Canada

European Armenian Federation hails Canada’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide

— In an Overwhelming Vote, the House of Commons "Acknowledges the Armenian Genocide of 1915 and Condemns this Act as a Crime against Humanity." —

Brussels, Belgium - - Canada recognized the Armenian genocide and condemned it as a crime against Humanity on Wednesday, April the 21st, announced the European Armenian Federation.

The motion recognizing the Armenian Genocide was adopted by the House of Commons by a vote of 153 to 58. It had been introduced by Mrs Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral (Bloc Québécois) despite the opposition displayed by the liberal government of Paul Martin. Mr Graham, the Foreign Minister, who was in charge of defending the government position said that "Canada wanted to keep the best possible relations with Ankara".

Liberal deputies who received instructions of "free vote" broke ranks with their leadership, joining Conservative and Quebec parliamentarians in making Canada the 15th country to recognize the Armenian genocide at the highest level.

As it has in the past, Turkey issued a series of threats of retaliatory measures citing the example of Canadian firms seeking for contracts in Turkey.

"We warmly congratulate the representative of the Canadian people and also the organizations that worked for this recognition" said Laurent Leylekian, the director of the European Armenian Federation.

"In restoring truth, Canada also restores justice and paves the only possible way to a frank and fair reconciliation. That’s why we ask the European Union to demand without delay Turkey to acknowledge and to give reparation for the Armenian Genocide before examining its application for membership" concluded Leylekian.