“GENOCIDE RECOGNITION IS NOT THAT EASY”
Support A1+!In 2005 the Lithuania’s Parliament adopted a resolution recognizing the 1915 mass killings and deportations of Armenians in Ottoman Turkey as genocide.
“Lithuania was the first to recognise the Armenian genocide among the Baltic countries,” said Ara Tunian, the chairman of the Armenian Community in Lithuania.
“I lobbied for the passage of the resolution for two years. I negotiated with the Saeima (Lithuanian Parliament) together with community members Ruslan Harutiunian and Vahagn Grigorian. We submitted cogent arguments to the Saeima.
Several exhibitions were opened in the Saeima. We disseminated corresponding material via the Lithuanian Government and the Saeima and sent verified information to Lithuanian deputies, Ara Tunian said.
The Armenian community was formed in 1990s. Officially, 2150 Armenians live in Lithuania who are actively engaged in the country’s interior life. Many work in local self-government bodies. According to Ara Tunian, today the community is concerned over preserving the Armenian element.
The community does its utmost to prevent conflicts with national minorities, especially with Azeris. Armenians get in touch with Azeris during events dedicated to national minorities. Azeris accuse Armenians of the Khojalu events. “So far we have avoided serious collisions though Azeris provoke conflicts every now and then.”
Psychologist Ara Tunian moved to Lithuania in 1986. He is namely discontent with the RA Government’s attitude. “People get disappointed and leave abroad in search of better life,” Tunian says.
