YEREVAN. – Chairman of Turkey-based Anadolu Kültür organization Osman Kavala visited Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex on April 24.

The Armenian News-NEWS.am correspondent interviewed Mr. Kavala to learn about aim of his visit to Yerevan.

Can you please tell about the aim of your visit?

I was invited to participate in the Aurora prize ceremony but since it coincided with the 24th of April I thought it was a very good occasion to participate in the celebrations of 24th of April as well.

What do you feel today?

I came to the museum before several times, but it's a different feeling to come here to visit it on the 24th of April with Armenian people to feel stronger about the memory so it is very touching experience for me.

How do you assess the attitude of Turkish people towards Armenians?

It is developing. There is a change, although it is unfortunately still very slow. Of course, those Turks who come to Yerevan, who visit this museum know more about the memories, they have more interest. They also try to convey the personal stories of the Armenian survivors, those whose parents were massacred during 1915.  It is a slow process, but it is moving.

What should happen in Turkey so that Ankara could recognize the Armenian Genocide?

First of all there has to be a sincere intention to look at history, to look at what had happened, to open up the archives properly and to have a very sincere dialogue with the Armenians. Fortunately, there are some steps, but we still can't see that at the political level.