Switzerland Recognizes the Armenian Genocide

The Association Switzerland-Armenia and the Society for Threatened Peoples acknowledge with great satisfaction the decision of the National Council to recognize the Armenian Genocide in 1915.

Switzerland has thus followed various calls from historians and the Swiss Justice system and has set a clear sign; a sign of justice for the victims of the Genocide and their successors.

With this recognition Switzerland acts within the framework of the 1948 International Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide (UN Genocide Convention) and makes an important contribution towards the prevention of further crimes against humanity.

Switzerland also contributes towards the reconciliation of the Turks and Armenians. A reconciliation that can only be based on historic truths and a reconciliation that presupposes willingness for a serious dialogue; a dialogue which requires the recognition of the Genocide by Turkey.

Switzerland has proved that she can resist the manifold pressure attempts by the Turkish Republic. Turkey has attempted to influence the Federal Council and National Counsellors by economic and political blackmailing.

Under these circumstances, it will never be possible again to deny without punishment, to downplay or to justify the Armenian Genocide. Not too long ago a Bernese judge acquitted Turkish associations from this accusation, arguing that they had allegedly not been aware of the Genocide.

Switzerland is the 14th country on the list of states, which at a national level have recognized the crimes of 1915-1918 as Genocide within the framework of the UN Genocide Convention.