Expert: Bundestag to Recognize Armenian Genocide on June 30

On June 30 the German Bundestag will pass a bill on the recognition of the Armenian Genocide - before that the text is to be amended for the German Democrats work closely together with Ankara, said Director of Institute of Oriental Studies at Armenian National Academy of Sciences Ruben Safrastyan during a press conference in Yerevan. 

Touching upon Germany's role in the events of the 20th century Ottoman Turkey, Safrastyan said, "Despite the Young Turks planned and committed the Armenian Genocide, Turkey's ally Germany played a certain role in those events. Germany could have prevented the massacre, but never did that. We have explored almost every available archive in the world. However, most German documents, that could have provided us with useful information, were either destroyed or lost". 

Speaking of Luxemburg's recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Safrastyan believes that has been a shock for Turkey. He has expressed confidence that this year several other countries will also recognize the Genocide. 

Commenting on the recent geopolitical processes in the region, Safrastyan has said that Armenia should not be concerned over the activation of the Russian-Turkish trade-economic relations since Yerevan is Moscow's main ally in the whole region. According to him, Turkey-Azerbaijan-Georgia union should be of Yerevan's concern for it is directed against Armenia, Russia and Iran.