Genocides mustn’t be an Object of International Horse Trading: Norwegian Historian to his State

– 03/23/2015

POSTED IN: ENGLISH

The official position of Norway on the Armenian Genocide has become a reason for complaint among different Norwegian figures. The historian Bård Larsen is one of those Norwegians, who have criticized the authorities of the country, which officially refused to participate in the Armenian Genocide centenary commemoration events on the official level, just not to worsen the relations with Turkey. Armenpress had a talk with the Norwegian historian on the Turkey’s and international community’s responsibility in the Armenian Genocide issue.

-Dear Mr. Larsen, how would you assess the official position of Norway on the Armenian Genocide issue?

-The Norwegian position is pretty much similar to most other European and Turkish­allied countries. The Government claims that this is not an issue for politics, but for historians. This is of course not correct, because historians have been researching intensively on this matter for decades and have firmly concluded that it was Genocide. Thus the question of genocide today is a political matter more than anything. The Norwegian position is probably based on realpolitik, and has been so for a long time: Why stir up relations with Turkey over a matter that is long gone and nearly forgotten? You have to remember that Norway were neutral during the First World War and had no part in it. We also have a very small Armenian diaspora. This is a cultural background for understanding the Norwegian position.

-The issue of compensation places an essential role in international law. What steps should take Turkey to bear its responsibility for the Armenian Genocide?

-This is really not my field of work. I am an historian, not a lawyer. In general I would presume that the question of compensation is something that bothers the Turk. It could be an obstacle for movement on the question of recognition. On the other hand, claims of compensation would of course be forwarded if the Turks recognize the Genocide (which I think they won’t do any time soon).

-What steps should be taken for prevention other genocides?

- Most importantly: The perpetrators of Genocide must be convicted or their crimes. Genocide should not pay off. And genocides, like the Armenian genocide, must not be an object of international horse trading. Secondly we need a stronger international community that could intervene when genocidal situations occur. To be honest I am not sure if The United Nations is capable of dealing with such a huge task. At least they haven’t been in the past. Just look at Darfur, Rwanda. When the Serbs were fought back during their genocidal rampage against the Bosnians, it was NATO who had to do the job. I find Robert Kagans idea of aLeague of Democracies interesting. In Kagans own words: “The world’s democracies could make common cause to act in humanitarian crises when the UN Security Council cannot reach unanimity.”

-What is your call to Norwegian people and to international community ahead of the 100th anniversary of the biggest crime against humanity?

-My call would be that Norwegians, as well as other peoples, should read up on history. It’s a mad house out there. Norway is one of the richest countries in the world with a welfare state that takes care of everyone from cradle to the grave. It makes us historically numb, and we underestimate the power of dangerous ideas and religions. The Armenian genocide is a living proof of it. A living proof of how history hunts us all. Recognition of the Armenian Genocide should be a duty for every humanitarian.

-Are you planning to visit Armenia in future?

-Yes indeed! I’ve had the pleasure of being invited by the Armenian ambassador in Copenhagen to the 100 year commemoration in Yerevan in April. It will be my first time in Armenia ever. I cannot tell you how much I look forward to it, and under such important circumstances.

Interview by Araks Kasyan