DIYARBAKIR MAYOR ASKS FOR ARMENIANS’ PARDON
news.am
Feb 8 2010
Armenia
Religious organization established in Turkish city of Mardin under
the auspices of Democratic Society Party initiated “Mesopotamia: First
religious congress” event. Newly appointed chairman of Kurdish Peace
and Democracy party Selahattin Demirtas, party members, as well as
Yazidis, Syrians, Armenians, Muslims – Sunnis and Christians attended.
According to Turktime, Diyarbakir mayor Kurd Osman Beydemir delivered
a speech at the congress. “Once Assyrians, Armenians and Kurds lived
in Mesopotamia and this religious diversification symbolizes success,
tolerance, peace and development. However, others came and ruled
us for years; as a result people forcedly migrated from here. I
am saying this with a sore heart. There are only several Armenian
families in Diyarbakir, whereas 120 years ago they comprised 40%
of the population. No apology can soothe this pain. You were through
so many things, you forcedly left, but believe me you lost nothing,
that’s us-staying here who lost. You took with you peace and success,”
he outlined.
As NEWS.am reported previously, Osman Beydemir also sharply criticized
Turkish authorities for banning to bury Armenian singer Aram Tigran
died August 8, 2009 in Diyarbakir (which was last will of the
deceased). Mayor ordered to hold a service in the city’s Armenian
cemetery and took the soil from the grave to Brussels where the
singer was buried. Armenian cemetery of Diyarbakir was also cleaned
and repaired at mayor’s order. The restoration of St. Kirakos church
in Diyarbakir is being carried out as well.