February 3, 2007 - 14:25 AMT
Armenians, Kurds and Turks called UK parliament to recognize Armenian Genocide
January 30, Armenians and Kurds as well as Turkish intellectuals gathered outside the House of Commons, London to honor Hrant Dink and to call on the UK government to help the process of reconciliation between Armenians and Turks by the recognition of the truth of the Armenian Genocide, independent French reporter Jean Eckian told PanARMENIAN.Net. The vigil was led by Lord Avebury and included the singing of the "Hair Mer" by Seta Cox. Later, inside the House of Commons the Tribute to Hrant Dink was held. A message from the Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation was read, followed by an eloquent oration on Hrant's significance by Prof. Khatchatur Pilikian. Seta Cox read her poem of tribute titled "Without You". This was followed by an insight into Hrant's personality and a masterly analysis of the Armenian Genocide by Prof. Hovannes Pilikian. Eilian Williams of Armenia Solidarity made the point that Turkish democracy at present is based on the lie that there was no Genocide of Armenians, and appealed for all to strive for a multi-cultural Turkey where the rights of minorities are respected. Messages of solidarity were given by Kurdish and Turkish supporters, including Dr Fariudin Hilmi, a former minister in the government of Iraqi Kurdistan and also by Mustapha Yesacan. The Kurdistan National Congress and other Kurdish groups as well as the Turkish-Kurdish Center in London were represented at the event.