Switzerland Archives

Armenia, Switzerland will cooperate on return of illegal assets

September 14, 2018 By administrator

Prosecutor General Artur Davtyan and his Swiss counterpart Michael Lauber have agreed to cooperate on the return of illegal assets.

Given the fight against corruption in the country, Davtyan stressed the importance of a most intense and close cooperation with the Swiss law enforcement agencies

At a meeting with Lauber, the Armenian prosecutor said it’s necessary to boost the practice of information exchange when it comes to investigating money laundering cases and the transfer of illegally obtained funds to offshore zones.

The Swiss prosecutor general, in turn, expressed readiness to support the Armenian law enforcement agencies in such issues.

As a result, the two agreed to cooperate on the identification and return of assets obtained illegally.

Switzerland warns Turkey against illegal spying

March 24, 2017 By administrator

Switzerland’s foreign minister told his Turkish counterpart on March 23 that his country would “rigorously investigate” any illegal spying by Ankara on expatriate Turks before the April 16 referendum that will decide whether the current parliamentary system should be replaced by an executive presidency.

During a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Chavusoglu, Switzerland’s Didier Burkhalter underscored Swiss concerns that Turkey may have been using its intelligence network to monitor the activities of Turkish citizens in Switzerland in the run-up to the vote, Hurriyet Daily News reports, citing a Swiss foreign ministry statement.

“Freedom of expression is a universal value recognized by Switzerland, which hopes that this freedom will also hold true for Turkish citizens whether they cast their votes in Switzerland or in their own country,” said Burkhalter, as he “underscored the validity of Swiss law on Swiss soil” and urged Turkey “to comply with it.”

The statement said Switzerland would “rigorously investigate illegal intelligence activities.”

Efforts to reach the Turkish embassy late March 23 were unsuccessful.

For weeks, Burkhalter has been trying to keep his neutral country from becoming too deeply entangled in a bitter dispute between Ankara and other European nations over campaigning by Turkish politicians to drum up support for a “yes” vote in the referendum among Turks living abroad.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Germany and the Netherlands of behaving like Nazis for halting some rallies by Turkish ministers, comments that both countries have called unacceptable.

While the Swiss government has been pressured by cities including Zurich to block visits by Turkish officials, Bern has refused on the grounds there was nothing to justify curbs on freedom of speech.

Çavuşoğlu had been scheduled to visit Switzerland for an event earlier this month, but that was canceled for lack of a venue.

During the visit on March 23, Burkhalter also told Çavuşoğlu that he was aware of Turkey’s “difficult situation” following the July 2016 failed coup attempt, the Swiss statement said.

Still, Burkhalter remained concerned about mass dismissals and arrests of people Ankara has linked to U.S.-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen, who is widely believed to have been behind the thwarted coup.

“The declaration of a state of emergency does not exempt Turkey from its international human rights obligations,” the statement said, adding Burkhalter “stressed the importance of freedom of expression and the freedom to speak out for democracy.”

Swiss government statistics show 68,000 Turkish citizens live in Switzerland. The Turkish embassy’s website refers to 130,000 Turkish citizens.

Switzerland A conference in the city of Caux meets Armenian Kurds and Turks

September 4, 2016 By administrator

armenian-kurd-turk-meeting In the city of Caux in Switzerland, participants of Armenian, Kurdish and Turkish discussed the Armenian Genocide, their common past, the present situation and the ways of reconciliation. As part of the conference “A fair governance for human security”, people from Armenia, Turkey, Lebanon, Spain and the Netherlands discussed the historical problems between the Armenian people, Turkish and Kurdish and solving ways of these problems today.

