Assyrian International News Agency AINA
Nov 1 2009
Main Swedish Party Recognizes Turkish Genocide of Assyrians
Stockholm (AINA) — Sweden’s largest political party took a decision
on Thursday during its annual convention to acknowledge the genocide
of Assyrians, Greeks and Armenians during World War one. The genocide,
called Seyfo in Assyrian, occurred between the years 1914-1918.
"I was very moved when the decision was taken," said Yilmaz Kerimo,
who is an Assyrian and a prominent member of the Social democratic
party. "It is a positive standpoint and a great step forward. The
party will now work for the recognition of the genocide within Sweden,
in the European Union and the United Nations."
The recognition by the Social Democrats has raised hopes in the
Assyrian community in Sweden of recognition in the Swedish parliament
as well. The issue will be voted on in the parliament during spring
2010.
Sweden’s left party, Vänsterpartiet, and the green party,
Miljöpartiet, both recognized the genocide more than a year ago.
The work to have the genocide recognized has been long for the
Assyrians of Sweden. The Assyrian Federation of Sweden welcomed the
decision of the Social democrats on Thursday, saying "It’s the result
of years of lobbying, both by Assyrians and non-Assyrians," said Ilan
de Basso, chairman of the Federation. "We have learnt to never give
up. The ultimate goal is to have recognition from Turkey itself."