Nations worldwide and several states of the U.S. have passed resolutions recognizing the Armenian Genocide despite of Turkish government’s consistent campaign of denial of the official recognition of the Armenian Genocide, especially by Western powers.

Argentina - The Senate of the Nation 
Resolution 1554/92
May 5, 1993

Declares:

Its complete solidarity with the Armenian community, which was the victim of the first genocide of the 20th century, in commemorating once again the anniversary of a crime against humanity that was to culminate with the death of 1,500,000 Armenians at the hands of the Turkish government between the years 1915 and 1917.

Likewise, it manifests its deep concern for the constant violations of human rights that have taken place in the autonomous region of Nagorno Karabakh against the majority Armenian population.

Argentina - The Senate of the Nation

Argentina - El Honorable Senado de la Nación
August 20, 2003

Declara:

Su profundo pesar en la conmemoración del 88° aniversario del genocidio de 1.500.000 armenios, perpetrado por el estado turco entre los años 1915 y 1923.

Asimismo manifiesta su más enérgico repudio hacia los crímenesconsiderados de lesa humanidad que aún continúan impunes.

Guillermo Raúl Jenefes.-

FUNDAMENTOS

Señor Presidente:

El 24 de abril se conmemora un aniversario más del primer genocidio del siglo XX cometido por el gobierno turco en forma planificada y premeditada. Un millón y medio de armenios fueron víctimas de la barbarie y el horror de las masacres y deportaciones en manos de los turcos, quienes usurparon sus tierras y negaron el derecho de habitar sus históricos territorios.

La política de destrucción e intento de aniquilación total de una nación y el posterior fanatismo por borrar la memoria del pasado reciente, llega a tal punto que el gobierno turco pretende convencer al mundo de su inocencia negando el genocidio y la existencia de una "Cuestión Armenia".

La humanidad no puede seguir expuesta ante tanta impunidad, pues ésta, junto con la indiferencia y el olvido, conduce a la reiteración de actos genocidas. La comunidad internacional debería exigir la admisión de la responsabilidad a los autores de estos hechos, ya que coinciden con el concepto de delito internacional de genocidio y violación de los derechos humanos.

Tanto el Parlamento Europeo, como así también la Comisión de Derechos Humanos de la ONU y diversos países han señalado la necesidad de reconocimiento del genocidio armenio, al considerarlo una verdad histórica irrefutable.

Señor presidente, la justicia es la única garante de la dignidad humana, es por eso que solicito a mis pares la aprobación del presente proyecto.

Argentina - El Senado de la Nación
March 31, 2004

Declara:

1. - Su solidaridad con la Comunidad Armenia, víctima del primer genocidio del Siglo XX, al cumplirse una nueva conmemoración del crimen que terminara con la vida de más de 1.500.000 armenios masacrados por el Estado turco entre los años 1915 y 1918.

2. - Condena toda forma de violación de los derechos humanos de los pueblos, a fin de que ningún crimen de lesa humanidad quede impune.

Marcela F. Lescano - Diana Conti - Mario A. Losada.-

FUNDAMENTOS

Señor Presidente:

Como todos los años, este Honorable Cuerpo en consonancia con gran cantidad de parlamentos como el de Uruguay, Brasil, Francia, Suecia, Grecia, Italia, Líbano, Bulgaria, Bélgica, Rusia, el Parlamento Europeo y muchos otros, conmemora la fecha del 24 de abril como el día del Genocidio cometida contra el pueblo armenio por el Estado turco de 1915.

Nuestra Cámara se suma a este ejercicio como todos los años desde 1984, con la convicción de que la ejercitación del derecho humano de reclamar que cese la impunidad, proveerá mejoras en la vigencia de los derechos humanos. El silencio, la negación, fomentan la reiteración. Las víctimas esperan pacientes y su voz, a través de nuestra acción como Legisladores, es lo único que poseen.

Es importante destacar que las cinco condiciones que establece la Convención Contra el Delito de Genocidio de Naciones Unidas de 1948, fueron analizadas y comprobadas como correspondientes con los hechos del horror vivido por este pueblo. Hemos oído a lo largo de estos años, innumerables testimonios y últimamente, se ha liberado de confidencialidad gran cantidad de documentación que deja al desnudo la cruel realidad histórica. También es de destacar la declaración firmada por 126 intelectuales y estudiosos del Holocausto judío, entre ellos el Premio Noble de la Paz Elie Wiesel en el año 2. 000, en la que afirman contundentemente el hecho de la existencia histórica del Genocidio Armenio y exhortan a las democracias del mundo a reconocerlo oficialmente. Solicitamos por tanto, la aprobación de la presente declaración.

Marcela F. Lescano - Diana Conti - Mario A. Losada.

El proyecto de ley que someto a consideración de mis pares se inscribe en una línea ideológica de afianzamiento de valores vinculados a la dignidad de la persona, a la justicia y a los derechos fundamentales del individuo, en concordancia con lo preceptuado por las convenciones internacionales y nuestra propia legislación tuitiva de aquellos derechos.

