BEIRUT — On March 20, a conference on the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was organized with joint efforts of leadership of “Notre Dame” University and Lebanese Centennial Central body, in cooperation with the Embassy of Armenia in Lebanon.
Ministers, parliamentarians, clergymen, leaders of political parties, intelligentsia, journalists and students participated at the conference, live streamed on Lebanese “OTV” TV channel.
In her remarks, Dr. Nata Saat Saper at “Notre Dame” University mentioned that this year marks 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, and that Turkey continues denial policy, despite undeniable historical facts and evidence.
Chairperson of Lebanese Centennial Central Body Seda Khtshyan briefed about history of the Armenian Genocide. She mentioned that this event is organized not only to commemorate the victims, but also to celebrate victory, expression of power and will to life of our people. Summarizing her speech, Chairperson noted, that the Armenian people is to continue to restore justice and truth, creating and passing down its rich history on the world.
Vice-President of the University Souhail Matar reflected on history of the Armenian people and Armenian Genocide, speaking about massacres committed in the Ottoman Empire, stressing the policy pursued by Young Turks, and then by Ataturk. Dr. Matar summarized his speech with following words, “Let the 100th anniversary open new doors to the Armenian people for peace and justice.”
In his remarks, Ambassador of Armenia to Lebanon Ashot Kocharyan touched upon rich culture and history of the Armenian people, the people, that having endured numerous deprivations and losses, always fought for preservation of language, religion and values. Ambassador thoroughly presented history of cross-stones, that are of great historic value, as well as facts of genocide of culture against historic-cultural values of the Armenian people in the Ottoman Empire and in Azerbaijan.
He attached importance to the Pan-Armenian Declaration on the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide – the result of unity and consolidation of the Armenian people. Ambassador highlighted, that the Armenian people, walking heroic and glorious path of rebirth and liberation, celebrates victory of life over death. Summarizing, Ambassador mentioned that the Armenian people will continue fight for restoration of justice, international recognition, condemnation and elimination of all the consequences of the Genocide.
After the official speeches participants of the conference attended cross-stone (dedicated to the Centennial) installation ceremony in the garden of the University.
Sponsor, initiator of cross-stone installation, Sargis Budaqyan mentioned that patriotism and loyalty for the Homeland united all the people working on the initiative. He stressed that cross-stone is gratitude expressed by the Armenians to the Lebanese people who received with open arms and lent helping hand to the Armenian refugees.
