We Hope President Biden's Statement Will Pave the Way for Dialogue with Turkey: Ara Aivazyan

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ara Aivazyan, gave an interview to the "BBC Weekend" program. The interview was presented by the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Question: What is your response to President Biden's statement? Is this what you expected?

Ara Aivazyan: Just as 106 years ago, today the Armenian people are fighting for historical justice and for a safe and dignified life in their historical homeland. We welcome President Biden's statement, in which the USA clearly defines the mass atrocities committed against the Armenian people in the 20th century as genocide. It should be noted that in 2019, the US House of Representatives and Senate adopted resolutions recognizing and condemning the Armenian Genocide.

Yesterday we commemorated the 106th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Here in Armenia, as well as in various corners of the world, we witnessed powerful messages of steadfast solidarity and support from the international community, which inspire us to multiply our joint efforts in the international fight to condemn and prevent genocides.

Question: Mr. Aivazyan, do you think other countries will follow this example?

Ara Aivazyan: The recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide is a universal issue. This message is a significant contribution to the global recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the prevention of genocides. Today, the US authorities have unequivocally reaffirmed their commitment to the protection of human rights and humanitarian principles.

Question: Mr. Aivazyan, what impact do you think Joe Biden's statement will have on your relations with Turkey?

Ara Aivazyan: Regarding relations with Turkey, it has pursued a hostile and aggressive policy towards Armenia since the restoration of independence in 1991. Turkey rejected the establishment of diplomatic relations with Armenia, closed the border, and implemented an increasingly hostile policy against Armenia. Moreover, Turkey directly participated in the Azerbaijani aggression against the people of Artsakh, sending thousands of foreign fighters to our region.

We hope that this very important statement from the US President will pave the way for dialogue and ultimately for the normalization of relations. It will also contribute to regional peace and stability.

Question: What role will this play in the potential normalization of relations? Some argue that this statement will be a bargaining chip in President Erdogan's hands to gain support from his society against the USA.

Ara Aivazyan: I think this creates a basis for Turkish society to confront the pages of history. It also encourages the society to raise questions about the tragic chapters of their history. I believe this will create an opportunity for dialogue between the two neighboring countries. There has been a gap between the two neighbors, and I think this will be a very important step toward normalizing our relations.