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ACNIS Discussed the Armenian Genocide from the Perspective of Int'l

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  • ACNIS Discussed the Armenian Genocide from the Perspective of Int'l

    PRESS RELEASE
    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]
    Website: www.acnis.am


    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 www.acnis.am

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