Tevan Poghosyan: On April 23 Turkish PM made a statement to which Yerevan responded that it was a new form of genocide denial. Obviously, I share your opinion. Indeed, it is very regrettable that there is such a situation on the 99th anniversary. Nevertheless after your response Erdoğan keeps talking and admiring his own statement. Moreover, on April 29 he made an “heroic” statement that a proof that no genocide was committed is that the Armenians are living in Turkey today. There has been no answer from our side on this claim. What is your opinion on that?

 

Edward Nalbandian: Today a large number of Jews live in Germany, but no one would dare to put under question the reality of the Holocaust. Turkey had better follow Germany’s example through recognition, condemnation and apology.

In 1915 Talaat told Germany’s Consul General that there is no Armenian question, because there are no more Armenians. 99 years later Armenians together with the international community struggle for the exclusion of new genocides, new crimes against humanity and wait for civilized steps from Turkey.

Tevan Poghosyan: Thank you. Taking the opportunity of your presence, I would also like to hear your opinion on the following matter. Azerbaijan assumes presidency in the CoE in a few days. During the last few days we can see the situation on human rights in that state, and how many representatives of NGOs have been arrested, accused and beaten. As a Foreign Minister of a state that presided the Organization what is your view on that? Are you going to raise that issue in the Council of Europe? What actions do you plan to undertake?

Edward Nalbandian: Council of Europe senior officials have already raised that issue. During the last week CoE Commissioner for Human Rights made two statements, according to which the situation with the fundamental freedoms, particularly freedom of speech and in general human rights is deteriorating in Azerbaijan.

We are well aware that expressions of Armenophobia, intolerance, hate-speech have become usual phenomena in Azerbaijan.

I think that not only a CoE chairmanship by such a country, but also its membership is not to the honour of the Organization.

After the Q&A session at the Parliament, answering the correspondent’s question whether at the Council of Europe Armenia raises the issue of the expressions of Armenophobia in Azerbaijan, Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said, “Yes, we do. However, those expressions are so gross, that are obvious and apparent.

For instance, what does yesterday’s statement by the Azerbaijani head of police mean, that the inhumane treatment of Leyla Yunus is justified by her supposed Armenian origins. Such numerous expressions are well-known in the Council of Europe, as well as in other organizations.