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The Armenian Genocide 100th Anniversary Planning Commission held its 4th meeting today at Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex. The meeting was chaired by Commission chairman, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan. 

The President specifically said in his opening remarks:

“I would like to inform you that I have sent invitations to leaders of a number of states to visit Armenia in 2015 and specifically on April 24 to pay tribute to the 1.5 million innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide together with us, to raise their voice against the crime of genocide and to record that the Armenian people not only survived this ordeal, but also took the path of revival. We not only survived, but also managed to unite and pave the way towards independent statehood – free Armenia.

“Ankara continues to speak about the necessity of setting up a commission of historians and opening the archives. First of all, it is known that Armenian archives have always been open to all researchers who were interested in the scientific aspect of the issue. Materials kept at scientific institutions and museums have also been open. But the point is that no archive work is needed for confronting the truth of the Armenian Genocide.

“Suffice it to enter any Armenian house or family and testimonies will fill the heart of any listener. Suffice it to visit Tsitsernakaberd on April 24 and see the meaning of that day for every Armenian – both in Armenia and Diaspora. Suffice it to go to any community in the Diaspora and ask how their ancestors appeared there. If the Turkish authorities are interested in the truth, they should come to Armenia and be near the Armenian people on April 24. I don’t think they will be able to speak about opening archives after that. Taking the occasion, I officially invite the next Turkish President – whoever is elected during the upcoming elections – to visit Armenia on April 24, 2015 and confront the clear historical evidence of the Armenian Genocide.

“Nevertheless, we do not feel hatred for the Turkish people. Moreover, we try to create conditions for the Armenian and Turkish peoples to be able to communicate with each other to find a way for reconciliation. This was our aim, and we remain committed to normalization of relations with Turkey without preconditions and opening the Armenian-Turkish border, although we hear only statements from Turkey about such a wish. If the wish is indeed sincere, Turkey knows the path towards reconciliation between Armenia and Turkey.”