BY FERAI TINC
HURRIYET- As we watch the celebrations held to mark Europe’s liberation from Nazi occupation, I see that we look at this day as a ‘matter concerning Europe.’ We view these events as if they are a process taking place outside of us. However, even given the fact that we didn’t take part in World War II, the reasons behind the conflict as well as its outcome are also part of our history.
If half of Europe had not remained under Soviet occupation, could Turkey have taken its present place on platforms weighing heavily on Turkey’s integration with Europe? Would the Ankara agreement be signed, which opens the door to Europe, and would Turkey be seen as a partner of the European market?
Even if we didn’t enter World War II, the VE Day to be celebrated with the participation of European leaders as well as those of the United States and Russia is also a part of our history. If we grasp this situation, it would help us understand our real role in all of the discussions throughout the world.
As for Europe, it is going through an interesting period. The discussions which it had left behind in the pages of history are coming to life again. It has been said that condemning the Nazis is not enough to stop genocide. Some say that both genocides in history and genocides still being carried out must be condemned.
Another subject which should be borne in mind is May 8, the date when Nazi Germany surrendered unconditionally, is not a liberation day for all of Europe. This day was a liberation for some countries, but for Germany and Eastern Europe it was the beginning of the Soviet occupation.
This year, under the pressure of Germany and other European Union leaders, the European Union Commission not only celebrated the victory but also said that it was commemorating the innocent victims of past clashes. This process also adds to the pressure on Turkey about the Armenian issue.
Is settling accounts a threat for Europe? No it is not. We should learn Europe’s methods too.