Armenia has never approached other states with an official request to recognize the so-called «Armenian genocide». As Ambassador of Armenia to Israel Arman Akopyan stated in an interview with Israel’s Channel 9, this issue is a matter of conscience and historical justice for each country.
Commenting on the recent decision by the Israeli government to recognize the so-called «Armenian genocide», the diplomat noted that Israel became the 33rd country to take this step. According to Akopyan, the recent decision will not create a sharp change in bilateral relations, as official Yerevan does not consider this recognition a primary condition for cooperation with other states.
Relations with Israel and Iran
Touching upon the difficulties in Armenian-Israeli relations, the ambassador mentioned supplies of Israeli-made arms to Azerbaijan during the 44-day Second Karabakh War, which left a certain mark on the attitude towards Israel in Armenian society. At the same time, he emphasized that this page must be turned and we must move forward.
Speaking about Yerevan’s relations with Tehran, Akopyan recalled that Iran is Armenia’s neighbor and one of the important trade and transit routes to the Persian Gulf passes through Iranian territory for the landlocked country.
The diplomat added that the political and religious systems of Armenia and Iran are completely different, and their cooperation mainly covers the economy, energy, and tourism.
Situation of the Jewish Community
Arman Akopyan also commented on reports in Russian-language media regarding anti-Semitism in Armenia. He did not deny isolated incidents, such as the attack on the Mordechai Navi synagogue in Yerevan, but rejected assertions that the country is anti-Semitic at an institutional level.
The ambassador added that harsh criticism of the Israeli government’s policies should not be equated with anti-Semitism.
According to the diplomat, the activity of the Jewish community in the country has revived since 2022 due to Jews moving to Armenia from Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. New organizations have been created, various events and Shabbat gatherings are held. In his view, these facts refute claims that the Jewish community in Armenia lives in fear.
Source: 9tv.co.il