The Jerusalem Patriarchate of the Armenian Apostolic Church expressed deep disappointment over the exclusion of the proposed resolution on recognition of the Armenian Genocide from the list of issues to be put to a vote in the Israeli parliament (the Knesset).

“This development raises concerns that a foreign state is capable of exerting such influence over the discussion of internal matters in Israel. The fact that the Azerbaijani regime, responsible for the forced deportation and displacement of more than 120,000 indigenous Armenian Christians of Nagorno-Karabakh, can delay or even determine which issue may be brought up for discussion in the Knesset is particularly alarming.

We are especially surprised that the Aliyev regime appears capable of influencing both the political calculations of Israeli officials and the moral issues the Knesset is prepared to discuss. The Knesset’s agenda must remain the sovereign responsibility of Israel.

The Armenian Genocide is an indisputable historical fact. Its truth does not depend on political circumstances and remains unshaken in the face of historical documents. Therefore, we once again call on Israel to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide and join the thirty-two states that have officially recognized the first genocide of the 20th century.

At the same time, we once again call on the Republic of Turkey to recognize the Armenian Genocide and put an end to its active policy and initiatives aimed at distorting historical facts. We make this appeal in the conviction that any lasting reconciliation between the two peoples can become a foundation for peace only if that peace is based on historical truth.

We reaffirm our responsibility to preserve the memory of the victims and to pass on their legacy to future generations.

May the memory of the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide forever remain holy and blessed in the hearts of all Armenians,” the patriarchate’s statement says.