Is the Visit to Tsitsernakaberd Not a Protocol Requirement? Foreign Ministry on the Visit of Kazakhstan's President

The newspaper "Zhoghovurd" reports: "On April 15, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in the Republic of Armenia on an official visit. He had meetings with Nikol Pashinyan, Alen Simonyan, and Vahagn Khachaturyan.

The newspaper noted that President Tokayev, who visited Armenia officially, did not visit Tsitsernakaberd, which has previously been a mandatory stop during nearly all official visits.

"Zhoghovurd" inquired with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to understand why a visit to the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex was not included in the scope of Kazakhstan's President's visit, and whether an offer was made by the Armenian side to the President of Kazakhstan, or if he possibly declined the visit.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded that the visit to Tsitsernakaberd is not a part of the protocol for official visits. 'In accordance with the established procedural requirements for official visits, meetings were held during the visit of Kazakhstan's President with the President of the Republic of Armenia, the Prime Minister, and the Speaker of the National Assembly. The program for official visits is prepared by mutual agreement, considering the overall agenda of the visit and the range of issues to be discussed.'

It is noteworthy that previously, the visit to Tsitsernakaberd has consistently been a mandatory part of the agenda for both foreign high-ranking officials and delegations during official visits. It is clear that this has been a requirement from the Armenian side, which partners have agreed to.

Now, it appears that the 'situation has changed' and a visit to Tsitsernakaberd is no longer mandatory. Considering the Armenian authorities' statements casting doubt on the Genocide and the number and identity of its victims, one can assume that it was indeed their initiative that rendered the visit to the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex no longer a ceremonial requirement."