Manises has become the eighth city of Spain to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide, the Ararat Armenian Association of Valencia reports to Hayern Aysor.

Five of the eight cities, including Mislata, Burjassot, Betera, Xirivella and Manises, are located in Valencia. This unquestionably goes to show the impartial and consistent efforts of Ararat Armenian Association, which is currently moving across the borders of Valencia and reaching cities like Pinto, San Sebastian, Bilbao and Merida.

The first two of those cities have already recognized the Armenian Genocide, and some issues are still being clarified in the other two cities. Based on the appeal filed by Ararat Armenian Association, Manises City Council discussed the resolution on official recognition of the Armenian Genocide drawn up by the Left Union. The resolution was submitted by speaker of the Left Union (Izquierda Unida) Manuel Gutierres Liebana, who particularly mentioned that the term ��?genocide’ was coined after the mass killings of the Armenians thanks to Polish lawyer Raphael Lemkin. He also mentioned that it was very important for Spain to recognize the Armenian Genocide in order to prevent other atrocities that are currently taking place in different parts of the world.

Among other speakers were the speakers of Compromis Party, Socialist Party and the ruling People’s Party who condemned the crime that the Ottoman Empire perpetrated against humanity and modern-day Turkey’s policy of denial. The city council unanimously adopted the resolution and urged the governments of Valencia and Spain to follow their example. At the end, President of Ararat Armenian Association Ararat Ghukasyan gave a speech and, on behalf of himself and all Armenians, he expressed gratitude to all four political parties and especially the Left Union for always being consistent with the just cause of the Armenians.

“It’s nice to see the different “colors” of different political parties “unite” when it comes time to discuss major issues, forming one “color”, that is, the “color of humanity,” Ghukasyan mentioned, adding the following: “Spain faces many social, economic and political issues, and the views of political parties vary. We Armenians are also concerned about the issues facing the friendly Spanish people and are also happy to see you share our sorrow and make our struggle yours.” Ararat Ghukasyan also asked the members of all the political parties to make sure “this issue is always discussed and doesn’t end with this, right here, but continues and is presented to other state structures.” “If Turkey doesn’t recognize the Armenian Genocide this year, we and our friends will commemorate the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide every year,” Ghukasyan concluded.

As a token of appreciation, Ghukasyan presented speaker of the Left Union Manuel Gutierres the Forget-me-not pin, which is the symbol of the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. This was followed by rounds of applause. With this, Manises joined the other Spanish cities that have officially recognized the Armenian Genocide…Who’s next?

Ararat Armenian Association

Valencia, Spain