Germany’s inaction led to 1.5 Armenians’ slaughter in 1915 – MP

A lawmaker of Armenia’s ruling political force has called for explanations from a former German ambassador for a recent remark comparing the Armenian-Russian alliance with relations between a master and slave.

Speaking to Tert.am, Arman Sahakyan of the Republican parliamentary faction recalled historic records proving that the 1.5 million Armenians’  WWI-era massacre in the Ottoman Empire was caused by what he described as Germany’s guilty inaction.

Sahakyan said he finds that the Germans have the wrong understanding of their national ideas and ideology. “Two thousand more Armenians were killed to liberate the world from the fascist evil. So I think Germany’s incumbent ambassador has to make clarifications to shed light on his predecessor's expressions,” said the Republican MP.

In a recent interview with the Gyumri-based TV channel GALA, Ambassador Hans-Joshem Shmidt referred to prominent works by Russian classics (Pushkin, Lermontov), describing the Caucasus region as a territory belonging to Russia, with the Armenians being slaves to Russian masters.

Sahakyan, who is a single-seat MP elected from second largest city, said he does not see any connection between the statement and the recent brutal family murder in Gyumri. 

“What happened was a tremendous tragedy, and we unfortunately will not return those killed, but I think this is a problem between us and Russia alone; it has [to be resolved] by the two countries’ law enforcers,” he said, recommending against dropping historical hints.

Asked whether he observes any disharmony and estrangement between the city’s Russian military base and the population in the wake of the tragic incident, Sahakyan didn’t deny a certain degree of tension but said he hopes the passions will little by little calm down.

“This cannot remain without consequence, so naturally a certain revolt and just demand has really matured.  But I think we’ll manage to restore the Gyumri people’s sense of honor in the course of time,” he said.