Tanto la Declaración Universal de los Derechos Humanos adoptada por las Naciones Unidas como código básico de convivencia de la humanidad; como los otros instrumentos incorporados a nuestro derecho interno mediante el inciso 22 del artículo 75 de la Carta Magna, constituyen la estructura fundamental del derecho internacional de los derechos humanos, plexo legal que deviene orientación axiológica con la vista puesta en el futuro, así como recurso con que cuenta la humanidad para evitar la recaída en el extravío colectivo.

El genocidio que el llamado "gobierno de los jóvenes turcos" perpetró en 1915 en perjuicio del pueblo armenio, así como el manto de silencio que lo cubrió durante demasiado tiempo, interpelan la conciencia de la humanidad.

En esa fecha, un 24 de abril, las autoridades ejecutaron a 2300 líderes de la comunidad armenia de Estambul, sin causa alguna y por mero prejuicio racial y religioso, dando comienzo, de este modo, al primer genocidio del siglo XX.

Empero, los antecedentes de este proceder criminal se remontan al siglo anterior. En efecto, entre 1894 y 1896 el brazo represivo del Imperio Otomano ordenó procedimientos que costaron la vida a trescientos mil armenios. Se trataba de parte de una comunidad nacional que se había organizado para reclamar reformas que reconocieran sus derechos en tanto minoría nacional.

Pero no paró aquí la saña persecutoria del poder del Estado en aquella región del mundo. En 1909 y poco después, durante la primera guerra mundial, las autoridades turcas se propusieron y lograron el exterminio sistemático de armenios que vivían en seis provincias de Anatolia oriental y Cilicia, completando estas políticas ciertamente criminales con el desplazamiento forzado de sobrevivientes que se vieron, así, exiliados y privados de sus hogares, bienes y afectos.

La verdad histórica -tenazmente exhumada por investigadores armenios y de otras nacionalidades- echan luz sobre estos desgraciados sucesos y dan cuenta de que el genocidio armenio no finalizó en 1915 o en 1918, como alguna vez se afirmó, sino que continuó luego de la primera gran conflagración.

En efecto, con el advenimiento al poder de Mustafá Kemal las matanzas de armenios se sucedieron en lúgubre registro; la masacre de la ciudad de Marash, en ese tiempo, tuvo como preludio el ataque de las fuerzas kemalistas a la guarnición francesa destacada en el lugar, que cedió posiciones hasta abandonar el país, luego, en forma definitiva, lo cual determinó que los armenios, abandonados a su suerte, fueran exterminados por los turcos.

Tal vez el hito final, en esta historia de intolerancia, haya sido la heroica defensa que ese pueblo realizó, en 1920, de la flamante república de Armenia --que había sido creada en 1918--, hasta que, finalmente, fue sovietizada.

Con el incendio de la ciudad de Esmirna, en 1922, y la muerte de griegos y armenios, se cierra este triste capítulo en la historia milenaria de un pueblo que no ceja en su demanda de justicia.

Las investigaciones de estudiosos y los archivos históricos dan cuenta de una cifra aproximada de 1.500.000 (un millón quinientos mil) víctimas de esta política de exterminio, lo cual constituye el delito definido por la Convención de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Delito de Genocidio de 1948, que entró en vigor en 1951 y respecto de la cual nuestro país depositó el pertinente instrumento de ratificación el 31 de octubre de 1963.

Aun cuando el gobierno turco no reconoce estos hechos históricos, los parlamentos de nuestro país y de Bélgica, Francia, Grecia, Italia, El Líbano, Rusia, Suecia, Uruguay, así como el Parlamento Europeo y el Consejo Mundial de Iglesias, han condenado las masacres de la población armenia y las han caracterizado como genocidio. En el mismo sentido se han pronunciado la Asamblea Nacional de Quebec, la Asamblea Legislativa de Ontario y el Consejo Canadiense de Iglesias.

No es posible ignorar tampoco que en Argentina reside una comunidad armenia numerosa y socialmente activa, cuya laboriosidad y valores se expresan en sus aportes al acervo cultural de nuestro país.

El sentimiento de justicia, hondamente arraigado en la cultura y en los valores del pueblo argentino, no podría sino enervarse si la indiferencia ante el justo anhelo de ese pueblo victimizado diera pábulo a la desmemoria colectiva. Un genocidio es, sin duda, un injusto universal y su etiología, naturaleza y modos de prevenirlo y castigarlo tiene que ser preocupación constante de los Estados.

El pueblo y el Estado armenios reclaman que se reconozca la verdad sobre lo ocurrido, así como la condigna reparación económica como obligación inexcusable que tales hechos irrogaron.

Por último, es preciso destacar que no anima a este proyecto ningún sentimiento de venganza o revancha contra miembro alguno de la comunidad universal de las naciones. Sólo busca, por razones humanitarias y de estricta justicia, refirmar el propósito de que hechos de esta naturaleza deben ser denunciados pues, de este modo, se evitarán penosas recidivas con la vista puesta en el futuro.

