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This question has always been crucial to many political and cultural discussions among Armenians since the Genocide of 1915 when Armenians fled to different countries of the world. Since then, it has been important to define the unifying force of our ‘imagined community’, however the dispute continues and instead of bringing us closer it creates hinders between “us”, Armenians living in today’s Republic of Armenia and “them”, Armenian living in Lebanon, Turkey, United States, Russia, France and in numerous other places.. .
Since we have gathered here to address this issue I would suggest first try to define “what is an Armenian” in our understanding.
We frequently claim that Armenians feel their homeland by blood. If we develop this claim further, we should probably conclude that genetics is the defining factor of nationality. If so, how can we define if Armenians living abroad are truly Armenians? Shall we take DNA test for all Armenians? What if the results of the hypothetical test show that many Armenians among us are not genetically part of this nation? Such outcome should not be ruled out as our country being on the crossroads of civilizations since the ancient times, was conquered and occupied by Arabs, Seljuk Turks and the Soviet Union during the last millennium. Many times in history Armenians were forced to assimilate and it should not be excluded that generations of assimilated Armenians today might not possess 100 percent ‘Armenian genetics’. Should those be taken out from pan-Armenian list?
Language has traditionally been considered one of the pillars in nation definition. If we agree that language defines Armenians then ethnic minorities living in Armenia and speaking Armenian (Assyrians, Greeks, Russians, Kurds, Ezidis, etc.) shall be considered Armenians, and those who were born from Armenian parents outside of Armenia and speak only English, or Russian, or French, or Turkish … are not Armenians.
For Armenians being the first nation that officially adopted Christianity, religion is being equaled to nationality on many occasions. If we define Armenians by their religion, will then catholic Armenians from Javakheti and Shirak regions be counted as Armenians? What about the Armenian Muslim minority of Turkey? What about atheists or Buddhists, followers of Krishna or Jehovah’s witnesses born from Armenian parents?
In many democratic countries today defining factor in nationality is the citizenship. If we agree with this premise, then Armenian Diaspora in the United States, Russia or in Europe won’t be considered Armenian. Ironically, Armenians living outside of Armenia together make up to 10 million, while those living in homeland are less that 3 million. If we base the definition of nationalism on citizenship, Armenians living in their country will become a minority.
Traditional theories do not seem to be helpful in this case. However, it is of utmost importance to define the national identity of Armenians, as the current confusion results in intolerance within the same nation: Christian Armenians hate Muslim Armenians; language becomes a cause of derogatory remarks if an Armenian does not speak Armenian; until recently mixed marriages of Armenians with other nations’ representatives have not been very welcomed.
If there are no principles and theories that suit our understanding of nation, we should probably try to define principles that would help our nation flourish and develop: principles, based on tolerance and self-determination as the fundamental human value. With this principle we will consider Armenian anyone who declares himself/herself Armenian regardless of genetics, race, color of skin, religion, etc. Almost all Western democracies are facing the issue of multiculturalism today. In some countries, multiculturalism is considered a problem of defining ‘us’ and ‘them’. In fact, I believe that multiculturalism becomes an indicator of week and strong democracies.
We can, of course, refuse to accept democracy as a living standard for the Armenian society, but we’ll be doomed to living in a society where our being Armenian will be defined by a dictator, a religious patriarch, or a corporate oligarchy that will create an artificial image of national identity for us to believe in so they can pursue their own agendas using all possible technologies of brainwashing. Vahe Avetian's Earlier Articles At This Site
Who Is Vahe Avetian ? ( Armeniapedia.org )
Vahe Avetian - writer, publicist, politician
Vahe Avetian was born in August 23, 1962 - in Yerevan, Armenia in a family of linguist, philosopher Maro and journalist Gouram. He attended English school in Yerevan between 1969 - 1979. The same year (1979) he started studies in the Armenian Academy of Agriculture graduating 1984 V. Avetian worked as veterinarian in 1984 - 1987 in various locations in USSR and Armenia. In 1987 he worked as a quality engineer in the Combined Nutrition Factory in Yerevan. In 1988 V. Avetian started his involvement in politics. Entering the Independence Army from the first day of its foundation. He participated in founding of The Republican Party of Armenia and became a council member of the party. He suspended activities in the Army and the party in 1992 and emigrated to Sweden at the personal request of Hrair Maroukhian. He entered the ARF from the first day of the ban on the organization in Armenia and left the day it resumed activities again as agreed. During his work with the party V. Avetian is elected as one of the representatives of the ARF branch in Scandinavia. Besides linguistic studies, V. Avetian obtained Swedish education in administration, communication, management, psychology of working group.
He attended the Theological Institute of Stockholm - the Human Rights program designed in cooperation with Swedish Academy of Democracy. Founded the organizations 3K - Kreativ Kultur Kraft, Gallery Bunker, Ynternet.org Armenia, Ynternet.org Sweden, 3K Studio, SvFI, YCIC Published the human rights oriented web journals - Independence Army and Malm vgen V. Avetian is the founder of the European Ombudsmans League V. Avetian is a member of Center Party of Sweden form 1999. Has been elected to the council in the Sollentuna community. In 2002 V. Avetian was elected as a candidate to the local, regional and parliament elections. Now he resides in Sollentuna community in Stockholm and continues his political activities with main orientation on Human Rights, both in Sweden and Armenia V. Avetian works with Democracy Support project in Armenia implemented by the International Foundation of the Center Party of Sweden. Vahe is author to 6 books: Independence Army, EstablishMENT, This and that, Svartskalle, Blatte and Baghdasar, Loki, Nils... He speaks 4 languages.
In September 2006 V. Avetian was invited to USA, to hold literary, public and personal meetings. False charges of battery were brought against him by members of ARF in Los Angeles, were he spent 3 days in prison, was tried in 8 months. All charges against him were dropped as result. Accusations were brought against him by the order of ARF leadership, to hinder him to attend parliamentary elections in Armenia in 2006, were he was going to participate and have declared about that in several publications previously. Since then he resides in Washington D.C., USA. Book Review - Independence Army: Stories, By Vahe Avetyan. 294 pages. (Stockholm, 2005) (In Armenian) In this collection of anecdotes, encounters, dialogues, reflections, comments, autobiographical fragments, and poems, Vahe tells it like it is. If you don’t like blunt talk, this book is not for you
“Show me an intellectual who praises political leaders and I will show a BROWN-NOSER,” he writes.
“I am not a writer,” he declares at one point. Yet, he writes with the spontaneity of a volcanic eruption.
“My teacher of political science once told me, ‘Vahe, remember that politics is not necessarily prostitution. It becomes one only when whores engage in it.’”
“I don’t remember a single lesson about loving mankind, but about loving one’s country, as many as you like. And it is in the name of this love that we were taught to hate.”
On the prospects of the Armenian diaspora: when asked about it, an activist friend in Buenos Aires replies: “If we start thinking about our prospects, we will stop acting.
“On rereading what I have written, I am astonished at my own genius, but I am also willing to concede that in a few years, when I reread these lines, I shall have to admit that I am no better than a jackass.”
On one level this is an intensely Armenian book, but on another it is also anti-Armenian – or rather the anti-Ottomanized and anti-Sovietized version of Armenianism.
If I were to summarize Vahe’s central message, it would be: You have to die as an Armenian to be reborn as a human being, and only after you are reborn as a human being, may you hope to be a good Armenian. Or: “To renounce your self you must first have a self.”
As long as we have writers like Vahe Avetyan among us, we may think about our prospects with renewed hope.
P.S. After reading Vahe’s book, I started reading Umberto Eco’s ON LITERATURE (New York, 2004), in which I came across the following paragraph: “If one maintained that all myths, all revelations in every religion, were nothing but lies, then, since belief in gods, of whatever kind, has shaped human history, we could only conclude that we have been living for millennia under the rule of falsehood.”
If to “belief in gods” one were to add all kinds of ideologies, from nationalism and communism to many other isms (with the possible exception of alcoholism), one could divide writers into two broad categories: those who justify and perpetuate falsehoods and those who expose and ridicule them. Vahe belongs to the second category, for which reason he deserves our admiration and gratitude.
Ara Baliozian July 08, 2005, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada * ESTABLISHMENT: STORIES, ARTICLES, POEMS, TRANSLATIONS. By Vahe Avetian (290 pages, Yerevan, 2005) .
In her review of Vahe’s first book, INDEPENDENCE ARMY (Yerevan, 2005) Ashkhen Keshishian said it was “the best thing that could happen to our otherwise gray and moribund literary scene.
Another reviewer went further and called it a “volcanic eruption.” In his second book, ESTABLISHMENT, Vahe continues his struggle against ignorance and intolerance, the twin sources of most of our problems.
When told by hostile readers – make it, psychoanalyzed by phony Freudians – that his criticism is a result of a suppressed childhood trauma and a way of settling personal scores with unidentified adversaries, he explains he is only introducing critical criteria established in the West. At best, he goes on, “I only translate and paraphrase for readers who may not be familiar with foreign languages.”
Elsewhere he writes: “The consensus about me seems to be that I am a megalomaniac and a self-centered egoist because I speak incessantly about myself. It follows, as night follows day, that those who speak in the name of the nation and mankind are humble altruists.” I find this type of scorching sarcasm irresistible. If others find it unsettling, so much the better.
A word of warning: Vahe’s style is colloquial, direct and deliberately crude. If you are easily ruffled by unbuttoned exuberance or provoked by unleashed fury this book is not for you. But if you like to be exposed to the testimony of an honest witness, if you prefer your vodka straight, and if you are not afraid to shake the hand of an hombre whose grip is bone-crushing, Vahe is your man!
Ara Baliozian January 23, 2006, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada * I finally read your book Vahe, all of it. It's hard for me to talk about it, let alone write about it. But I think I discovered a light. A light which is burning so passionately, even though so far away, and burning for such a good cause. That light is you and how you feel about the little place we both call home. The moment I finished the book, I realized that I will miss the book and you. That's right. I felt that I was talking to you throughout the book: agreeing and disagreeing, getting angry at you, rejoicing while discovering all new angles that you opened for me, and blaming you for opening your heart so widely and leaving it out there...
Thanks for being there and for burning so brightly. You just gave me more courage to do what I knew was the right thing to do and the right way to feel. For me, you filled the gap between Njdeh's writings, sacrifices of Monte, Peto, many others, and the hands of my “mshetsi” grand mom.
One more thing. I realized that I have been needing a light like this for many years... pretty much since I left home. Even if our relationship does not envolve into friendship and hopefully help us both to do what we do, I intend to be in touch by reading all that you write.
