PanARMENIAN.Net, November 18, 2000: On November 17 the Italian Parliament overwhelming approved legislation calling on the Turkish government to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide and to start a dialog aimed at normalization of relations. In fact the text of the resolution passed by the Italian Parliament mirrors an amendment adopted by the European Parliament on November 15. Thus the Italian parliament as well as the European Parliament called upon the Turkish Government to "start a dialogue with Armenia in an effort, particularly, to re-establish diplomatic and normal commercial relations between the two parties and lift the blockade currently in place." The Resolution also invites the government of Turkey and the Grand Assembly of Turkey to increase its support for the Armenian minority - which represents an important part of Turkish society - particularly through public recognition of the genocide." "The success of this effort, in the face of intense pressure from the Turkish government, represents a real tribute to the devotion of the Italian government and people to fairness, human rights, and justice," explained the Armenian National Committee of Italy representative Alecco Bezikian.