September 20, 2006 - 14:18 AMT
Europe - Link for Armenia's Communication with World
The visit of French President Jacques Chirac to Armenia is a friendly and political step though not quite mediate, said Hilda Tchoboian, the chairperson of the European Armenian Federation (EAFJD) in an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net. In her words, the conduction of the Year of Armenia in France is a significant event. "The task of the Armenian community of France is to convey the importance of the Armenian Genocide recognition to the French society via historians and public figures. Moreover we suppose that the French parliament will discuss the bill providing for criminal punishment for the Armenian Genocide denial," Ms. Tchoboian emphasized.

At that she remarked that Chirac's visit is also important for the further development of the Armenian-French relations and expansion of activities of the Armenian community.

As for the Armenia-EU program, Ms. Tchoboian is convinced in the efficiency of its realization. "Europe is a link for Armenia's communication with the world. Successfully cooperating with Russia and the United States, Armenia can gain one more partner. It's very important, especially if the European model is applied to the Armenian economy, civic society, human rights protection and culture," she said.