Armenian, Assyrian and Hellenic Genocide News

Italian Parliament debates Armenian resolutions
by TURKISH Daily News - 28 October 2000
Posted: Sunday, November 12, 2000 07:21 pm CST

One resolution urges that a 'genocide' be recognized; the other says that the matter should be settled by historians, not politicians

ANKARA - TURKISH Daily News

The Italian Parliament debated late on Thursday two resolutions: one urges the Italian government to recognize an alleged Armenian genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Empire, and a counter-resolution contends that the Italian Parliament is in no position to settle such historical issues.

A small number of parliamentarians were present during the debate on the resolutions.

The first resolution, submitted by Giancarlo Pagliarini, accuses the Ottoman Empire of conducting a genocide against Armenians in the early 20th century. "Ankara is threatening to cut economic and commercial ties to block the resolution," said Pagliarini during the Parliament session debating the resolution.

"To approve this resolution requires courage," Pagliarini argued.

The second resolution, submitted by Sandra Fei, calls for the opening of archives from all countries concerned and for an intensification of systematic, scientific efforts to discover the facts about the alleged genocide. "We are Parliament members, we're not in a position to judge historical events," Fei said during debates, adding, "Since submitting this resolution, I have been accused and threatened by Armenians living in Italy."

Fei's resolution was supported by another resolution submitted by parliamentarian Marco Pezzoni.

Turkey's strategic position in the Caucasus should be kept in mind, said Pezzoni as he addressed the Parliament.

Fei and Pagliarini's resolutions will be jointly debated in Parliament on Nov. 7. Voting on the resolutions will probably be held on the same day.

Resolutions arguing for a recognition of the alleged genocide have been debated recently in the U.S. House of Representatives, the French Senate and the European Parliament. The resolution was withdrawn at the last minute from the U.S. House, while efforts are still underway in the French Senate to get it approved, despite the government's opposition.

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