Atento los argumentos expuestos, se hace preciso incorporar el conocimiento y difusión de lo ocurrido con el pueblo armenio, en el período descripto, a la currícula escolar de todos los niveles, así como instituir el día 24 de abril como Día de Recordación del Genocidio Armenio. Ello así, por cuanto dichas medidas aparecen como el recurso indicado para obtener los fines de memoración, difusión y reparación que hace mucho tiempo se reclaman.

Por los fundamentos expuestos, solicito de mis pares la aprobación del presente proyecto de ley.

Australia - New South Wales Parliament
April 17, 1997

Whereas 24 April 1997 marks the occasion of the 82nd anniversary of the commemoration of the Genocide of the Armenians by the then Ottoman Turkish Government between 1915-1922; this House:

1. join the members of the New South Wales Armenian Community in honoring the memory of the 1.5 million men, women and children who fell victim of the first genocide of the 20th century;

2. condemn the Genocide of the Armenians and all other acts of genocide committed during our century as the ultimate act of racial, religious and cultural intolerance;

3. recognize the importance of remembering and learning from such dark chapters in human history to ensure that such crimes against humanity are not allowed to repeated;

4. condemn and prevent all attempts to use the passage of time to deny or distort the historical truth of the Genocide of the Armenians and other acts of genocide committed during this century;

5. designate 24 April in every year hereafter throughout New South Wales as a day of remembrance of the 1.5 million Armenians who fell victim to the first genocide of this century;

6. call on the Commonwealth Government officially to condemn the Genocide of the Armenians and any attempts to deny such crimes against humanity.

Belgium - Senate
Resolution 1-736/3
March 26, 1998

The Senate,

Considering the numerous studies dedicated to the situation of the Armenian population in Turkey at the beginning of the 20 th century;

Considering the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide, which provides a definition of the concept of genocide;

Considering the judicial verdicts that have applied this term to describe the state of Armenian living in Turkey in 1915, more specifically the verdict of the “tribunal de grand instance” in Paris on 21 June 1995;

Considering the resolution by the European Parliament on 18 June, 1987 concerning a “political solution to the Armenian Question”, wherein it is recognized that the Armenians living in Turkey in 1915 were the victims of a genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman government of the time;

Considering that there cannot be the slightest doubt over the historical evidence regarding the organized and systematic murder of the Armenians;

Considering that the recognition of mistakes and crimes of the past is a precondition for reconciliation between peoples and that there cannot be peace without justice, either in Armenia or elsewhere;

Furthermore, considering that only through the recognition of crimes committed by previous regimes it is possible to distance oneself from their aims and strive politically for reconciliation;

Considering that the difference between the Turkish and Armenian nations continue to drag on and even today lead to the loss of human lives, to the eviction of ethnic groups and to numerous violations of Human rights in that region;

Considering that the Turkish and Armenian peoples have no choice but to co-exist peacefully in the long term;

Considering the friendly ties and co-operation between, on the one hand, Turkey, Belgium and the European Union;

Remarking that the 1987 resolution by the European Parliament has not led the Turkish government to recognize the historic reality of the 1915 genocide;

Requests the Turkish government to recognize the historic reality of the genocide committed in 1915 by the last government of the Ottoman Empire;

Requests the parliaments of the member states of the European Union to contribute to the reconciliation between Turkish and Armenian peoples;

Requests the European Union and its member states to lend their support to initiatives in all domains aimed at promoting a dialog the Armenian and Turkish peoples;

Canada - House of Commons
April 21, 2004 

Private Members' Business

Pursuant to Standing Order 93(1), the House proceeded to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion of Ms. Dalphond-Guiral (Laval Centre), seconded by Mr. Assadourian (Brampton Centre), Mr. Kenney (Calgary Southeast) and Ms. McDonough (Halifax), — That this House acknowledge the Armenian genocide of 1915 and condemn this act as a crime against humanity. (Private Members' Business M-380)

The question was put on the motion and it was agreed to on the following division:

YEAS: 153, NAYS: 68

Canada - Senate
Resolution
1st Session, 37th Parliament,
Volume 139, Issue 124
June 13, 2002

Whereas on April 24, 1915, the Ottoman Turkish authorities arrested, and later executed, over 2300 prominent leaders of the Armenian community in Istanbul, without cause or reason, but for their race and religion, signaling the beginning of the first genocide of the 20th century;

Whereas using the First World War as a cover for their operations, Ottoman Turkish authorities ordered and carried out the systematic slaughter of Armenians living in six provinces of Eastern Anatolia and Cilicia, in an effort to exterminate the Armenian presence in those regions;

Whereas the Ottoman Turkish authorities exiled the survivors of the massacres from their homes and native lands;

Whereas the historical record clearly demonstrates that the events occurring between 1915 and 1918 that resulted in the massacre and exile of the Armenian population of Eastern Anatolia and Cilicia constitutes a genocide as defined by international customary law and by the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide of December 11th, 1948;

Whereas the government of the Republic of Turkey distorts the historical record and denies that the Armenian Genocide took place;

