Pashinyan dismisses Israeli counterpart’s remarks on “Armenian genocide” as irrelevant to nation’s Interests

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has categorically rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent remarks concerning the so-called “Armenian genocide,” emphasizing that the statements neither reflect Armenia’s reality nor serve the nation’s interests.

Pashinyan urged a critical reflection on whether the recognition of the “Armenian genocide” should be politicized or used as a geopolitical bargaining tool by actors disconnected from Armenia’s national concerns, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

“We need to determine whether we want the recognition of the ‘Armenian genocide’ (quotation marks ours-ed.) to become a geopolitical bargaining chip in the hands of those who have no connection to our reality and the interests of our people,” Pashinyan remarked, highlighting the sensitive nature of the issue.

He further questioned whether the Armenian people wish to see the matter reduced to confusion and misinterpretation in external political discourse, expressing his own opposition to such developments. “I personally do not want that, and I call on our citizens to concentrate on the interests of the Armenian state,” he added.

The Prime Minister’s comments came in response to Netanyahu’s interview with Patrick Bet-David, during which the Israeli leader mistakenly claimed that the Knesset had formally adopted a resolution recognizing the so-called “Armenian genocide.” When challenged by the host to confirm the recognition himself, Netanyahu responded, “I just did.”

It is important to note that Israel has historically refrained from officially recognizing the so-called “Armenian genocide.” Various resolutions introduced by different Knesset factions over the years have failed to secure majority approval, reflecting the country’s cautious diplomatic stance on the issue.

By Vafa Guliyeva