Circassians ask European Parliament to hear 'historic tragedies' 

On Monday, October 9th, Circassians performed a dance in the European Parliament for the first time in its history. The European Circassians Federation (ECF) made the performance with the support of Turkish origin European Parliament MP Cem Ozdemir.

The Circassian representatives revealed that they plan to increase their lobbying in Brussels so that the EP will hear more about the tragedy they experienced.

In his speech, Ozdemir pointed out that Circassians were left homeless after being exposed to Russian pressure in the second half of the 19th century. For the recognition of Circassian culture, ECF President Admiral Osdemir said they would increase their efforts so that the tragedy suffered by Circassians would garner wider recognition.

Meanwhile, the EP added Syrian and Greek Pontus genocides to the 2006 Turkey report in addition to the Armenian genocide.

In response to the question, Why don t you bring the Circassian case to the EP, some EU members monitoring Turkey s performance quipped Russia does not want to be an EU member.

Pointing out that Circassians and Muslims in the Balkans have lost their homelands, another issue that should be brought to the agenda, Ozdemir said that those who see things as white and black should look at the matter in a new light.

Natpress: Adygeyan (Circassian) public organizations had addressed to the EP to lobby recognition of the genocide against Circassians right after the action of the European Circassian Federation - on October 11th this year.