New Zealand urged to recognize Armenian GenocideMarch 12, 2020 - 17:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The frontman of Grammy award-winning rock band System of a Down, Serj Tankian, is calling on New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters to recognize the Armenian Genocide, Newshub reports. The American-Armenian's grandparents survived the slaughter of up to 1.5 million Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks within the old Ottoman Empire due to their religious beliefs. "It's important for people to be aware about the Genocide - the first genocide of the 2nd century," Tankian said. But New Zealand does not call it genocide. "The United States just recognized it, most - or a lot of countries - have recognized it, including France, Italy, the European Union, the Vatican, [and] Russia," Tankian says. Newshub asked Tankian if he would like Peters to use the word "genocide" and he said: "I would." There are fears it would damage the country's relationship with Turkey - one of the first countries the Government visited in the wake of the mosque attacks. And thousands of Kiwis make the annual trip to Gallipoli to pay respects on ANZAC Day. "There are dances around the word genocide because Turkey does not want nations to use that word," Tankian says. He will be speaking at an event in Parliament on Thursday, March 12 evening where politicians from across the House of Representatives were invited. Newshub has been leaked a memo sent to MPs by Peters' office which says: "In deciding whether to take up the invitation, please note the New Zealand Government's position on this sensitive issue, which is to encourage Turkey and Armenia, as the parties directly concerned, to discuss the issue." Tankian views that as a threat to MPs not to attend. 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.” |