‘Prevention of mass atrocities lies at the heart of democratic security’ – Armenian FM

Foreign minister of Armenia Zohrab Mnatsakanyan delivered remarks at the 129th session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Helsinki, the Armenian MFA told Armenpress.

In his speech the Foreign Minister touched upon five points.

“Mr. Chairperson,
Mr. Secretary General,
Dear colleagues,

First of all, I extend my warm congratulations to Finland for an effective Presidency of the Committee of Ministers.

I would like to thank Secretary General Jagland for his tireless efforts and the grand vision for the future of this Council shown throughout his mandate. Big thank you and profound respect!

I have five points to make.

First, the Council of Europe is not a security organization and all issues of security should be addressed through the perspective of human rights. The selective approach to principles of international law particularly when it is done at the expense of equal rights and self-determination of peoples undermines the idea of democratic security. This principle resonates particularly strongly within the walls of the Finlandia Hall with its message of 1975.

Second, building hospitals, schools or having babies in conflict areas are not acts “against public international law”. Human rights, human dignity and their protection can not be applied selectively. The Commissioner for Human Rights should not be obstructed from delivering protection to all. The term “grey zones” is wrong, there should not be any.

Third, prevention of mass atrocities also lies at the heart of democratic security. We should be resolute about condemning denigration of victims and their dignity, and justification of heinous crimes. President of Turkey on 24 of April, of all dates in the calendar, justified crimes perpetrated against the victims of the Armenian Genocide by calling them “Armenian gangs and their supporter”, whose “relocation” was “the only reasonable action”. This is a disturbing warning sign to all who are serious about prevention of mass atrocities.

Fourth, with the peaceful Velvet Revolution one year ago, Armenia and its people demonstrated the powers, ideals and values of a democratic society. With an overwhelming support and sustained strong public mandate following the parliamentary elections last December, Armenia reconfirmed the powers of political will for securing uncontested democratic elections. Political will to protect and advance democracy is at the hear...