Turks must end ostrich diplomacy: Mark Geragos

Turkish people should realize that history is moving forward and they should be trying to make restitution instead of putting their heads in the sand, Mark Geragos, a Los Angeles-based Lawyer, said in an interview with Los Angeles Times, asked what his hopes were for the recent lawsuit the Armenian-Americans filed against the Turkish government and two banks.

"One would hope that this could serve as a flashpoint for the Turkish people themselves to realize that history is moving forward and they should be trying to make restitution instead of putting their heads in the sand. They should embrace it and move past it instead of spending money on lobbying to deny a historical fact…. We have yet to see any major reactions to the filing of the suit in Turkey; however there has been tremendous support from the international community," said Geragos.

On July 29 four Armenian-American lawyers, among them also Mark Geragos, filed a federal lawsuit against the Turkish government and two banks seeking compensation for the heirs of Armenians whose property was seized during the Armenian Genocide.

"We have all had serious cases, but all of us had relatives that were victims… it's extremely moving and infuses great passion in your work. It's one of those where you find out what it really means to be a lawyer.

"What I can tell you is that the emergence of certain documents and facts are behind the filing of this lawsuit. Unfortunately, for strategic reasons I can't tell you much more…. You should see some development in 180 days.

"We haven't even begun to fathom the amount to be compensated but the amount paid to the plaintiffs and those with deeds will clearly be in the billions."

Asked what the significance a case like that could bring in terms of gaining more international recognition for crimes that were committed against Armenians Geragos said: "Really we are beyond recognition. Reagan called it "Genocide"...The "R" word is really restitution, not recognition. Restitution is now considered a right when you are a victim of a crime and this is really where we need to fight it. Restitution for Armenians is also an integral part of rebuilding now that Armenia has its independence."