From July 12 to 18, participants of Armenian, Kurdish and Turkish gathered in the city of Caux, Switzerland, and discussed the Armenian Genocide, their common past, the current situation and paths to reconciliation. Every summer, “Initiative of Change” [Initiative for Change] is organizing a series of conferences with 8 sessions. Hundreds of people around the world share their experiences and discuss what should be done to create a better future. The common point of the participants is the fact that each of them has been affected by past or present conflicts. Together the participants discussed the common past that had affected their life spent far they were able to hear the stories of the “other” recounted live.

Speaking during the session ‘A fair governance for human security’, groups of Turkish-Armenian-Kurdish dialogue drew attention of participants from other countries. Armenians, Kurds and Turks from Armenia, Turkey, Lebanon, Spain and the Netherlands attended the sessions.

All Armenians in Lebanon are the grandchildren of survivors of the Genocide. The stories collected ancient family are themed so Kurdish Armenian cities become today. As part of this dialogue project, they told stories of their families relating to emigration and genocide. The grandchildren of the survivors, who were Mount Moussa, Zeitun and Urfa, who had started a new life in Lebanon – Nejteh, Christine and Nora – went to Mount Moussa where their ancestors had fought for their lives during 50 days.

“Where is my real home? “

Nejteh says he never thought it would be so much affected by this journey: “I knew Zeitoun that what I was told. We first went to Mersin, then Ardiyaman to attend a sunrise on Mount Nemrut. Zeitoun as we approached, we saw high mountains. Although I do not believe in this stuff, I felt that my earth started talking to me and welcome me. It’s a feeling that surprises you. Where is my real home? Is Bourj Hammoud or Armenia? Or the land of my ancestors? I did not go to Armenia, but I wonder if I feel the same way I felt in Zeitoun if I was in Armenia. Zeitoun is an inaccessible city, surrounded by mountains. I felt very moved when I thought my family lived here. There was a bridge. My parents fleeing the Genocide have they crossed this bridge? Have they drank the water from this fountain? What were the houses that belonged to them? It’s that kind of thoughts that came to me. This place is now called Suleymanh is not a very developed city.

villageges

Villagers are as welcoming as in other villages. They are hospitable. We have started a dialogue with villagers: I know a few words in Turkish. I told him I was from Lebanon and that I was Armenian. He said: “Welcome to the land of your ancestors.” So I took him in my arms and I cried like a little child. The village children took my hand and accompanied me to the fountain to wash my face. Ironically, I felt a little intimidated. All the villagers know that Armenians lived here. At one time. Some said: “They are just gone one day” and others said, “It is something happened and they left.” Others believe that the Germans and the English have driven a wedge between Armenians and Turks, and that’s why the Armenians are gone; strange explanation. How could they know the truth? They believe what they are told …

“I cried like a baby”

Taking the Turks in high esteem and confidence in the process of normalization between Armenians, Turks and Kurds despite a turbulent past,

Christine told us his trip to Mount Mousa: “My family is from the village of Bitlas in Mount Moussa region. She fled in the 1915 genocide before returning to the village. In 1939, the family had to flee again. My grandmother told me stories of our family. Ascent Mont Moussa, I felt a sense of belonging to this place. There was something special. We went to Vakifli the only Armenian village surviving today. There was a mass at the church. After all the suffering of the past, these people still live and pray here. I burst into tears when I entered the church; I cried like a child. Most villagers know that their house had once belonged to the Armenians. In the village of Yogunoluk we saw they had built a mosque where there was formerly a church. They converted the church into a mosque without demolishing it. I think they have to continue to use it as a holy place. I wondered if they had any Armenians here. When I asked, they said in the village lived a person named Hagop. I found it. He lives there with his wife’s son. He told me that his father fled to Egypt at the time of the Genocide and then had returned to Bitias. His father risked his life by returning there but he managed to survive. I hope that next year we will again visit the village, I want to see Hagop.

