On June 16 the UK House of Lords held a debate on the Armenian Genocide, Armenpress reports, citing the official website of the British Parliament. “Her Majesty’s Government recognizes the terrible suffering inflicted on the Armenian people and other groups living in the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century,” James Stopford, the Earl of Courtown, said in response to a question by Baroness Caroline Cox on the Government plans to recognize the killings of Armenians, Greeks and Assyrians in 1915 as genocide.-
“While remembering and honoring the victims of the past, we believe that the UK’s priority should be to help the peoples and Governments of Turkey and Armenia to face their joint history together,” James Stopford added.
Baroness Cox reminded that over 20 states have recognized the Genocide, including France, Canada, Poland, Chile and Austria, as well as the European Parliament and the Welsh Assembly, on the basis of irrefutable evidence of the systematic slaughter of 1.5 million Armenians, Greeks and Assyrians. Cox noted that His Holiness Pope Francis has emphasized the necessity of genocide recognition for healing, reconciliation and moving forward.
“Her Majesty’s Government is aware of His Holiness the Pope’s comments during the papal mass to commemorate the victims of 1915, which was held in Rome. We respect his view and agree that it is important to face the lessons of history with courage and do all we can to prevent such atrocities”, the Earl of Courtown said.
