Germany’s President Joachim Gauck, and consequently the German federal government, officially recognized, for the first time, the Armenian genocide by the Ottoman Empire, a century ago. He also recognized Berlin’s “part” in this crime.

Gauck used the word “genocide”, which Berlin refused to use in the past, during an address to commemorate the centenary of the slaughter of 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman forces and irregulars in eastern Asia Minor. This is a first time that Germany has used the abovementioned word, even though it has been recognized by about 20 countries, including France and Russia.

The German president also insinuated that Germany may bear some responsibility due to the Central Powers’ stance during WWI.

Recognizing the genocide may cool relations with Turkey.