Armenian community of Britain thinks Karabakh issue is primary

25-08-2007 17:47:01 – KarabakhOpen

The head of the British office of Hay Dat Sevan Artin told
Karabakh-Open.com 15 to 20 thousand Armenians live in London but their
number grows because Armenians continue to arrive from Iraq, Lebanon,
Armenia.

There are a number of Armenian organizations in London: the Church
Council, the representation of the ARF Dashnaktsutyun, Hamazgayin
Cultural Society, the Armenian Relief Society, Hay Dat, the Navasard
Armenian club, Hayashen Armenian House. There are two Armenian
churches.

Sevan Artin says the community is united even though it is rather young
compared with other communities. `In the 19th century the Armenians
settled down in Manchester mainly. Now few Armenians remain there. The
center has moved to London. We celebrate church and national holidays,
we hold different events. We focus on the recognition of the Genocide
of 1915. We collaborate with parliamentarians, hold demonstrations.
Recently we have held a march in front of the home of the prime
minister. Most Armenians live in the district of Ealing so we also hold
events together with the municipality,’ Sevan Artin said.
The head of the British office of Hay Dat says the organization focuses
on the recognition of the genocide of 1915 and the Karabakh issue.
Unfortunately, Britain holds a pro-Azerbaijani stance regarding
Karabakh. Therefore, Sevan Artin said Hay Dat together with the
governments of Armenia and Karabakh will continue to work towards
changing the policy of the United Kingdom.