Danger of death

Christine does not like talking unpleasant experiences she had during a visit to Mount Moussa. Nora said she was really scared during the trip. She watched the Turkish and Kurdish participants as she spoke; it was obvious she was reluctant to tell him. As it was stressed, she began to talk about what happened to him. At some point of the journey, she found herself in a conversation with a person of the place in a hotel. Another Armenian Lebanese sought help from Christine to talk to this man. Christine began to translate. “They were all nationalists. I did not want to translate some things they said to me, because I feared that a fight broke out. Then they talked about history. As they were about to separate, Hagop [not that of Bitias] said “yes, home of my ancestors is here and we will ensure that they return some day.” I translated this sentence and the other was furious and threatened us with death. We returned to our rooms to avoid a scandal. A few minutes later, we heard gun shots. This man was back in the hotel with the intention of killing us. Even though I knew he would not do it, I was afraid. “

emigration stories

Artak comes from Spain. Artak’s ancestors were of Bitlis, Mush and Kars and they started a life in Spain. Having heard that his friends had told of their journey to Mount Moussa, he said he had never been to Mount Moussa before and that he did not feel ready for such a thing, “I think I could not stand it. “

During the conference, the focus was on the question of emigration. The stories of Kurdish and Turkish participants in the dialogue are also stories of emigration. Bedel is a Kurd from Midyat, farmhouse he lives in Holland. His family had to go to Midyat because of oppression and settle in Istanbul. They later emigrated to the Netherlands because of the political oppression they suffered in Istanbul. Tayfun comes also from the Netherlands, but his family is Ankara. He said his family has strong prejudices against the Kurdish and Armenian peoples. His main thesis regarding the Armenian Genocide, but he says he started with his own denial. When he wrote his thesis: “I started reading about the genocide. at some point, I felt that I could not deny. “ Tayfun has also noted that his family does not like his ideas. The conditions of the encounter between Tayfun Bedel and are interesting. These two people living outside Turkey today tried to tear down the wall between Kurds and Turks with the group of Kurdish-Turkish dialogue they created the Netherlands. Following this session, we realized that every people has different complaints he must overcome and that this is not as easy as you think. And the steps are still many before you arrive …

Caux Palace yesterday a hotel, conference center today

The conference I attended was held at the Caux Palace. Built in 1900-1902, it was the largest and most luxurious hotel in Switzerland at the time. Facing the Alps and Lake Geneva, the hotel went through a crisis due to the First World War. The hotel was closed at the beginning of World War II. He was re-opened by government decision in 1944 in order to keep the POWs fleeing Italy. In December, he hosted Jewish refugees from Hungary.

A group of people who believe that reconciliation in a Europe coins will be created through dialogue, looking for a place to organize conferences that bring together divided peoples. During this research, Caux Palace went on sale and they made the acquisition through the contribution of over 100 people. Subsequently, hundreds of volunteers took part in the renovation of the interior. Opened in 1946, the conference center maintains this tradition of volunteerism. The first Caux reconciliation event took place in 1946- 1950 between French and Germans. In recent years, it became a meeting place for African leaders and representatives of the former colonial countries. India, Japan, the USA, Lebanon, Cambodia, Somalia and South Africa were part of Caux. A delegation of Sud6tyrol visited the place. In recent years, countries like Iraq, Syria, Palestine and Israel have been in Caux search dialog countries; Armenia and Turkey are also parties in this research. In the conferences in Caux every year, hundreds of people share their story. In 2015, 1421 people attended lectures, 55% were women …

Vardouhi Balyan

July 26, 2016

weekly AGOS

Translation Gilbert Béguian

Sunday, September 4, 2016,
Stéphane © armenews.com

Switzerland withdrawing bid to join EU

June 16, 2016 By administrator

The Swiss parliament on Wednesday voted to officially withdraw the country’s dormant application to join the European Union, Politico.eu reports.
Following a vote in the lower house, the government will now tell the EU to “consider [the application] as withdrawn,” Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter was quoted as saying by the Neue Zürcher Zeitung.
Burkhalter had earlier said the application, which was sent to the European Economic Community in 1992, was already invalid.
In 1992, the Swiss rejected joining the European Economic Area, of which Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein are members and have access to the EU single market.
At the time, the Swiss government backed EU membership, but Swiss voters rejected the EU bid months later. The application has remained dormant ever since.

Switzerland to open world’s longest and deepest rail tunnel

June 1, 2016 By administrator

The world’s longest and deepest rail tunnel is to be officially opened in Switzerland, after almost two decades of construction work.

The 57km (35-mile) twin-bore Gotthard tunnel will provide a high-speed rail link under the Swiss Alps between northern and southern Europe.

Switzerland says it will revolutionise European freight transport.

Goods currently carried on the route by a million lorries a year will go by train instead.

The tunnel will overtake Japan’s 53.9 km Seikan rail tunnel as the longest in the world and push the 50.5 km Channel Tunnel linking the UK and France into third place.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi are due to attend the grand opening.

The project, which cost more than $12bn to build, was endorsed by Swiss voters in a referendum in 1992. Voters then backed a proposal from environmental groups to move all freight travelling through Switzerland from road to rail two years later.

The completed tunnel travels up to 2.3 km below the surface of the mountains above and through rock that reaches temperatures of 46C.

Engineers had to dig and blast through 73 different kinds of rock, some as hard as granite and others as soft as sugar. More than 28m tonnes of rock was excavated. Nine workers died during the work.

Now the completed tunnel – delivered on time and within budget – will create a mainline rail connection between Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Genoa in Italy.

When full services begin in December, the journey time for travellers between Zurich and Milan will be reduced by an hour to two hours and 40 minutes.

Its trajectory will be flat and straight instead of winding up through the mountains like the old rail tunnel and a road tunnel opened in 1980.

About 260 freight trains and 65 passenger trains will pass through the tunnel in as little as 17 minutes.

The tunnel is being financed by value-added and fuel taxes, road charges on heavy vehicles and state loans that are due to be repaid within a decade.

Swiss bank Credit Suisse has said is economic benefits will include the easier movement of goods and increased tourism.

European Armenian Federation welcomes ECHR judgment in Perincek v. Switzerland case

October 15, 2015 By administrator

Bedo Demirdjian, who is in charge of Communications & PR at the European Armenian

The European Armenian Federation welcomes the judgment delivered today by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in the case of Perincek v. Switzerland (no. 27510/08)), in which Armenia was also involved as a third party.

Bedo Demirdjian, who is in charge of Communications & PR at the European Armenian Federation, told the correspondent of Panorama.am that especially commendable is the point, under which the upper chamber changes the lower chamber’s decision that the Armenian Genocide is not a subject for discussion there.

“It is especially important that the European Court itself has stated that we the Armenians have the right to protection of dignity and respect. Yes, we are satisfied with the judgment delivered by Europe’s highest court today,” Bedo Demirdjian said.

Source: Panorama.am

The Prince in Switzerland love story book” Centuries of Armenian history and culture”

February 23, 2015 By administrator

By Wally Sarkeesian

The-Prince-in-Switzerland,
By Dalita I. Alex

Author Dalita Alex

“A wonderful love story book, the author glides us through centuries of
Armenian history and culture. highly recommend it.”

Hrant, a young Swiss man working in finance, meets on a train a very
prominent Swiss historian, who is very much interested in his Armenian
heritage and his family’s past experiences of migration, survival and
integration. Hrant decides to further enlighten the professor about the
Armenian people’s struggle, past and present, for recognition and respect.
He belongs, on his father’s side, to a very important Armenian aristocracy,
the Bagraduni and Hetoumian dynasties that belonged to the kingdoms of
Cilicia, Armenia and Georgia during the Middle Ages. These dynasties were
the foundation, the source of his bloodline, lineage and history. Hrant is
very proud of his legacy. He eventually falls in love with a French-Armenian
girl, Sara, but their relationship is difficult, since she resides in Paris, while
he lives in Zurich. Eventually love triumphs, and Sara leaves her homeland
to marry Hrant, the Armenian Prince in Switzerland. Full of true historical
recollections, it is the love story between two people, and the love of proud
people towards their legacy. The story of faith, hope and love with all its
facets, engulfs compassion, friendship and beauty.

