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Armenian Center for National and International Studies
75 Yerznkian Street
Yerevan 0033, Armenia
Tel: (+374 – 10) 52.87.80 or 27.48.18
Fax: (+374 – 10) 52.48.46
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
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29 April, 2014
ACNIS Discussed the Armenian Genocide from the Perspective of
International Politics
Yerevan–Today on the foot of the Commemoration of the 100th
anniversary of the Great Genocide, the Armenian Center for National
and International Studies (ACNIS) convened a discussion on the 1915
Armenian Genocide from the Perspective of International Politics.
Analysts on Turkish issues, politicians, public activists and media
representatives were among the invited guests.
The seminar began with the opening remarks of ACNIS founder Raffi K.
Hovannisian who had just returned from his 6 day trip to Turkey. `It
is interesting that this year the commemoration of the victims of the
Genocide notably expanded its geography to include Istanbul and other
cities in Turkey. At the same time, the idea that what happened 99
years ago in Western Armenia was not just a massacre of a race, but a
disposition of a people which deserves to be included in the legal
agenda is taking root’ remarked Mr. Hovannisian.
Subsequently, an interesting lecture entitled `The Question of
Genocide in Regulating the Armenian Turkish Relations’ was presented
by Dr. Ashot Melkonyan, director of the Armenian National Academy of
Sciences Institute of History, who argued that in his opinion since
1965 the focus of the struggle to seek recognition of the Genocide is
wrong. He stated `Instead of directing all of our resources for
demanding retribution, we have focused our efforts in a fruitless
pursuit to counter Turkish denial.’ Dr. Melkonyan proved his point by
taking the audience on a brief historical tour. To discuss the
Genocide is a mistake which the Turkish government is always trying to
distract us with contended the speaker. `Recognition without
retribution is worthless. We will free ourselves of the complex of
being Genocide and Dispossessed victims only when our Homeland is
returned to us, which in my strong opinion is very possible’ assured
the scientist.
The recognition of the Genocide in international politics and the
security of the Armenian people and the Republic of Armenia were
discussed by ACNIS director, political scientist Manvel Sargisyan who
argued that for a long time the question of the Armenian Genocide has
been used as a tool by the international community in developing
relations with Turkey. Mr. Sargisyan asked `Is this conducive for the
interest of the Diaspora and Armenia’s Armenians, to what extent is
Armenia a demander, which is its right, have we accepted the fact that
others should control our rights for their own interest, hence, how to
take the question of the genocide out of world politics and which is
our alternative position.’ According to the speaker these were the
questions to ponder and these were the questions that posed a threat.
The discussion participants included former member of National
Assembly and political scientist, Stepan Safaryan, experts Sousanna
Barkhudaryan, Seda Meliqyan, and analyst Saro Saroyan and others.
The dominating opinion was that there needs to be elasticity and
dynamism in the foreign politics of Armenia, as wells as in the
workings of State Commission on Coordination of the Events for the
Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide so
that the tragedy that took place in the beginning of the last century
does not become a game for the Super powers.
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The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) is
a leading independent strategic research center located in Yerevan,
Armenia. As an independent, objective institution committed to
conducting professional policy research and analysis, ACNIS strives to
raise the level of public debate and seeks to broaden public
engagement in the public policy process, as well as fostering greater
and more inclusive public knowledge. Founded in 1994, ACNIS is the
institutional initiative of Raffi K. Hovannisian, Armenia’s first
Minister of Foreign Affairs. Over the past 20 years, ACNIS has
acquired a prominent reputation as a primary source of professional
independent research and analysis covering a wide range of national
and international policy issues.
For further information on the Center call (37410) 52-87-80 or
27-48-18; fax (37410) 52-48-46; email [email protected] or [email protected];
or visit
From: A. Papazian