MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on a European commemoration of the centenary of the Armenian Genocide

13.4.2015 - (2015/2590(RSP))

to wind up the debate on the statements by the Council and the Commission
pursuant to Rule 123(2) of the Rules of Procedure

Jean-Marie Cavada, Marielle de Sarnez, Juan Carlos Girauta Vidal, Ivan Jakovčić, Javier Nart, Frédérique Ries, Pavel Telička on behalf of the ALDE Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B8-0342/2015

B8‑0342/2015

European Parliament resolution on a European commemoration of the centenary of the Armenian Genocide

(2015/2590(RSP))

The European Parliament,

–       having regard to the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide,

–       having regard to its resolution of 18 June 1987 on a political solution to the Armenian question[1],

–       having regard to its resolution of 2 April 2009 on European conscience and totalitarianism[2],

–       having regard to Rule 123(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.     whereas one of the main motivations for the European unification movement is the will to prevent the recurrence of wars and crimes against humanity in Europe;

B.     whereas the European Parliament recognised in its resolution of 18 June 1987 that the tragic events that took place in 1915-1917 against the Armenians in the territory of the Ottoman Empire represent a genocide as defined in the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide;

C.     whereas the European Parliament stressed in its resolution of 2 April 2009 the importance of keeping the memories of the past alive, since there can be no reconciliation without truth and remembrance;

D.     whereas this genocide had profound long-term effects on refugee populations, especially in the European Union;

E.     whereas the Armenian Genocide assumes even greater significance in the context of the commemorations of the centenary of the First World War;

1.      Joins the commemoration of the centenary of the Armenian Genocide in a spirit of European brotherhood, solidarity and justice;

2.      Invites civil society, elected officials, associations and the media also to join in this commemoration;

3.      Calls on the Commission and the Council to join with Parliament in marking this centenary;

4.      Thanks all those who have contributed to the recognition and memory of the Armenian Genocide in a spirit of openness and solidarity, and invites them to carry on in this direction;

5.      Proposes that a European remembrance day for the Genocide be established, in order to recall again the right of all peoples and all nations throughout the world to peace and dignity;

6.      Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments of the EU Member States, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and the EU Special Representative for Human Rights.

• [1]  OJ C 190, 20.7.1987, p. 119.
• [2]  OJ C 137 E, 27.5.2010, p. 25.