Turkey's PM Erdogan Offers Condolences To Armenians

Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan addresses members of parliament from his ruling AK Party (AKP) during a meeting at the Turkish parliament in Ankara April 22, 2014. Credit: Reuters/Umit Bektas

Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan Offers Condolences To Armenians -- Deutsche Welle

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has offered condolences to the grandchildren of Armenians killed during World War I. The unexpected statement was the first of its kind made by a Turkish leader.

Prime Minister Erdogan's conciliatory message was issued on the eve of the 99th anniversary of the deeply contested deaths.

Describing the events of 1915 as "inhumane" and as "our shared pain," Erdogan used more conciliatory language than has often been the case for Turkish leaders.

Turkish media described the statement, which was translated into several languages including Armenian, as unexpected.

The killings are considered by many as the first genocide of the 20th century and, after almost a century, the events still fuel bitter controversy.

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Turkey's Erdogan says WWI massacre of Armenians 'shared pain' -- Global Post/AFP
Turkey's Erdogan Offers Condolences Over WWI Killings Of Armenians -- Radio Free Europe
'Shared pain': Turkish PM Erdogan in historic Armenian statement -- RT

My Comment: This is a small but significant first step.