Azerbaijan Hints At Progress Over Nagorno-Karabakh
Pamuk Says Loves And Wants To Live In Turkey
Armenia, Turkey Look To Economic, Diplomatic Gains
Q&A-Does Turkey-Armenia Deal Affect European Energy Security
Europe's Top Human Rights Watchdog Welcomes Turkey-Armenia Thaw
Sarksyan: No Visit If Border Remains Closed
Turkey Hopes To Open Armenian Border By Year-End
Arameans Search For Roots And Rights In Mardin
agreements concern the Turkish-Armenian friends of Armenia in Congress
European Parliament: Conference To Fight Against The Denials
Kurdish Activist, Former Member, Condemned Turkey
Diplomatic Warming Reassurance
Supreme Court Suspends Key Articles Of A Law On Mining
Turkey Wants Lachin
T Protocols Between Turkey And Armenia Are Unacceptable
Armenian-Turkish Issue Continues To Be A Lot Of Talk In The Armenian Press
Davutoglu Would Discussions With Mrs. Clinton
Turkish Singer Hadise Prohibited Scene In Baku
U.S. Rep. Schmidt Denies Receiving Turkish `Blood Money'
Armenian Prime Minister: Closed Border Between Neighboring Countries Armenia And Turkey Is Nonsense, 2009-09-25 ArmInfo. The closed border between the neighboring countries Armenia and Turkey in XXI century is nonsense. Restoration of the confidence between Yerevan and Ankara is a difficult problem, Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan said in his interview with "Rossiyskaya Gazeta" ("Russian Newspaper") when asked about possible normalization of relations with Turkey and changes in the economic picture in the South Caucasus, which may have a positive effect on the economic ties with Russia as well.
Tigran Sargsyan stressed that Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan took the liberty of solving this problem. "The establishment of good neighborly relations with Turkey will create a comfortable platform for our strategic partners, for Russia, which has a big significance and obvious positions in our region",- he said.
As regards Armenia's ties with Russia, the prime minister said that these ties are based on not only economy. "Certainly, the humanitarian aspect of cooperation, like the military-strategic one, is very important. Russia is our strategic partner we are cooperating with deeply and efficiently, as well as within the CSTO. We always remember that we have a common past with Russia. And it is for the nations of our countries to decide what future to have. We think that future will be bright",- T.Sargsyan stressed.
European Armenian Federation: Serzh Sargsyan Had To Listen Diaspora's Voices Long Time Ago, 2009-09-25 ArmInfo. "In my opinion the President's step to meet Diaspora is a good initiative but I think he's a little late, for he had to listen Diaspora's voices long time ago", - President of the European Armenian Federation of Justice and Democracy (EAFJD) Hilda Tchoboian told ArmInfo correspondent when commenting upon Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan's initiative to organize a Pan-Armenian tour.
According to her, the president should not wait the split created between these two parts of the nation, and that's'what is happening today. "On the contrary he had to prevent it. This tour of the Diaspora should not be merely a PR operation, because in that case the crisis would deepen.",- she said.
"As Turkish leaders announced every day that they had to take into consideration Azerbaijani interests, and have their agreement at every stage of the discussions with Armenia, our leaders had to declare and do the same for the Armenians of Artzakh and Diaspora. Instead, Armenia's leaders let Turkey to stigmatize the Diasporan Armenians as extremists because they don't give up their rights",- Tchoboian said.
"This is a unique opportunity for MR Sargsyan to integrate Diaspora in a global Armenian strategy for some vital issues regarding Armenia and the Armenian nation",- she concluded and added that the representatives of her organization are indeed planning to meet the president.
To recall, on October 1 Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan will start his single-week Pan-Armenian. He will visit Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Beirut and Rostov-on-Don to meet the Armenian communities and familiarize himself with their opinion on Armenian-Turkish process.
Adam Schiff: True Reconciliation Between Armenia And Turkey Will Occur When Turkey Acknowledges The Armenian Genocide, Armradio.Am 25.09.2009 Armenian Council of America (ACA) representatives met with Congressman Adam Schiff and discussed recent developments on the Armenian Genocide resolution, US-Armenia relations, Armenia-Turkey relations; and the Obama administration's policies toward Armenia and Artsakh.
The ACA delegation commended Congressman Schiff for his continued stance and insistence on the reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide, democracy in Armenia, the sovereignty of Artsakh, and his apprehension towards the Armenia-Turkey protocols.
Specifically, the Congressman reiterated his position on the protocols, stating, `While I welcome what may be an important step in the rapprochement between Armenia and Turkey and hope that the upcoming talks result in a swift opening of full diplomatic and commercial relations between Ankara and Yerevan, as well as a reopening of the border, I have serious concerns about some provisions of the protocols accompanying the announcement.'
`In particular, I was deeply disappointed to see that the protocols call for the creation of an historical commission to review the events of 1915-23. This is a thoroughly discredited idea; there is no dispute among scholars that the Armenian people were the subject of genocide during the waning days of the Ottoman Empire and an histor ical commission is another effort to obfuscate the truth,'
`Turkey cannot be allowed to re-write this tragic part of its history as a price for normal relations with Armenia. To do so means acquiescence in a charade that demeans the memory of so many victims.
`True reconciliation between the Armenian and Turkish peoples will occur when Turkey acknowledges the genocide that was committed by the Ottoman Empire against Armenians from 1915 - 1923. The Armenian Genocide, the first genocide of the 20th Century, resulted in the deaths of 1.5 million Armenian men, women and children and the sorrow that the Armenian people carry in their hearts cannot be healed by diplomatic relations alone,' he added.
The Congressman also expressed congratulations to the people of Armenia on the eighteenth anniversary of Armenia's independence and continued his commitment to ensuring that the United States government does all that it can to help Armenia build governmental institutions and civil society with the goal of helping democracy flourish.
The ACA delegation updated the Congressman in their continued efforts helping the Congressman in strengthening; US-Armenia relations, democracy in Armenia, the development of Artsakh and advocacy for a just and truthful representation of the Armenian Genocide. The delegation presented the Congressman with a copy of `The Morgenthau Story' DVD which they have been distributing to members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. The Congressman thanked the ACA for their efforts and diligence.