Whereas the parliaments of Argentina, Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Russia, Sweden, Uruguay and the European Parliament and the World Council of Churches have condemned the massacres of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire and recognized them as constituting a genocide;

Whereas the Armenian Genocide has also been recognized by the National Assembly of Quebec, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and the Canadian Council of Churches;

Whereas thousands of Armenian Genocide survivors and their descendants now reside in Canada as Canadian citizens and enrich Canada's multicultural heritage;

Whereas Canada is a country which prides itself on the rule of law and of the respect of human rights and liberties;

Whereas April 24th has become a symbolic date of remembrance for Armenian-Canadians and for people of Armenian origin all over the world;

Whereas the resolution of the Armenian Genocide issue could help peacefully resolve several long-lasting conflicts in the South Caucasus

Be it Resolved

That this house calls upon the Government of Canada:

a) to recognize the genocide of the Armenians and to condemn any attempt to deny or distort a historical truth as being anything less than a genocide, a crime against humanity.

and

b) to designate 24th of every year hereafter throughout Canada as a day of remembrance of the 1.5 million Armenians who fell victim to the first genocide of the 20th century.

Canada - Ontario Legislature
March 27, 1980

On March 27, 1980, the Legislature of Ontario unanimously adopted the following resolution:

That this House, on behalf of the people of Ontario, requests the government of Canada to officially recognize and condemn the atrocities committed by the government of Turkey upon the Armenian people who were victims of persecution and genocide during World War I:

And this House, on behalf of the people of Ontario, urges the government of Canada to make appropriate representation to the General Assembly of the United Nations to recognize and condemn the Armenian genocide and to express the abhorrence of such actions as being in violation of the basic standards of human rights and decency now embodied in the United Nations Declarations of Human Rights:

And this House, on behalf of the people of Ontario, recommends to the government of Canada that it designate April 24 in every year hereafter throughout Canada as a day of remembrance for the Armenian community, as it has been by the Armenian people for many years in memory of fellow Armenians who suffered such crimes.

Canada - Quebec National Assembly
April 10, 1980

Motion condamnant le génocide arménien et invitant les Québecois àcommémorer cet évènement le 24 avril.

M. Jacques Couture

M. Couture: M. le Président, pour donner suite à la pétition présentéepar plus de 10,000 citoyens à l'occasion du 65e anniversaire du génocidearménien, je propose la motion suivante: "Que cette Assemblée saisissel'occasion du 65e anniversaire du génocide arménien perpétré en Turquie,le 24 avril 1915, pour condamner un acte aussi barbare contre ce malheureux peuple, contrairement aux principes les plus fondamentaux des droits humains collectifs et individuels, et que cette Assemblée invite les Québecois à commémorer le 24 avril de chaque année comme jour anniversaire de cet évènement en solidarité avec toute la communauté arménienne."

Le Vice-Président: Est-ce qu'il y a consentement? Il y a consentement. M. le ministre de l'Immigration.

M. Couture: Brièvement, M. le Président, le préambule de la pétition quenous avons entendu en début de séance dit l'essentiel sur l'objet de cette motion. Je veux simplement souligner ceci: Le silence prudent etcriminel des nations devant l'extermination des Arméniens entre 1915 et1918 est une honte pour les pays dits civilisés de ce siècle. C'est cegenre de silence qui a sans doute contibué à favoriser d'autresopérations du même ordre dont la plus récente, celle du Cambodge, nous aété tristement révèlée.

Comme l'a rappelé la pétition, à cause de l'impunité de ce génocide et de l'apathie de la communauté internationale, ce premier génocide des temps modernes a permis que d'autres pays agissent de la même façon par rapport à d'autres populations.

M. le Président, souhaitons que notre collectivité reste sensibilisée àces drames humains et continue de manifester à l'occasion sa solidarité,d'apporter se contribution pour les prévenir, les dénoncer et surtout pour aider à en soulager les victimes. (15 n 30)

Le Vice-Président: M. le député de Mont-Royal.

M. John Ciaccia

M. Ciaccia: M. le Président, c'est avec une profonde et fraternelle sympathie envers le peuple arménien et ses fils et filles du Québec que le Parti libéral appuiera la motion présentée par le massacre de la nation arménienne, dans le contexte historique du Québec, le parti le fait d'aulant plus volontiers que ce génocide fut perpétré au nom d'unnationalisme aveuglé, dirigé contre un autre groupe ethnique et une autre nation qui avait le malheur d'être diffèrente. Les Québecois, à cette occasion, doivent se rappeler jusqu'à quel excès l'exaltation aveugle du nationalisme a pu conduire.

Le Vice-Président: La motion de M. le ministre de l'Immigration est-elleadoptée?

Des Voix: Adoptée

Le Vice-Président: Adoptée
Enregistrement des noms sur les votes en suspens.

