Yerevan will continue to seek international recognition of Armenian genocide

YEREVAN, April 17. / ARKA /. Yerevan will continue to seek the international recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire, because it is a national security question, Armenian ambassador to Russia Oleg Yesayan said today.

The European Parliament on April 15 overwhelmingly passed a resolution that uses the word "genocide" to describe the 1915 mass killing of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, triggering angry reactions in Turkey. The resolution, supported by all main political groups, says the European Parliament "joins the commemoration of the centenary of the Armenian Genocide in a spirit of European solidarity and justice." 

It also says Ankara should open its archives and "come to terms with its past, to recognize the Armenian Genocide," and pave the way for a genuine reconciliation between Turkish and Armenian peoples.

According to the ambassador, modern Turkey is the successor to the Ottoman Empire and therefore is responsible for the killing of 1.5 million Armenians. 

‘We will continue to seek international recognition of the Armenian genocide, because it is the question of our national security. Ultimately, as the victims of the genocide, Armenians have assumed an obligation to the next generations not only of our own people. We must be in the forefront of the fight against crimes against humanity, «he said when speaking at a conference dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire, RIA Novosti reported.

Asked why only less that two dozens nations recognized the Armenian Genocide, the diplomat said the reasons are political indifference and political expediency.

"Condemnation is necessary for all, not just for Armenian, but for the Turkish people too. Sooner or later we will normalize our relations, but it needs some concrete steps, «said the ambassador.

The diplomat stressed that the commemorative events being held in Russia and other countries are  not directed against Turkey or the Turkish people.

"Moreover, we are glad that sensible words are pronounced on the other side as well.  We are confident that the universal recognition and condemnation of the Armenian genocide is inevitable." Yesayan said.-0-