"GENOCIDE RECOGNITION IS NOT THAT EASY"

A1+
[06:04 pm] 08 October, 2007

In 2005 the Lithuania’s Parliament adopted a resolution recognizing
the 1915 mass killings and deportations of Armenians in Ottoman Turkey
as genocide.

"Lithuania was the first to recognise the Armenian genocide among
the Baltic countries," said Ara Tunian, the chairman of the Armenian
Community in Lithuania.

"I lobbied for the passage of the resolution for two years. I
negotiated with the Saeima (Lithuanian Parliament) together with
community members Ruslan Harutiunian and Vahagn Grigorian. We submitted
cogent arguments to the Saeima.

Several exhibitions were opened in the Saeima. We disseminated
corresponding material via the Lithuanian Government and the Saeima
and sent verified information to Lithuanian deputies, Ara Tunian said.

The Armenian community was formed in 1990s.

Officially, 2150 Armenians live in Lithuania who are actively engaged
in the country’s interior life. Many work in local self-government
bodies. According to Ara Tunian, today the community is concerned
over preserving the Armenian element.

The community does its utmost to prevent conflicts with national
minorities, especially with Azeris.

Armenians get in touch with Azeris during events dedicated to national
minorities. Azeris accuse Armenians of the Khojalu events. "So far
we have avoided serious collisions though Azeris provoke conflicts
every now and then."

Psychologist Ara Tunian moved to Lithuania in 1986. He is namely
discontent with the RA Government’s attitude. "People get disappointed
and leave abroad in search of better life," Tunian says.