Armenians worldwide commemorated the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide on April 24, honoring the memory of an estimated 1.5 million victims.

In a statement, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan linked remembrance of the 1915 tragedy to a broader political vision centered on statehood and peace. “The Medz Yeghern is the greatest tragedy that has befallen our people,” he said, adding that commemoration is also about “reflection… and a determination to prevent the recurrence.”

Pashinyan argued that the long-term security of Armenians depends on strengthening the Republic of Armenia within its internationally recognized borders. He warned against narratives focused on “historical justice,” suggesting they could undermine stability. “Our people’s greatest aspiration has been fulfilled: we have a state, and we have peace,” he said.

The Foreign Ministry also highlighted the global significance of the genocide, linking it to international efforts such as the 1948 Genocide Convention and Armenia’s ongoing role in UN initiatives on prevention.

At the same time, the ministry stressed the importance of addressing ongoing risks of “racial and ethnic intolerance” and reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to a peace-based foreign policy.

Opposition figures also issued statements. Former President Robert Kocharyan emphasized the importance of continued international recognition, while Samvel Karapetyan criticized authorities for downplaying the issue and called for preserving historical memory alongside regional normalization.

Commemorations included large public gatherings at the Tsitsernakaberd memorial in Yerevan.