YEREVAN, APRIL 22, NOYAN TAPAN. No doubt, this year also on the threshold of April 24 strong pressures will be exerted on U.S. President, including by the U.S. Department of State and Pentagon, as well as by the Turkish government for him not to use the word "genocide" in his address to be made on the occasion of the Armenian Genocide anniversary. Richard Hovannisian, the head of the Modern Armenian History Chair of University of California, a professor, an academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, stated at the April 22 meeting at the De Facto club. At the same time he said that there will not be a big tragedy if the U.S. President does not recognize the Armenian Genocide this year: the American Armenians as always will continue their struggle and certainly, will criticize the President for breaking his principles and promises. In R. Hovannisian's words, as a result of American Armenians' consistence "almost all U.S. big cities, states have recognized the Armenian Genocide." Touching upon the possibility of establishment of Armenian-Turkish relations, R. Hovannisian said that personally he does not know yet whether Armenia has a clearly worked out national program, including in the issue of making demands in case Turkey recognizes the Armenian Genocide. In his words, it is unequivocal that opening of the border and establishment of normal neighborly relations with all neighbor countries is necessary and it is the position of the Armenian authorities starting the first President.

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