ZEEV ELKIN: UNLIKE ARMENIANS, TURKS QUICKLY REACTED TO ARMENIAN GENOCIDE DEBATE IN KNESSET
PanARMENIAN.Net
10.04.2008 19:04 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ It’s impossible to foretell the result of the
Armenian Genocide discussion in the Knesset, chairman of the
Israel-Armenia group, Kadima’s Zeev Elkin told a PanARMENIAN.Net
reporter.
"The issue will be discussed. It’s already an achievement, as the
Armenian Genocide has not been touched upon for the past 20 years in
Israel. Turkish and Azeri lobbies reacted to the event quickly.
Unfortunately, I can’t tell the same about Armenia and Armenian
Diaspora," he said.
"Certainly, the discussion will not take shape of a bill but in case
of success, we can pass a declaration on the Armenian Genocide,"
Mr Elkin said.
He reminded that the initiative is exercised every year, dated to April
24. "However, this time it was backed not only by the opposition but
also by parties serving on the coalition. As for me, I was guided by
moral reasons because I know the history," he said.
Mr Elkin also informed that a course Armenian Studies is taught at
Jerusalem University. "The course includes Armenian history, the
Armenian language and also the Armenian Genocide," he said.
On 26 March, the Knesset decided to bring the Armenian Genocide issue
into discussion in one of parliamentary committees. Zeev Elkin offered
to debate in the committee on education and culture while Joseph Shagal
insisted on discussions in committee on external affairs and defense.