Recognition of the Armenian Genocide is of importance for Javakhk Armenians, Samvel Petrosyan, a Georgian MP of Armenian descent, told Tert.am as he spoke of parliamentary elections in Georgia scheduled for October 8.
“Armenians constitute 70% of the local population and have been living here since 1915. An MP who would be able to raise the issue at Georgia’s Parliament and have it definitively settled, will enjoy great popularity. Historical injustice must be remedied. By the way, almost all the Georgian MPs share my opinion and behind-the-scenes they say they are well aware of the fact of the Armenian Genocide. However, state interests keep Georgia, as a strategic partner of Azerbaijan and Turkey, from officially recognizing the Armenian Genocide,” Mr Petrosyan said.
A candidate of Armenian descent that will get into Parliament must defend Armenians’ rights and raise the issues arousing Armenians’ concern.
Javakhk Armenians are concerned over a settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
“Javakhk Armenians are for a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,” Mr Petrosyan said.
As to whether Georgia will ever recognize Nagorno-Karabakh’s president, Mr Petrosyan said:
“I think Karabakh residents’ nature speaks for itself. It is an independent state and Georgia recognizing it does not matter.”