Genocide recognition vain without reparation – Armenian historian

The recognition of the Armenian Genocide will have no value without condemnation and reparation, an Armenian historian has said, commenting on the issue in the light of the Armenia-Turkey reconcilation.

“Today’s Turkish leadership is all the time making attempts to find a roundabout way to mislead [the public] from the main problem which is the reparation. We need a legal way to pursue all the matters as was the case with the Holocaust,” Ashot Melkonyan told a debate organized at the Armenian Center for National and International Studies.

The historian stressed the importance of drastically changing the Armenian tactics on the issue to focus more attention on condemnation and reparation rather than recognition per se.

As for the Armenia-Turkey protocols, Melkonyan said he has fears that a Turkish decision decision to ratify them one day may cause Armenia to follow suit. Meantime he noted that he has observed positive changes in the Armenian authorities’ attitude towards the issue.

“I am not enthusiastic about the Turkish intellectuals’ idea to recognize the Armenia Genocide. They are encouraging, but there are dangerous moments there,” he said, adding that the Turkish denialism which continues to date is a proof that the country remains the Ottoman Empire’s successor.