Mladenov MEP: Armenian diaspora can help EU promote "unity in diversity"

June 23, 2007. AGBU-Sofia and the Euro-Bulgarian Cultural Center (EBCC) hosted a round table on the theme of "A Diaspora Inside Europe". The event was part of a series of round tables co-organized throughout Europe in partnership by AGBU YP sections, Orer Magazine, Nouvelles d'Arménie Magazine and Inside Europe. The Sofia conference featured distinguished speakers and participants that had the opportunity to share ideas and discuss the implications of EU membership for Armenian communities in member countries. It attracted all the more interest as Bulgaria has been a member of the EU for less than 6 months, and first elected its members of the European Parliament just three weeks before the event.

The speakers at the round table included Mr. Nikolai Mladenov, recently elected Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Mr. Nicolas Tavitian, Director of Inside Europe and Mert Ersin, Director of Euromed Consulting. Participants included the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia, Mr. Sergei Manasserian, the Embassy Counsel Mr. Igor Mardirossian, Mrs Ahavni Topakbashyan, Head of the Ethnic Identity, Integration and Demographic Development Department, Mr. Edi Emirian, Head of the PR Department with the Council of Ministers, Mrs Darina Kadunkova, Development Coordinator with the European Institute in Sofia, Mrs Ema Azarian , Repertory Director with the National Palace of Culture, 15 Young Professionals from the local organization as well as Mrs Sonia Bedrossian-Avakian, Chair of AGBU-Sofia and Mr. Onnik Karapchian, EBCC Director.

The three panel discussions focused on the significance of the Armenian Diaspora and the development of the European Union. Mr. Mladenov's thesis was to put to use the ready Armenian Diaspora network that can help foster unity despite diversity (EU's motto is "United in Diversity" or "In Varietate Concordia" in Latin). In an unprecedented manner he also made a strong reference to the Armenian Question by raising the need for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. The Sofia conference was the first public event attended by Mr. Mladenov as a Member of the European Parliament.

Nicolas Tavitian 's panel theme was about engaging, educating and involving the EU institutions in the Armenian Diaspora's public life. The discussion gravitated around what it means to be a European citizen and the different perceptions in the old and new member countries. Mr. Tavitian also suggested several ways in which a community can communicate and interact with the institutions and highlighted the major considerations in applying for and working with EU funds.

The third speaker, Mr. Mert Ersin talked about ways to repair relations between Turks and Armenians. Mr. Ersin, a European citizen of Turkish descent, showed profound understanding of the problem and freely talked about the obstacles to Genocide admission in Turkey and other sensitive subjects such as state policy and misperceptions and lack of awareness among the common people. While demonstrating an in-depth understanding of the barriers Mr. Ersin also shared his vision for reconciliation in a a European context and in the European spirit.

In conclusion, participants agreed on a follow-up statement to be issued to EU institutions declaring the willingness of the citizens of Europe with Armenian and Turkish origin to strengthen the dialogue between their communities and to support the Europeanization process of Turkey and Armenia.

The conference was concluded by a small cocktail reception, during which participants could share thought and impressions and continue their discussions over a glass of wine.

Links:

News report in Bulgarian: www.focus-news.net

Organisers and partners involved:

- AGBU Sofia: www.agbubg.org

- Inside Europe: www.insideeurope.eu

- EBCC: www.eubcc.bg

- Nouvelles d'Arménie: www.armenews.com

- Orer magazine: www.orer.cz