Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2015
429. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of the recent remarks by other European Union states, his views on whether the 1915 killings of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire was genocide. [17251/15]
View answer434. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason Ireland is not recognising the Armenian massacres as genocide; if he will support the Armenian people on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17671/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 429 and 434 together.
I would refer the Deputies to my most recent reply to a question on this issue which sets out Ireland's position.
In the two weeks since my reply, centenary commemorations have been held in many parts of the world, including here in Ireland. Ireland's sympathy and concern was expressed formally by our Ambassador, John Biggar, through his attendance at the official Armenian commemoration in Yerevan on 24 April.
I welcome this renewed international focus on the history of the Armenian people and the terrible events of 1915. I am aware of many statements of sympathy by European leaders on this centenary, including some which referred to genocide. However, the position remains that there is no international consensus and neither the UN nor the EU have adopted a position on this case.
At this time of centenaries, when we in Ireland hope that our commemorations will increase mutual understanding, I would again urge both Turkey and Armenia to take advantage of any opportunity for reconciliation between their two peoples. Despite their painful memories from that era of European war and communal hatred, there are some reasons to hope that these two neighbours can find a basis to work together for the good of their people and the wider region.