Canada - Quebec National Assembly
November 28, 2003

WHEREAS since 1980, the National Assembly of Québec has unanimously supported every motion to commemorate the Armenian genocide;

WHEREAS in recent years, a number of countries have in various ways acknowledged the existence of the Armenian genocide;

WHEREAS the Armenian community of Québec has over 20,000 members;

WHEREAS our fellow citizens of Armenian origin strongly desire to perpetuate the memory of those who died;

WHEREAS Quebecers wish to share the painful memory their fellow citizens of Armenian origin have of the tragic events of 1915, and have expressed this wish on many occasions in the National Assembly of Québec;

WHEREAS, in keeping with their social values, Quebecers have always rejected intolerance and ethnic exclusion;

THE PARLIAMENT OF QUÉBEC ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:

1. The twenty-fourth of April is proclaimed Armenian Genocide Memorial Day.

2. This Act comes into force on 10 December 2003.

Canada - Quebec National Assembly
April 10, 2004

Mr. Bordeleau (Acadie) moved:

THAT, on the occasion of the 89th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the National Assembly of Québec commemorate with respect the memory of the Armenian citizens who were lost in the events of 1915 and extend its deepest sympathy and compassion to our fellow countrymen of Armenian origin.

By leave of the Assembly under Standing Order 84, a debate arose thereon.

The debate being concluded, the motion was carried.

At the invitation of Mr. Sirros, First Vice-President, the Assembly then observed a minute of silence.

Council of Europe - Parliamentary Assembly
Written Declaration No. 275 - Doc. 8091
April 24, 1998

Commemoration of the Armenian genocide of 1915

This written declaration commits only the members who have signed it

(1) The date of 24 April 1915 marked the beginning of the implementation of the plan to exterminate Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire.

(2) Today we commemorate the anniversary of what has been called the first genocide of the 20th century, and we salute the memory of the Armenian victims of this crime against humanity.

Signed:
Roudy, France, SOC Jeambrun, France, LDR Mattéi, France, LDR Michel, France, SOC Schreiner, France, EDG Vrettos, Greece, SOC Zissi, Greece, SOC Katseli, Greece, SOC Maginas, Greece, EPP/CD Loule, Greece, UEL Steolea, Romania, EDG Lukin, Russia, LDR Marmazov, Ukraine, UEL Oleynik, Ukraine, UEL Zhebrovsky, Russia, NR Schieder, Austria, SOC Christodoulides, Cyprus, UEL	Frahm, Denmark, UEL Kulbaka, Russia, UEL Myrvoll, Norway, UEL Lazarescu, Romania, LDR Verspaget, Netherlands, SOC Mignon, France, EDG Lengagne, France, SOC Dees, Netherlands, LDR Woltjer, Netherlands, SOC Slobodnik, Slovakia, SOC Gonzalez Laxe, Spain, SOC Gross, Switzerland, SOC Lord Russell-Johnston, United Kingdom, LDR Lauricella, Italy, SOC Turini, Italy, EDG Amoruso, Italy, EDG Elo, Finland, SOC	Pereira Marques, Portugal, SOC Staes, Belgium, EPP/CD Maximus, Belgium, SOC Mota Amaral, Portugal, EPP/CD Vyvadil, Czech Republic, SOC Plechata, Czech Republic, EDG Stepova, Czech Republic, SOC Janecek, Czech Republic, EPP/CD Novakova, Czech Republic, EPP/CD Svoboda, Czech Republic, SOC Kalus, Czech Republic, EDG Schwimmer, Austria, EPP/CD Kuzmickas, Lithuania, EDG Zingeris, Lithuania, EDG Gylys, Lithuania, SOC Raskinis, Lithuania, EPP/CD Ciupaila, Lithuania, LDR

Council of Europe - Parliamentary Assembly
Written Declaration No. 320 - Doc. 9056
April 24, 2001

This written declaration commits only the members who have signed it

Commemorating today the anniversary of the first genocide of the 20th century -- the Armenian genocide -- and paying tribute to the memory of its victims;
 

Condemning all manifestations of the crime of genocide as crimes perpetrated against humanity;
 

Considering that the unequivocal repudiation of the acts of genocide is a necessary means to help prevent its recurrence;
 

Taking note of the fact that various European institutions, parliaments of a number of member countries of the Council of Europe have adopted resolutions and statements recognising the Armenian genocide, in the case of the National Assembly of France a law;
 

Considering that the recognition by the international community of the Armenian genocide will eventually allow the Turkish authorities a similar admission, and as a result will lead to improved relations between Armenia-Turkey, and thus, contribute to regional peace, security and stability, 
 

The undersigned, members of the Assembly, appeal to all the members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to take the necessary steps for the recognition of the genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire against the Armenians at the beginning of the 20th century.

 

Republic of Cyprus - The House of Representatives 
April 29, 1982

On the occasion of the Anniversary of the Genocide of the Armenian people which was started in 1915 in an organized manner by the then Turkish regime,

1. Notes with abhorrence and condemns unreservedly the crime against the Armenian people which had the dimensions of genocide and which uprooted the Armenians from ancestral lands.

2. Supports the full restoration of the inalienable rights of the Armenian people.

3. Underlines the harmonious and long-standing coexistence and brotherly cooperation with the Armenians of Cyprus and their contribution to the political, economic and cultural life of our country.

