"Hay Dat": Pashinyan`s participation in Genocide denial and  historical revisionism is dangerous to an almost criminal degree

ArmInfo. Engaging in Genocide denial and historical revisionism is dangerous to an almost criminal  degree, as stated by the Central Office of the "Hay Dat" Bureau of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Dashnaktsutyun (ARFregarding the statements of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at a  meeting with representatives of the Armenian community in Switzerland, where he called to reconsider 1915 events. 

"Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan must realize that the  resolution of the conflict cannot be achieved through concessions. On  the contrary, it is possible only if Turkey assumes responsibility  for the historical truth," the ARF stated in this regard. As the  Central Office of the Hay Dat Bureau recalled, Pashinyan, in  particular, questioned the official narrative of the reasons given to  the perpetration of the Genocide  against the peaceful Armenian  population, claiming more work needs to be done to undstand "why" and  "how" these events occurred. "It is noteworthy that Pashinyan also  questioned the "appearance" of  Armenian Genocide recognition  advocacy in our communities stating: "How is it that in 1939 there  was no agenda for the Armenian Genocide, and how is it that in 1950  it appeared?" the Prime Minister's questions were recalled in the  statement.

The statement clarified that such comments directly align with the  genocide denial narratives promoted by the by the Turkish government  and misinformation campaigns that are actively levied against  recognition efforts in various countries.  "While the Prime Minister  hides behind the pretext of simply seeking more information, the mere  questioning conceals a deeper layer of twisting reality and continued  attempts of "concessions" for, Turkey.  It is incredibly  disrespectful towards the 1.5 million Armenian victims of the  Genocide to have their victimhood and martyrdom questioned.  It is  further infuriating to hundred-year efforts of the Armenian people,  to historians and academics, including Turkish ones, who have  dedicated significant efforts towards the  recognition of the  historical truth and the seeking of justice and compensation," the  statement said.

It further clarified that the term "genocide" did not exist in 1939,  as it was only introduced by  Polish- Jewish lawyer Raphael Lemkin in  1944. The Dashnaktsakans recalled that Lemkin further pushed for an  international sensibilization of the topic, with many academics,  including Armenians pushing the issue of the Genocide of the Armenia  on the agenda as well. These efforts were taking place after World  War II, when the international diplomatic and geopolitical situation  was evolving exceptionally, with the establishment of the United  Nations and its charter and the establishment of international  judicial institutions that prioritized and focused their mission on  the prevention of genocides and promotion of international norms.  According to them, it was then that the Armenian Diaspora seized the  opportunity to increase its campaigning efforts on the recognition of  the Armenian Genocide and the establishment of the official  historical narrative.

"These efforts reached their climax after the Armenian Genocide was  recognized by hundreds of international organizations, a number of  countries, the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the UN.  Its historical truth cannot be denied or questioned, nor can the  enormous efforts of the Armenian people aimed at recognizing this  truth," the ARF stated.  The statement also mentioned that the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs also actively worked to recognize the  Armenian Genocide at international venues. The publication on the  official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs includes an  explanation of the reasons for the genocide.  Commenting on the  situation, EAFJD President Kaspar Karampetian expressed his profound  disappointment of the PM's actions, judging the statements to be  "irresponsible", further stating that it is "shameful for the Prime  Minister of the Republic of Armenia"

Karapetyan, in particular, stated: "Engaging in this type of Genocide  denial and historical revisionism is dangerous to an almost criminal  degree. At a period during which our nation recently faced genocidal  ethnic cleansing and is actively seeking the preservation of the  Armenian heritage of Artsakh, promoting any type of genocide denial  is  unacceptable. Armenian Genocide recognition efforts have been the  focal commitment of the Armenian community, a fight that allowed   survivors of the very Genocide to organize and mobilize around their  dignified right for justice. Any denialism needs to be met with a  firm rejection and  an immediate change of servile policy against  those who plot  the extermination of the  Armenian people and of  Armenia."