Biden's Potential Recognition of the Armenian Genocide is Realistic, but Shouldn't Be Preempted, Says Political Analyst

Today, several prominent American publications, including CNN, The New York Times, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post, referenced their official sources to report that U.S. President Joe Biden is set to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide. Specific mention was made that, according to officials well-informed on internal discussions, President Biden is preparing to declare that the massacres were genocidal actions.

In an interview with Auroranews, political analyst Narek Minasian responded to the question of how the Armenian public should receive this information, stating that Biden's move is more than realistic, but caution should be exercised not to jump ahead of events.

“Previously, various presidents had also stated they would recognize it, but when the time came, the Turkish lobbying in this struggle proved to be stronger. The Turkish side is already fairly active in both closed and open formats. Through both intimidation and appeasements, they are trying to exert pressure on the new U.S. administration,” said our interlocutor.

When asked what specific pressures Turkey is applying, political analyst Narek Minasian replied, “Turkish lobbying organizations operating in the United States are quite actively trying to show the White House that the recognition of the genocide would deal a serious blow to Turkish-American relations. They are attempting to showcase how important it is for America to maintain good relations with Turkey, emphasizing the interdependence between the two parties on various issues. Statements have also been made by Turkey’s Foreign Minister, which are undoubtedly directed at the new U.S. administration and aim to deter them from recognizing the genocide.”

In response to our question about whether this information, released two days before the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide victims, was possibly addressed to Turkey, Minasian replied, “I don’t think so, because, if I’m not mistaken, there were the first leaks from the White House about a month ago. The American media has its own sources in diplomatic circles. I am more inclined to believe that this was not a deliberately organized leak; rather, the topic and its importance were such that, naturally, the diplomatic circles could not refrain from leaking it to their partner media outlets,” the political analyst concluded.