In 2015 when SOAD went to Armenia to play our show for the centennial of the Genocide in Republic Square, I was approached by Vigen Sargsyan who worked for the President at the time (current defense minister).
He told me that because of my public letters critical of Serge Sarkissian in 2013 after his re-election, most advisors of the president discouraged the government on its invitation of SOAD to play in 2015, but he and the President, confident of my nationalism and dedication to awareness of the genocide, knew that it would be fine.
At the time I too believed that the 100th Anniversary of the genocide was a time to put aside our differences and focus on our recognition efforts. I reserved my criticisms for the stage where it served its purpose best as part of the show.
This year is different. We cannot deny the injustices at home in Armenia while fighting for recognition of the genocide there and throughout the world.
Serj Tankian
