World-renowned musician and composer Serj Tankian has called on New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters to recognize the Armenian Genocide.

“It's important for people to be aware about the genocide – the first genocide of the 2nd century,” Serj Tankian told Newshub. “The United States just recognised it, most – or a lot of countries – have recognised it, including France, Italy, the European Union, the Vatican, [and] Russia.”

Tankian noted that countries avoid the word genocide because Turkey does not want governments to use this word.

The musician will attend an event in the New Zealand Parliament, to which many parliamentarians and politicians have been invited.

Newshub has been leaked a memo sent to MPs by Peters' office which says: "In deciding whether to take up the invitation, please note the New Zealand Government's position on this sensitive issue, which is to encourage Turkey and Armenia, as the parties directly concerned, to discuss the issue.”

Meanwhile, Tankian views that as a threat to MPs not to attend.

“Even the Republican Party of the United States hasn't gone that far," he says. “That's interesting. I think that's a shame… it's disappointing.”