Turkey Officially Apologizes for 1930s Mass Killing of Kurds

[bemildred]

Source: VOA

Turkey's prime minister has for the first time officially apologized for the mass killing of Kurds in an uprising 80 years ago. The statement is seen by some as groundbreaking and the first step in the country facing up to its difficult past, but others see it as more to do with politics.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed a meeting of supporters holding a copy of an historical paper, which he said documents the killing of nearly 14,000 Kurds in a rebellion in the 1930s. He then went on to do what no previous prime minister has done.

Erdogan said if there is need for an apology on behalf of the state, "I will apologize and I am apologizing."

The killings occurred between 1936 and 1938 in Dersim province. It was renamed Tunceli as part of the suppression of the rebellion, which also saw tens of thousands Kurds forced from their homes.

Read more: http://www.voanews.com/english/news/europe/Turkey-Issues-First-Official-Apology-for-1930s-Mass-Killing-of-Kurds--134404153.html

[ellisonz]

1. Now apologize to the Armenians...

But still, Erdogan is doing good lately.

[Hyper_Eye]

2. My thoughts exactly. n/t

[bemildred]

3. He is in a strong position, that makes it easier.

With a bit of luck, one of these days the Armenians may get an apology too.

Turkey’s President Makes Historic Visit to Armenia: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/07/world/europe/07turkey.html

[BanzaiBonnie]

5. First thing that crossed my mind

They won't even recognize the Aremenian genocide, let alone apologize. Perhaps that day will come.

[no_hypocrisy]

4. + 1,000

It's a start.