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“We have quite serious results. Suffice it to say that important events took place in 2014-2015. The number of countries recognizing the Armenian Genocide increased from 15 to 24,” Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Shavarsh Kocharyan told reporters today before the expert forum ‘I Remember and Demand’ summarizing the results of commemorative events on the Armenian Genocide Centennial.
Besides, the number of countries that criminalize the denial of the Armenian Genocide has reached four compared to two counties earlier, the deputy FM said.

He stressed the importance of reactions of various international organizations and the resolutions passed. S. Kocharyan pointed out the resolution adopted by the European Parliament on April 15 in connection with the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The resolution not only condemns the Armenian Genocide – as was the case in the 1987 resolution, but also calls on Turkey to face its history, recognize the Armenian Genocide and pave the way for a genuine reconciliation between the Armenian and Turkish people.
Shavarsh Kocharyan also recalled that UN General Assembly adopted on September 9 of this year an Armenia-initiated resolution establishing 9 December as the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.

The recognition by Armenia of the Greek and Assyrian Genocides in the Ottoman Empire is also a crucial step as the world today pays great attention to the prevention of such crimes, th deputy minister added.

“Wide sections are keenly aware today that failure to recognize genocides committed in the past create a fertile ground for new genocides,” he said.

Speaking about future plans, Shavarsh Kocharyan said: “Work will continue in all the directions I mentioned. In the recent period a new level of consolidation was achieved thanks to serious cooperation of intra-Armenian and Diaspora organizations, which will allow us to continue with renewed energy the activities stemming from our state’s interests”.