. Pashinyan now understands this as well.”
Erdogan emphasized that historians should primarily address the historical process and reminded everyone that Turkey has been transparent from the start, having opened its archives, adding that it is now time to create realistic new roadmaps.
Erdogan said he hopes Armenia will choose to escape the darkness that the [Armenian] diaspora has enslaved them in and chooses the path to make new beginnings for a brighter tomorrow.
Moreover, he noted that not only the [Armenian] diaspora but also many provocateurs are attempting to influence Armenia during this period. He said, “We are aware of these influences. We have issued our warnings from time to time. I hope Armenia chooses the right path and that a new era begins.”
Erdogan cautioned, “Opportunities do not remain open forever. They must be well utilized while they are available.”
