Jerusalem Armenian Patriarchate criticizes Genocide vote removal

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem has expressed deep disappointment over the removal from a vote in Israel’s parliament of a proposed resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide, according to a statement by the Patriarchate.

“This development is a cause for concern, as the Aliyev regime appears capable of influencing both the political calculations of Israeli officials and the issues the Knesset is prepared to discuss,” the statement said.

It stressed that it is deeply concerning that Azerbaijan’s regime, which it said was responsible for the forced displacement of more than 120,000 indigenous Christian Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, could delay or determine what may be brought before the Knesset for consideration.

“The Knesset’s legislative agenda and deliberations are matters that should remain under Israel’s sovereign responsibility.

The Armenian Genocide is an immutable historical fact, the truth of which does not depend on political circumstances and remains firmly established through historical documentation. We therefore once again appeal to the State of Israel to formally recognize the Armenian Genocide, thereby joining 32 other countries that have officially recognized the first Genocide of the 20th century. We welcome Israel’s morally justified recognition as another affirmation of historical fact,” the statement said.

The Patriarchate also called on Turkey to recognize the Armenian Genocide and end its denial of historical facts.

Earlier, it was reported that Israel had postponed a vote in the Knesset on a bill recognizing the Armenian Genocide. It was noted that the Israeli government took the step in view of what was described as a diplomatically sensitive moment, as tensions in the region increased following a violation of the ceasefire with Iran.