The approval of the Armenian Genocide resolution by the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs is the Armenian lobby’s great achievement, which, however, is the result of greater efforts this year as compared to the previous years, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, RA Parliament, Executive Council member, Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun) (ARFD), Armen Rustamyan told a press conference.

He stressed that the Armenian-Turkish negotiations and relevant protocols complicated Armenian lobbyists’ task. “Striking evidence thereof was the speeches made by the Congressmen that referred to the Armenian-Turkish negotiations as a major argument against the resolution. Many of them even quoted Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, who said that Yerevan would greatly benefit from the approval of the Armenian-Turkish protocols, and the Congressmen were justifying their refusal to vote for the resolution by their unwillingness to cause any damage to, first of all, Armenia’s interests,” Rustamyan said. He pointed out that several months ago the ARFD warned about a negative impact the Armenian-Turkish protocols could have on the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide. He stressed that the lobbyists had to exert tremendous efforts to ensure at least one vote more in favor of the resolution. “The majority was ensured at the last moment, and only those who did it know the cost,” Rustamyan said. He stressed that the Armenian lobby’s positions were very strong until Turkish delegations arrived in Washington.

Rustamyan said that the Turkish delegations “worked hard,” being well prepared and consulting each businessman. “But I must say that the Armenian delegation’s arrival in Washington at the last moment has a positive effect on the atmosphere at the Committee and cheered up the proponents of the resolution,” Rustamyan said. He stressed that the work aimed at getting the Armenian Genocide internationally recognized will be more effective if not only Hay Dat (Armenian Cause) offices, but also the Armenian State deals with the problem. “One thing is when only one party conducts negotiations, which makes the impression that it is only Dashnaktsutyun that is concerned with this, another thing is when consultations are held in cooperation with Armenian officials. In the latter case, the international community will realize the issue is of state importance for Armenia,” Rustamyan.

Speaking of the voting, Rustamyan said that the 23 Congressmen that voted for the resolution did so listening to the voice of conscience. He stated that the approval of the resolution has been the first success in the process of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide since the Armenian-Turkish protocols were signed, as well as against the recent “lull” in the process. Rustamyan stressed that the Armenian side’s success should show Ankara that, despite all its efforts, the struggle for the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide will go on. “Even if Ankara consolidated its positions after signing the Armenian-Turkish protocols, the Armenians are right, which makes us strong,” Rustamyan said. In this context he pointed out the necessity for getting prepared for vote at the U.S. Congress. He pointed out that the ARFD will go on contributing to progress in this matter. “If Armenian organizations, ARF and official Yerevan marshal their efforts, we can achieve success,” Rustamyan said.

T.P.