April 19, 2006 - 15:06 AMT
Armenian Genocide Recognition Issue Entered New Stage
The Armenian Genocide recognition issue has entered a new stage. Almost all of the leading states recognized this fact and even the U.S. doesn't deny it, leader of ARF Dashnaktsutyun faction, historian Levon Mkrtchian told PanARMENIAN.Net reporter. In his words, Armenia should take the advantage of the international community's positive attitude about the Genocide recognition and pursue a more precise line towards Turkey. "It's time to speak of compensations, since without it the fact of recognition loses sense. For Armenia the matter concerns not only moral and material side but appears as a security issue as well," the ARFD leader said.

Levon Mkrtchian underscored that is the neighbor state doesn't acknowledge the crime committed against a whole nation the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border and the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement can be protracted for an uncertain term.

At the same time the faction leader remarked that the Arab world and Iran support Armenia in struggle for the Armenian Genocide recognition. "Iran has not declared it at the state level but it sides with Armenia. Actually, the majority of states arrived at a conclusion that the Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Empire should be recognized," Levon Mkrtchian said.