Zeev Elkin: unlike Armenians, Turks quickly reacted to Armenian Genocide debate in KnessetApril 10, 2008 - 20:04 AMT 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. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. CSTO: Armenia has not participated in secretariat’s work recently Recently Armenia has not participated in the work of the secretariat of the CSTO, Imangali Tasmagambetov said. Meeting with U.S., EU not against third parties, says Armenia The meeting scheduled for April 5 is dedicated to strengthening of the Armenia-EU-US cooperation, Yerevan added. Ucom launches network modernization efforts in few regions of Armenia In particular, on March 28, the legacy Mobile Switching Subsystem will be replaced with a new one. |