YEREVAN (Reuters)—Armenia expects more countries to recognize the Armenian Genocide after remarks by Pope Francis and the stance taken by Germany’s parliament, its president said.
During a visit to Armenia on Friday, the Pope departed from his prepared text to use the term.
“The principled position of the Pope and the views expressed by the Bundestag will pave the way for new recognitions by other nations,” President Serzh Sarkisian told Reuters in an interview.
“Germany is a very significant actor on the international stage and this (decision) will serve as a good example for other nations to follow and learn from it,” he said.
Sarkisian criticized Turkey’s position over its aspiration to join the European Union, saying Ankara was trying to use a policy of dictatorship to bring pressure to bear on the bloc.
“I don’t think that Turkey is … an actor that can impose its views, or exercise pressure, on the European Union,” he said.
“I don’t honestly see any prospects that would pave the way for Turkey joining the EU.”
Countries with decency avoid having relations with Turkey, though Israel continues it’s relations with the Genocide perpetrator terrorist state of Turkey.