Civilnet
Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan has responded to former President Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s open letter of February 17. In that letter, Ter Petrosyan had proposed redrafting the Pan-Armenian Declaration on the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, which was prepared by the state commission set up by Armenia’s government to coordinate events for the centenary and said that he is ready to meet face to face with Sargsyan.
In his response, Sargsyan expressed gratitude to the first president for writing about his concerns. “Let me say right off, that I strongly oppose your qualification regarding the pan-Armenian Declaration on the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. I reject it not only because it was the first document adopted since independence that was drafted by representatives from almost every structure representing Armenians and representatives of communities, becoming a unique symbol of national unity but also because taking part in the process of its drafting were serious specialists from multiple disciplines from all corners of the world, people, whose professionalism I trust. Therefore, it is clear that I cannot consider your intimation that it contravenes the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia or international legal instruments,” Sargsyan said in his letter.
The president went on to say that from its inception, the state commission set up to coordinate centenary events has strived to unify all opinions and proposals. He said that there will be many messages, announcements and events leading up to April 24. “If there are perhaps opinions or proposals which for some reason or another have not been placed on the discussion table, they should nonetheless be included on that platform of unity and must be taken into consideration. In this regard, I consider that your suggestions also must be discussed. You noted that in order for that to happen, it is necessary to meet face to face. I see no problem. Moreover, your argument that such a meeting would be an impossibility is inappropriate. When you feel the need and wish nonetheless to meet privately to discuss the events for the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, I am ready to extend such an invitation.”
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