MP Karygiannis joins 1.5 million Armenians in marking the 90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

Yerevan, Armenia - The Honourable Jim Karygiannis, M.P., Scarborough-Agincourt led a Canadian delegation today to the Genocide Memorial on the 90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

Mr. Karygiannis together with Cambridge M.P. Lynn Myers, former Senator Raymond Setlakwe, former M.P. Madeleine Dalphone-Guiral and members of the Armenian National Committee of Canada joined 1.5 million Armenians from around the world, in laying flowers at the Memorial’s eternal flame. In 1915, over 1.5 million Armenians were massacred in Ottoman Turkey. “This was a deeply emotional experience”, said Mr. Karygiannis. “Armenians, members of the international Armenian Diaspora and diplomats from around the world today sent a powerful message that the atrocities of 1915 will never be forgotten.”

On April 21, 2004 the Parliament of Canada voted to recognize the Armenian Genocide. Mr. Karygiannis had pressed the Parliament to move in this direction for over sixteen years.

Laying flowers at the Genocide Memorial Jim Karygiannis, M.P. and Lynn Myers, M.P. lay flowers along with Canadian Delegation

“The genocide is a horrendous event of history that scarred my family. Parliament’s decision reaffirmed my faith in human dignity.” observed Mr. Karygiannis.

As the Canadian delegation walked past the mountain of floral tributes in memory of those slain they emphasized the importance of full recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the world community.

The Genocide Memorial lies on a hilltop overlooking Yerevan. Twelve concave stone columns representing the provinces where the massacres occurred surround the eternal flame. Steps away stands a tower of hope comprised of two sections representing the strength of the people of Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora throughout the world.

Meeting with President Kocharian of Armenia

MP Karygiannis meets President Kocharian of Armenia Jim Karygiannis M.P. and members of the Canadian Armenian Diaspora meeting with Armenian President Kocharian

President Kocharian received delegation of the House of Commons of the Canadian Parliament and representatives of the Armenian-Canadian Diaspora.

At the meeting were discussed issues related to the enhancement of the Armenian-Canadian relations. Parties mentioned that prospects of opening a Canadian diplomatic representation in Armenia would significantly promote economic cooperation.

Representatives of the Armenian community of Canada noted that although they visit Armenia frequently each time they notice new developments, which inspires with confidence that Armenia is moving forward. They assured the President that the Diaspora is ready to promote cooperation with the Motherland bringing it to a qualitatively new level.

The sides discussed also the process of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide. In this context a reference was made to the Bill condemning the Genocide adopted by the Canadian legislature in 2002, and efforts of the Armenian lobby directed toward making that Bill a law.

Meeting with the Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Jim Karygiannis M.P. leading the Canadian delegation meeting with the Speaker of the Parliament of Armenia

Picture Gallery of Trip to Armenian