YEREVAN. – Official recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey will first of all affect Turkish society, president of the European Grassroots Antiracist Movement (EGAM) Benjamin Abtan told reporters in Yerevan.

He believes the recognition of the Armenian Genocide will mean a more democratic Turkish state, the greatest transparency in government structures, freedom of speech, a completely different level of democracy.

Benjamin Abtan said negotiations are necessary for compensation. He said there can be both financial and symbolic compensation.

“This may be done through establishment of funds, through which historical  names  of the places may be restored. For example Taleat Pasha street may be renamed after one of the victims of the Armenian Genocide. This will change the entire Turkish diplomacy which is built on the denial of the Armenian Genocide, and it will focus on progress in relation to the Armenian cultural heritage,” he said.

He added that part of symbolic compensation can be made even before the official recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Turkish state.

“For example, we can see that the local authorities in Kurdish-populated areas in Van, Diyarbakir not only recognize the Genocide, but also are willing to take additional steps in this direction. And the state is not the only player,” he added.

A series of symbolic compensation, in his opinion, may increase pressure on the Turkish government as well as may serve as an example for other organizations, local authorities and officials.