In Lebanon a crisis has erupted over the Lebanese authorities’ stance regarding commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Centennial. Al-Monitor, citing its government source, reports that stances differ within the Lebanese state institutions. Christians in parliament support the Armenian point of view on those historical events and the international repercussions, whereas Muslims - especially Sunnis in the parliament - are friendly with Ankara, for political and economic reasons.
As we know, on the occasion of the centennial of the 1915 events Armenia is preparing for a major international event in Yerevan on April 24 and has invited a large number of heads of state. Turkey for the first time this year decided to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli, on the same day, on April 24 and also invited international leaders to attend these events. In this context, Lebanon has received two invitations: an invitation from Armenia to attend the official Yerevan ceremony, and another one from Turkey to participate in the ceremony commemorating the Battle of Gallipoli. This has ignited the Armenian-Turkish conflict within the Lebanese state.
Christians are more inclined to refuse to participate in Ankara’s ceremony, in solidarity with the Lebanese Armenians who are represented in Beirut’s government and parliament, and to condemn Turkey's role in Lebanon under the Ottoman occupation. Meanwhile, Sunnis are likely to take part in the Turkish ceremony, to maintain friendly ties and nurture political and economic co-operation.
According to the government source, Lebanon will thus be officially participating in both events. Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam or his representative will attend Ankara’s ceremony, while Minister of Foreign Affairs Gebran Bassil will take part in the Yerevan ceremony.
It should be noted that in 2000 the Lebanese parliament adopted and condemned the Armenian Genocide. There are nearly 150,000 Lebanese Armenians, who have an active economic presence in Lebanon, in addition to their participation in the Lebanese political and constitutional system.