Recently, in the Russian city Sochi`s Dogomis village, the central government of Adler and Krasnodar regions removed the posters dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, which was initiated by the Russian branch of the Youth Congress members in Sochi. Sochi municipal authorities banned on April 18, the “People’s memories” organization, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The event was described in the Armenian newspaper in Russia “Erkramas”. Acting Head of the Department of the Interior S.I. Ogurtsov officially informed that if the measures were inconsistent with the municipal government, then the government would be earmarked by “extremism and terrorism response” of federal laws. However, as reported by Ogurtsov, it was allowed to have the Armenian Genocide Commemoration on April 19, 23 and 24.
The commemoration events in Sochi, Volkonka, and New Louis will be held on April 24 in apostolic churches and the measures are agreed with the authorities. Armenian Genocide 100th anniversary poster deletion in Sochi gave rise to various interpretations; it is believed that the city government did that not to create a true inter-ethnic tension. Sochi is a cosmopolitan city, where there are a large number of Azerbaijanis and Turks. But in many countries, including multinational and large Turkish community having cities will have a series of events dedicated to Armenian Genocide without any obstacles. In Germany, where is the largest Turkish community, there is a greater action of protest in front of the Turkish Embassy: demanding recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
– “Russia is not a democratic country; Russia’s decisions are not taken on the basis of freedom. For example, the influence of the Turkish lobby is very large, the German government takes into account the opinion of the Turks, but Germany is a classic liberal country. Even people, who do not have the German government support, can hold events, and their supporters will be able to hold protests, Genocide recognition events. It is not comparable to Russia; the Russian country is not free “.
This is how expressed his thoughts to “Aravot” Stepan Grigoryan who is the “Globalization and Regional Cooperation`s” analytical center`s chairman.
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According to Mr. Grigoryan, in Russia, there are restrictions in all sectors of the opposition, religious organizations.
– “This is not a simple matter; they think that it can bring some tension, which they do not need at all “.
Mr. Grigoryan said, it would be better if we learn to look at situations in the light of Russia. If our strategic partner does not share our concerns, we get offended, this is very normal, of course for us their steps are unacceptable, but as he said, if viewed from the perspective of Russia, they may have another problem here. They say.
– “If we let to make the Genocide protests, to disseminate information about the Genocide, Turks and Azerbaijanis will feel obvious tension. Then another nation will do the same. Non-free systems are expressed in different way. This reflects their level of political freedom. This is not beneficial for them, eventually, in 1994, the Parliament adopted the Armenian Genocide, the question for them is not a taboo subject, but it is not a standard theme either. If today Armenians speak about it, tomorrow Crimean Tatars who live the Krasnodar and Rostov regions will remind their banishment from Crimea. For me it is not surprising that such a multi-ethnic regions and Russia that is not considered a free country there are such restrictions.”
Politician Ruben Mehrabyan explained this by the fact that the authorities in Russia are out of the civilization.
– “This awful behavior is another proof to this fact”.
How could the 100 the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide posters create tension in Turkish-Russian relations? In the end, about 600 cities in Russia community have organized events dedicated to the Armenian Genocide. Mr. Mehrabyan said.
– “The Turkish factor is the fact that Putin has come to Yerevan, but his other leg, which name is Naryshkin (RF State Dumas Speaker Sergei Naryshkin), will be in Turkey. The Gallipoli festival is a “Fake” event which was celebrated on March 18, but this year, they decided to celebrate it on April 24. On April 24 at Gallipoli nothing happened, but the Turkish government decided by this “Fake” event, to try to diminish the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide with the whole process. Even Russia does this, as their behavior does not fit in any rational situation. We say Russia is our strategic partner but, we would not have so impudent Turkey and Azerbaijan which directly interferes with the development of Armenia, if Russia did not have such anti-civilization policy. So it is impossible to call Russia a friend. ”
Nelly BABAYAN
