Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay reaffirmed the Canadian government's recognition of the Armenian Genocide, during a round table discussion with the National Ethnic Press and Media Council (NEPMCC) on Nov. 8. As PanARMENIAN.Net came to know from the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC), the Minister also clarified his position on the Turkish Government's proposal to create a historians' commission to study the Armenian Genocide. Minister Mackey assured the Canadian-Armenian community that the Canadian Government's policy on the recognition of the Armenian Genocide has not changed. "Nothing has changed in that regard," stressed Mr. MacKay.

In response to a question from Aris Babikian, Horizon Weekly representative to NEPMCC and the executive director of the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC), Mr. MacKay stated: "Canada would support a joint study that would involve participation from academics from both countries with the inclusion, perhaps, a
neutral country that would be acceptable to both. So a dialogue around what is clearly incredibly sensitive and loaded issue could lead to greater meeting of minds plus an opening of a dialogue on other important issues-trade, travel, greater communication, the blockade of Armenia-is useful exercise that might bring about some greater healing."