Armenian Youth Federation Protests Vecdi Gonul

Beverly Hills, CA – The Armenian Youth Federation Western Region Garo Madenlian Public Affairs Office announced that more than 2000 protesters gathered at the Beverly Hills Hotel on March 24, 2006.

The protest was against the denialist policies of Vecdi Gonul; Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Turkey and his government. Gonul was invited to a luncheon organized by the Los Angeles World Affairs Council.

The AYF-WR along with both daises churches, all Armenian political parties, all Armenian schools, all high school and college Armenian Student Associations, and the Hellenic association and various other organizations protested that day. “The reason for this protest is to show everyone present at the luncheon, especially Mr. Gonul that the Armenian community of California will not rest until the Armenian Genocide is recognized.” Said Saro Shirinian, “Justice will be served for the 1.5 million lives lost.” Added Shirinian.

The government of Turkey not only continues to deny the fact of the Armenian genocide, they are currently violating human rights in their country especially towards their minority groups.