No political force in Sweden doubts the fact of Armenian GenocideMarch 24, 2010 - 17:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - No political force in Sweden doubts the fact of Armenian Genocide, President of Christian Social Democrats in Sweden, Peter Weiderud said. As he told PanARMENIAN.Net reporter at news conference in Yerevan, "Swedish parliamentarians, who spoke against Armenian Genocide resolution passage, cited inappropriate timing as the reason, also characterizing parliament as unfit structure for decision-making on historic issues." According to Peter Weiderud, Riksdag passed the resolution based on significant number of facts and researches proving 1915 events as the Genocide. "We were perfectly aware that the resolution might harm Armenia-Turkey relations. Still, the resolution was aimed at protection of human rights. Sides should establish peace by owning the truth, and we sincerely hope Armenia and Turkey will reconcile after the resolution," Peter Weiderud said, adding that ruling Social Democratic party MPs will see to it that Stockholm's foreign policy should not run counter to Armenian Genocide resolution. Dwelling on Turkey's bid for EU membership; he stated that Sweden occupies principal position on the issue. "We support Turkey's bid, yet believe that the country has to undertake steps toward protection of national minorities' rights and development of democracy in the country." Commenting on the statement of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on deporting Armenian migrants, Peter Weiderud noted that the statement was a mistake, and withdrawing it was a right decision. On March 11, 2010, the Swedish Parliament recognized the Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Empire in 1915 by 131 votes in favour and 130 against. The Armenian Genocide The Armenian Genocide (1915-23) was the deliberate and systematic destruction of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire during and just after World War I. It was characterized by massacres and deportations, involving forced marches under conditions designed to lead to the death of the deportees, with the total number of deaths reaching 1.5 million. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |