This year has seen an unusual amount of activity between Turkey and Armenia. At Civilitas, we’ve contributed to the efforts of those who want to improve relations. A group of big-name Turkish journalists came to meet with Mr. Vartan Oskanian in September.
In November, Salpi Ghazarian, Civilitas Director, participated in a confernce held at the European Parliament in Brussels, on the Armenian Legacy in Turkey. Salpi, who has been active in genocide recognition issues and documentation projects for many years, characterized this new period in Armenian-Turkish relations as one where Armenians must demonstrate the dignity and capacity to hear what is being said in Turkey as part of the public outcry following Hrant Dink’s murder nearly two years ago.
In December, a group of filmmakers came to Civilitas to consult on various project ideas. They were followed by various journalists and civil society leaders including Osman Koker, editor and publisher, and Osman Kavala, head of Anadou Kultur, have also come to discuss with Salpi Ghazarian the possibilities of joint projects as part of the Civilitas Council on International Relations. Several are in the works.
All this came about in the midst of a vigorous debate in Turkey sparked by a public apology campaign. We embrace the Turkish intellectuals who have given voice to their conscience and embarked on the difficult and courageous process of apologizing for a century of pain and suffering that remains a part of the Armenian experience in Turkey and around the world.
The Civilitas Foundation
One Northern Avenue, Suite 30,
Yerevan, Armenia
info@civilitasfoundation.org
Tel./Fax: (+374 10) 500 119