Samvel Karapetyan calls for national resilience in genocide commemoration message

Businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan, the leader of the Strong Armenia party, marked the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide on April 24, calling for national resilience while criticizing the current government’s stance on historical recognition and foreign policy priorities.

In a message addressed to the Armenian people, Karapetyan described the nation as one that has endured repeated tragedies yet continues to recover, united by the shared memory of the 1915 genocide. He condemned efforts by Armenia’s current leadership to justify the perpetrators and to equate victims with aggressors, as well as signals that international recognition of the Armenian Genocide is no longer a foreign policy priority.

Karapetyan argued that while political leaders may come and go, Armenia’s historical memory remains enduring and intrinsic to national identity. At the same time, he acknowledged geopolitical realities, emphasizing that Armenia cannot change its geography or neighbors and must prioritize regional stability and economic development.

He expressed support for establishing diplomatic relations with Turkey, provided they are grounded in international law and do not compromise historical truth or national dignity. He also stressed that closed borders hinder economic progress in the 21st century.

Highlighting the importance of collective memory, Karapetyan likened the Armenian nation to a deeply rooted tree, asserting that strength and vigilance are essential to prevent future tragedies. He criticized the current leadership as weak and incompetent, linking such governance to national setbacks, including the loss of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).

Karapetyan concluded by calling for unity among Armenians worldwide and reaffirmed his party’s goal of building a “strong Armenia”, warning that the nation must not allow itself to be vulnerable again.