In an interview with Tert.am, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Parliament of Armenia, Artak Zakaryan particularly spoke of last week’s events involving the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

The House of Representatives of Georgia, USA, declared April 24 Remembrance Day for Armenian Genocide victims. Moreover, Hawaii’s State Senate last week unanimously passed a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide and declaring April 24 as a day of remembrance and commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. Does it mean that the USA may officially recognize the Armenian Genocide?

“We appreciate the attitude each US state showed to the Armenian Genocide. All of them have made essential contribution to the struggle against crimes against humanity. We continue expecting the US federal authorities’ official position on the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide. It would be the American people’s unanimous say for panhuman values and restoration of justice. It would be great moral support to the Armenian people, as well as a solid legal basis for struggling against denial of genocides to prevent further genocides.

“We expect the United States to recognize the fact of the Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey in 1915-1923, in the foreseeable future – just as more than twenty states have done. Fifteen US Senators, both Republicans and Democrats, addressed a letter to US President Barack Obama, calling on him to recognize the Armenian Genocide and pay respects to victims.

“We are well aware of the role of US-Turkey relations, just as many states consider their relations with Turkey important. However, there are values that must not be in conflict with interests. Otherwise, new Talaats, Kemals, Hitlers will be born and the human history will once again feel the shame of genocide.”