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On 3 March, the European People's Party (EPP) adopted a resolution recognizing and condemning the Armenian Genocide as well as paying tribute to the victims in the 100th anniversary. The EPP, which is the largest European political party, has adopted the resolution following the initiative of its sister parties from Armenia

As reported by the press service of the European Friends of Armenia, the resolution calls upon Turkey to recognize and condemn the Genocide committed by the Ottoman Empire as a base for the complete normalization and Europeanization of its relationship along with its international commitments and European aspirations. It also appeals to international organizations, specially the EU and CoE member states, to restore historical justice and pay tribute to the victims. This political initiative puts also a strong accent on cultural and religious component of this crime, noting that this heritage should be repaired and returned to the Armenian and other relevant communities.

 Panorama.am spoke to Armen Ashotyan, Armenian Minister of Education and Science, member of the Armenian delegation, in Brussels. 

 “This support from Europe’s ruling political force is of key importance for the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian people. The resolution’s title suggests that the largest European political family, the EPP, in its policy is also guided by the value system which is the basis of the ideology of Armenian Genocide recognition: to recognize and condemn the Armenian Genocide, paying tribute to the tragedy’s victims, as well as to call on Turkey to confront its past and build up future with its neighbors, overcoming the past. I would like to emphasize that this success was achieved due to joint efforts of all political forces represented in the EPP. I express my gratitude to our partner parties. We are able to unite and push forward our national interests, leaving aside party disagreements, which are quite natural in the political struggle,” Ashotyan said, adding that the resolution was adopted with no votes against.

In Ashotyan’s words, this resolution may be followed by some political developments, given the fact that the EPP is represented in various European organizations – European Commission, European Parliament, PACE, OSCE PA, NATO, and in many other platforms.

“This resolution will not automatically lead to success. We must turn it into an instrument in the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide by European organizations and in the condemnation of the denial policy. A huge work has to be done - both at the national and state and at the individual levels,” Ashotyan said. 

Upon the conclusion of the EPP summit, members of the Armenian delegation distributed materials about the Armenian Genocide, as well as forget-me-nots (symbol of Armenian Genocide Centennial) among the attendees.

Armen Ashotyan and Artak Zakaryan (Republican Party of Armenia), Mher Shahgeldyan (Orinats Yerkir Party), and Raffi Hovannisian (Heritage Party) attended the EPP summit.

Related: Largest European political party recognizes Armenian Genocide