April 28, 2009 - 00:06 AMT
Several dozen European countries pay tribute to Armenian Genocide victims
On April 24, Belarus held ceremonies dedicated to the 94th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. RA Ambassador Oleg Yesayan introduced Armenia's initiatives towards achieving international recognition and establishment of peace and stability in the region. Bulgaria held Genocide commemoration events beginning April 22. By the proposal of Armenian MP Rouben Grigoryan, the Bulgarian National Assembly (including Turkish parliamentarians) held a minute of silence on April 24 to pay respect to the victims of the great tragedy. In a meeting organized in Sofia, people laid flowers at the Armenian Khachkar (cross-stone). Other major Bulgarian towns also held ceremonies dedicated to the 94th anniversary of the tragic date.
Genocide commemoration ceremonies were held in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Great Britain. On April 25, the Armenian organizations of Great Britain held marches with the participation of over 1000 Armenian activists demanding Turkey and Great Britain's recognition of the Armenian Genocide. On May 7, Armenia-Great Britain group will hold a conference in cooperation with RA Embassy. The event will be attended by well-known scholar and Genocide studies specialist Israel Charney and Armenian publicist Arthur Sassounyan, RA MFA Press Service reports.