Recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey is a Moral Imperative, Says Iñárritu

According to Jon Iñárritu, a member of the Spanish Parliament, history shows that when mass atrocities remain unpunished and unrecognized, the likelihood of their recurrence increases.

The parliamentarian stated that Turkey's recognition of the Armenian Genocide is not only a matter of historical justice but also a moral imperative. He expressed this view in an interview with ‘Armenpress’, reflecting on the observation that despite many countries and international organizations already recognizing and condemning the Armenian Genocide, Turkey continues its denialist policies 110 years later.

Iñárritu emphasized that Turkey's systematic denial is not merely an offense to the memory of the victims; it perpetuates a culture of impunity. “Turkey has institutionalized denial as state policy, combining historical revisionism, diplomatic pressure, economic threats, and well-funded misinformation campaigns through international lobbying. This approach distorts the truth, distorts the present, and closes off any real path to reconciliation,” noted the parliamentarian.

In response to a question about what the international community should do in such circumstances beyond calls and appeals, he stressed that the international community must move beyond symbolic statements or polite diplomacy. “A strong and principled stance is required from the international community in accordance with international law and human rights. Recognition of the Armenian Genocide is not only a matter of historical justice but also a moral imperative. Moreover, there must be multilateral pressure on Turkey to open its archives, take responsibility, and move towards a full and unequivocal recognition. Sustainable peace can only be built on truth,” the parliamentarian emphasized.

He also shared his thoughts on the circumstances under which Turkey might recognize the Armenian Genocide, noting that such a step from Ankara would require more than a political approach. “Recognition would demand a profound cultural and identity transformation. In this regard, Germany's confrontation with its past after the Holocaust serves as a powerful example; only when a society honestly confronts its history can it begin a real democratic evolution. In Turkey's case, this means dismantling a fundamental nationalism based on denial. It requires that Turkish civil society, particularly the younger generations, come to terms with the fact that over 1.5 million Armenians, as well as other Christian minorities such as Assyrians and Pontic Greeks, were systematically exterminated towards the end of the Ottoman Empire. This is not about reopening wounds but about recognizing those wounds for the sake of healing,” the parliamentarian concluded.

However, he added that Turkey's current political climate, shaped by authoritarianism, political Islam, and neo-Ottoman narratives, makes such recognition unlikely in the short term.