YEREVAN, APRIL 24, ARMENPRESS. 108 years after the Armenian Genocide, no one should consider lightly the risk of new violence against the Armenian people, Member of the European Parliament Nathalie Loiseau (France) has warned.

“The anniversary of the Armenian Genocide is a moment of grief, but also an opportunity to draw lessons from the past. Too often in the past, the Armenian culture, identity and people have been confronted to hatred and violence. Today Azerbaijan is strengthening its blockade of the Lachin corridor and depriving 120 000 Armenians from their basic rights and needs. President ALIYEV tends to deny the reality and sovereignty of Armenia. 108 years after the genocide took place, no one should consider lightly the risk of new violence against the Armenian people. Turkey even more than any other country. If Turkey wants to be perceived and valued as a great country, and it certainly wants it, it should consider the recognition of the Armenian genocide as a signal that it wants to build a peaceful future despite a violent past. Recently, the tragic earthquake which struck Turkey was followed by encouraging signals between Erevan and Ankara. Armenia rushed to provide assistance to impacted Turkish territories. The Armenian Foreign Affairs minister paid a visit to Turkey. The border between both countries was reopened for the first time in decades. Let’s hope the next positive move comes from Ankara,” Loiseau told ARMENPRESS.