To Order contact the following:
Best Pearl

Dalita I. Alex
Worlwide distributors of Fancy pearls & cultured Pearls from all sources
Am Pfisterhölzli 48
CH-8606 Greifensee/ZH
bestpearl@ggaweb.ch
On Line Shop www.best-pearl.ch
+41 79 279 75 35

#armenian-genocide Review of the denial Perinçek by the Grand Chamber (updated 2:20 p.m.)

January 28, 2015 By administrator

At the request of Switzerland, Strasbourg judges are reviewing the case between Bern Dogu Perinçek. The Turkish nationalist had called the Armenian Genocide “international lie”.

It was in Strasbourg that the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) must reconsider Wednesday at the request of the case between Bern Switzerland Dogu Perinçek.

Chairman of the extreme Left Party, he denied the existence of the Armenian genocide at conferences in Switzerland in 2005.

The decision of the Court ultimately fall to an unspecified date.

Amal Clooney and George Robertson

Judged by the Vaud justice in 2007 for racial discrimination after describing the Armenian Genocide “international lie”, he was sentenced for violating the anti-racism norm.

In 2013, the ECHR considered that Switzerland had violated the freedom of expression, arguing that a democratic society should be able to discuss sensitive issues, even if it displeases.

9H – Mehmet Cengiz, Turkish, speaking, representing Perincek. #DenialvsJustice

“Perincek did not deny the tragic events of 1915. He said they are not a #Genocide”

Dr. Perincek is not racist. He spent years in prison for his ideas, his speeches for peace “!!!

Mehmet Cengiz “Perincek is against racism, xenophobia and intolerance! It can not be accused of racism “…

“Mr Perinçek made the same speech [denying the Armenian Genocide] in France and Germany and was not prosecuted,” said his lawyer

“You will not find a racist motive in Mr Perinçek. It is a scientific socialist (sic.), Who fought against racism tjrs.

#Perincek: Welcomes the decision. He is here to defend European values, freedom!

Perinçek “Scientifiquemt the events of 1915 were not genocide. We brought 90 kg of documents to the Swiss courts. “

#Perincek #DenialvsJustice ‘It was a mutual killing; I sympathize with the Armenians, Armenians and I recognize their contribution to culture “

Turks and Muslims in Europe are oppressed. Armenians are oppressed, as well!

“The events of 1915 are used to despise the Turks,” said the Turkish politician Dogu Perinçek

the Turkish side

Prof. Christian Laurent Pech, spoke to #Perincek. The Court is not here to qualify #Genocide events.

PECH: “Our client (#Perincek) has never denied the murders and massacres”

“Never denied the events of 1915” #DenialvsJustice

CHEP “states can punish countries for their past”

“Community law does not have to suppress freedom of expression” Perincek made a historic speech “

“The speech (on the Armenian genocide of Perinçek) was historical, legal and political” and not hate speech

“The search for truth integral to freedom of expression,” said Perinçek lawyer. This is a major issue in the case

Mr. Frank Schürmann for the Swiss government.

“Crimes against humanity are the most vicious form of racial annihilation”

“International lie” can not be restricted in legal terms only. #DenialvsJustice

“This law fights crimes against humanity and genocide”

“The #Perincek applicant has not provided any scientific or legal contribution. He mentioned that he will never change his mind “#DenialvsJustice

Frank Schurmann: #Perincek accused the Armenians of falsification of history, the Armenians killed the Turks “#DenialvsJustice

“International lie” is a group in Turkey, rather than scientifically “#Perincek #DenialvsJustice

Schurman reveals the intervention of Turkish groups of human rights before the Court. #Perincek Is associated with Talaat Pasha Committee.

