MLADENOV MEP: ARMENIAN DIASPORA CAN HELP EU PROMOTE "UNITY IN
DIVERSITY"

Inside Europe
29 June 06

At a conference on the EU and the Armenian Diaspora held in Sofia,
newly elected Bulgarian MEP Nikolai Mladenov emphasized the Armenian
Diaspora’s contribution to Europe.

June 23, 2007. AGBU-Sofia and the Euro-Bulgarian Cultural Center (EBCC)
hosted a round table on the theme of "A Diaspora Inside Europe". The
event was part of a series of round tables co-organized throughout
Europe in partnership by AGBU YP sections, Orer Magazine, Nouvelles
d’Arménie Magazine and Inside Europe. The Sofia conference featured
distinguished speakers and participants that had the opportunity to
share ideas and discuss the implications of EU membership for Armenian
communities in member countries. It attracted all the more interest as
Bulgaria has been a member of the EU for less than 6 months, and first
elected its members of the European Parliament just three weeks before
the event.

The speakers at the round table included Mr. Nikolai Mladenov, recently
elected Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Mr. Nicolas Tavitian,
Director of Inside Europe and Mert Ersin, Director of Euromed
Consulting. Participants included the Ambassador of the Republic of
Armenia, Mr. Sergei Manasserian, the Embassy Counsel Mr. Igor
Mardirossian, Mrs Ahavni Topakbashyan, Head of the Ethnic Identity,
Integration and Demographic Development Department, Mr. Edi Emirian,
Head of the PR Department with the Council of Ministers, Mrs Darina
Kadunkova, Development Coordinator with the European Institute in
Sofia, Mrs Ema Azarian , Repertory Director with the National Palace of
Culture, 15 Young Professionals from the local organization as well as
Mrs Sonia Bedrossian-Avakian, Chair of AGBU-Sofia and Mr. Onnik
Karapchian, EBCC Director.

The three panel discussions focused on the significance of the Armenian
Diaspora and the development of the European Union. Mr. Mladenov’s
thesis was to put to use the ready Armenian Diaspora network that can
help foster unity despite diversity (EU’s motto is "United in
Diversity" or "In Varietate Concordia" in Latin). In an unprecedented
manner he also made a strong reference to the Armenian Question by
raising the need for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. The
Sofia conference was the first public event attended by Mr. Mladenov as
a Member of the European Parliament.

Nicolas Tavitian ‘s panel theme was about engaging, educating and
involving the EU institutions in the Armenian Diaspora’s public life.
The discussion gravitated around what it means to be a European citizen
and the different perceptions in the old and new member countries. Mr.
Tavitian also suggested several ways in which a community can
communicate and interact with the institutions and highlighted the
major considerations in applying for and working with EU funds.

The third speaker, Mr. Mert Ersin talked about ways to repair relations
between Turks and Armenians. Mr. Ersin, a European citizen of Turkish
descent, showed profound understanding of the problem and freely talked
about the obstacles to Genocide admission in Turkey and other sensitive
subjects such as state policy and misperceptions and lack of awareness
among the common people. While demonstrating an in-depth understanding
of the barriers Mr. Ersin also shared his vision for reconciliation in
a a European context and in the European spirit.

In conclusion, participants agreed on a follow-up statement to be
issued to EU institutions declaring the willingness of the citizens of
Europe with Armenian and Turkish origin to strengthen the dialogue
between their communities and to support the Europeanization process of
Turkey and Armenia.

The conference was concluded by a small cocktail reception, during
which participants could share thought and impressions and continue
their discussions over a glass of wine.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress