RAFFI HOVANNISIAN: THIS DAY ALSO HAS MEANING OF DRAWING LESSONS FROM MISTAKES AND SHORTCOMINGS
Noyan Tapan
Apr 24 2007
YEREVAN, APRIL 24, NOYAN TAPAN. This day has not only a meaning of
taking a direct look at our historical biography but also a meaning of
drawing lessons from mistakes and shortcomings, Raffi Hovhannisian,
Chairman of the "Zharangutyun" ("Heritage") party said during his
interview to NT at Tsitsernakaberd on April 24. "We are the masters
of our history, rights and values, and we should protect them by
uniting all the potential of Armenia and the Diaspora," he said.
In his words, the Armenian Genocide recognition-related statements
made by various countries, parliaments and local authorities reconfirm
the fact of historical tragedy which consisted not only in the loss of
1.5 million human lives but also the loss of homeland. "The issue of
the Armenian Genocide is the imperative of our national perspective:
national interest, national security and democratic perspective –
their unity will bring us to the recognition of the Armenian Genocide
and a complex solution of the Armenian-Turkish relations, with all
dividing problems being embraced and solved," the leader of "Heritage"
stated. He expressed a hope that Turkey striving to join the European
Union will change its state policy by the 100th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide.