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YEREVAN, MARCH 17, ARMENPRESS. This year, the issue of compensation will be raised in the Armenian communities of Europe, in addition to the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide. This was stated by Peto Demirchian, in charge of communications of ARF Armenian National Committee of Europe in interview with “Armenpress". He presented the plans for the current year.
-Mr. Demirchyan, what will distinguish the activities of the Armenian National Committee of Europe in 2016?
- Back in 2015, during the Armenian Genocide 100th anniversary events, it was already highlighted that our policy will include the compensation issue. In other words, there will be not only the pursuit of the Armenian Genocide recognition and condemnation, but the compensation issue will also be raised. Steps will be taken in this direction. I can say that our work in 2016 will move forward in this direction. The compensation issue will be raised both in European institutions and the society.
-Are there any new initiatives or resolutions relating the Armenian Genocide at this stage?
-First of all, the European Armenian National Committee coordinates the work of Armenian National Committees across Europe. If any of the committees initiates a resolution, we work together. Today we have 17 committees in European countries. It is clear that the overall coordination of the work is done jointly. As for new projects, I can say that work is being done, but so far for obvious reasons I don’t want to reveal anything. But I can say that we follow the Armenian Genocide recognition process in Germany, which started in April last year. We hope that Parliament will go to the end this time.
-Do you work with members of the German Parliament, what do they think?
- No one is denying the fact of the Armenian Genocide. Leaders of various factions have spoken about this. This trend was seen during last year's discussions, this is simply a question of urgency. Today, the agenda is the issue of refugees. Germany is trying to win over Turkey in order to prevent the entry of refugees to Europe to some degree. In this context, the issue of the Armenian Genocide slightly repulsed, but discussions are underway. Recently, the Armenian National Assembly delegation visited Germany and the Armenian Genocide issue was discussed.
-Mr. Demirchyan, what initiatives do you have in connection with Artsakh. We see that different U.S states recognize the independence of Artsakh. What developments can we expect in Europe?
- It should be noted that there are also developments in Europe in this regard. As we know, the Basque country recognized the Artsakh independence. New cooperations are registered between European cities and Artsakh. Connections are established between Stepanakert University and European universities. In addition, various delegations, in cooperation with us, are visiting Artsakh. This year, this work will continue and we can say that successes will be achieved in 2016 in terms of cooperation between Artsakh and European cities. In fact, recently the delegation of parliamentarians from Belgium and Flanders were in Artsakh.
Anna Gziryan