Armenia should be the first country to recognise
the Assyrian Genocide!

Dec. 13. .2007

Category: Seyfo / Written by: ESNA

Sabri Atman in Yerevan-Armenia: "Armenia should be the first country to recognise the Assyrian Genocide!"

Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Museum,Hayk Demoyan on the right, and Sabri Atman the Director of Assyrian Genocide Resarch SEYFO CENTER.

The 40th Anniversary of Armenian Genocide monument, took place in Yerevan, the Armenian capital under its united goal of genocide recognition noted in the main event’s title, “International Conference dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex of the Armenian Genocide victims.” There was broad interest and great participation noted in the events large turnout and media coverage. The conference was opened with a presentation from Hayk Demoyan, General Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute.

Sabri Atman, the Director of the SEYFO CENTER was also invited to this conference. He began his presentation to the enthusiastic audience with a 25 minute speech highlighting the importance of such organizations which shed light on the plight of both Assyrian and Armenian genocide survivors.

Atman, while explaining the Assyrian genocide (also known as Syriac and Kaldean), also shared the horrific tragedies suffered by the Armenian Christians who succumbed such a tragic fate. He also imparted his views on the current state of Armenian/Assyrian relations, suggesting that the communities of Armenian, Assyrian and Greek (Christians of Greek rite churches) descent should advocate on behalf of this cause together, so their voices may be more easily heard.

Atman also mentions that the Armenians should not forget the Assyrian people were also suffering the same fate as their Armenian brethren and later went on to boldly request that Armenia should be the first country to except the Assyrian genocide.

Atman, also attended round table discussions which took place on the second day of the conference’s events. Atman also met with several cultural institutes, authors, national representatives and concluded his day with a visit to the various Assyrian villages in Armenia.

Officials and laymen alike salute the Genocide Statue.

As was written in the program, the participants and lecturers, many of whom visited from different countries visited the official statue commemorating the Armenian genocide, following the conclusion of the conference. As is shown in the picture, to the side of the statue inside the museum, contained a painting of the mountain of Ararat; their physical proximity also displayed a figurative connection, making one feel as if they communicate with each other. Upon entering the museum and looking at the photographs, one can not help the powerful emotions evoked which compel all who experience it to become overcome with tears. It is indeed very difficult to put the feeling of seeing this statue into words, however, it ignites in them the desire to curse all those who committed these atrocities against mankind.

As shown in the pictures, the Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, Hayk Demoyan, and the architect of the genocide statue, Sashur Kalashyan, and various delegates who had accompanied them, stood in reverence and laid a floral wreath at the foot of the genocide statue.

The architect of the genocide statue, Sashur Kalashyan and his wife, are seen with the Director of the Assyrian Research SEYFO CENTER, Sabri Atman, at dinner.

After several important meetings with members of local genocide remembrance foundations, Atman suggested erecting a statue in remembrance of the Assyrian genocide in Yerevan, however, the process was held up due to bureaucratically issues; Atman was promised, however, that the Armenian government would do whatever was necessary to complete the building of the Assyrian statue in the Armenian capital.

Dr. Anahit Khosroyeva and the president of the Assyrian Office of Armenia, Ersen Mikayelov, stand in the spot where the Assyrian commemorative statue will be erected.

Visiting Arzni

Atman, was also able to fit in visits to the Assyrian villages of Armenia in his schedule. His first visit took him to Arzni. The distance between Arzni and Yerevan is approximately 25 minutes by car. The total population is about 5.000 and approximately 1,500 of them are Assyrian. The majority of the Assyrian population, moved here from Urmiye during the post genocide years of . Atman, after visiting the local churches and cultural offices, also had the opportunity to meet with the leaders of the community and listen to their heartfelt requests.

The biggest request of the local villagers was that they not be forgotten by their brethren who emigrated to Europe and the west, their final words during his visit being, “Please don’t forget about us!“

The attached pictures, shows the display in Arzni and one of the pictures also displays the commemorative Assyrian genocide Statue.

The Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute and the Assyrian Genocide Resarch, SEYFO CENTER Atman’s one week visit to Armenia was a positive one. The program put together by the Armenian Genocide Museum, “International Conference Dedicated to the 40th Anniversary the Armenian Genocide Victims” held in the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex, was well prepared. The conferences were both educational in the conventional sense but also raised awareness via its exceptional media coverage and interest. Atman is most grateful for the extraordinary Armenian hospitality displayed to the conference attendees during the duration of the events.

The week’s events would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the director of the Armenian Genocide Museum- Institute, Hayk Demoyan and his staff, who after months of hard work made this conference a success.

The director of Armenian Genocide Museum, Hayk Demoyan, and the director of Assyrian Genocide Resarch SEYFO CENTER, Sabri Atman, also discussed in a private meeting future projects to be held while working together towards the same goal.

It was also announced that the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute and SEYFO CENTER will be collaborating in the near future to formulate new projects together.

Atman, mentioned that his visit to Armenia was very positive, but had not offered many details regarding his trip. Atman did however outline his three goals which are as follows: First, The erection of an Assyrian genocide statue in Yerevan, secondly, Atman proposed that a portion of the Armenian Genocide Museum be dedicated to the Assyrian genocide, and finally, that Armenia become the first nation to except the Assyrian genocide.

Atman, after meeting with politician and institutes, saw promising new results concerning the Assyrian genocide, however did not disclose details at this time He did however mention a that there would be good news for Assyrian people regarding the genocide.

After his arduous world tour, Atman points out that the many positive results he achieved helped him forget about his exhaustion. Giving many conferences in various cities throughout the United States, he mentioned that he is planning to open the a Genocide SEYFO CENTER chapter in America.

The result of his travels is going to be the first time in the world that something has been done regarding Assyrian genocide which will open many doors for future advances between the two causes.

ESNA

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