Armenia Not To Avoid Dialogue With Turkey, 25.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian-Turkish relations are like a chess game where every piece is obliged to think, leader of National Consent party Aram Harutyunyan told a press conference in Yerevan. Armenian side, he said, has made its first move, pending the next step by Turkey. `Armenian-Turkish Protocols cannot respond to both parties' interests,» politician said, adding that the party which first renounces the process will find itself in an unfavorable situation. «We don't have to avoid open talks over Armenian Genocide issue. Armenian side has nothing to lose in this situation,» Harutyunyan noted.
«`It doesn't actually matter how many countries have recognized Genocide; Armenia should enter into a dialogue with Turkey,' he said. Regardless what the situation will be like and who will be United States President, America will not recognize Armenian Genocide unless it is advantageous to it, said the politician.
Despite possible slowdowns in Genocide recognition process Armenian lobby should continue its work; victim's role is of no benefit, Armen Harutyunyan finds.
Heirs Of Armenians Who Escaped Turkish Yataghan Will Never Renounce Their Rights, 25.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenians of Jerusalem are disappointed with the process of normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations, said Georgetta Avakian, head of Hay Dat Jerusalem Office.
`We welcome RA President Serzh Sargsyan's decision to visit major Armenian communities across the globe and discuss the Turkish-Armenian reconciliation process. But the point is what price we will have to pay for normalization of relations,' she told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.
`The protocols signed recently actually mean that Armenia renounces its 95-year struggle for justice,' she said.
Mrs. Avakian reminded that Turkey closed the border with Armenia and is obliged to open it
`Armenians of Diaspora will express protest against these documents. Heirs of Armenians who escaped Turkish yataghan will never renounce their rights,' she said.
Turkey Will Recognize Armenian Genocide Rather Than We See Karabakh Problem Resolved 25.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Resolution of Karabakh issue will conflict with interests of superpowers, according to Aram Harutyunyan, leader of National Consent party.
`No one is interested in violation of the status quo. Armenia will never agree to re-annexation of Nagorno Karabakh to Azerbaijan,' he told reporters on Friday. `Resolving the Karabakh problem, superpowers will kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. Turkey will recognize Armenian Genocide rather than we see the conflict resolved.'
Will The Arf Use Coarse Methods?, a1plus.am, September 24, 2009 If this doesn't lead to any outcome, we will use coarse methods," said one of the participants of the hunger strike declared by the ARF, but did not go into detail as to what kind of methods he meant.
The Dashnaks say that they are not worried over the fact that no state official has approached them in the past nine days. The participants of the ARF hunger strike are most offended by the television stations. One of the participants, artist Musheghyan noted that only "Yerkir Media" television has filmed and shown the strike.
"There is nobody to provide coverage of our concerns," said Anahit Kirakosyan, standing in front of the government building with photos of her son Andranik Hayrapetyan who was killed in the army.
"Serzh Sargsyan has turned television into his own show, but they never show the protests of the parents of soldiers who died while serving in peaceful conditions," said Anahit Kirakosyan.
Participants of the protest were unaware that the government held a session yesterday and that no state official would hear their voices today. "I came from Hoktemberyan and didn't know that there was no session. But I am here," said Mrs. Anahit.
Member of the Armenian National Congress, former political prisoner Vardges Gaspar demanded that the government fulfill the resolution of the European Court of Human Rights regarding "A1+" and open the television station. "At least put up with one television network along with the other 17," as stated on the sign held by Vardges Gaspar.
The Dashnaks are actually in good relations with the law-enforcement bodies as they hold their protest. There were only two policemen near the government building and they were mainly overseeing four or five protesters, including parents of dead soldiers and Vardges Gaspar.
The Dashnaks informed that on September 27 their US-based organization will organize a protest in front of the UN building along with the Armenian Liberal (Ramkavar) Party and the Social Democratic (Hnchakyan) Party.
Let us remind that the UN General Assembly is currently holding its session and RA Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan has left for New York to participate in the session.
Ra President Will Hear Out Diaspora's Opinion On Ra-Turkish Protocols 24.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ RA President Serzh Sargsyan met Catholicos of All Armenians, Garegin II to discuss state-church relations as well as RA-Turkish rapprochement process.
According to RA President, the rapprochement process entered the stage of social and political discussions. Serzh Sargsyan characterized the discussions as a positive factor. `Whether RA-Turkish Protocols will be signed or not, they're a good platform for discussion of issues the country faces. Discussions are of rather emotional nature as the majority of our people are the generation of Genocide victims. Besides, places, sacred to our people: churches, capital cities, are located abroad,' the President said.
Sargsyan informed His Holiness that on October 1 he'll stat series of visits to Armenian Diaspora representatives of Paris, New York, Beirut, Los Angeles and Rostov-on-Don, where he intends to hear out Diaspora's opinion on RA-Turkish protocols. Garegin II approved of RA President's initiative, stating that Diaspora is the most important and inseparable part of Armenian people.
Political Situation In The Country Not Depend On Acceptance Or Rejection 24.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ NKR many times stated that ready to negotiate with Azerbaijan and to discuss various issues, unfortunately, Azerbaijan refused from negotiations, NKR Foreign Minister Georgy Petrosyan said.
`In my opinion, Azerbaijan has no grounds for such a persistant refusal from direct relations with us. We have repeatedly said that without taking into account the opinion of the Nagorno Karabakh's people settlement is very unlikely to be productive. This is perhaps the only example of a state not recognized by anyone," he said.
