Claim for reparation to help Turkey get rid of “Sevres Syndrome”

Thomas Samuelian and Stepan Khzrtian. Photo: Photolure
Thomas Samuelian and Stepan Khzrtian. Photo: Photolure

Yerevan /Mediamax/. Armenia’s clear formulation of the claim for reparation of the Armenian Genocide damages will help Turkey get rid of the “Sevres Syndrome” and recognize the first genocide committed early in the 20th century.

CEN (Center for Excellence in Negotiations) Yerevan Senior Fellow, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at AUA Thomas Samuelian stated it in Yerevan today.

Upon the initiative of CEN Yerevan, “Armenian Genocide Recognition and Reparations: A Path to Restoring Historical Justice” conference will be held in Yerevan tomorrow. The strategy of the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide, legal-political ways of reparation and Armenian diplomatic measures taken in this context will be touched upon during the conference.

“The recognition of such universal crimes implies clear description of damages the aggrieved party, in this case Armenia, has incurred. There cannot be recognition without reparation. And in this regard, our concise formulation concerning reparation will only provide an incentive for Turkey to recognize the first genocide committed early in the 20th century. When the aggrieved party has its claims clear, those in charge of the crime tend to be more inclined to acknowledge their guilt. As long as we keep the formulation of our claims vague, the charged offender will evade assuming its responsibilities”, said Thomas Samuelian.

In his turn, CEN Yerevan Director Stepan Khzrtian noted that the conference will have its input in works aimed at the formulation of bids and reparation by the Armenian party.

“Armenian Genocide Centennial provides a good chance to once again voice our views on this issue making not only the local auditorium lend an ear to it but also the global one. We should understand and show that it’s a heinous deed not only against Armenians but also against the humanity”, said CEN Yerevan Director.

Stepan Khzrtian informed that invitations to participate in the conference were sent to embassies and organizations accredited in Armenia and international experts engaged in genocide studies. In total, the number of participants will be over 400.

Stepan Khzrtian stated that participants from Turkey are also expected.

Former Armenian Foreign Ministers Raffi Hovhannisyan and Vahagn Papazyan, Head of the Neighboring Countries Department of the Foreign Ministry Arsen Avagyan, Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Hayk Demoyan and Founder and Head of the Modus Vivendi Center Ara Papian will be among the orators of the conference starting tomorrow.