The events scheduled for November 11, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, should also be a reason to recognize or recall the Armenian Genocide, said Armenian President Armen Sarkissian.

“I don’t know how we can speak about the First World War without going back to the tragedy of the Armenian nation – the Armenian Genocide. The recognition or remembering by heads of state would be highly appreciated by the Armenian nation worldwide,” President Sarkissian said in an interview with the Swiss Radio and Television Company. 

According to him, recognition of the Armenian genocide is not recognition of a tragedy of an individually taken tragedy of one nation.

“Recognition of the Armenian genocide is not recognition of a tragedy of an individually taken tragedy of one nation. First of all it was the first genocide of the 20th century. Because it was not prevented, because it was not recognized and condemned, it led to further genocides in the 20th century,” the Armenian President added.

Asked to comment on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s statement, Armen Sarkissian noted he is ready for dialogue.

“I would tell him - we have something to talk about,” the President said adding that his family, his ancestors are from Erzrum, Van and Bitlis.

“We should talk not only about history, but also about the future, about the future of your and my children, about the future of grandchildren, and the future of our peoples. I'm a Christian. Christianity teaches that there is always the possibility of forgiveness, however, forgiveness comes only after recognition,” Armen Sarkissian concluded.