The Nagorno-Karabakh foreign minister also stressed that international law is very clearly states that political situation in the country does not depend on whether it is admitted or denied. "Since 1992 we have proved that we are able to build a statehood, and this is the base of our overall current policy. Sooner or later the question of recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh independence will receive its solution. We have quite restrained attitude towards political events in our region, and we never take hostile actions in the information field. I hope this is appreciated by both the international community, and our enemy.
We offer the other side of the conflict to behave similarly, as well as to all those countries that try to speculate or put the the Karabakh problem settlement at the service of their interests. It is clear that the solution to the problem is a matter of time. Time is an irreversible category," Mr. Petrosian said in an interview to the NTV Turkish television channel.
"Armenian-Turkish Protocols Have More Pluses Than Minuses," Editor Of Aravot Daily Says YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 24, NOYAN TAPAN. According to editor-in-chief of the Aravot daily Aram Abrahamian, the Armenian-Turkish protocols have more "pluses than minuses" and it is very doubtful that they would be ratified, signed and fulfilled. As he mentioned at a meeting with reporters on September 24, Turkey will hardly ratify them without the Nagorno Karabakh problem.
As to ARFD's actions taken against the ratification of those documents, according to A. Abrahamian, he would be very surprised if they were for.
"Thus it would not be Dashnaktsutiun. Professing that ideology, request of Armenian Cause, it is very natural that they responded in that way," the editor of the Aravot daily said.
Touching upon the development problems of press in Armenia, A. Abrahamian noted that the freedom, independence and development of press first of all are conditioned by economic problems. "As any branch of economy printed media will aslo develop and will be free as much as our economy is," he said.
Why Do Police Officers Intervene In Other Protests, But Not Arf-D Protests? Tert.Am 25.09.2009 Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutyun (ARF-D) party member Ruzan Arakelian, was asked by journalists today to explain why protects organised by her party seem to pass peacefully, while during yesterday's national initiative "Miatsum" demonstration the police used force.
The police used force to disperse the participants in yesterday's protest against the Armenian-Turkish Protocols by trying to seize, from the mother of a soldier who died in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, a sign which demanded President Serzh Sargsyan's resignation.
In recent weeks, the ARF-D has organized protests rallying against the same document, while also demanding the foreign minister's resignation.
"Not everything passed calmly and peacefully," Arakelian said. According to her, there are also provokers during the protest acts, who try to "taint the atmosphere." "We do our best in order to prevent such occurrences," the MP said.
She also said she doesn't know why police officers intervened during yesterday's demonstration. "If something or a small clash takes place before the government building, police officers, naturally, will intervene," Arakelian concluded.
Amb. Evans Calls Protocols ‘Flawed Document’ WASHINGTON—Former US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans, during an international webcast of an Armenian National Committee of America town hall meeting Thursday, called the Armenia-Turkey protocols “flawed.”
“This is a flawed document,” said Evans. “I think that the impulse to try to get diplomatic relations started and to get the border opened was a good impulse. In the execution there may have been, and there certainly were some shoddy work,” added Evans who prefaced his remarks by noting that he was speaking on his own behalf and not as a representative of any government or organization.
The 90-minute program, organized by the ANC of Greater Washington, touched on many facets of the protocols on the establishment and development of relations between Armenia and Turkey and featured Evans as a speaker.
The retired diplomat, who was fired by the State Department for speaking honestly and calling the events of 1915 Genocide, addressed a broad range of legal and diplomatic concerns related to the protocols. The full scope of his remarks, as well as the ANCA presentation and question and answer session, are available on-line at anca.org/townhall Asbarez
Recent Court Ruling Against Genocide Victims Rights Discussed At Glendale Forum GLENDALE—Nearly 200 community members including young professionals, attorneys, and students gathered at the Saint Mary Armenian Church community hall in downtown Glendale on Wednesday for a public briefing to address the implications of the recent 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision declaring California’s Armenian Genocide Life Insurance Recovery law as unconstitutional.
The educational event was organized by the Armenian National Committee Western Region Legal Research Team, in collaboration with the Armenian Bar Association, Armenian Youth Federation USA-Western Region and the ARF Shant Student Association.
“There are currently several major developments impacting the Armenian nation at every level – locally, nationally and internationally. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals recent ruling is no different,” remarked Raffi Kassabian, an attorney and head of the ANC-WR’s Legal Research Team. Locally, Kassabian, explained, this court decision “directly impacts the genocide heir who is seeking the recovery of insurance proceeds in a California court.”
Meanwhile, on the national, he added, “it impacts our Diaspora living in the United States who is seeking its Federal Government to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide.”
“Internationally, it impacts every genocide and holocaust survivor living around the world by establishing a dangerous and chilling precedent to prohibit survivors from seeking reparations under a court of law,” Kassabian concluded.
Panelists included Mark Geragos, one of three attorneys representing Genocide victims’ heirs, Armenian National Committee of America National Board member Seto Boyadjian, ABA Board Member Armen Hovannisian, as well as attorney and community activist Steve Dadaian. Harut Sassounian, publisher of the California Courier, moderated the event.
The speakers provided background and fielded questions from the audience regarding the case and what is being done by the plaintiffs as well as community organizations such as the ANCA and the ABA to challenge the ruling.
“Those who attended tonight’s event were able to get an in-depth look into this issue provided by an exceptional panel of attorneys,” commented Saro Kerkonian, Chairman of the ABA’s Armenian Rights Watch committee. “With their years of litigation experience, they were able to educate the audience about the Movsesian case and its impact on the Armenian community.”
“This event demonstrated how our community can join together to meet the legal challenges that face us,” he added.
