On April 7, discussion dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, entitled “Armenia. Disaster and future. 100 years of life and death” was organized at the Grand Hall of the European Commission Representation, on the initiative of the Embassy of Armenia in Austria and in cooperation with Vice-President of the European Parliament Ulrike Lunacek, Brussels Office, European Commission Representation in Austria and Austrian Green Party.

In his remarks, Ambassador of Armenia to Austria Arman Kirakossian reflected on the coverage of the fact of the Armenian Genocide, urgent issues of the international recognition of the reality and current stage of the Armenian-Turkish relations.

Afterwards, discussion on issues of the Armenian Genocide, present and future of Armenia pursued. Vice-President of the European Parliament, Dr. Ulrike Lunacek, former deputy Speaker of Austrian Parliament, Dr., Prof. Heinrich Neisser, German Television ARD's Dr. Suzanne Glass, writer, translator Herbert Mauer took part at the discussion. Representative of the Austrian Broadcasting Company Irene Suchy chaired the discussion.

Participants reflected on the issues of the Armenian Genocide in the context of historical-political and recent developments. The necessity of international recognition and condemnation of the fact of the Genocide was stressed in the context of new European policy. Vice-President of the European Parliament Ulrike Lunacek highlighted the necessity of the adoption of the resolution on the Armenian Genocide to be discussed on April 14-15 at the European Parliament, which will suggest and commission EU member-states’ national Parliaments and Governments to adopt appropriate resolutions and decisions on recognition and condemnation of the fact.

Professor Heinrich Neisser and German Television ARD's Dr. Suzanne Glass reflected on issues of the necessity of condemnation of the Armenian Genocide within European civilizational system of values; and issues on deliverance of appropriate statement on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide by the European parliaments, particularly, those of Austria and Germany. Panelists answered numerous questions raised by the participants.

Along with the discussion, an exhibition themed “Coverage of the Armenian Genocide in foreign media” and “The destiny of the orphans survived the Genocide” was organized by the Embassy of Armenia in Austria at the European Commission Representation in Vienna.

Representatives of the governmental, public, parliamentarian circles of Austria, national minorities of Austria, diplomats, members of Austrian Armenian community and journalist attended the exhibition.