Recognition of the Armenian Genocide

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**Political Recognition of the Armenian Genocide**

The question of the political recognition of the Armenian genocide has been a contentious issue for many years. The systematic massacres and forced deportations of Armenians carried out by the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1923 constitute a genocide, as recognized by the majority of historians and academic institutions studying the Holocaust and genocide.

**Early Recognition Efforts**

The recognition of the Armenian Genocide was initially little mentioned during much of the 19th century. However, it gained momentum in the 1970s with the emergence of Armenian terrorism (notably by the CJGA and ASALA), which drew attention to the issue. The opening of negotiations between the European Union and Turkey for its possible accession also brought the question of recognition to the forefront.

**International Community**

Uruguay was the first country to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide, on 1 January [date not specified]. This was followed by other countries, including those in the European Parliament, which recognized the genocide in [year not specified]. The Council of Europe also issued a written declaration of the Parliamentary Assembly recognizing the genocide in [year not specified].

**Global Recognition**

Many countries have since recognized the Armenian Genocide, including:

* Uruguay (1 January [date not specified])
* European Parliament ([year not specified])
* Council of Europe (written declaration of the Parliamentary Assembly on [year not specified])
* Mercosur Parliament ([year not specified])

**Turkish and Azerbaijani Rejection**

The Turkish government and its close ally Azerbaijan are the only two countries that directly reject the historical fact of the Armenian Genocide. They have strongly opposed recognition by other countries, threatening economic consequences for those who do so.

**Controversies and Debates**

The issue of recognizing the Armenian Genocide is frequently addressed in controversies about Turkey's accession to the EU and debates about memorial laws. Despite the overwhelming evidence and international consensus on the matter, some governments continue to hesitate due to political concerns about their relations with Turkey.