Amb. Mnatsakanyan delivers statement at UNGA High-Level Thematic Debate on Promoting Tolerance and Reconciliation

22 April, 2015

Mr. President, Armenia strongly welcomes a continued and consistent pursuit within the United Nations of the ideology of tolerance, dialogue and reconciliation – the very conduits of peace. I therefore thank you for convening the present event. Racism, religious and cultural intolerance, xenophobia, fragmentation of societies, the rejection and vilification of the other have been at the core of mass violations of human rights, leading to mass atrocities, crimes against humanity, including the crime of genocide. Mr. President, This meeting is taking place at a time, which is significant, very important and very sensitive for Armenia, for all Armenians around the world. On 24 April, once again, a human river will flow to the Memorial for the Victims of the Genocide perpetrated against Armenians in the Ottoman Empire 100 years ago. In Yerevan and in every part of the world Armenians will carry pain and the grief in the face of this devastating calamity. It is the fourth and fifth generation of Armenians today, who continue to suffer the burden of denial. In their solemn march to commemoration they carry the banner of justice. The Armenian genocide is not a tragedy of just one nation. It is a universal tragedy, it is a point in case in promoting and fostering prevention, it is a reminder, once again, that impunity breeds repetition of crime – including in another place and at another time. The commemoration of the victims of the Armenian genocide is also an important sign of reaffirmation of our collective faith in the fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person - faith enshrined in the very Charter of the United Nations. We are not alone in our grief. The solidarity of the international community, the peoples of the world, of which these present days are a strong manifestation, encourages us. Armenians do not bear hatred towards the Turkish people, but a call to address history, to accept history and to pave the way for genuine reconciliation. The Armenians genocide is not an issue for historians. They have done their part. It is an issue for the present, a political issue, an issue of political courage and leadership. To admit history is not a sign of weakness, but quite the opposite of it. Without truth and remembrance there is no genuine reconciliation. The European Parliament has reiterated this bare truth in its resolution last week. The opposite, Mr. President, is - to quote His Holiness, Pope Francis - “letting the wound bleed without bandaging it”. Mr. President, justice and reconciliation is the message of Armenia and the Armenian people to this meeting. Mr. President, The symbolism of this meeting is that it is co-organized by an organization, which in its name carries the words Civilization and Alliance. Alliance is the very opposite of clash – a word that has penetrated our vocabulary, piercing our collective mind-set. Mr. President, by definition and by default Civilizations do not clash. The news that overwhelm the present times - the attacks, killings, annihilation of Christians, Muslims, Jews, peoples of other faiths, the destruction of identity, cultural heritage are not a clash – it is barbarism, the very acts that detach barbarians from humanity. The Alliance of Civilization has a challenge and a duty to carry its message forcefully and convincingly. Mr. President, We thank you for your initiative to ensure the presence of religious leaders at the present debate. Faith is a powerful expression of human identity and cohesion. Faith is an indispensable component of civilization. However, not just today, but throughout human history, faith has also been a victim of abuse, excuse for barbarism and crimes. This is a call and a challenge to religious leaders, to their capacity to entrench peace and coexistence in our faith. I represent a nation and people who have known alliance of civilizations for centuries, who have known co-habitation, mutual respect and friendship in every corner of the world. Today is also an opportunity on behalf of the Armenians to say thank you once again to our brothers and sisters of every faith and belief – to Muslims, fellow Christians, Jews , all others, whether they are in the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia, Australia to have sheltered and protected Armenians in the times of desperation 100 years ago. My people have survived with dignity and strength. They have become committed members of their adopted societies, contributing to their diversity, development and wealth. Armenia as a state bears duty to work at international platforms towards the prevention of future atrocities. As a contribution to our continued efforts to this end, Armenia will host an important major event – a global forum “Against the Crime of Genocide ” - to explore further international, regional and national mechanisms of prevention and accountability. Thank you

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