VIDEO: 'I am showing this to you because...' - KhЧP MP shows 'Grey Wolves' sign at PACE

Vladimir Vardanyan, a member of the Civil Contract faction in the National Assembly, addressed the display of the 'Grey Wolves' gesture by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and delivered a condemnatory speech.

Vardanyan showcased the 'Grey Wolves' gesture associated with the radical terrorist organization responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and crimes committed against Armenians, Kurds, and other minorities.

“You might ask why I am showing you this sign and what the connection is between my speech and this report. Well, esteemed colleagues, I am not deviating from the discussion. I am showing this to you because just two days ago, the Turkish Foreign Minister Mr. Mevlut Cavusoglu displayed this sign to the participants of a peaceful rally in Uruguay, demanding the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. It's strange for a high-level European diplomat and politician to promote such a sign. It becomes even more unacceptable when it is done by a former president of the Parliamentary Assembly, a person who spoke here about democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The person we all have entrusted to represent us and promote the ideas of the Council of Europe and defend European values is allowing himself to promote such a radical symbol,” Vardanyan emphasized.

The MP noted that such actions endanger the potential process of building trust between the two societies.

“Here I want to clearly state once again that we in Armenia are very committed to European values and continue to do everything possible for the normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations, hoping that our Turkish colleagues will have the sufficient will to open the border and establish normal relations with Armenia and contribute to de-escalation and the establishment of stable peace in our region,” Vardanyan said.