Spain rejects Armenian allegations

(SABAH)

Lawmakers at the Foreign Affairs Committee of Spain's legislature rejected a proposed resolution describing the events that transpired in 1915 as being an Armenian 'genocide' by an overwhelming 36 to three votes.

A measure to recognize Armenian allegations surrounding the events that transpired in 1915 as 'genocide' was proposed to the Spanish parliament by two deputies from the Basque region's Amaiur commission. The draft proposal, which was voted on by the assembly commission on Wednesday, was rejected by 36 votes against and just three in favor.

The draft resolution was only supported by members from the United Left (IU) and the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), while members from all other parties including the ruling People's Party (PP) and the main opposition Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) voted against. Speaking to the committee, PP spokesman Jose Maria Beneyto stated that the party was opposed to the measure because it was a revision of history and instead they would rather promote the development of Turkish and Armenian ties. Meritxell Batet from the Main opposition PSOE party stated, "Just like the French example, these sorts of decision tend to reflect negatively on Turkish-Armenian relations. The best path is to encourage reconciliation; this is the only way to establish a true solution." Union, Progress and Democracy (UPyD) deputy Irene Lozano stated, "Cry for those that have been killed from terrorist attacks in the Basque regions before you shed crocodile tears for Armenians and talk of heroics."