Turkey Will Eventually Acknowledge the Reality of the Armenian Genocide: Simon Adams

Simon Adams, the executive director of the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, has no doubt that Turkey will ultimately acknowledge the reality of the Armenian Genocide.

In an interview with Armenpress, Adams discussed the events of the Armenian Genocide of 1915, Turkey's recognition of this fact, and the issue of reparations.

- Mr. Adams, 105 years after the Armenian Genocide, what should be the main concern for progressive humanity in terms of achieving recognition and condemnation, and preventing such crimes in the future?

- We must put an end to genocide denial. Recognizing the historical reality of the Armenian Genocide is crucial. Whether it happened in Armenia 105 years ago or today against the Rohingya in Myanmar, understanding how and why genocide occurs plays a critical role in preventing its recurrence.

- Is it possible to achieve recognition by Turkey, given the state’s aggressive-denial policy?

- I have no doubt that Turkey will eventually acknowledge the reality of the Armenian Genocide. Not only because the historical evidence is overwhelming, but also because fewer and fewer governments worldwide are willing to help Ankara maintain this lie. The Turkish people themselves also play an important role in addressing human rights violations and reconciling with past atrocities. An authoritarian government may postpone facing history, but it cannot bury it forever.

- What can the Armenian people expect in terms of just reparations?

- I think it is better to leave that question to the governments of Armenia and Turkey. For me, the important thing is to initiate a reconciliation process between the two countries based on acknowledging the reality of the Genocide as a catastrophic event for the Armenian people.

- Are recognition and Turkey's request for forgiveness sufficient for restoring historical justice?

- I have the impression that most Armenians do not think about this issue in terms of potential reparations between Armenia and Turkey. Most seem to want to see the recognition of the Genocide as a prologue to a broader reconciliation process between Turks and Armenians. But as long as Turkey does not confront the lies of Genocide denial internally, it cannot be overcome.