PARIS–The Armenian National Committee of Europe organized an international forum from December 14 to 16–devoted to the multicultural–as well as Turkey’s current responsibility in the Armenian Genocide.
During the three day conference–European sociologists–international lawyers and experts in multicultural issues and the Armenian Cause expanded on these two contemporary themes.
"In the wake of expanding its activities in Europe–the Armenian National Committee of Europe–through this conference–aims to focus on the question of cultural rights of minorities in Europe and particularly in France–where the largest concentration of the Armenia’s in Europe resides–and since its inception and during its development–it has fostered strategies to combat assimilation" explained Hilda Tchoboian–President of the ANC Europe.
The presentations of noted sociologists–like Antimo Faro of Rome and Michel Wieviorka of Paris discussed means for attaining political recognition for cultural diversity. Canadian–Lebanese and Australian speakers brought testimonies on the practice of the multiculturalism in their respective country.
Alfred de Zayas–professor of international law in several European and American universities–presented a study that established the legal bases on which present-day Turkey can be found culpable for the Armenia’s Genocide.
de Zayas called on the European Parliament–among other institutions–to require from Turkey not only the recognition of the genocide–but also reparations to the descendants of the victims of the Genocide. The international expert concluded that the genocide continues as long as Turkey has not condemned the crime and offered reparations.
Aram Hamparian–Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America in Washington–emphasized the political responsibility of the Turkish state in the annihilation of the Armenian people.
Hamparian also responded to many questions from conference participants regarding the grass-roots campaign waged by the ANCA in the US to counter efforts to waive section 907–and to garner recognition of the Genocide.
The ANC of Europe underscored the importance of youth and university-age students at the three-day conference.
"We underline–in particular–the importance that the speakers and participants of the forum gave to a lasting reconciliation between Turkish and Armenian peoples–only through recognition of the Armenian Genocide–without ambiguity–by the Turkish State. Any attempt in avoiding the question of justice–as stated in international law is doomed to failure. This precondition must also be considered for Turkey’s admission to the European Union. This is the political–legal and moral condition for normalization of relations with Turkey" concluded the Tchoboian.