On August 20, heirs claiming life insurance entitlements from Armenian Genocide era policies were denied the right to sue insurance carriers for their long withheld benefits. A three judge panel of the Appellate Court struck down the underlying statute, California Code of Civil Procedure Section 345.5 which allows for redress through the California Courts, on Federal Preemption grounds. The majority reasoned that the mere use of the phrase “Armenian Genocide” conflicts with United States foreign policy objectives.
Attorneys for the heirs disagree and are appealing the decision citing no express foreign policy against the Armenian Genocide or use of the phrase. Various groups including the Armenian Bar Association, the Armenian National Committee of America, the Zoryan Institute, and the International Association of Genocide Scholars have filed an Amici Curaie brief, also known as a “friend of the court” brief, in favor of the appeal. The State of California through its Attorney General Edmund G. Brown, Jr. has also submitted an Amicus Curaie brief emphasizing the State’s long standing interest and right to regulate insurance carriers within its borders.
“As an Armenian-American law student, I think it’s important to stay in touch with Armenian issues, particularly legal ones,” said Nayiri Keosseian, a first year student at UC Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law who noted that the discussion covered issues covered in the classroom. “I was not very familiar with the particulars of the case and its litigation so, I found it very interesting and informative.”
The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest Armenian American grassroots community organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANC-WR works to promote understanding regarding issues of concern to the Armenian American community. Asbarez
National Academy of Sciences Backs Protocols YEREVAN (RFE/RL)—Armenia’s National Academy of Sciences officially expressed support on Thursday for the government’s policy of rapprochement with Turkey and the recently publicized Turkish-Armenian relations in particular.
The state-funded institution, which rarely challenges government decisions, discussed the matter at a special meeting of its top decision-making body, the General Assembly, held late Wednesday. The meeting, attended by more than 150 members of the academy and directors of its research institutes, took place behind the closed doors. Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian also took part in the discussion.
Journalists were only allowed to be present at the opening remarks made by Radik Martirosian, the president of the Academy. He was reported to claim that public attitudes toward the two draft protocols on the normalization of Armenia’s relations with Turkey have been “mainly positive” despite existing “concerns” about some of their provisions.
Martirosian noted that all Armenian presidents sought to mend ties with Turkey but that only Serzh Sarkisian has managed to achieve major progress with his “dynamic and active foreign policy.”
In a statement issued the next day, the academy’s press service said the meeting overwhelmingly adopted a resolution welcoming Sarkisian’s efforts to “settle relations with neighbors and get Armenia out of the [Turkish] blockade.” “It is said in the resolution that the normalization of relations with Turkey and the opening of the Turkish-Armenian border without preconditions would contribute to the strengthening of Armenia’s geopolitical positions,” the statement said. The agreements allow for the “continuation of that policy,” it added.
The academy meeting was part of “internal political consultations” which Ankara and Yerevan have pledged to undertake before signing the deal next month. Sarkisian discussed the sensitive issue with leaders of 52 political parties mostly loyal to him last week. Asbarez
Letter to Armenia’s Representatives in the US : Over 800 Protest for Justice, Oppose Armenia-Turkey Protocols
NEW YORK, N.Y.—Over 800 people turned out for the “Protest for Justice” organized by the Armenian Youth Federation-YOARF Eastern Region USA on Sat., Sept. 19 in front of Armenia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.
Displaying Armenian flags and signs protesting the announced protocols for diplomatic relations between Turkey and Armenia, the crowd chanted slogans in support of the independence of Artsakh (Karabagh), recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey, and reparations and the restitution of land. “Justice Not Protocols” was the resounding message.
“We came in the name of justice. The protocols ask Armenia and the Armenian nation to give up on what is rightfully theirs, what was taken away from them during the genocide. These protocols are not only a step backwards for the Armenian nation but also set a dangerous precedent at the international stage,” said Lauren DaSilva, the chair of the AYF-YOARF Eastern USA Central Executive.
The protocols are the latest manifestation of a continuing Turkish genocidal policy towards the Armenian nation. It is clear that Turkey, which imposes an illegal blockade and whose geographic existence and economic prosperity were founded on the losses of the Armenians, is using its advantage to convince the Armenian state to concede any possibility of restorative justice.
These concessions go beyond the authority of the Armenian government, which has no legitimate right to speak on behalf of the eight million Diasporan Armenians. Worse, discussions on normalization were held secretly, in the dark, with no participation from the citizens of Armenia. Furthermore, unlike Armenia’s concessions, Turkey’s “concessions” are deferred, reversible, and vaguely worded.
“I am absolutely disgusted with the foreign policy of the Sargsyan-Nalbandian regime,” said Hrag Arakelian, a member of the Chicago “Ararat” Chapter Executive. “They have either sold out on the Armenian Cause for their own personal interest or are just incapable of making sound policy decisions.” Coming from as far away as Racine and Chicago, people of all ages boarded buses early in the morning from Boston, Providence, Worcester, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. to participate.
The protest began with the singing of “Mer Hairenik” by Nina Froundjian. Dikran Khaligian then led a program that included speeches by Lauren Da Silva on behalf of the Central Executive of the AYF, Antranig Kasbarian and George Aghjayan on behalf of the Central Committee of the ARF Eastern USA, as well as Mourad Topalian, Levon Attarian, Hovig Charchaflian, and Hrag Arakelian.
The rally ended with the symbolic presentation of a letter to the Armenian mission from the AYF on behalf of the “Protest for Justice,” reprinted below. For more information, visit justicenotprotocols.com. *** Ambassador Garen Nazarian Permanent Mission of Armenia to the United Nations 119 East 36th Street New York, NY 10016
We have come here today, from Massachusetts to Florida, from Chicago to Philadelphia, to demand justice. For centuries, Armenian people have lived in servitude to Turkey. However, the normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia must be based on equality, not capitulation.
