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In the framework of the Armenian Genocide Centennial a Global Forum Against the Crime of Genocide was held in Yerevan on 22 – 23 April. The forum featured over 600 participants from more than 50 countries, among them scholars, experts, high-ranking officials, parliamentarians, clerics and others who discussed various aspects of genocide. 

Nvard Chalikyan from Panorama.am has conducted a series of interviews with the international guests.

Below we present to your attention interview with Eduardo Lorenzo Ochoa – Director of European Friends of Armenia Brussels-based NGO. 

Mr. Lorenzo Ochoa, who worked in Armenia for years, believes that Armenia belongs to the European community of values. 

EUFoA, the mission of which is to promote cooperation between Europe and Armenia in various spheres, has had its contribution in the Global Forum in Yerevan in terms of enlarging the number of European participants by raising awareness about it in Brussels.

Speaking about the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Pope Francis, Mr. Lorenzo Ochoa said, “As a Roman Catholic and as someone working on Armenian relations I am especially proud of his courage, his determination and his engagement with the truth.”  
 

As for the recent resolution on the Armenian Genocide adopted by the European Parliament, the EUFoA director said it is more favourable than the previous ones, as it is very clear and is adapted to the current situation of Armenia as an independent country. He also believes the resolution represents the opinion of the majority of the European people.  

Mr. Lorenzo Ochoa expressed hope that this forum will be the start of a chain of similar forums and that Armenia will take the leadership in this issue.

Interview by Nvard Chalikyan

Related interviews:

EP Vice-President Ryszard Czarnecki on Genocide recognition: “Silence means support”

MEP Massimo Castaldo on Armenian Genocide Resolution: We cannot sacrifice human rights to commercial interests