On Apr. 24, a traditional Armenian Genocide Commemoration event was organized by newly elected Mayor of Paris Ann Idalgo this year at the ceremonies hall of Paris Municipality. The event began with opening remarks by Mayor Ann Idalgo and was held with the participation of representatives of the municipal authorities, deputies, senators, several political and cultural figures, celebrities, as well as hundreds of Frenchmen and French-Armenians.

In her speech, Idalgo mentioned that phenomena need to be called by their names and underlined the fact that all Turks need Turkey’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide. The mayor of Paris also talked about the events that will be held by the authorities in Paris as part of the events dedicated to the Armenian Genocide Centennial.

Idalgo’s speech was followed by speeches by Co-Chairs of the Coordinating Council of Armenian Organizations of France Frank Papazian and Ara Toranian who interpreted the Turkish Prime Minister’s recent statements and underlined the fact that Turkey’s denial policy is ineffective.

The event ended with a final speech by Armenia’s Ambassador to France Vigen Chitechyan expressed gratitude to the newly elected mayor of Paris for ensuring the continuation of the traditional event and mentioned: “Staying loyal to the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide and the dedication to human rights and universal rights of nations are evidence of how great France is. Paris, which is one of the capitals of the world, is remembering our ancestors. For years, France, which was the first country to recognize the Armenian Genocide by law, is paying tribute to the victims at the presidential level. Armenia is aware of this and attaches importance to it.” The RA Ambassador addressed Turkey’s official position and stated that “the Turkish authorities aren’t able to come to grips with their past and are continuing their ineffective policy on distorting the reality”.

In closing, Ambassador Chitechyan added that Ann Idalgo, who is a friend of the Armenian people, is always expected in Armenia and solemnly transmitted the official invitation of Mayor of Yerevan Taron Margaryan to the mayor of Paris.