The Fact of the Genocide Cannot Be a Subject of Discussion

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan recently met with members of the Armenian community in Switzerland on the sidelines of the Davos Economic Forum. During this meeting, in response to a question about the Armenian Genocide, the Prime Minister stated: “We must also return to the history of the Armenian Genocide; we must understand what happened, why it happened, how we perceived it, through whom we perceived it, why there was no agenda for the Armenian Genocide in 1939, and how it appeared in 1950. Should we understand this or not?”

These remarks, regardless of any attempts to interpret them, remain ambiguous and give the impression that the Prime Minister doubts or questions the fact of the Genocide.

Armenian and foreign historians have already addressed these questions through extensive research and countless volumes of scholarly work. The international press of the era, as well as diplomatic cables and documents, provide clear answers. Above all, the most undeniable proof comes from the Armenians who were displaced and formed the diaspora.

Recently, Prime Minister Pashinyan has engaged in philosophical discussions, differentiating between the real and historical Armenia, Aragats and Ararat, the Yegern and genocide, among other topics. At a time when Armenians face existential threats both in Armenia and the diaspora, such abstract discussions should be set aside to focus on urgent national issues. Every thoughtless and unpopular statement risks overshadowing the achievements since the Velvet Revolution. As a leader preparing for upcoming elections, Pashinyan should concentrate on his administration’s accomplishments and future plans in economic development, political freedoms, clean governance, military strengthening, and other critical areas.

By introducing controversial ideas and using ineffective phrasing, Pashinyan provides his opponents with the opportunity to accuse him of denying the Genocide and forsaking national values. These remarks also provoke strong reactions in the diaspora, where national identity remains the cornerstone of Armenian preservation.

As the official newspaper of a party supporting the current Armenian government’s policies, we find it painful that Prime Minister Pashinyan’s statements leave room for unfounded accusations that misrepresent his true stance.

In his previous April 24 speech, he unequivocally stated: “Who were the perpetrators of those terrible crimes? Who was responsible? The answer is clear: the Young Turk government of the Ottoman Empire, driven by the ideology of Turkism and Pan-Turkism, which sought to create a mono-ethnic and expansionist Turkey, giving rise to Armenophobia and the idea of eliminating national and religious minorities.”

We strongly urge the Prime Minister to reaffirm these words, leaving no room for doubt or misinterpretation. He must refocus on the crucial task of strengthening Armenia’s independence and statehood, ensuring that our national interests remain at the forefront of his agenda.

MASSIS