100th anniversary slogan is “We remember and demand.” It is clear that we remember the tragedy of the massacres, but there is uncertainty with regard to the requirements. The President Serzh Sargsyan was given a question during the interview to international Media.
-“What do you expect from Turkey?’
Serzh Sarkisyan replied.
-“The only our desire is that Turkish authorities state that there has been a genocide of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, the planned extermination of thousands of people living in these areas. This is our expectation”.
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Serzh Sargsyan does not mention any requirement.
On this regard “Aravot.am” interviewed the head of the “Against Violation of Law” Larisa Alaverdyan, she said.
– “The official Yerevan may have some reasons to formulate ideas in this way. But our demand is expressed in some levels. At least, there is a Western requirement, there is a requirement that we do not specify: the international community requires the return of the Armenian churches with all its property. That is, our demand is not that there their people leave and Armenians go and inhabit at those lands. But the restoration of the right of descendants is prior. It does not mean that tens of thousands of Armenians will go there. These are just processes in real life. Second, Turkey must not only open the borders, but also provide access to the sea according to the commitment of the international convention. We are not talking about history; we are talking about today’s genocidal hidden or indirect methods. I am sure that it is not a requirement but a condition that will prove Turkey is ready for reconciliation. History proves how Turkey was leading the two-sided action policy. It should be made clear that tens of thousands of people were involved in this collective crime and let them live by getting rid of sins. No one is innocent; recognition of dishonor is not a sin”.
Asked whether the President deceives the international community, because he knows that the recognition will be followed by a clear process, she said.
-“No, he does not cheat. He says the official position of Armenia. We understand that recognition is not only an apology, saying, yes, there was Genocide. Recognition is a legal act which must be followed by certain legal consequences.”
Hripsime JEBEJYAN
