This April 24 ՛had a special international resonance' – Ara Aivazian

This year’s Genocide Remembrance Day had a clear-worded and special international resonance, especially in the light of the 44-day war against Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian said today, praising the international community’s solidarity with the Armenian people.

At a news conference held jointly with the Lithuanian top diplomat, he also extended his gratitude to the world countries which sent high-ranking delegations to Armenia for attending the commemoration events despite the coronavirus-linked tight restrictions.

Aivazian also highly praised the messages voiced by different international partners.

Commenting on the outcomes and consequences of the United States’ move to acknowledge the big tragedy, the minister noted that the recognition and the condemnation of the Armenian Genocide is important “not only in terms of reinstating historical justice but also for ensuring the Armenian people’s physical security”.

“I totally share the idea expressed in [US President Joe] Biden’s message that the international community must take active steps to prevent the repetition of similar crimes in the future. Armenia is a champion in the efforts towards pushing ahead with the agenda of preventing and condemning genocidal acts.  Biden’s message is a big legacy in that respect,” he added.

Addressing the Turkish president’s statement expressing his country’s willingness to establish relations with Armenia “based on the principle of good neighbourhood, and mutual respect,” Aivazian stated: “We are familiar with the Turkish president’s look-alike, and the willingness voiced there. But we attach importance to not only words but also deeds, on which we have clearly expressed our position. There were such messages also in the past; there was even a signed bilateral document that had no positive continuation. I want to reaffirm once again that deeds rather than words matter to us,” he added.

Asked whether Armenia has blocked Azerbaijan’s participation in the EAEU Intergovernmental Council’s April 29-30 session, Aivazian said there isn’t any unanimous position on the issue. “There isn’t any consensus over inviting Azerbaijan in any status,” he noted.

As for the steps being taken today towards the preservation of the Armenian monuments currently under Azerbaijani control (given, in particular, that Azerbaijan concentrated heavy artillery in the yard of Vankasar, a 7th century Armenian church in the Aghdam district, and initiated development activities in the Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, the iconic religious monument of Shushi which also passed under Azerbaijani control), Aivazian agreed that the issue remains a pressing concern. “The issue is under our permanent spotlight, and our international partners have strictly condemned any attempt to destroy our cultural heritage and change their identity. This issue has entered into the peace process agenda  - as can be seen from the provisions of the December 3 and April 13 statements adopted by the [OSCE Minsk Group] co-chairing countries,” he explained.

Aivazian said they are closely collaborating with international organizations, stressing the importance of awareness-raising events. He added that the Foreign Ministry has opened the exhibition “Artsakh: An Endangered Heritage” to bring international attention to the issue.