On Mar. 9, member of the Christian-Democratic Apple Party, Deputy of the National Assembly of the Netherlands, Member of the European Parliament Peter Omtzicht was hosted at the Armenian Apostolic Church in Almelo, Netherlands. Omtzicht was accompanied by leader of the CDA of Almelo Irene Ten Seldam and member of the city council Jan Van Marle.

Representatives of the Armenian National Committee, Garegin Nzhdeh Youth Union, Homenetmen and the Armenian General Benevolent Union also attended the meeting.

The following issues were discussed during the meeting:

1. THe Armenian Genocide:

a. international recognition and condemnation,

b. the counter actions that the authorities of the Netherlands can take against the denial and belligerent policy of Turkey and Azerbaijan.

2. Need for an Armenian school

3. State of Armenians in the Middle East and especially Syria

4. Armenia-Netherlands rapprochement (especially in the sphere of economy).

Several other regional issues were also discussed.

President of the board Onnik Geliji raised issues on Armenians’ employment, the demand for an Armenian cemetery, a building for Homenetmen, especially Armenian scouts, as well as issues related to care for the elderly and a complex housing project.

By the proposal of Onnik Geliji, an agreement was reached on organizing meetings once every six months to discuss the raised issues and the work that has been completed.

The meeting was held in a warm and constructive atmosphere.

An Armenian Genocide memorial is being built near the Armenian Apostolic Church and is set to open on April 24th. The guests were invited to attend the opening ceremony.

Manuk Mkrtchyan

Almelo, Holland