Controversy Erupts Over Remarks on Verifying Armenian Genocide Victim Numbers

A controversy has erupted in Armenia over remarks made by Andranik Kocharyan, a member of the Armenian parliament, regarding the verification of the number of victims of the Armenian Genocide. Kocharyan called for the creation of a list of all those who perished in the genocide, including the circumstances of their death. His stated purpose is to contribute to improved relations with Turkey in the future.

Critics have accused Kocharyan of attempting to diminish the genocide to appease Turkey, while Diaspora Affairs Commissioner Zareh Sinanyan supported the approach as more "scientific and objective." However, scholars of the Armenian Genocide are likely to take exception to this characterization, given the challenges of compiling such a list 100 years later when all witnesses have perished and the Turkish government still denies access to vital population registers from the Ottoman Empire.

The feasibility of Kocharyan's proposal remains in question, as it would require access to records that Turkey has long refused to provide. It remains to be seen whether Kocharyan and his party will demand access to these documents as part of their efforts to document all genocide victims, a necessary step for such an undertaking.

The controversy comes amid ongoing tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with the two countries engaged in a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of promoting hatred of Armenians and carrying out "ethnic cleansing" in Nagorno-Karabakh, while Azerbaijan has urged the ICJ to dismiss the case, arguing that most of the issues raised are not within the court's jurisdiction.

The ICJ has issued interim orders demanding that Azerbaijan ensure the safety of Armenians in its custody and prevent the desecration of Armenian cultural heritage sites. It has also ordered Azerbaijan to end a near-total blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh, which the former chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court said could constitute an act of genocide.

Why this matters: The controversy over verifying the number of Armenian Genocide victims highlights the ongoing challenges in reconciling with the past and improving relations between Armenia and Turkey. The case at the ICJ also highlights the continued tensions and conflicts in the region, particularly between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.

The remarks by Kocharyan have sparked a heated debate within Armenia , with critics accusing him of attempting to appease Turkey by diminishing the genocide. The feasibility of creating a comprehensive list of victims remains in doubt, given the lack of access to vital records held by Turkey. In the ICJ case between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the international community will be closely watching the court's rulings and their impact on the long-standing disputes in the region.

Key Takeaways

• Armenian MP proposes verifying Armenian Genocide victims to improve ties with Turkey.
• Critics accuse MP of diminishing genocide, while others support a "scientific" approach.
• Feasibility of comprehensive victim list is doubtful due to lack of access to Ottoman records.
• Armenia and Azerbaijan in ICJ case, with Azerbaijan accused of ethnic cleansing and blockade.
• Controversy highlights ongoing challenges in reconciling the past and regional tensions.