Hayk Demoyan: the subject of Genocide is intertwined with memories of nations worldwide

April 21, 2010 - 14:04 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Genocide issue is intertwined with a number of historic events; memories of nations worldwide are linked with the first Genocide of 20th century, according to Armenian Genocide Museum director Hayk Demoyan.

As he stated at Yerevan-Moscow TV space bridge: “Political aspect of Genocide issue is often emphasized. Yet, it must first of all be considered from humanitarian viewpoint. Many countries who extended help to Armenians became eyewitnesses to atrocities committed in Western Armenia.”

“Presenting reality accompanying the historic event to international community should become the main task to future generations.”

As Mr. Demoyan stressed, Genocide recognition issue has become subject to political manipulations. “By forming documents running counter to academic history, Armenia and Russia's common neighbor seeks to create the artificial one. The fact must be given an adequate assessment,” he stated.

Mr. Demoyan emphasized the importance of academic consensus on Genocide issue, noting with regret that some foreign historians still deny the fact of Armenian Genocide.

The Armenian Genocide

The Armenian Genocide (1915-23) was the deliberate and systematic destruction of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire during and just after World War I. It was characterized by massacres and deportations, involving forced marches under conditions designed to lead to the death of the deportees, with the total number of deaths reaching 1.5 million.

The majority of Armenian Diaspora communities were formed by the Genocide survivors.

Present-day Turkey denies the fact of the Armenian Genocide, justifying the atrocities as “deportation to secure Armenians”. Only a few Turkish intellectuals, including Nobel Prize winner Orhan Pamuk and scholar Taner Akcam, speak openly about the necessity to recognize this crime against humanity.

The Armenian Genocide was recognized by Uruguay, Russia, France, Lithuania, Italy, 45 U.S. states, Greece, Cyprus, Lebanon, Argentina, Belgium, Austria, Wales, Switzerland, Canada, Poland, Venezuela, Chile, Bolivia, the Vatican, Luxembourg, Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands, Paraguay, Sweden, Venezuela, Slovakia, Syria, Vatican, as well as the European Parliament and the World Council of Churches.