Armenian politician says Turkey must acknowledge Ottoman-era crimes

Narek Karapetyan, a board member of the opposition Strong Armenia party, urged Turkey to confront its historical responsibility for atrocities committed by the Ottoman Empire at a solemn ceremony commemorating the victims of the Armenian Genocide on the 111th anniversary of the tragedy on Friday.

Speaking after laying flowers at the Eternal Flame in memory of the victims, Karapetyan emphasized that remembrance must be accompanied by justice. “One and a half million Armenians were killed. The Turkish state and society must accept that the Ottoman Empire perpetrated such crimes against Armenians and other Christians living on its territory,” he said.

Karapetyan stressed that Armenia harbors no territorial ambitions against neighboring states, but insisted that his political movement advocates for long-term justice. He also underscored the right of displaced Artsakh Armenians to return safely to their homeland, framing it as a matter of fundamental human rights.

Responding to journalists, Karapetyan highlighted the importance of building a resilient state in a volatile region. “We must become a decisive actor in this complex and turbulent region. History shows that even small nations, when well-organized, can emerge as influential actors,” he noted.