The independence of Artsakh must be guaranteed. The Armenian Genocide must be accepted by the Turkish government as a crime against humanity with justice requiring reparations and the restitution of land.
These demands are non-negotiable.
The announced protocols aim to extinguish the rights of Armenians everywhere. We find this unacceptable. In the name of our ancestors who sacrificed so much and generations yet to come, we demand Justice Not Protocols.
AYF Protest for Justice Sept. 19, 2009 ARF CC Urges Wide Community Support for AYF Protest ARF Declaration on Armenia-Turkey Protocols AYF Issues Call to Protest Aghjayan: In Pursuit of Justice and True Friendship Aghjayan: More Diplomatic Naiveté Hairenik
Ter-Petrosian Calls for a Broad-Based Coalition to Topple Sarkisian Regime YEREVAN -- Opposition leader Levon Ter-Petrosian on Friday rejected as pro-Azerbaijani the existing international plan to end the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and urged Armenia’s leading political forces to thwart its realization by helping him topple President Serzh Sarkisian.
Rallying thousands of supporters in Yerevan, Ter-Petrosian acknowledged that his Armenian National Congress (HAK) can not effect leadership change in the country without building a more broad-based anti-government coalition. He also claimed that Turkey will not ratify its fence-mending agreements with Armenia without a breakthrough in the Karabakh negotiating process.
“Even in exchange for Serzh Sarkisian’s sacrifice of the [international recognition of the Armenian] genocide, Turkey will not ratify those protocols and will not open its border with Armenia until the Karabakh conflict is resolved,” he said, referring to the documents envisaging the normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations.
While reiterating his earlier allegations that Sarkisian was “fooled” into making concessions to the Turks, Ter-Petrosian, unlike most of his close associates, stopped short of explicitly denouncing the draft protocols made public on August 31.
In his more than hour-long speech, Ter-Petrosian spent much more time discussing the basic principles of a Karabakh settlement proposed by the U.S., Russian and French mediators. “When a compromise is not balanced, it’s not a compromise,” he said. “The analysis of the above-mentioned facts shows that the existing settlement plan violates that principle. Azerbaijan is getting much more than Armenia and Karabakh are.”
“In other words, Serzh Sarkisian, for unacceptable considerations, is opting for a solution which, to put it mildly, is not favorable to the Armenian side and, speaking more strictly, jeopardizes the existence of Nagorno-Karabakh,” he added.
The HAK leader based his critique on key elements of the proposed deal that were revealed by the U.S., Russian and French presidents a joint statement last July. He said the statement was too vague on international security guarantees offered to Karabakh and an overland link between the disputed enclave and Armenia proper.
Ter-Petrosian also cited another key point of that statement whereby Nagorno-Karabakh’s status would be determined through “a legally binding expression of will.” This, he said, does not necessarily mean a referendum of self-determination in the Armenian-populated territory. The ex-president stressed that the only way to avert “undue concessions” to Azerbaijan is to force Sarkisian to resign with a “powerful and sustained wave of popular indignation.” “As I tried to substantiate with a detailed examination in my December 21, 2008 speech, the Armenian National Congress is unable to solve that issue single-handedly, no matter how unpleasant that may sound,” he told the crowd.
Without naming anyone, Ter-Petrosian went on to appeal to other major political forces to join in his fight against the country’s “kleptocratic” leadership. To that, he said, he is ready to pledge not to stand in a snap presidential that would follow Sarkisian’s resignation and would not feature Kocharian as a candidate.
“Waiting for the activation of other Armenian political forces and even temporarily ceding the arena to them, the Congress is not announcing today the date of its next rally. Depending on the reaction of those forces, we will decide our further actions together with you,” Ter
Petrosian said before the crowd marched through the city center, chanting “Levon! Levon!” and other opposition slogans.
President Obama Marks Armenian Independence Day U.S. President Barack Obama marked the 18th anniversary of Armenia’s declaration of independence late Tuesday with a special statement and a congratulatory message. “The people of the United States join the people of Armenia in celebrating Armenia’s day of independence today,” Obama said in a statement posted on the White House website. “We deeply value the many cultural and historic ties that bind our two countries.”
“The United States gains strength as a nation from the contributions of so many Americans of Armenian ancestry. We congratulate the people of Armenia on their national day,” he added.
Obama had similarly hailed Armenians on their “spirit of independence, self-reliance, and survival” one year ago, when he was still a presidential candidate. “Even in the face of genocide, the pain of the past has not defeated the Armenians, either in Armenia or the far-flung diaspora,” he said in a September 2008 letter to Sarkisian.
Andranik Tevanyan: Situation Getting Dangerous for Armenia YEREVAN -- The Armenian authorities made a single hasty step in “football diplomacy” with Turkey, and the process got out of control, Andranik Tevanyan, Director of the Political Economy Center, told NEWS.am.
According to him, Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian made the first hasty step when he invited his Turkish counterpart to a football match in Yerevan. “At that moment Sarkisian did not think of further developments – he just invited the Turkish President to Armenia. At that very moment the Armenia-Turkey rapprochements process got out of Yerevan’s control. Now, in the morning the Armenian authorities will know about what was prepared for them to sign in the night,” Tevanyan said. According to him, the reason for the President’s “very first hasty step” was his seeking to “clearly outline” his policy as distinguished from that of his predecessors. “It is typical of all the politicians having a legitimacy problem,” Tevanyan said.
