Uttalande
Statsrådsberedningen 15 mars 2010
Fredrik Reinfeldt, Statsminister
Statsminister Fredrik Reinfeldt kommenterar riksdagens beslut rörande 1915 års händelser i det dåvarande Osmanska riket, på engelska
Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt comments on the Riksdag's decision concerning the events in 1915 in the then Ottoman Empire
The motion presented by a number of Members was approved by the Riksdag by a margin of one vote. The decision calls on the Government to recognise the events of 1915 in the then Ottoman Empire as genocide.
"I informed Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdo an on Saturday that I regret the decision of the Riksdag, as it paves the way for a politicisation of historical events. I also expressed my concern that this could be used by forces in Turkey that are trying to put a stop to the process of reconciliation with Armenia and the process of reform in Turkey.
"The process of reform that is now in progress in Turkey is positive for possible future membership of the European Union. It is a process that takes time and must be allowed to do so.
"The people of Sweden have a positive view of Turkey. The many Turks who live and work here have played an important role in the development of our society. I hope that these valuable contacts between people will help us get over what has now happened.
"What is important now is that we are able to prevent any deterioration in the extraordinarily good relations between our countries, by continuing our open and constructive dialogue. The Government will continue to act energetically to advance Turkey's EU process."
