Garo Paylan, Istanbul-Armenian member of the Turkish Parliament,
Garo Paylan, Istanbul-Armenian member of the Turkish Parliament, met with the Armenian community in Los Angeles, reported the Voice of America Armenian service.
Paylan presented his views on Armenian-Turkish relations, and democracy in Turkey.
He noted that he wanted to show the Turks that there were Armenian MPs—of the Turkish parliament—whose dream was to live together in peace.
In his words, although Turks have always denied the fact of Armenian Genocide, the real facts need to be shown. He added that Turkey’s only salvation is to become a democratic country.
As per Paylan, Turkey is living dark days, and the existing elements of democracy are disappearing from the country. But to be a democratic country, according to the Armenian MP, Armenians, Kurds, and Turks need to be equal in Turkey.
Garo Paylan stressed that Turkey will recognize the events of 1915 as genocide solely if it becomes a democratic country.