Yerevan's best efforts to politicize so-called "genocide" claims

/By AzerNews/

By Mushvig Mehdiyev

This week is extremely important for Armenia as it will celebrate the centennial of its so-called "Armenian genocide". The events that took place in 1915 have been used as a catalyst by the Armenian authorities to sale the world its delusions of victimhood and history of "genocide."

Now, Yerevan is trying to achieve more success by pushing its political agenda via its claims of "genocide".

Armenia's rulers invited world leaders to visit the country on April 24, when Armenians all over the world will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the unproven "massacre" of their ancestors.

Heads of only four countries confirmed so far their upcoming attendance at the ceremonies on April 24. The presidents of Russia, France, Serbia and Cyprus will land in Yerevan on the commemoration day to stand next to their Armenian counterpart throughout the celebrative events, Vigen Sarkisyan, the head of the presidential administration said.

Delegations and representatives from 60 countries and organizations will reportedly join the events dedicated to the fictional "Armenian genocide".

However, the Armenian authorities' most anticipated milestone - the U.S. recognition of the "genocide" - is reportedly at an unbreakable deadlock. The Obama administration and its predecessors have stopped short of using the word "genocide" in view of the alleged deaths of ethnic Armenians in the Ottoman Empire territories in 1915.

Two days ahead of the 100th anniversary of the fallacious tragedy, following the meeting with American Armenian groups, the White House announced that President Barack Obama will not use the word "genocide" to describe the nature of the events which took place in 1915.

An earlier statement from Washington read that Treasury Secretary, Jacob Lew will lead a delegation to Armenia on April 24 accompanied by the U.S. ambassador to Armenia, Richard Mills, and four lawmakers.

Defending the decision, White House officials explained it as a necessary step to preserve the chance of cooperation with Turkey, a NATO ally, on Middle Eastern conflicts.

The White House is apparently aware of the possible outcomes that may come following the official welcome of the "Armenian genocide". Yerevan is obviously trying to politicize the issue rather than achieve a full historical assessment.

The politicization of the alleged "genocide" claims could lead to an escalation of the already tense relations between Ankara and Yerevan. And in this case, Washington is keen to stir clear of any "provocations" in the name of regional stability.

Turkey is vitally important for the U.S. when it comes to cooperation, particularly in the Middle East conflicts, while Armenia is part of its interests in the South Caucasus region.

Earlier in February, British Prime Minister, David Cameron rejected Yerevan's invitation to join the centennial events. In a response letter to Yerevan, officials in London said that of despite Cameron's understanding the "significance" of the events, he was unwilling to visit Armenia in person on April 24.

Short after British ruler's refusal to join Armenia's commemorative events in Yerevan, the Foreign and Trade Ministry of Australia announced that the country's leadership will not be represented through a delegation in Yerevan on April 24 either.

Yerevan and the Armenian diaspora's zeal to achieve international recognition and condemnation of the falsified 1915 "genocide" managed to convince three countries - Austria, Chile and the Czech Republic.

The European Parliament has come as the only international organization to nod to the fictional "genocide".

The EP’s recognition of the so-called "Armenian genocide" was dismissed by Ankara as "senseless", since it believes that the parliament has no accreditation when it comes to judging history, especially without any hard facts to back its claims.

Turkey, the successor of the Ottoman Empire, stands tough against any effort attempting to politicize the "Armenian genocide" claims. As for the Turkish leadership, "the specialists could investigate into the common history of Turks and Armenians only based on impartial scientific facts".

On the eve of the 99th anniversary of the so-called "Armenian genocide" in 2014, Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, offered his condolences to the families of Armenians who were killed in the first world war. Erdogan called the 1915 events "inhumane".

However, Turkey has persistently urged Armenia to stand down its efforts to politicize the hundred-year-long claim. Given the already strained mutual relations characterized by closed borders, the Turkish leadership believes that escaping the politicization of the issue is significant for preventing ties from further devolving into hatred.