RICHARD HOVANNISIAN HOPES THAT U.S. PRESIDENT WILL KEEP HIS PROMISE

YEREVAN
APRIL 22, 2009
NOYAN TAPAN

No doubt, this year also on the threshold of April 24 strong pressures
will be exerted on U.S. President, including by the U.S. Department of
State and Pentagon, as well as by the Turkish government for him not
to use the word "genocide" in his address to be made on the occasion
of the Armenian Genocide anniversary. Richard Hovannisian, the head
of the Modern Armenian History Chair of University of California,
a professor, an academician of the National Academy of Sciences of
Armenia, stated at the April 22 meeting at the De Facto club. At
the same time he said that there will not be a big tragedy if the
U.S. President does not recognize the Armenian Genocide this year:
the American Armenians as always will continue their struggle and
certainly, will criticize the President for breaking his principles and
promises. In R. Hovannisian’s words, as a result of American Armenians’
consistence "almost all U.S. big cities, states have recognized the
Armenian Genocide."

Touching upon the possibility of establishment of Armenian-Turkish
relations, R. Hovannisian said that personally he does not know
yet whether Armenia has a clearly worked out national program,
including in the issue of making demands in case Turkey recognizes
the Armenian Genocide. In his words, it is unequivocal that opening
of the border and establishment of normal neighborly relations with
all neighbor countries is necessary and it is the position of the
Armenian authorities starting the first President.