Interview with the President of the Chamber of Representatives of the Kingdom of Belgium
-This year Belgium will celebrate its 175th
anniversary of independence. Armenian – Belgian relations have rich history but it is the first time that Belgian politician of your level is visiting Armenia. How would you estimate Armenian – Belgian relations in the current stage and what are your expectations?
-Armenian-Belgian relations seem to me advancing with positive developments. I have met many Armenian figures in Brussels and I highly estimate the official invitation of Armenian authorities. During my visit a delegation of different political groups: both representatives from the majority and from opposition are accompanying me. The meeting in Armenia has been organized well by the Armenian ambassador in Belgium and RA NA. I think we will manage to understand the specific issues of Armenia in a special context of this region. Armenia has a big and influential Diaspora. We want to estimate its inner and outer importance.
-Brussels is one of European political centers. How do you estimate the relations between Armenia and the European Union both within the framework of “Wider Europe: New Neighbourhood” and within the framework of other current programmes?
-The European Union is a tempting and mobilizing lighthouse. From the viewpoint of relations of diplomatic, state and structural bodies is the most important capital. 17% of world organizations are in the capital of Belgium. Armenia is the country where particular programmes of European visits and mutual positive recognition can develop. Especially after visiting Turkey we want to study the opportunities that enable us to improve a little the relations between Turkey and Armenia.
-The Belgian Assembly has a friendship group working with RA NA. Which are the projects of this friendship group?
-Within the framework of the European Union, friendship groups are formed from volunteer MPs, that is from interested MPs. Our mutual relations will deepen simultaneously with deepening the knowledge of senators and MPs interested in Armenia and this means necessity of mutual visits.
-In 2005 90th anniversary of Armenian Genocide is marked. In 1998 the Senate of Belgium has already adopted a decision condemning Armenian Genocide, calling Turkey to recognize the Genocide. Which is your position on this occasion?
-Armenian Genocide is a tangle, which should be extricated in a long lasting historical perspective. In the same perspective problems may raise the relations with Turkey. During our short visit we have the possibility to meet different Armenian officials and this will enable us to estimate this problem having great importance for Armenia and Armenian Diaspora.
