GLENDALE, JULY 8, NOYAN TAPAN - ARMENIANS TODAY. A discussion on the theme "Armenia-Turkey Relations and the Role of Diaspora" took place at the Glendale Public Library on June 30, on the initiative of the Armenian Writers' Association of California. Among the well-known intellectuals, Jean Kosakian, Grish Davtian, Armen Zatikian, George Christinian, Garush Hariants participated in the discussion. Association Chairman, poet Grish Davtian conducted the meeting. According to the AWAC report, viewpoints were mainly expressed during the discussion that it is impossible to establish fair relations with the Turkish authorities based on mutual interests as since the late 19th century the Turks have done their best to put an end to the Armenian people's existence at any price and to fulfill their Panturkist purposes. The discussion participants emphasized that Diaspora and Armenia are a whole and the longevity of Diaspora depends on Armenia's prosperous might, Diaspora must not save its potential on the Homeland as "the Homeland of all Armenians is one and the purpose and aim of all of us is one, on the way of achieving our fair rights." It was mentioned that Diaspora can not agree to establishment of the Armenia-Turkey relations without recognition of the Armenian people's rights. American Armenian intellectuals expressed a viewpoint that though Armenia wishes to establish good-neighborly relations with all its neighbors, it may establish relations with Turkey if only "the latter recognizes the Armenian Genocide, compensates and returns the seized lands."

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