Turkologist: We move from recognition to compensation

“It is important that lawyers on the lawsuit against the Turkish government filed by heirs of Armenian Genocide victims represent interests of Armenian society, not personal interests; it has a political context,” Turkologist Artak Shakaryan told a press conference.

According to Shakaryan, experts mention two important factors that could help us win the trial.

“Good Turkish-Iranian and bad Turkish-Israeli relations formed an anti-Turkish atmosphere in the United States, besides, congressional elections will be held in November, and Congressmen will do their utmost to gain votes of Armenians. Thus, the current period is beneficial for us,” Shakaryan said.

In expert’s opinion, it is also important that our thinking has changed. “We spoke about recognition in 1950-1960, while now we move from recognition to compensation.”

Shakaryan stressed that most of the Kurds and Turks currently living in the territory of Western Armenia have no land ownership documents.

“If the court pronounces a judgement on Armenian Genocide, it can be a precedent, and Diaspora Armenians having land ownership documents can take back their lands,” Shakaryan stressed. Thus, Turkey will have to return the seized territories to Armenians.