Parliament of Czech Republic recognizes Armenian Genocide

Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of Parliament of Czech Republic, passed a resolution recognizing Armenian Genocide and also condemned genocides against other religious and ethnic groups carried out in Ottoman Empire during World War I. 

The resolution was proposed to the parliament by deputy and Head of the Czech-Armenian Friendship Group Robin Bönisch. Speaking to Radio of Armenia before the voting, Bönish said, “I think it was the Czech Republic’s debt to formally recognize the genocide. And because yesterday it was the 102nd anniversary of the Armenian genocide, I think it was very symbolic to recognize the genocide of the Armenians today."

Passed unanimously by 104 members of the chamber, the resolution states: "The Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic condemns the crimes against humanity committed against the Jews, Roma and Slavs in the territories conquered by the Nazis during the Second World War; condemns the Armenian Genocide and genocides of other ethnic and religious minorities which took place within the boundaries of the Ottoman Empire during the First World War, as well as genocidal acts committed in other parts of the globe, and calls on the international community to effectively halt human and civilian rights violations in the world."

Speaking to Armenian Weekly, Bedo Demirjian, Communications Director of European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD), reminded that this is the first time that members of the Chamber of Deputies have used the word genocide and added: "Now, the resolution has to pass the upper house and then be confirmed by the President."

Letter from the President

This year, on 102nd anniversary of Armenian Genocide, President of the Czech Republic Miloš Zeman sent a letter to Czech Armenians' spiritual leader Barsegh Pilavchian. In the letter, President Zeman stated: “I agree that history is not meant to be interpreted by politicians. At the same time, however, I believe that the events that cost 1.5 million innocent people represent a tragic chapter in the history of not only the Armenian nation but also of the entire civilized world."

On April 14, 2015, Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Chamber of Deputies had passed a resolution recognizing Armenian Genocide.