Next month the leader of Israeli Meretz faction Haim Oron intends to retable the discussion of Armenian Genocide resolution in the Knesset, IzRus reports.
Since 1990s, the recognition of Armenian Genocide is a matter of heated discussions. According to the source, this year the issue is in focus of state organizations inside and outside Israel more than ever. For a number of reasons, the issue is no more considered in the context of relations between two states or two nations, but obviously gets geopolitical coloration.
Firstly, the process is affected by increasing Israel-Turkey tension. Other regional processes, such as Ankara’s shift in foreign policy line, namely change from close ties with West to convergence with Muslim world, Armenia-Turkey reconciliation, strengthening of Armenian-Iranian strategic partnership, as well as intensification of Azerbaijani-Israeli cooperation play role as well. Washington’s aspiration to resume Israeli-Palestinian talks by all means urged some officials to recall “Armenian factor” in the context of final determination of Jerusalem final status. The point is Armenian Apostolic Church fully or partially controls many Christian sanctuaries in the city (including part of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher). Besides, Armenian block is located in the heart of Old City, thus western actors of “negotiation process” consider that Jerusalem’s future redivision might to some extent depend on stance of Armenians, the source reads.