Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein has said he expects the coalition and opposition to come together to recognize the Armenian genocide, which he hopes to have the Knesset do officially soon, the reports.

He denied that the Knesset recognition of the Armenian Genocide has anything to do with flexing muscles at Turkey, the perpetrators of the genocide and the main reason the government has not yet recognized it. The move is not coordinated with the government, Edelstein added, citing separation of powers.

“The Armenians are not our greatest friends. They never vote with us in the UN. I don’t expect anything in return; this is not a political decision,” he explained.