Question: What is your position on the developments in North Syria?

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan: Protection of Christian minorities in the Northern part of Syria is endangered by recent invasion. We are very worried: we will continue to work actively with the international community for the protection of ethnic and religious minorities.

Our compatriots are a part of the civilian population of Syria and must resist dangers and uncertainties which are growing in North Syria by the Turkish invasion.

Question: Are you surprised by the veto at the US Senate on the Armenian Genocide resolution? 

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan: It is very important that the United States, as well as other states and nations, continue engagement to prevent new genocides and recognize the Armenian Genocide. Armenians are grateful to Italy and the Italian Parliament for adopting a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide last year, in April. The same process occurs in different parts of the world. It is also decisive for Turkey to reconcile with its own history.

Recognizing each genocide committed in the world is a commitment to prevent subsequent genocides, a direct message to those persecuted that there is no longer impunity.

Question: Minister Mnatsakanyan, at what level are the relations between Italy and Armenia. How they can be improved?

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan: Relations between Italy and Armenia can be considered as excellent. We have a centuries-old tradition of working with each other and will continue these relations because at the core of these relations lies our historical partnership to enrich humanity with higher values of civilizations.