#Perincek Applicant’s motives are racist and nationalist

Faced with Perinçek Switzerland explains that condemn the denial of the Armenian genocide is in the fight against hate speech.

Perinçek “jms repeated that he would change his mind [Armenian Genocide] although independent commission established by” recalls Switzerland

Professor Daniel Thürer for Switzerland speaks.

Turkish politicians, former ministers Egemen Bagis, Deniz Baykal, in the courtroom.

Prof. Stefan Talmon representing Turkey, speaks

Talmon: not to interfere and limit freedom of expression

Talmon “#Perincek did not deny the Armenian massacres. He challenged Swiss law

Perinçek “does not question the existence of massacres and déportat ° s Armenian Genocide in 1915 but their qualification”

#Perincek Made no racist discrimination against Armenians.

Talmon: #Perincek loves and recognizes the Armenians! #DenialvsJustice

Talmon: what #Perincek done with Talaat Pasha is irrelevant in this Court!

Talmon: Nier #ArmenianGenocide is different from denying #Holocaust

he Prosecutor General of the Republic of Armenia Gevorg Kostanyan takes #DenialvsJustice word

“How can a Human Rights Court can consider massacres and death marches as” not controversial definition “?”

“The Armenian nation has ever asked the #CEDH to judge his suffering but condemn those who deny”

Geoffrey Robertson speaks for Armenia

Robertson JA: We must live freely without discrimination and hatred.

Robertson: Talaat Pasha, the Turkish Hitler

Perincek is a professional denial

Perinçek “went to Switzerland only to be condemned. This is the holocaust denial tourism “

#Perincek Is not a politician

Only Turkey has decided that the # ArmenianGenocide is not genocide

11h: End of interventions.

Amal Alamuddin Clooney calls for Armenia

Armenia does not claim to be against freedom of expression, nor Turkey is fighting for freedom of expression

Clooney: Turkey violates freedom of expression, human rights are dismal!

Amal Clooney recalls that Turkey condemned 224 times by the ECHR for violations of freedom of expression. End of argument.

The Amal Clooney argument centered on “the evidence of the Armenian Genocide,” evokes images of beheadings.

End of interventions. Judges are their questions to countries Armenia, Switzerland and Turkey.

Amal Clooney says the Turkish mentality about the murder of Hrant Dink.

Perinçek defended Talaat Pasha, but do not deny the massacre of the Armenians, but this is not genocide .. He repeated that genocide is “an international lie.”

Perinçek to ECHR: “Talaat Pasha is a hero of freedom”.

The President of the Court interrupted twice Perinçek.

Hearing closed at 11:50. The verdict will be announced at a later date, between 6 and 8 months.

Switzerland: Armenian genocide: “Parliament must not play historians”

January 27, 2015 By administrator

Wednesday, Switzerland will face before the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights Dogu Perinçek, who had publicly denied the existence of the Armenian genocide. The lawyer and National Councillor Yves Nidegger (UDC / GE) has heard the voice of the 130,000 Turks living in Switzerland defending the position of the Federation of Turkish Associations in Western Switzerland

Wednesday, Switzerland will face Dogu Perinçek before the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg. The chairman of the Turkish Workers’ Party had publicly denied the existence of the Armenian genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire in 1915. Convicted of racial discrimination by the police court in Lausanne (judgment upheld by the Federal Court), the Everyone has enjoyed the support of the ECHR, the latter believing that Switzerland had violated his freedom of expression. The lawyer and National Councillor Yves Nidegger (UDC / GE) has heard the voice of the 130,000 Turks living in Switzerland defending the position of the Federation of Turkish Associations in western Switzerland.

Time: Why the term genocide is it not applicable to events of 1915?

