NY Mayor: there can’t be closure on atrocity if we do not call it by nameApril 25, 2015 - 14:02 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - New York City mayor Bill de Blasio issued a statement, commemorating the centennial of the Armenian Genocide. The statement reads: “Today, we commemorate the Meds Yeghern and honor those who perished in the Armenian Genocide 100 years ago in one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century, when over a million Armenians were subjected to state-sanctioned murder, rape and massive forced deportations. For many Armenians in New York City and around the world, this historical trauma is compounded by Turkey’s refusal to recognize the devastation inflicted upon the Armenian people as an act of genocide. Pope Francis spoke of this in a recent sermon, and it bears repeating on this painful anniversary: There cannot be closure on an atrocity of this magnitude if we do not call it by its name. The bravery of a new generation of Turks – who are challenging those in their country who deny this tragedy – is an encouraging step toward long overdue justice and reconciliation. Against today’s background of rising religious intolerance, we must take this solemn occasion to reflect on the past – and to directly confront the discrimination of the present.” Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. CSTO recognizes Armenia’s sovereign right to withdraw Tasmagambetov has said that if Armenia decides to leave the organization, “it will be the sovereign right of Armenia.” |