Minister for EU Affairs Ömer Çelik made statements regarding the agenda

Regarding the motion approved by the Dutch Parliament which recognises the Armenian allegations of “genocide” regarding 1915 events, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator said “We condemn this parliamentary decision; it is null and void for us.” In response to a question on his views on the motion by the Dutch Parliament recognising the 1915 events as “genocide”, Minister Çelik said that this motion would not advance dialogue or solutions regarding the matter. Minister Çelik pointed out that the motion would not provide an opportunity for the normalisation of Turkish-Armenian relations.

Minister Çelik said:

“We would have preferred it if Holland, which obviously had responsibilities regarding the Srebrenica genocide, had demonstrated greater sensitivity regarding this matter. Therefore, the motion is not in any way valid for Türkiye.”

Minister Çelik also said: ”Certainly we note that the Dutch government has sent an information note to the parliament regarding the motion. This is significant. However, in any case we condemn the motion of the Dutch parliament and deem it to be null and void for us.”

In response to a question on whether the Greek Cypriot side would launch an initiative in the EU following tensions regarding the exploration for oil in the Mediterranean, Minister Çelik said:

“We certainly are discussing these matters. It is clear that the Greek Cypriot side is wrong, as is the unilateral stance taken by the EU. The approval of the Greek Cypriot side and the Turkish Cypriot side, which both own the common resource, is necessary for there to be explorations in the Eastern Mediterranean. The EU made a mistake by allowing the Southern Cypriot Greek Administration, which had not resolved its border issues or disputes with Turkish Cypriots, to become an EU member.  As you may well know, the areas that it has declared as its exclusive economic zone are in conflict with Türkiye’s continental