GYUMRI, JULY 25, ARMENPRESS: In order to capture the world’s attention to Armenian genocide thirty years ago on July 27, 1983 five members of Armenian Revolutionary Army Vache Taghlyan, Sedrak Ajemyan, Simon Yahniyan, Ara Krjyan and Sargis Abrahamyan entered Turkish embassy in Lebanon. From the shot Turkish soldier 21 years old Simon Yahniyan was killed and the other four managed to enter the territory of the embassy and implement two blasts. Though many countries began speaking about genocide after this event but after several years many people still distort the details of martyrdom of Armenian young people. “Armenpress” spoke about the operation with the brother Simon Yahniyan Sareh Yahniyan who lives in Gyumri for already ten years.

- Today you live in Gyumri though you were born in Beirut. Why you did you decide to move to Armenia?

- in 2003 I came to Armenia for the first time though since 3 years old Armenia is in my mind and heart. We accept Lebanon as a birthplace but Armenia is our motherland. In 1983 took place Lisbon operation headed by my brother. At that time I was 19 years old and Simon 21. It were the days of civil war in Lebanon. It was an operation without precedent: in peaceful conditions young people dedicated their life to their nation. Simon’s martyrdom was the reason that I came and stayed here and found the woman of my life. I named my son after Simon.

Simon dedicated himself to Armenia in his own way and I decided to dedicate myself to Armenia in my own way by coming staying here. Naturally I could not choose Simon’s way. It is not easy.

- After 30 years what kind of estimation will you give to Lisbon operation?

- Valuing that martyrdom after 30 years I think that something essential has not changed but as propaganda action is reached its aim: more than 20 countries recognized Armenian genocide after that operation. But I call it “Lisbon failed” operation. Unfortunately, it should waken also Armenians but it was not managed. I simply fell myself bad that up to now many people or do not know about this operation or have a wrong opinion. It is connected with ASALA. Many people call it terroristic act but it is not so. How can we call an operation a terroristic act when 5 young men killed themselves not demanding any other victims. Portuguese President Suarez a year later announced that he knew about fair demand of Armenians only after the operation. He did not call it as a terroristic act, but a blood scattered for fair case

- What kind of remembrance events are planned this year?

- In Lebanon as every year where the guys are buried will be held remembrance event. Events will be held also in many other countries. In Armenia it has never been celebrated officially but this year has been formed a committee which will be involved in it. I think the boys do not need to be glorified, simply the reality must be spoken about.