PROTEST MARCH AGAINST ‘GENOCIDE’ MONUMENT IN LYON
Zaman, Turkey
March 7 2006
Having been a matter of political discussion for the last two years,
the construction of the so-called Armenian genocide monument has
started in Lyon, France.
Opposition associations in Lyon, claiming it would distort the
historical fabric, failed prevent the construction of the monument
in the historical center of the city, which is included in UNESCO’s
World Heritage List.
Associations resorted to the court to overturn the decision.
Turkish citizens protesting the Lyon Municipality and the construction
of the monument will march in Lyon after Paris.
The Council of Turkish Culture Associations in Rhone-Alpes returned
empty handed from the municipality in its efforts to stop the
construction.
Though they showed pictures proving that the monument was being
constructed solely for the so-called Armenian genocide, the association
voiced that the municipality parried their demand by saying that the
monument was being built for all genocides.
Turkish associations asked for a demonstration permit, notifying that
Turkish people in and around Lyon would march on March 18.
The French, who built Komitas genocide monument in a UNESCO protected
area in 2001, has not been able to find an appropriate place to build
the statue of Ataturk, despite Turkey’s efforts for years.