At today's session of the Armenian Parliament, MP and ex-Prime Minister of Armenia Hrant Bagratyan said that Yerevan should recognize and condemn the genocides in Rwanda, Cambodia, and Darfur. To note, the session discussed the draft statement on condemnation of the genocides against Pontic Greeks and Assyrians in the Ottoman Empire. The draft statement was presented by Vice Speaker of Armenian Parliament Eduard Sharmazanov.
There are absolute humanitarians values, so it is necessary to recognize and condemn these crimes against humanity, he said. "Certainly, the document is directed against the Ottoman Empire and it is normal. But in the long run, we will have to normalize relations with Turkey. We are neighbors, like it or not. I think the draft statement is unilateral. It should include a provision condemning the crimes against humanity in the 20th century", said Bagratyan.
Sharmazanov, in turn, stressed, "This statement is directed against no one. We are adopting this document for the sake of historical justice, for the sake of international recognizition and condemnation of the genocides. I am rejecting your proposal because the Government has already come out with an initiative to declare December 9 as the Genocide Prevention Day and your proposals will be reflected in the Government's document", he said.