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French Armenian historian not expecting drastic moves from Turkey before Genocide centenary

French-Armenian historian Raymond Kevorkian says the conference held on Islamized Armenians is a result of Turkey’s positive progress in democracy, but remains pessimistic about the country to take any step towards breaking “dogmas” regarding the 1915 incidents before its 100th anniversary.

“Turkey has been changing for the good and it would be unfair not to see that, this conference is a result of that,” Kevorkian told Hürriyet Daily News on the sidelines of three-day conference regarding Islamized Armenians that started Nov. 2 in Istanbul.

Despite hailing the opening of archives, Kevorkian implied he still does not expect drastic moves from Turkey before the 100th anniversary of the 100th anniversary of the 1915 incidents (the Armenian Genocide), which is anticipated as a breaking point for Armenian Diaspora.  “2015 is an opportunity to break this dogma, but Turkey doesn’t look like it will take a step toward it.”

Speaking about the idea of the establishment of a Historian’s Commission to be consisted of the two countries’ historians, Kevorkian said he is against the formation of a commission under a state’s guidance.

“Historians should be independent; they don’t wait for the state’s approval to start working. Besides, we, Armenian and Turkish historians, are already in cooperation and congregate together in scientific meetings.”

“Moreover, there is no need to discuss the presence of the Armenian genocide as the result is obvious. The Armenian genocide is a reality acknowledged by the international community as well,” he added.

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