ARMENIAN WOMAN RUNS FOR TURKISH PARLIAMENT
armradio.am
18.05.2007 16:13
A Turkish Armenian, Verkin Arıoba, applied to be a parliamentary
deputy for the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and now awaits
the vital decision of being placed on the party’s electoral list,
teh Turkish Daily News reports.
If accepted, she will be the first parliamentary candidate of Armenian
origins since the 1980s.
Verkin Arıoba, 61, told the Turkish Daily News that she aims to
continue working on conflict resolution between Turks and Armenians,
and European Union- Turkey relations if elected.
In response to the critical question on the Armenian Genocide, she
said: "This is an issue of history. Insisting on discussing the issue
everyday causes disadvantages. Let us look forward, looking back is
not our duty."
"As an Armenian, I might be more influential for defending the rights
of Turkey in the EU, if I am elected as a deputy," said Arıoba who is
educated abroad. "My advantage in the elections is being an Armenian"
Arıoba added.
She is founder and executive director of the Historical Heritage
Protection Foundation and played an active role in the opening of
Akhtamar Church located in the eastern province of Van.
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