American historian of Armenian descent, professor at Californian University Richard Hovhannisian has told journalists that Obama's annual statement on the Armenian Genocide is going to be very much different from the previous ones.
According to the professor, Obama has been using the term "Mets Yeghern" instead of "genocide" for many years. "The problem is that the American society does not perceive "Mets Yeghern" as a grave crime, but as a horrible tragedy. The Armenian side is to make every effort to make the American society realize the gravity of the issue", he said. The expert believes that Obama will take it upon himself and utter the word "genocide" despite the pressure State Department and Pentagon put.
The professor has said he takes a dim view of future candidates for presidency who say they will recognize the Armenian Genocide if elected. "Obama has promised the same, the Armenian community constantly reminds him about that. Still there has been no result yet", he said.
To note, the four-volume-work "Republic of Armenia" by Richard Hovhannisian was presented on April 21. The professor spent 25 years working on the books.