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In the framework of the Armenian Genocide Centennial a Global Forum titled Against the Crime of Genocide was held in Yerevan on 22 – 23 April.

The forum featured over 600 participants from more than 50 countries, among them scholars, experts, high-ranking officials, parliamentarians, clerics and others who discussed various aspects of genocide. Nvard Chalikyan from Panorama.am has conducted a series of interviews with the international guests. 

Below we present to your attention interview with MEP Fabio Massimo Castaldo, member of the EP Committee on Foreign Affairs. His group was the first to present the Armenian Genocide resolution to the European Parliament. 

Commenting on the Resolution Massimo Castaldo says that they had a big fight inside the Parliament to pass the resolution on such an important issue and date. He believes this is important not only for Armenia and Europe but for the whole humanity and says, “It was our duty.”  

He said that the text, which included two amendments referring to Pope Francis’ speech, was supported by the great majority of the parliamentarians; this he believes shows that there is a general European commitment against genocide, which is very important. 

“I believe we cannot in any case sacrifice human rights to commercial purposes. This is our priority and we should show that the EU is a symbol of human rights defence all around the world; otherwise we will deny the values that built up the European Union,” he said.  

He expressed hope that Turkey will use this occasion to change its denialist position, and that the resolution will push national governments both inside and outside Europe to recognize the Armenian Genocide and to punish the denial, which is the last step of the genocide.

At the same time Italian MEP expressed his disappointment with the Italian government which did not express a clear position on the Genocide this time. He believes this does not represent the position of the Italian people who are very close to the Armenian people and to the defence of human rights. 

Interview by Nvard Chalikyan

Related interviews:

EP Vice-President Ryszard Czarnecki on Genocide recognition: “Silence means support”