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September 12, 2007
Third Conference on "Diaspora inside Europe" Held in Sofia
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Some of the organizers, speakers and attendees of the June 23 conference jointly organized by Inside Europe, AGBU Sofia and the Euro-Bulgarian Cultural Center. -
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The audience listens to the speakers who spoke at the Sofia roundtable on Armenian diasporan issues in Europe.
AGBU Young Professionals of Sofia and the Euro-Bulgarian Cultural Center (EBCC) hosted a roundtable on the "Diaspora Inside Europe" on June 23, 2007 in Sofia, Bulgaria. The event was part of a series of roundtables co-organized throughout Europe by AGBU YP groups and the organization "Inside Europe" led by Nicolas Tavitian.
The Sofia conference featured distinguished speakers and participants, who had the opportunity to share ideas and discuss the implications of EU membership for Armenian communities in member countries. The speakers at the roundtable included Nikolai Mladenov, recently elected Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Nicholas Tavitian, Director of Inside Europe, and Mert Ersin, Director of Euromed Consulting.
The participants included the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Bulgaria, Sergei Manassarian; the Armenian Embassy Counsel Igor Mardirossian; Aghavni Topakbashian, Head of the Ethnic Identity, Integration and Demographic Development Department; Edi Emiryan, Head of the PR Department with the Council of Ministers; Darina Kadunkova, Development Coordinator with the European Institute in Sofia; Ema Azarian, Repertory Director with the National Palace of Culture; 15 Young Professionals from the local YP committee and honorary hosts Sonia Avakian-Bedrosian, Chairwoman of AGBU Sofia, and Onik Karapchian, EBCC Director.
The three panel discussions focused on the significance of the Armenian Diaspora and the development of the European Union. Mladenov's thesis was to put to use the ready Armenian Diaspora network that can help foster unity despite diversity (the EU's motto is "United in Diversity"). He made a strong reference to the Armenian Question by raising the issue of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey, as well as the financial compensations it is liable to make. The Sofia conference was the first public event attended by Mladenov as a Member of the European Parliament.
Nicholas 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. Tavitian also suggested several ways in which a community can relate and interact with institutions and highlighted the major considerations in applying for and working with EU funds.
The third speaker, Mert Ersin, talked about ways to reconcile Turkish and Armenian relations. Ersin, a European of Turkish descent, showed profound understanding of the problem and freely talked about the obstacles to Genocide recognition in Turkey, such as state policy, misperceptions and lack of education about the topic. While demonstrating an in-depth understanding of the barriers, Ersin also shared his vision for reconciliation and peaceful coexistence in a larger Europe.
In conclusion, the 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 network and share thoughts and impressions.
For more information about Inside Europe, please visit www.insideeurope.org.
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