news.am, Armenia
March 26 2010

Israeli parliament to discuss Armenian Genocide in April

16:58 / 03/26/2010Next month the leader of Israeli Meretz faction Haim
Oron intends to retable the discussion of Armenian Genocide resolution
in the Knesset, IzRus reports.

Since 1990s, the recognition of Armenian Genocide is a matter of
heated discussions. According to the source, this year the issue is in
focus of state organizations inside and outside Israel more than ever.
For a number of reasons, the issue is no more considered in the
context of relations between two states or two nations, but obviously
gets geopolitical coloration.

Firstly, the process is affected by increasing Israel-Turkey tension.
Other regional processes, such as Ankara’s shift in foreign policy
line, namely change from close ties with West to convergence with
Muslim world, Armenia-Turkey reconciliation, strengthening of
Armenian-Iranian strategic partnership, as well as intensification of
Azerbaijani-Israeli cooperation play role as well. Washington’s
aspiration to resume Israeli-Palestinian talks by all means urged some
officials to recall `Armenian factor’ in the context of final
determination of Jerusalem final status. The point is Armenian
Apostolic Church fully or partially controls many Christian
sanctuaries in the city (including part of the Church of the Holy
Sepulcher). Besides, Armenian block is located in the heart of Old
City, thus western actors of `negotiation process’ consider that
Jerusalem’s future redivision might to some extent depend on stance of
Armenians, the source reads.

A.G.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress