German Bundestag passes resolution calling Ottoman-era Armenian killings 'genocide'

[MowCowWhoHow III]

Source: Deutsche Welle

Germany's Bundestag passed a resolution qualifying the Ottoman Era Armenian killings 'genocide'. The lower house of parliament voted almost unanimously, with one vote against the motion and one abstention. House speaker Norbert Lammert spoke of a "remarkable majority."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and the leader of the Socialdemocrats Sigmar Gabriel failed to attend the vote on account of other appointments. Critics have said, however, that they deliberately attempted to dodge a difficult vote.

The Turkish parliament, known as the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, issued a statement in cooperation with Turkey's Commission for Foreign Affairs criticizing the draft resolution: "We strongly condemn and reject this unlawful motion brought before the Bundestag, for which historical truths relating to the events of 1915 were deliberately distorted."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said ahead of the resolution that it could damage "diplomatic, economic, business, political and military ties" between the two countries.

Read more: http://www.dw.com/en/german-bundestag-passes-resolution-calling-ottoman-era-armenian-killings-genocide/a-19299936

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

1. Kick, rec...

...Turkey needs a 12 step program.

Sorry Armenians and genocide victims everywhere.

[DetlefK]

2. German rep Cem Özdemir delivered an epic burn:

"When I go home tonight I won't be arrested or beaten. This isn't true for my colleagues in Turkey fighting for Armenians."

[JustAnotherGen]

3. Holy shit

We haven't even gone there. Good on Germany!

[Sunlei]

4. Those bloody lands,after the centuries of russias "Pale of Settlement", much 'genocide' , so much

killings. Centuries of genocide. Dig anywhere on those blood soaked lands and all you find are bits of glass, a few coins and billions of buttons.

[Angel Martin]

10. almost a 100 percent overlap with Tim Snyder's Bloodlands

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloodlands

[PeoViejo]

5. This is a big deal considering Germany's history with Turkey

I can see why the Turks are livid.


It's about time they get called-out.

[geek tragedy]

6. Germany has been very candid in addressing its own moral failures in its past, so this

is consistent with how they deal with such questions

[eissa]

7. This is a big fucking deal

It not only recognizes the genocide against the Armenians, but also mentions the Pontic Greeks and Assyrians, the latter of which lost nearly two-thirds of its population at the hands of the Turks. This resolution is long overdue.

[smirkymonkey]

8. It's about time Turkey owns up to it's sordid past regarding the Armenians.

Their denial isn't going to change the truth of the matter.

[Feeling the Bern]

9. Good. Now if we can get the Japanese to admit to the Rape of Nanking, we'll be finally moving

forward as a species.

[NobodyHere]

11. Will "The Young Turks" be covering this?

Or will Cenk be too busy denying the genocide