The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun) (ARF(D)) has submitted a bill on the Armenian Genocide to the RA Parliament. The document not only provides for criminal responsibility for denying the Armenian Genocide but also raises the issue of reparations.

The bill also provides for regulation of the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide and formation of a special commission.

Representatives of the key parliamentary forces mostly welcomed the bill. Larisa Alaversyan of the opposition Heritage Party told NEWS.am that the adoption of the bill will create legal underpinnings for further application to the Court of International Arbitration for consideration of the issue and specify it inside Armenia. “At present, we deal with the issue of Armenian Genocide from the scientific and historical aspects rather than from the legal one,” Alaverdyan said. She pointed out that the Armenian nation must have such a law for similar crimes to be prevented in the future.

Secretary of the Prosperous Armenia parliamentary faction Aram Safaryan pointed out the need for such a law in Armenia. However, it does not have to provide for criminal punishment for denying the Armenian Genocide it would be a paradox to deny the fact in Armenia. “I think that it is other countries’ Parliaments that have to adopt laws providing criminal responsibility for denying the Armenian Genocide,” he said.

Hovhannes Margaryan of the Country of Law faction said that the Armenian Genocide is a historical fact. “A relevant law has to be adopted in Armenia – it is a fact. It is important to find the right time for it,” he said.

In 1988 the Supreme Council of the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic adopted a resolution declaring April 24 Day in cooperation of the Armenian Genocide victims.

T.P.