4. Considers this coexistence as evidence of the real possibility for harmonious coexistence of all the people of Cyprus regardless of language, religion or national origin.

5. In parallel considers it necessary to condemn the crime committed against the people of Cyprus by the Turkish invasion of 1974.

European Parliament 
Doc. A2-33/87
July 18, 1987

having regard to the motion for a resolution tabled by Mr. Saby and others on behalf of the Socialist Group on a political solution to the Armenian question (Doc. 2-737/84),

having regard to the motion for a resolution tabled by Mr. Kolokotronis on the Armenian question and the declaration of 24 April as Armenian Genocide Day (Doc, V 2-360/85).

having regard to the report of the Political Affairs Committee (Doc. 2-33/87),

A. having regard to:

the motion for a resolution by Mr. Jaquet and others on the situation of the Armenian people (Doc. 1-782/81),

the motion for a resolution by Mrs. Duport and Mr. Glinne on behalf of the Socialist Group on a political solution to the Armenian question (Doc. 1-735/83), and

the written question by Mrs. Duport on the Armenian question,

the resolution of the Ministers with responsibility for Cultural Affairs, meeting within the Council of 13 November 1986 on the protection of Europe's architectural heritage, including that outside the territory of the Community.

B. convinced that recognition of the identity of the Armenian people in Turkey as an ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious minority follows on from recognition of its own history,

C. whereas the Armenian side regards these events as planned genocide within the meaning of the 1948 UN Convention.

D. whereas the Turkish State rejects the charge of genocide as unfounded,

E. whereas, to date, the Turkish Government, by refusing to recognize the Genocide of 1915, continues to deprive the Armenian people of the right to their own history,

F. whereas the historically proven Armenian Genocide has so far neither been the object of political condemnation nor received due compensation,

G. whereas the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey must therefore be viewed as a profoundly humane act of moral rehabilitation towards the Armenians, which can only bring honor to the Turkish Government;

H. profoundly regretting and condemning the mindless terrorism by groups of Armenians who were responsible between 1973 and 1986 of several attacks causing death or injury to innocent victims and deplored by an overwhelming majority of the Armenian people,

I. whereas the obdurate stance of every Turkish Government towards the Armenian question has in no way helped to reduce the tension,

European Parliament 
A5-0297/2000
November 15, 2000

European Parliament resolution on the 1999 Regular Report from the Commission on Turkey's progress towards accession (COM(1999) 513 -C5-0036/2000 - 2000/2014(COS))

The European Parliament,

having regard to Turkey's application for accession to the European Union,

having regard to its resolution of 3 December 1998 on the European Strategy for Turkey,

having regard to the 1999 Regular Report from the Commission on Turkey’s progress towards accession (COM(1999)513 - C5-0036/2000),

having regard to its resolution of 2 December 1999 on the implementation of measures to intensify the EC-Turkey customs union,

having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 764/2000 of 10 April 2000 regarding the implementation of measures to intensify the EC-Turkey Customs Union ,

having regard to its resolution of 6 September 2000 on measures to promote economic and social development in Turkey,

having regard to its resolution of 7 September 2000 on the Turkish bombardment of northern Iraq,

having regard to Rule 47(1) of the Rules of Procedure,

having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy (A5-0297/2000),

Paragraphs 10 and 21:

10. Calls, therefore, on the Turkish Government and the Turkish Grand National Assembly to give fresh support to the Armenian minority, as an important part of Turkish society, in particular by public recognition of the genocide which that minority suffered before the establishment of the modern state of Turkey;

21. Calls in this connection on the Turkish Government to launch a dialogue with Armenia aimed in particular at re-establishing normal diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries and lifting the current blockade;

European Parliament
EU relations with South Caucasus

Per GAHRTON (Greens/EFA, S)
Report on the communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on the European Union's relations with the South Caucasus, under the partnership and cooperation agreements
Doc.: A5-0028/2002
Procedure : Consultation paper
Debate : 27.02.2002
Vote : 28.02.2002

Sections pertaining to the Armenian Genocide:

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
15.Calls on the neighboring countries Russia, Iran and Turkey to contribute constructively to the peaceful development of the South Caucasus Region; in this respect especially calls upon Russia to fulfill commitments to downgrade its military presence and calls upon Turkey to take appropriate steps in accordance with its European ambitions, especially concerning the termination of the blockade against Armenia; reiterates in this respect the position in its resolution of 18 June 1987 recognizing the genocide upon Armenians 1915 and calls upon Turkey to create a basis for reconciliation;

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Turkey's status as a candidate for membership of the European Union presents the Union with special opportunities and reasons to help ensure increased Turkish flexibility as regards conflicts in the region, especially in relation to Armenia; this is true with regard both to the closed borders and to the stance on the 1915 genocide. The recognition of the Armenian genocide by the European Parliament and by several Member States and the fact that the Turkish regime after the First World War had several of those responsible for the genocide severely punished ought to provide a basis for the EU to present constructive proposals to Turkey on the handling of the matter, e.g. by setting up an multilateral international committee of historians on the 1915 Armenian genocide.

