In an interview with Tert.am, Artak Zakaryan, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, Parliament of Armenia, spoke of the events marking the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in Armenia and in the entire world and further activities.
Artak Zakaryan: Armenian people even more confident at international level now
STEPANAKERT, APRIL 27, ARTSAKHPRESS։ According to him, Armenia and the Armenian people will be the focus of international attention throughout this year - and, by means of Armenia, the universal pain and challenges. As regards foreign policy, Armenia should seek further achievements.
Mr Zakaryan, what’s your opinion of the April 24 events in Armenia and throughout the world?
The events marking the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, as well as the preceding events, were mostly intended to indicate four symbols of the Armenian Genocide centenary: remembrance, gratitude, prevention and revival. I think the large-scale events both in Armenia and in the Armenian Diaspora, as well as in different parts of the world, attracted numerous people and international attention. And genocide prevention was highlighted once more in all the areas of international relations, official recognition and condemnation being the shortest and impartial ways to it.
The Armenian people has once again expressed their gratitude to all those who have over the years been supportive of the Armenians and their just demands. I think this is one more opportunity for Armenian identity’s revival and for us to introduce ourselves to the world as an independent state rather than a people scattered throughout the world. By means of all the state and public mechanisms the Armenian people will continue struggling to prevent and condemn all the types of genocide.
Have you followed the events marking the Gallipoli [centennial]?
I have followed the international press online, and I should to note that it was in essence an event of no interest to anyone. The progressive civilized humanity very well distinguishes one from the other: the Gallipoli veil, artificial celebrations and the humanity’s pain. As for the remaining show which Turkey organized, it was I think what Erdogan called gathering together with one another to celebrate a festivity.
Can we say Armenia and the Armenian Cause are under an international spotlight?
The world spotlight will be on Armenia and the Armenian people throughout the year, and address also universal pain and threats through Armenia. A right combination of politics, morality and international law will be only to humanity’s advantage. I am happy that Germany is able to find enough strength to for the second time to address humanity’s evil (because it had once found the strength to address the Holocaust). It is Germany’s example that should bring humanity to peace and peaceful co-existence.
What has changed since April 25? What should our attention and effort be more targeted at?
We must, first of all, concentrate all our attention on the Republic of Armenia and our state institutions, our people and the solution of our domestic problems. As regards foreign policy, we must develop all the achievements and have a consistent attitude to all our agenda issues. And we have the necessary grounds and a big potential to achieve that, and that’s also due to the right and target-oriented policies pursued by the country’s president.
