Resolution on recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide being prepared in the parliament of Sweden

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 30, ARMENPRESS: Director of the Institute of Eastern Sciences of the Armenian National Academy of Sciences Ruben Safrastyan with the request of Armenpress assessed the process of international recognition and condemnation of Armenian Genocide.

- Mr. Safrastyan, how do you assess the passing year from the viewpoint of international recognition of the Armenian genocide?

- The process of recognition of the Armenian Genocide this year not only continued but a lot of new developments took place. First, I mean the new resolution prepared in the US Senate about the recognition of the Armenian genocide. It is a quite important document as it shows the process of recognition of the Armenian genocide, as I have always pointed out, the process does not stop, is has not slowed down connected with the signing of the Armenian-Turkish protocols. The resolution has been prepared after signing of the protocols. There was also information that relevant resolutions are also being prepared in the parliament of Sweden, interesting developments took place in England when after certain publications it became clear that the government of England during the years impeded the recognition of the Armenian genocide by that country. I think that the year was notable for us in respect of the Genocide, as a preparatory year. The circumstance that US President Barack Obama for the first time used “Meds Yeghern” definition means that the United States in the near future will recognize the Genocide.

- Do you agree with the viewpoint that the steps directed toward normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations suspended the process of recognition of the Armenian Genocide?

- I do not agree with that viewpoint and the resolution of the US Senate proves that it is not so.

- What may be expected in the coming year in the process of recognition of the Armenian Genocide?

- The painful reality is that countries recognize the Genocide not stemming from historic justice and moral principles but from the interests of certain conjuncture. In that respect politics predominates on the process of recognition. Of course, we must take into consideration the strength of the Armenian community and organizations functioning in those countries. I do not think that the process of recognition of the Genocide will stop or weaken by the signing of the Armenian-Turkish protocols. We must take into consideration that the Armenian Genocide has been recognized and condemned by about 20 states and many international organizations.