France - National Assembly
Adopted Text no. 140
May 29, 1998

"Small law"

October 4, 1958 Constitution
Eleventh Legislature
Ordinary Session of 1997-1998

Law Proposal

Adopted in first reading by the National Assembly relating to recognition of the Armenian genocide of 1915.

The National Assembly adopted the law proposal, the content of which follows:

See numbers: 895 and 925.

Human rights and civil liberties.

Single Article

France publicly recognizes the Armenian Genocide of 1915.

Publicly deliberated, in Paris, on May 29, 1998.

The President,
Signed: Laurent Fabius.

France - National Senate
N°22
November 7, 2000

Regular Session of 2000-2001

Proposed Law

Concerning the recognition of the Armenian Genocide of 1915.

Single article

France publicly recognizes the Armenian Genocide of 1915.

Deliberated in public session in Paris on November 7, 2000.

The President,
Signed: Christian PONCELET.

French Law
Law no. 2001-70
January 29, 2001

The National Assembly and the Senate have adopted and the President of the Republic proclaims the following law:

France publicly recognizes the Armenian Genocide of 1915. The present law shall be executed as a law of the state.

Done at Paris on January 29, 2001.

Jacque Chirac
For the President of the Republic:
Prime Minister Lionel Jospin

(1) Preparatory documents: Law no. 2001-70.
Senate: Proposed law no. 60, discussed and adopted on November 7, 2000.
National Assembly: Proposed law adopted by the Senate, No. 2688.
Report by François Rochebloine for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, no. 2855, discussed and adopted on January 18, 2001.

Hellenic (Greek) Parliament 
Resolution 2397/1996
April 25, 1996

The bill "For the establishment of the 24th of April as the day of commemoration of the genocide of Armenians by Turkey" was unanimously accepted in principle, in article and in its entirety in one discussion and is as follows:

The 24th of April is established as the day of commemoration of the genocide of Armenians by Turkey.

Article 1
The 24th of April is defined as the day of commemoration of the genocide of Armenians by Turkey.

Article 2
The character, content, bearer and manner of organization of the commemoration events are determined by a presidential decree that is issued with the proposal of the Ministries of the Interior, and of Public Administration and Decentralization, after taking into consideration the advice of the most recognized Armenian guilds and organizations.

Article 3
The present law will be in effect after its publication in the Official Gazette of the Hellenic Government.

Italy - Parliament
November 17, 2000

The Italian Chamber of Deputies has observed that on November 15, 2000, the European Parliament approved by a large majority a proposal deriving from the Periodic Review on the progress made by Turkey towards admission to the European Union, a review completed by the European Commission in 1999. The Turkish government has been encouraged to intensify its efforts towards democratization, especially in the fields of criminal law reform, independence of the judiciary, freedom of expression, and the rights of minorities.

The Italian Chamber of Deputies has also observed that the recent resolution deals with questions concerning the Armenian people un three paragraphs of particular significance: “we urge recognition of the genocide inflicted upon the Armenian minority [within the Ottoman Empire] committed before the creation of the modern Republic of Turkey (paragraph 10); improvements of relations with Turkey's neighbours in the Caucasus, as of the suggestions put forward in paragraph 21 by the Hon. D. Cohn-Bendit President of the Bipartisan Parliamentary Commission on EU-Turkish Relations, “invites the Turkish government to open negotiations with the Republic of Armenia, restore diplomatic relations and trade between the two countries, placing an end to the blockade currently in place.

Lebanon - Parliament
May 11, 2000

"On the occasion of the 85th anniversary of massacres perpetrated by the Ottoman authorities in the year 1915, as a result of which 1.5 million Armenians fell victim, the Lebanese Chamber of Deputies recognizes and condemns the genocide perpetrated against the Armenian people and expresses its complete solidarity with demands of its Armenian citizens. Furthermore, it believes that the international recognition of this genocide is a necessary condition for the prevention of similar crimes that may occur in the future."

The Russian Federation - State Duma  
April 14, 1995

Resolution by the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

Based on irrefutable historic facts which attest to the extermination of Armenians on the territory of Western Armenia from 1915 to 1922 and, in accordance with the following Conventions adopted by the United Nations:

Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, December 9, 1948;

Convention on the Non-Applicability of Statutory Limitations to War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity, November 26, 1968;

Aspiring to restore the humanitarian traditions of the Russian State and,

Emphasizing that through the initiative of Russia, the Great European Powers already in 1915 characterized the actions of the Turkish Empire against the Armenian people as a "Crime Against Humanity" and,

Noting that the physical extermination of the fraternal Armenian people in its historic homeland aimed at destroying Russia;

The State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation:

Condemns the perpetrators of the extermination of Armenians from 1915 to 1922;

Expresses its deep sympathy to the Armenian people and recognizes April 24 as a day of remembrance for the victims of the Genocide.

