Armen Sarkissian’s message to President of Turkey - Forgiveness comes after recognition

Swiss Public TV (RTS) has published extracts from interview with Armenia’s President Armen Sarkissian who is in Switzerland on a working visit.

Speaking about the upcoming events on November 11 when a number of countries will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the end of the World War I, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian expressed hope that these events will be an occasion to “recognize” or "remember the 1915-1916 Armenian Genocide".

“I do not know how we can speak about the First World War without mentioning the tragedy that happened with Armenian nation about 105 years ago and without speaking about genocide. And recognition by the heads of states or remembering by heads of states will be highly appreciated by me, by state of Armenia and the Armenian nation,” Sarkissian told RTS.

“The recognition of the Armenian Genocide is not a recognition of a tragedy of one nation only. First of all it was the first and the biggest genocide of the 20th century, and because it was not prevented, recognized and condemned further genocides occurred in the 20th century including Holocaust,” the president continued.

As to what the President of Armenia will say to his Turkish counterpart, Armen Sarkissian said that he is ready for dialogue and did not exclude the possibility of forgiveness but “this forgiveness comes only after recognition.”

“I will first of all say, “Good morning, Mr President. I think we have an issue to discuss together. You are the President of Turkey, I am the President of Armenia. My family, my grandparents are from Erzrum, Van and Bitlis and there is a history behind my old family. Why will not we start talking about relations between Armenia and Turkey? Why will not we start talking about our individual stories? We have to speak about the future of your children, my children. I am a Christian. The Christianity teaches that there is always a possibility to forgive but forgiveness comes after recognition”,” President Sarkissian said.