Hungary expresses support for
Armenia's bid to join EU
Hungarian
President Laszlo Solyom says his country backs Armenia's efforts to
join the European Union (EU).
Solyom made clear his country's stance during a meeting Monday with
visiting Armenian President Serzh Sargsian.
Solyom said although it was the first time that an Armenian
president has visited Hungary, a sizable Armenian community has
lived in the country for centuries.
He called for the continued promotion of bilateral economic,
cultural and political relations.
Sargsian, who arrived in Hungary on Sunday for a three-day official
visit, said Armenia-Hungary ties were developing soundly and both
countries should continue to promote their political dialogue.
He said a forum of business leaders from the two countries, set to
begin Tuesday, should help them sign contacts.
Meanwhile, the finance ministers of the two countries signed an
accord to prevent dual taxation.
Sweden’s Social Democrat Party To Seek Genocide
Recognition
STOCKHOLM–After
a long debate on October 29, the 2009 Social Democrat Party
Congress in Stockholm defied recommendations from the Party
Executive and voted to work toward the recognition of the
Armenian, Assyrian and Pontiac Genocides committed by Ottoman
Turkey.
Through the vote, the party’s
congress approved the first clause of motion J28, stating that
the Social Democrats shall act for the genocide against
Armenians, Assyrians and Pontiac Greek’s to be “recognized by
Sweden, EU and UN”.
In a written statement at the
weekend, the Union of Armenian Associations in Sweden applauded
the Congress for its historic decision, noting that this action
shall in no way harm the democratization process in Turkey, the
research on the genocide, nor the reconciliation process between
Turkey and Armenia.
The Union said it looked forward to
this decision of the Congress being reflected in the Social
Democratic activities within the Swedish Parliament and in the
future work of their MPs in regard to the existing parliamentary
motions calling for an official Swedish recognition of the
Genocide.
YEREVAN (Yerkir)—Western Armenian lands must be
returned to Armenia, said Armenia’s Ambasador to Switzerland,
famous singer Charles Aznavour in an interview with Italy’s RIA3
television channel.
“When I was born, in 1924, [they] promised
Armenia the return of lands. I am 85 years old and I cannot wait
much longer,” said Aznavour.
“In 1924, Stalin promised Armenia the return of
Erzeroum, Erzngan, Sebastia, Kharpert, Dikranagert, Bitlis, Van,
Moush… The ‘Wilsonian Armenia’ also included regions of Trabizon,
Erzeroum, Van and Bitlis,” said Aznavour while welcoming the
prospects for establishment of diplomatic relations between
Armenia and Turkey.
“It would be pleasant to see open borders in the
last part of my life,” added Aznavour.
STOCKHOLM–After
a long debate on October 29, the 2009 Social Democrat Party
Congress in Stockholm defied recommendations from the Party
Executive and voted to work toward the recognition of the
Armenian, Assyrian and Pontiac Genocides committed by Ottoman
Turkey.
