Interview with the member of the Central Executive Committee of the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party (SDHP) Sedrak Achemyan
– Mr. Achemyan, how would you estimate the events dedicated to the centenary of the Genocide politically? What did they give to Armenia?
– First, as far as I am aware, the events in connection with the centenary have not yet been completed. As for the events that took place prior to this, then, let’s be sincere, they were very well-organized and contained clear political messages. Firstly, the Declaration adopted by the Centennial Commission contained clearly positive and demanding elements in it. The Treaty of Sevres was mentioned here, which in the history of independence of Armenia, perhaps, was made for the first time. Then, the composition of the Commission was quite representative and included Armenian people’s interests-presenting spiritual and political persons, as well as churches and unions, political parties and organizations. As for the basic events of April 24, it politically overshadowed the Gallipoli event organized by Erdoğan. Putin’s and Hollande’s visit to Armenia was very positive and full of positive results in the political sense. That day, the Armenian people were united and demanding. I think that the government authorities and particularly President Serzh Sargsyan, that day, earn praises.
– It turns out that if desired, the all-national solidarity is possible, at least on one issue.
– The happening is the vivid proves of it. Today, there is also a need for the Armenian nation to unite to resolve already domestic affairs. It is not the only external danger that threatens us. Emigration, unemployment, monopoly – these are also the greatest threats. I greatly hope that President Sargsyan will unite our people also for the solution of these matters. These are no less critical challenges. I repeatedly on various occasions had the chance to say and I do repeat now that we need systemic change a day before. Continuing in this way is fraught with dangerous consequences.
– It seems everything is definite with regard to core events on the centenary of the genocide. What should come next?
– The issue of Genocide recognition internationally obtains a new quality phase today. If, in the past, we were working for the superpowers to recognize the crime, today, the issue is transferred to the new domain, i.e. demanding. The issue needs to be approached not emotionally, but professionally. We need worldwide renowned lawyers to begin legal proceedings in various instances. It is necessary to have a work division and coordination between the state of Armenia and the Diaspora, but all of this should be clearly agreed with and memorized. It is highly important for us to have common views on national matters. SO far, no one raises the issue that if tomorrow Ankara recognizes the Armenian Genocide and apologizes, what will be our next step. What will we demand from Turkey: land, blood reparation? Now, the Patriarch of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I filed a lawsuit against Turkey, demanding the churches and the estate. This certainly is a step forward, but whether it is one part of the overall strategy or a sectoral move. These are questions that need to be answered. I clearly understand that the state of Armenia currently cannot present a demand for land, otherwise it is fraught of war consequences. But the Diaspora, as a consequence of the genocide, and particularly, the Armenian traditional political parties should display and elaborate a common approach. This, unfortunately, is still missing.
Interviewed by Nelly GRIGORYAN
