The initial version of the statement posted on X paid tribute to “the victims of the Armenian Genocide.” The phrase was changed to “the Armenian victims of 1915-1923” shortly afterwards.
The Armenian genocide has been officially recognized by the parliaments and/or governments of most, but not all, of the EU’s 27 member states, including France, Germany and Italy. EU bodies and officials have not used the word “genocide” in public their statements on the matter.
“The Armenian Genocide began 110 years ago,” French President Emmanuel Macron said in an X post. “On this April 24, the national day of remembrance, let us remember all the victims and keep their memory alive.”
The editing of the EU mission statement prompted a scornful reaction from Russia. “Incredible cynicism and vileness!” Maria Zakharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, wrote on Telegram.
Zakharova mentioned the genocide anniversary when she spoke at a news briefing earlier in the day. She stressed that Russia was one of the first countries to recognize the genocide.
“In Russia, we have always perceived the grief of the brotherly Armenian people as our own,” she said.
Moscow has been very critical of the EU monitors deployed on the Armenian side of the long and heavily militarized border two years ago. It has claimed that the mission is part of EU efforts to drive Russia out of the South Caucasus.
