December 5, 2007 - 14:13 AMT
Armenian factor is gaining political weight in South America
MERCOSUR's measure recognizing the Armenian Genocide proves that the Armenian factor is gaining political weight in South America, Professor of international relations and politics at the San-Andres University of Buenos Aires, Khachik Ter-Ghukasyan said in an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net.

"I should mention that the motion was initiated by Uruguay, the first state that recognized the Armenian Genocide in 1965. The statement was signed by parliaments of Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. Venezuela is expected to join them. Chile, a very likely candidate for MERCOSUR membership, made a similar decision earlier. As to Paraguay, recognition of Genocide is a unique phenomenon, since there is no Armenian community living in this country. This move is of strategic importance for Armenia's foreign policy and I welcome Robert Kocharian's edict on establishing Embassy of Brazil," he said.

On 19 November by a majority vote MERCOSUR bloc members - Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay - approved the Human Rights Committee's decision to recognize the Armenian Genocide. The parliament calls on the states which haven't recognized the Genocide yet to make the decision.

  • Full text of the interview