This is the most opportune time to reflect on the past, present, and future: Nikol Pashinyan

The Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, has issued a message in connection with the 108th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. In his address, he stated:

“Dear people, dear compatriots, on April 24, we commemorate the memory of the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century. Tens of thousands of citizens will today participate in a march of respect, remembrance, and reflection towards the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex. The April 24 march is perhaps the most influential phenomenon that has predetermined and continues to predetermine our reality; it is a unique day for reflecting on our history, our past, and our future.

What are the thoughts of young parents walking towards the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex, often holding the hands of young children, or of grandmothers and grandfathers with more life experience? They may contemplate two questions: why did the Great Crime happen, and what must be done to prevent its recurrence?

Hundreds and thousands of works have been written about the causes of the Armenian Genocide, revealing numerous reasons and motives. As for the methodology to prevent the recurrence of such a crime, it largely depends on our perceptions of the concepts of 'state' and 'region.' Only a developed and sovereign state can ensure the existence and security of our people, and in the establishment of the state, everyone has a role to play—through education, work, civic responsibility, and lawfulness.

Our strategic choice concerning the region is as follows: do we have the will and ability to regulate and develop our regional relations, regardless of whether our surrounding security threats escalate—due to regional or extraregional causes?

Understanding all the difficulties and complexities, our government has decided to pursue a positive response to this question, for only this path can guarantee security and prosperity.

Dear people, dear compatriots, today we lower our heads in memory of the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide and reflect on the past, present, and future. And this is the most opportune time to reflect on the past, present, and future.”