Sweden - Parliament
March 29, 2000

An official statement and recognition of the Genocide of the Armenians is important and necessary. In 1985 the UN and the European Parliament established the fact that the Ottoman Empire had committed genocide against the Armenian people in the beginning of the 20th century. The Standing Committee [on Foreign Affairs] is of the opinion that the greater openness Turkey demonstrates, the stronger Turkey's democratic identity will be. It is therefore important that unbiased independent and international research on the genocide committed against the Armenian people be carried out.
 
It is of great importance that an increasing openness and historical understanding of the events of 1915 and thereafter be developed. An improvement in this respect would also be of importance for the stability and the development of the whole Caucasus region.

Switzerland - National Council
December 16, 2003 

The National Council recognizes the Genocide of the Armenians in 1915. It requests from the Federal Council to register it and transmit its position through the usual diplomatic channels.

Explanation

•  The extermination of the Armenians of the Ottoman Empire during the First World War has annihilated more than a million people who here deported and massacred at the order of the Ottoman rulers. These facts, incontestable in their significance and magnitude, have served as a reference for Raphael Lemkin, the lawyer who coined the notion of genocide. The norms established by the United Nations in the 1948 Convention correspond precisely to the process of destruction endured by the Armenians.

1. By the recognition of the genocide of the Armenians, Switzerland will do justice to the victims, the survivors as well as their descendants, and will contribute to the prevention of other crime against humanity. This is a decisive gesture by which Switzerland will show its commitment to human rights, respect for minorities, and international criminal law. In addition, it evokes the imprescriptible nature of crimes against humanity, and thus contributing to the struggle against negationism.

1. The Armenian Genocide has been recognized by the United Nations in 1985 through the adoption of the report of one of its expert committees, the Sub Commission for the Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, and then by the European Parliament in a resolution in 1987. In the last few years, the parliaments of France, Sweden and Italy have done the same, as well as numerous parliaments in Europe and elsewhere. The Canton of Geneva has done it twice: through the Grand Council in 1998 and through the State Council, last December. Finally, we can mention the position of the World Council of Churches through the adoption of a declaration in 1983.

1. On March 13, 2001, the National Council, after a unanimous decision of the Commissions of Foreign Policy of the two Chambers, transmitted to the Federal Council the petition of the Association of the Opponents to Genocide (Frankfurt-am-Main) “so that they register it” and invited them to “address the question of the Armenian Genocide in the context of the political dialogue between Switzerland and Turkey”. It is therefore natural for the National Council to ratify this position through a solemn declaration.

United States - House of Representatives
April 9, 1975

To designate April 24, 1975, as "National Day of Remembrance of Man's Inhumanity to Man".

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That April 24, 1975, is hereby designated as "National Day of Remembrance of Man's Inhumanity to Man", and the President of the United States is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such day as a day of remembrance for all the victims of genocide, especially those of Armenian ancestry who succumbed to the genocide perpetrated in 1915, and in whose memory this date is commemorated by all Armenians and their friends throughout the world.

Passed the House of Representatives April 8, 1975.
Attest: W. Pat Jennings, Clerk.

United States - House of Representatives
September 12, 1984

To designate April 24, 1985, as "National Day of Remembrance of Man's Inhumanity to Man".

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That April 24, 1985, is hereby designated as "National Day of Remembrance of Man's Inhumanity to Man", and the President of the United States is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such day as a day of remembrance for all the victims of genocide, especially the one and one-half million people of Armenian ancestry who were the victims of the genocide perpetrated in Turkey between 1915 and 1923, and in whose memory this date is commemorated by all Armenians and their friends throughout the world.

Passed the House of Representatives September 10, 1984.
Attest: Benjamin J. Guthrie, Clerk.

Uruguay - Law
March 26, 2004

Article 1

The day of April 24 is declared as the Day of Recognition for the Armenian Martyrs” in homage to the victims of this national massacre in 1915.

Article 2

The National Broadcasting Service of Uruguay (SODRE), and also other radio and television services, have the duty on this date to allocate part of their programming to the recognition events.

The President of the Republic of Uruguay and the Secretary of the Press and Broadcasting.

Uruguay - Senate & House of Representatives
April 20, 1965 

Law No. 13.326

Day of Remembrance for the Armenian Martyrs

Legislative Power.

The Senate and House of Representatives of Uruguay meeting in the General Assembly,

Decree

Article 1.
Declares the following 24th of April "Day of Remembrance for the Armenian Martyrs", in honor of the members of that nationality slain in 1915.

Article 2.
The stations of the Official Radio Service must on that date conduct part of their broadcast in honor of the mentioned nation.

Article 3.
Armenian descendants who are public servants are authorized to miss work on the mentioned date.

Article 4.
Designate with the name of "Armenia", the 2nd Grade School, No. 156, in the Department of Montevideo.

Article 5.
Communicate, etc.

Senate chambers, in Montevideo, the 20th of April, 1965

Martin R. Echegoyen
President

Jose Pastor Salvanach
Secretary

Vatican City - Communiqué
November 10, 2000

"...The Armenian genocide, which began the century, was a prologue to horrors that would follow. Two world wars, countless regional conflicts and deliberately organized campaigns of extermination took the lives of millions of faithful..."

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