TEHRAN (Combined Sources)-"A hundred years ago the Ottoman Government committed genocide against a certain number of Armenians. Although the Ottoman Government does not exist now, Armenians demand official apologies and restitution from Turkey," said Hamid Baghaei, Vice President and head of Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization, at a conference on Wednesday entitled "Iran: A Victory Bridge," reported the official IRNA news agency.
The conference commemorated the 70th anniversary of "invasion" of Iran by Allied Powers after World War II.
The official also said that Iran can seek restitution from the international community for the losses it suffered after World War II.
"We must follow up on this issue, otherwise we'll be responsible to our people," said Baghei who explained that during World War II Iran was influential in thwarting the destruction of Russia, the US and Great Britain.
In Armenia, Armenian Revolutionary Federation Political Affairs Director Giro Manoyan praised the statements made during the conference and said that Iranian officials have often spoken about the veracity of the Genocide.
"We should not be surprised that Iranian political officials do not deny the veracity of the Genocide," said Manoyan.
He explained that while a Genocide recognition resolution has not been approved by the Iranian Parliament, on more than one occasion, Iranian political officials have addressed the fact of the Genocide, but, "perhaps it's the first time that the vice-president is acknowledging it."
