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THE PARIS
CONGRESS OF 1979
The "First International
Congress of Armenian Groups" was held in Paris on 3-6
September 1979. ASALA was very strongly represented at this
congress and played a very influential role. The congress
exerted a very considerable influence on the progressive Armenian
groups in France, particularly in persuading them to become
involved in terrorist activity. The main aim of this congress
was to gather the Armenians of the world around a single idea
and a single flag, and to make territorial demands on the
basis of a careful evaluation of the political environment.
The most important proposals
put forward at this congress were the following:
a. An end should be put
to party and sectarian squabbles and a "Central Committee"
established.
b. Measures should be taken
to prevent the assimilation of Armenians in the Diaspora.
c. Military theoreticians
and tacticians should be employed in their operations.
The decisions taken were as
follows:
a. Extra impetus should
be given to the Pan-Armenian movement. In the diaspora the
concept of Armenianism should be politicised and importance
given to the organization of an international "Armenian
Front".
b. An investigation should
be made into the possibility of help for the Armenian cause
by Armenians living in the USSR and measures should be taken
to facilitate such assistance.
c. Territorial claims should
be made directly to Turkey.
d. The Armenian Church
should be given a national character.
e. Work should be begun
on the foundation of an Armenin bank.
f. Central Bureaus should
be established and publication and communication facilities
developed.
The Paris Congress resulted
in an increase in violence and terror. ASALA was strengthened
by the introduction of fresh blood. Military training was
increased in a number of centres.
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