ANKARA, OCTOBER 6. ARMINFO. The “History for Peace” group formed in Turkey is trying to oppose the initiative of the Turkish Ministry of Education to include more information on the “groundlessness of the ideas advanced by Armenians, Greeks of Pontus and Syrians.”
The “Haytert” electronic newspaper reports that during their recent conference the group members stated that their goal is holding actions aimed to “eliminate animosity and discrimination in the process of teaching history.” During the meeting the group members pointed out the decisions made by the Turkish Ministry of National Education in August 2002 and in April 2003, according which new text-books were be written which would include the topic “Groundlessness of the ideas advanced by Armenians, Greeks of Pontus and Syrians”, and seminars and forums on this subject held. The group members expressed their conviction that the UN requirements should be considered, specifically the respect for national minorities, mutual understanding and confidence between peoples, when such controversial issues are raised. However, the Turkish Ministry of National Security is displaying an opposite approach. As an example they pointed out the paragraphs one of which tells “about mass murders committed by Armenians” and claims that “today, to translate their claims to Turkey into reality, Armenians, from time to time, advance ideas that are far from reality, continue their hostile actions against Turkey.” The group members expressed confidence that such statements are harmful to school-children and may sow enmity among them.
The group members issued a statement demanding that the execution of the decisions of the Turkish Ministry of National Education be immediately stopped and the aforementioned paragraphs removed from text-books. The “Haytert” newspaper reports that the group, which is composed of teachers, historians, lawyers and human rights campaigners, has been supported by the Turkish Historical Fund, Helsinki Civil Association, Trade Union Workers of Education and Science and the Istanbul branch of the Association for Human Rights Protection. –
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