TURKEY, US, GREAT BRITAIN SHOULD FEEL ASHAMED OF THEIR APPROACH TO ARMENIAN GENOCIDE – RICHARD GIRAGOSIAN

15:23 * 21.04.15

In an interview with Tert.am, Richard Giragosian, Founding Director
of the Regional Studies Center (RSC), commented on the international
response to the Armenian Genocide centennial.

It is clear official Ankara, Washington and London prefer not using
the word “genocide”. Shame on them, Mr Giragosian said.

As to hopes that US President Barack Obama will use the term
“genocide”, he said that the US leader must feel ashamed.

Asked about any preconditions for Turkey’s concessions, Mr Giragosian
said that it is not an “if” question, but a “when” question – when
Turkey will recognize the Armenian Genocide.

He believes that the international community will increase its pressure
on Ankara due to commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.

Commenting on the events to mark the Battle of Gallipoli, Mr Giragosian
said that they attracted greater attention to the Armenian Genocide
centennial and deflected attraction from the events marking the Battle
of Gallipoli.

World leaders preferred coming to Armenia than going to Turkey.

As to whether the international community can perceive any problems
in Armenia-Turkey reconciliation on Turkey’s part, Mr Giragosian said
it is clear.

Asked about possible developments in Armenian-Turkish relations he
said that it is Turkey that is responsible, not Armenia.

In any case, it is only on June 7, after Turkey elections, that
anything can be expected.