Bulgaria’s Parliament passed a resolution recognizing the mass extermination of Armenians within the Ottoman Empire during the period spanning 1915 to 1922. The vote passed with 157 votes in favor and 36 against. The resolution asserts that the extermination of the Armenians is supported by “undeniable historic facts and authentic documents.”
The text further stipulated that, in adherence to Bulgarian humane traditions and international obligations, the nation draws a clear distinction between the historical legacy of the Ottoman Empire and that of the Republic of Turkey.
It encouraged a dialogue between Turkey and Armenia aimed at a conclusive commitment to historical truth. In commemoration, the Parliament declared April 24 a Victims Remembrance Day. The debate highlighted the differing historical perspectives surrounding the events.
Advocates for the resolution noted that the systematic operations led to the deaths of an estimated million and a half Armenians. Conversely, official Turkish positions dispute the classification of genocide, suggesting that deaths resulted from sporadic conflict and starvation, while acknowledging lower figures. The passage of the resolution, which used the term “mass extermination,” underscored Bulgaria’s acknowledgment of the suffering endured by the Armenian community.
Despite the political consensus reached by the majority of MPs, the debate remained contentious, with some members criticizing the resolution for potentially compromising legal rights or appearing influenced by external political pressure.
Topics: #ottoman #armenians #genocide
Bulgaria’s Parliament passed a resolution formally recognizing the mass extermination of Armenians that occurred within the Ottoman Empire between 1915 and 1922. The resolution passed the vote with 15