Armenian PM Avoids 'Genocide' Term in Remembrance Day Speech

On Armenian Remembrance Day, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan refrained from using the term 'genocide' when referring to the events of 1915 during his speech. Instead, Pashinyan employed the phrase 'Meds Yeghern,' an Armenian term meaning 'Great Calamity,' and stated that the Armenian people had fallen victim to 'geopolitical intrigues and false promises.'

Pashinyan's message echoed the Turkish stance that the events were not a targeted genocide but rather a police operation to quell Armenian rebellions instigated by foreign influence. His speech bore similarities to statements made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who called for addressing the 1915 events 'with reason and without hatred.' The resemblance between the two leaders' messages has led some to suggest they may have been penned by the same author.

In his speech, Pashinyan urged Armenians to stop searching for a 'lost homeland' and instead focus on the Republic of Armenia as their 'Promised Land'. He called on Armenians to relate the perception of the Metz Yeghern with the vital interests and national statehood of the Republic of Armenia.

This marks the first time an Armenian leader has effectively blamed Armenians themselves for the events of 1915, using the term 'mets yeghern,' which is typically employed by leaders of countries that do not recognize the 'Armenian genocide.'

Why this matters: Pashinyan's avoidance of the term 'genocide' and his stance on the events of 1915 represent a significant shift in the Armenian government's position on this sensitive historical issue. This change in rhetoric could have implications for Armenia's relations with Turkey and the international community's recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

Turkish President Erdoğan, in a message to the Armenian Patriarch, expressed condolences to the descendants of Armenians who lost their lives in 1915 but reiterated Türkiye's objection to presenting the incidents as 'genocide.' Erdoğan called for setting aside 'baseless claims' and moving forward with 'realities on the ground,' proposing the creation of a joint commission of historians to research the issue. The Turkish Foreign Ministry rejected 'one-sided statements about the events of 1915' and called on all parties to support the normalization process with Armenia.

Key Takeaways

• Armenian PM Pashinyan avoided using 'genocide' term, used 'Meds Yeghern' instead.
• Pashinyan's message echoed Turkish stance, blamed Armenians for 1915 events.
• Pashinyan urged Armenians to focus on Armenia, not 'lost homeland'.
• Erdogan called for joint commission to research 1915 events, rejected 'one-sided statements'.
• Pashinyan's shift in rhetoric could impact Armenia-Turkey relations and genocide recognition.