YEREVAN (Yerkir)–Turkish journalist and Chairman of the Germany-based organization "Union Against Genocide," Ali Ektem–collected 11,000 signatures from German Turks demanding recognition of the Armenian genocide.

According to Ektem–the main goal of his organization is the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian genocide by Turkey and Turkish society.

The signatures were collected starting in 2004 and submitted to the Parliamen’s of Germany and other European states. He said the signatures were submitted first to the Turkish Parliament–which has yet to respond.

"Hostility cannot last eternally. Turkey should resign itself to the fact and acknowledge the Armenian genocide. I am convinced that the peoples residing in Turkey will also condemn and acknowledge the reality," said Ektem.

He added that international organizations can help Turkey reach this goal. "They should act as mediators in the dialogue between the Turkish and Armenian nations," said Ektem.