Epress.am News from Armenia
When asked the purpose of their gathering, the 4 youth gathered around Myasnikyan’s statue in central Yerevan today said, “to remind those states that signed the agreement about today, to show that Armenian youth haven’t forgotten, are demanding and believe in that victory.”
This is how HAYAZN (“of Armenian origin”) youth group Central Body member Armen Mkrtchyan presented the event to journalists.
Today is the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Sevres, according to which Turkey obliged Armenia to return a part of historic Armenia, 100,000 square km, which, with the First Republic of Armenia, was in fact 160,000 square km.
Organizers of the rally had apparently sent out invitations to around 30 organizations and political parties; however, according to Mkrtchyan, nearly all had responded that they were on holiday.
“Some promised to come, but they didn’t show up,” said HAYAZN Central Body member.
The youth had prepared to distribute letters to the embassies of those countries that had signed the Treaty of Sevres on August 10, 1920. Rally participants personally delivered the letter to the French, Italian and American embassies in Yerevan and said the other signatory states will receive their letters by email. Speaking on their expectations, Mkrtchyan said, “We will wait for a response in the coming years by way of ratifying the treaty.”
He also said that in the letter, the organization has presented the entire Treaty of Sevres, along with the signatories. The authors conclude the letter with the hope that with the assistance of the signatory states, “we will be able to bring the treaty to life, from paper to action.”
According to the group’s website, apart from distributing letters to the embassies, the youth were preparing to organize a march, which did not take place.