Dutch Parliament Passes Motion Recognizing Armenian Genocide

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The motion recognizing the events of 1915 as genocide has been approved with the vote held this evening (February 22) in Turkey time at the lower house of the Parliament of the Netherlands, Tweede Kamer.

The motion, which got the support of all the major political parties, was passed with 142 votes against 3 in opposition.

Parliaments of over 20 countries around the world have so far passed motions or resolutions recognizing the 1915 events as "genocide".

The motion urged "that parliament in no uncertain terms speak about the Armenian genocide."

Speaking about the motion, Netherlands FM Sigrid Kaag said the government would continue discussing "the issue of the Armenian genocide" and continue to approach the topic with "utmost caution".

Kaag also stated, "The cabinet will not follow the House in this matter."

Strong Condemnation by Foreign Ministry

The Foreign Ministry responded to the Tweede Kamer's decision, strongly condemning "the recognition of the events of 1915 as genocide". The Ministry's statement also evoked the massacres in Srebrenica, saying:

"The baseless decisions of the House of Representatives of a country who was a bystander to the Srebrenica genocide, an undying pain in the middle of Europe, have no place either in history or in justice.

"Turkey's position on the events of 1915 is based on historical facts and legal norms."

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The Foreign Ministry had also summoned the Chargé d'Affaires of the Netherlands Erik Weststrate in Turkey last week upon news of the impending motion in the Netherlands' media. (PT/PU)