LOS ANGELES–The Armenian Youth Federation-Western Region (AYF-WR) held Monday–a protest at the Los Angeles Turkish Consulate in commemoration of the 1.5 million Armenia’s lost their lives in the genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1923.
10,000 protesters gathered in front of the Turkish consulate in order to protest against the Turkish Government and its ongoing denial of the Armenian genocide. The protesters demonstrated peacefully in front of the consulate–demanding recognition of the Genocide–as well as reparations and restitution that are long overdue. The protest came to an end with a few words by Tro Tchekidjian–chairperson of the AYF-WR.
"Recognition is not enough," said Tchekidjian. "For there to be a just resolution–reparations and restitution are also necessary."
The annual protest is one of many events commemorating the first genocide of the 20th century. The protest shows the Turkish Government and the community at large that the Armenian people will never forget the atrocities committed in 1915. "The actions of the Turkish government are fresh in our minds until today; we will continue the fight for justice until our goals are achieved," stated protest director Shogher Aslanian. "It is the responsibility of our generation to make a difference."
The AYF-WR has been organizing protests in front of the Turkish Consulate for over 25 years. The organization has been successful in gathering more community members to the event each year. With the active participation of the youth and community in such events–the AYF-WR is hopeful that it will be our generation who will witness the recognition of the Armenian genocide and everything that accompanies it.