Bulgaria’s Parliament passed a resolution recognizing the mass extermination of Armenians that occurred in the Ottoman Empire between 1915 and 1922. The vote passed with 157 in favor and 36 against, and the resolution designated April 24 as a Victims Remembrance Day. The resolution asserted that the systematic elimination of the Armenians is supported by “undeniable historic facts and authentic documents.”
The text noted that, in line with international obligations, Bulgaria distinguishes between the historical legacy of the Ottoman Empire and the legacy of the Republic of Turkey, while welcoming dialogue between Turkey and Armenia regarding the historical truth.
The legislative process involved several amendments, including the replacement of the term ‘genocide’ with ‘mass extermination’ on a motion by Tsveta Karayancheva MP. The broader context of the debate highlighted differing historical perspectives. While Armenian sources define the event as a genocide involving the killing of over 1.5 million people, Turkish authorities deny this characterization, stating that deaths resulted from sporadic armed groups and starvation, and that the event was not deliberately sought.
Political figures made statements emphasizing the gravity of the events, with some noting the historical importance of recognizing the Armenian tragedy for Bulgaria. The resolution’s adoption reflects a formal parliamentary acknowledgment of the mass extermination of the Armenians by the Ottoman authorities during that period.
Topics: #ottoman #armenians #genocide
