Efforts by the international community to recognize, condemn and prevent genocides are irreversible, Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian stated at the annual press conference on the activities of the country’s foreign ministry during 2016.
“All the initiatives, resolutions that Armenia brought forward in the UN Human Rights Council were adopted unanimously. All the states are represented there – each with unique approach, since the matter deals with not only the Armenian Genocide but the crime in general. That appeared to be a complex process and we will continue out steps in that direction,” Nalbandian stated.
Asked what possible implications the latest decision of the French Constitutional Council about the decriminalization of genocide denial may have for the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Nalbandian said: “It remains important that all political forces of France are united in recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide. France was the country that legally recognized it.”
Asked how Armenia may benefit from hosting the Francophonie Summit in 2018, the minister said: “For sure, that is an important decision and a unique opportunity for Armenia to serve an international platform for a dialogue, especially with countries where Armenia is not diplomatically represented. It is also important for Armenia to present its position and approaches on number of regional and international issues,” the minister said, adding the summit is the most prestigious and the largest to be held since the country’s independence that will bring together number of presidents and prime ministers.
The Foreign Minister attached importance to the proper organization of the event reminding of Armenia’s President’s instruction to set up a commission that will coordinate the preparation works for the summit with involvement of ministries and relevant state agencies.