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the Armenian Genocide almost unanimously. Panorama.am spoke to Deputy Dean of Faculty of Oriental Studies of Yerevan State University, expert on Turkey, Ruben Melkonyan about the significance and motives of the Bundestag decision and its possible political consequences.

panorama.am – Will you comment on the Bundestag decision?
Melkonyan – I think this issue should be considered rather on the plane of cold political calculations then romantic-sentimental. Indeed, the adoption of the resolution is a positive and exciting move. In this respect, the international political responses following the adoption of the resolution are most significant. Turkey’s aggressive behaviour, which once again showed that they are far from international standards, was also noteworthy. Yet if we view this issue in the context of cold political calculations, it is clear that it must first be considered within the framework of Germany’s policy. Despite the strong Turkish presence and the 4 million community, Germany had to implement restrictive measures against Ankara’s growing ambitions and aggression.  One of these restrictive measures was raising the Armenian Genocide issue. On the other hand, at this point this move should be viewed in the context of refugee crisis in Germany and throughout Europe and other important issues on the political agenda. It should be noted that Germany has joined the countries mentioning the Armenian Genocide in the context of their political interests. This in turn shows that the Armenian Genocide has become a subject of international political trade. I’ve never come across such developments for example concerning the Holocaust, even though it’s an undeniable and proven crime, which has been compromised accordingly. However, there was no mention about any compromise in the adopted resolution. In this respect, I think we should avoid undue excitement and view this issue in the context of a big international game, where we have our interests that is, the Armenian Genocide being recognized in more countries which in turn will contribute to worldwide recognition.

panorama.am – In the adopted resolution, Germany not only recognized the Armenian Genocide, but also admitted the role and complicity of German Empire in the crime. What do you think this fact, particularly using the term ‘Mitschuld’ (complicity) is conditioned by?
Melkonyan – Indeed it is very important, and I think that it couldn’t have been omitted from the resolution, as everyone knows what role Germany had in the Armenian Genocide and what the relationship between German and Ottoman Empires was. On the other hand, I’m sure this had a positive effect on the country’s reputation. Once again, Germany proved it belongs to those countries able to admit, apologize and repent for their crimes. However, I don’t believe this will have any legal consequences.The fact that Germany admits its complicity is a politically, historically and morally significant development. However, I don’t think it implies certain compromise. Yet using the term is one of the most positive and important aspects of the resolution, as one of the most significant countries of the civilized Europe eventually admitted its complicity, which will lead to new developments. If the last year’s mass and the speech of the Pope on April 12 became the beginning of interesting developments, then Germany’s confession can also mark the beginning of a significant process, as there are other countries having their share of complicity in the implementation of the Armenian Genocide

panorama.am – Does it mean such developments should be expected to occur in the ‘domino effect’?
Melkonyan – I don’t think that’s the most appropriate wording. However, it’s indisputable that Germany’s decision can mark the beginning of curious developments and have its effect on further steps of other countries and societies. This is an overall important move for the international community, especially the perception of ordinary citizens. If a democratic country like Germany, a locomotive EU state remaining faithful to the European values recognizes the Genocide, speaks about admitting its responsibility, then this cannot possible have a negative impact on the implementation of the Armenian Cause.

panorama.am – What do you think the actions of the Armenian side should be?
Melkonyan – I think the official responses are consistent with the accepted standards. This concerns both statements by the Armenian President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It should be noted that the recognition of the Armenian Genocide is one of the priorities of our foreign policy. As far as it concerns future plans, we should develop this wave and combine our existing achievements in other European countries to present them on even higher platforms. The positions of France, Germany and the Pope can be viewed as the general opinion of the civilized Europe on the Armenian Genocide.
I think the target for our further steps should be the UK, which is trying to avoid expressing a clear assessment on this matter. We shouldn’t forget that the UK also had its ties with the Ottoman Empire. I think we should show maximum restraint in this matter to avoid the complex of another moral victory.
We should avoid our emotional approaches and firmly stand on the demanding side just like the Jewish nation and Israel do in case of Holocaust.