Yves Nidegger: It is up to historians to say whether this term is applicable or not, and a commission of Turkish and Armenian historians was specifically formed for this in the context of the Zurich protocols. As this historic debate is ongoing, there is no sanction opinions, even if they are false or hateful, from either party.

The National Council has acknowledged the existence of such a genocide in 2003 …

It is always a mistake for a parliament to play the historians, this is not its role. In a democracy, we can not have the same people who say the official story as a resolution and enact a criminal provision to punish those who have the bad taste to disagree with it. If it were possible in the Soviet Union, this can not be in Switzerland.

Why Dogu Perinçek’s statements do not they fall within the scope of Article 261 bis of the Penal Code, which con damns those who “minimize crimes against humanity”?

The article speaks of one who “grossly minimizes” a crime against humanity. But the killings are not denied by Mr Perinçek. He does not say that the Armenians have not suffered or are suffering dummy. It simply says that to qualify these genocidal events to accuse Turkey is an international lie. You can be completely disagree with what he says. Freedom of speech has limits, of course, but the limits that the state may make the exercise of freedom of expression is also limited. The issue is there.

How to explain the vigor with which the Turkish authorities are fighting to deny the term genocide?

The explanation is pretty much the same as for a Swiss who does not want to be condemned by the ECHR for violating freedom of expression. The Turks do not want to be called a Nazi. Who would want, anyway?

It’s still funny that the UDC that you are defending an opinion which is against Switzerland, which is more a court that your party tries to kill, right?

(Laughs) For the first time, you will see the UDC invoke the infallible law of the Court and the superiority of international law. If the Grand Chamber disclaims Switzerland, or be amended article 261 bis, or you leave the ECHR.

If one recognizes Dogu Perinçek the right to speak, would it would not allow the construction of an Armenian memorial in the Ariana Park, close to the UN?

Not in the Ariana park under UN windows. And one that is here is the city of Geneva, it is the state, even if all this was done at the insistence of the Armenians. When the state is the official history by saying, “I think it is genocide,” this is not quite the same thing as a private memorial erected on a private plot, for example the Armenian church. I am in the opinion of Didier Burkhalter: mark the UN territory with an extremely serious charge of a people against another is not in the spirit of Geneva or that of international Geneva.

http://www.letemps.ch/Page/Uuid/d27b4474-a590-11e4-9acf-c65b500212f4/G%C3%A9nocide_arm%C3%A9nien_Le_parlement_ne_doit_pas_jouer_les_historiens

Who will go from Armenia to ECHR to attend Perincek vs. Switzerland case?

January 24, 2015 By administrator

YEREVAN. – The delegation from Armenia will leave on January 26 to participate in the hearing of the “Dogu Perincek vs. Switzerland” case, which will be held on January 28 at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) Grand Chamber.

The sources of Armenian News-NEWS.am have informed the aforesaid.

From Armenia, Prosecutor General Gevorg Kostanyan, Deputy Prosecutor General Emil Babayan, and Deputy Minister of Justice Arman Tatoyan, will go to the ECHR to attend the hearing.

In addition, internationally renowned attorneys Geoffrey Robertson, Amal Ramzi Clooney—the wife of famous actor George Clooney—, and Toby Collis will defend Armenia’s interest at the European court.

All six attorneys, who will be representing Armenia, are expected to address the ECHR.

In 2008, a Swiss court had convicted Dogu Perincek for denying the Armenian Genocide. In December 2013, the ECHR had ruled in favor of Perincek’s lawsuit that was filed against Switzerland. Subsequently, the Government of Switzerland had decided to petition that the Dogu Perincek case be referred for a review by the ECHR Grand Chamber. Afterward, Armenia had petitioned to the ECHR, and it now acts as a third party in this case.

Dogu Perincek is Chairman of the socialist Workers’ Party of Turkey. In addition, he heads the Talat Pasha organization, which actively fights against the Armenian Genocide’s recognition in Europe.