Bolivia Recognizes Armenian Genocide

Armenia Thanks Bolivia for the Genocide Recognition

In a move welcomed by Armenia, on Wednesday 26 November, the Plurinational Legislative Assembly of Bolivia unanimously passed a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide.

In separate resolutions adopted by its both chambers, the parliament also denounced modern-day Turkey for denying the first genocide of the 20th century. The Bolivian lower house also voiced support for Armenian efforts to achieve greater international recognition of the tragedy.

The unofficial translation of the full text of the resolution reads:

“The Plurinational Legislative Assembly of Bolivia shares and is in solidarity with the Armenian people for the fight of their claims, the preservation of human rights, and the establishment of truth and justice.

Declares: its firm commitment to human rights, truth, justice, solidarity and condemnation against all denialist policy regarding the genocide and crimes against humanity suffered by the Armenian nation.”

The acting speaker of the Bolivian Senate, Sonia Guardia Melgar, personally handed copies of the resolution to Armenia’s ambassador to Argentina, Vahagn Melikian, and the spiritual leader of the Argentinian-Armenian community, Archbishop Gisak Muradian, on Sunday. According to the Armenian Foreign Ministry, Melgar and Melikian delivered speeches during a special ceremony held at an Armenian church in Buenos Aires.

Official Yerevan was quick to thank Bolivia for the move. On Monday Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian issued a statement, expressing gratitude to Bolivia for recognizing the Armenian Genocide.

“We express our gratitude to both Chambers of the Parliament, the government and people of Bolivia for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide committed in the Ottoman Turkey,” the Minister said.

“Ahead of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Bolivia by this step has brought its important input in the noble cause of restoration of historical justice, recognition, condemnation, prevention of crimes against humanity and in the fight against denial,” Minister Nalbandian stated.

Four other South American states — Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Venezuela — have also recognized the Armenian Genocide.nia Thanks Bolivia for the Genocide Recognition

Bolivia Recognizes Armenian Genocide