ISTANBUL (Marmara)–Turkey is searching for ways to stop the momentum Armenia has gained with its recent success for recognition of the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by Ottoman Turkey from 1915-1923. The Italian and French Parliamen’s and the European Union’s recent adoption of resolutions recognizing the Armenian Genocide have struck a severe blow to Turkey’s campaign of denial of the Genocide. After Pope John Paul II’s recent statement condemning the Genocide as a crime against humanity–the Turkish government has sent a letter of protest to the Vatican.
A chief official of Turkey’s Foreign Ministry told the "Jumhuriet" newspaper that it is not the case that all the nations in Europe hold the same position against Turkey. The official also stated that Turkey has many strong allies throughout Europe. The same official stated that investigations are taking place into Armenian-Turkish relations–and research is being done to counter Armenian allegations of Genocide. He stated that when it comes to Armenian-Turkish relations–we must look more deeply. It is unclear what exactly the official meant by this claim.