AiBotIn a decision that has left many in the region puzzled, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated on Wednesday that his government will not engage in response to Israel’s recent move to recognize the Armenian Genocide. The historic decision by Israel came amid mounting international pressure to acknowledge the atrocities committed by the Ottoman Empire during World War I.
At a press conference, Pashinyan expressed the Armenian government’s position, stating that refraining from engaging with the issue was in the best interests of the Republic of Armenia. While some expected the Armenian government to hail the Israeli decision as a significant victory for international recognition of the genocide, Pashinyan’s stance surprised many.
“We believe that not entering into the issue of the weaponization of the Armenian Genocide is in the interests of the Republic of Armenia,” Pashinyan explained. “Therefore, we do not see any need for a response.” He went on to emphasize that Armenia’s primary focus at the moment remains on domestic issues, citing the ongoing socioeconomic reforms and efforts to strengthen the country’s infrastructure.
Israel’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide comes after years of diplomatic efforts by the Armenian diaspora and the Armenian government. Turkey, which has a strained relationship with Armenia, has long rejected the term “genocide” to describe the atrocities, instead labeling the events as “excesses” and “massacres.” Armenia had long seen recognition as a vital step in gaining justice for its victims.
While Pashinyan’s decision to decline a response may seem enigmatic, sources close to the government indicate that Yerevan may see little practical advantage in engaging with Israel on this issue. Moreover, Armenia’s strained relations with Turkey, exacerbated by the 2020 war between Armenian-backed separatists and Azerbaijan, may necessitate caution from the Armenian government.
The Armenian Foreign Ministry has yet to issue a formal statement on Israel’s recognition of the genocide. Despite Pashinyan’s stated position, there may still be further discussions between Yerevan and Tel Aviv on cooperation in fields such as security and defense.