Historical decision: Swedish parliament recognizes Assyrian genocide

The Swedish parliament is the first in the world to acknowledge the Turkish genocide on Assyrians. The historical decision was taken after a long debate in the parliament on Thursday. It was an extremely narrow win as 131 parliamentarians voted for and 130 voted against. Hundreds of Assyrians had gathered outside and inside the parliament building in central Stockholm to witness the historical decision.

The Turkish embassador to Sweden was immediately ordered to leave the country and Turkish prime minister Erdogan announced the cancellation of his planned visit to Sweden the coming week.

Swedens pro-Turkish foreign minister, Carl Bildt was very upset by the decision of the parliament and warned it will harm Swedish-Turkish relations and Turkish-Armenian relations as the resolution called for the recognition of not only the Turkish genocide on Assyrians but also the genocides on Armenians and Pontic Greeks.

The Assyrians in Sweden have been lobbying their parliament for many years to recognize Seyfo, as the genocide is called in Assyrian. On Thursday they could finally celebrate their victory.

Seyfo Center