“Armenian-Turkish Relations: The Road to Justice” Conference to take place on October 3-4, 2014 at Occidental College
GLENDALE—The Armenian Revolutionary Federation “Shant” Student Association will be hosting the upcoming Armenians and Progressive Politics conference titled “Armenian-Turkish Relations: The Road to Justice” on October 3-4, 2014 at Occidental College in Eagle Rock. This year’s conference will focus on domestic social movements in Turkey, reconciliation groups, reparations, and the possibilities for future developments in Armenian-Turkish relations.
The plenary session on Friday, October 3, 2014 will begin at 7:30 pm at the Choi Auditorium on the Occidental College campus featuring discussions with investigative journalist and Alternative Radio host David Barsamian, novelist Nancy Kricorian and outgoing Armenian Weekly Editor Khatchig Mouradian on the various aspects of international relations and their impact on the pursuit of justice for the Armenian Cause. While focusing on domestic political developments in Turkey, the panel will contrast Turkey’s influence in the Middle East with its human rights record.
The first of three panels on Saturday, October 4, 2014 (10:00 am) will highlight Turkish-Armenian exchanges and Turkish progressives. Panelists will cover the different aspects of Turkish civil society development and interactions between Armenians and Turks.
The second panel (1:00 pm) will discuss reparations and various perspectives on reclaiming land and property confiscated during and after the Armenian Genocide. Panelists will draw on historical and legal disciples in order to facilitate justice.
The final panel (3:00 pm) will re-focus attention toward Western Armenia and visualizing its future. The panel will feature presentations by those who have made significant efforts in changing the extant narrative.
“As we approach the centennial of the Armenian Genocide in 2015, it is essential for the progressive community to not only understand the historical aspects of Turkish and Armenian relations, but to begin assessing possibilities for the future and crafting innovative approaches to the pursuit of justice. By bringing together esteemed academics and professionals, this conference aims to foster dialogue on the direction that relations with Turkey are headed in,” stated Vaché Thomassian, member of the Central Committee of the ARF-Western Region.
This year, the Armenians and Progressive Politics conference is co-sponsored by the All-Armenian Student Association, a collective organization of the various Armenian student groups, and the Occidental College Armenian Students Association. “As Armenian student leaders, we dedicate significant efforts to creating understanding of these issues amongst our membership and the greater campus community. We are hopeful that the various perspectives presented at this conference will enrich the Armenian student community during such an important time,” stated Ripsime Biyazyan, co-president of the Occidental College Armenian Student Association.
Source: Asbarez