He stressed that the processes are getting more and more dangerous for Armenia in the course of time. The international community and Turkey are aware of the fact that Yerevan has lost control of the situation. So they are trying to find a “package solution” to all the problems
– it is the Nagorno-Karabakh problem.
“The Nagorno-Karabakh problem is being dealt with along with the issue of Armenian-Turkish rapprochement, and the Turkish side’s repeated statements are striking evidence thereof,” Tevenyan said. He added that, if continued, this process may result in the loss of Nagorno-Karabakh: concession on even one of the regions under Nagorno-Karabakh’s control means the loss of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Signing Of Turkish-Armenian Deal ‘Set For October 13’ Official Ankara and Yerevan have pointedly declined to refute media reports that the signing of agreements on the normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations has been scheduled for October 13.
Citing unnamed Turkish diplomats, the “Milliyet” daily reported on Thursday that the foreign ministers of the two neighboring states will sign the two protocols the day before the return match of Armenia’s and Turkey’s national football teams. Turkish President Abdullah Gul and his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sarkisian are expected to attend the World Cup qualification game to be played in the Turkish city of Bursa.
Commenting on the “Milliyet” report, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Burak Ozugergin was quoted by AFP news agency as saying, “We have a month.... I think the signing will be sometime around this time.”
The Foreign Ministry in Yerevan also did not deny the information. “We will inform the public about all actions stemming from the Turkish-Armenian protocols, including the signing dates, in due time,” the ministry spokesman, Tigran Balayan, told RFE/RL.
Colorado -- Campaign Contributions To Representative Ed Perlmutter (D7) Have Been Linked To The Turkish Government’s Association with American military contractors and appear to have dramatically altered his moral compass and political support of the Armenian genocide. Persuaded by Perlmutter’s extreme April repositioning on the Armenian genocide and fueled by investigative reports linking lobbying by American military contractors to Turkey’s effort to undermine congressional support for the Armenian genocide, the RMHA collected facts and assembled a Perlmutter timeline.
Representative Perlmutter, an almost decade-long avid advocate for Colorado’s American-Armenian community, now appears complicit with Turkey’s genocide denial claim. In March, the Colorado Independent broke the first Perlmutter connection: [“Perlmutter gives tainted money from defense contractor lobbyist to charity”]. In June, the Associated Press moved the story forward and identified five American military contractors lobbying for the Turkish government on the Armenian genocide: [“Companies lobby (quietly) on Armenia genocide bill”]. (attached)
RMHA research uncovered ties to Perlmutter with two of these contractors. The information persuaded the highly esteemed Colorado non-partisan advocacy group, “Colorado Coalition for Genocide Awareness and Action” to send a highly critical letter to Mr. Perlmutter. RMHA completed a timeline of Mr. Perlmutter’s record, documenting the apparent payto-play connection. It was provided to the Congressman on June 30th, as a courtesy, prior to its public release.
The Perlmutter timeline was released to statewide readership in a July 7th e-newsletter. In August, Sibel Edmonds, a FBI whistleblower offered testimony under oath addressing the relationship between the Turkish government and the ‘Turkish Lobby’ giving details into its pay-to-play relationship with Members of Congress. RMHA reviewed the transcript, connected a number of dots, and established a Colorado connection. Our findings were published on August 30th, in issue 10 of the RMHA e-newsletter.
On September 15 the ‘Eastern Colorado News’ broke the pay-to-play story.
Perlmutter has declined to cosponsor the current Armenian Genocide Resolution # 252. The historical facts of the genocide remain the same. The current wording of the resolution is identical to H.Res. 106, the 110th Congressional session Armenian genocide resolution — a resolution Perlmutter cosponsored. This year, Perlmutter dramatically distanced himself from his nearly decade-long record of active support for Armenian genocide affirmation.
Perlmutter’s financials document reveal that he has accepted contributions from and provided earmarks to military contractors linked to lobbying on behalf of the Turkish government and its unremitting genocide denial campaign. One of those contractors is Raytheon. Raytheon is deeply involved in working with the lead player of the “Turkish lobby’ - specifically the American-Turkish Council (ATC). Raytheon is one of just nine board members on the American-Turkish Council (ATC). Raytheon was a primary corporate sponsor this year at the ATC’s annual major event. Loussapatz
Armenians Go Beyond The Limits In Boston, Turkishny.Com, 22 September 2009 Armenian diaspora carries its efforts on for building an Armenian park and a monument symbolizing so called Armenian genocide within the park.
The monument that is planned to be erected at the center of Boston, will be completed in the fall of 2010 if the efforts of Armenian diaspora gives results.
Armenians keep on their efforts for erecting a so called Armenian genocide monument in Boston since 2000.
If Armenians succeed on their wishes for spreading their propaganda, names of some Armenian cities including Turkish cities such as “Van” will be listed on the monument.
On the other hand, especially New England Turkish-American Culture Foundation and many other Turkish organizations and various groups struggles against efforts of Armenians to erect a so called genocide monument at Boston since 2000.
Member of Assembly of Solidarity for Citizens Living Abroad Ali Cinar said that they will stand against such injustice against Turkish people and history of Turkey and that they will carry on a comprehensive and serious work about this issue.
Stressing that local administration of Boston should be aware of facts too, Cinar called for attention that Armenian diaspora in United States is uncomfortable about the dialogue process between Turkey and Armenia.
Nalbandian Slams Erdogan, Urges Him to Respect Genocide Survivors, Asbarez Sep 18th, 2009 YEREVAN (Combined Sources)Armenias foreign minister, Eduard Nalbandian, Friday slammed Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan for announcing that without a resolution to the Karabakh conflict, the protocols would not be signed. Nalbandian also urged him to respect the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and their descendants.
If the current Turkish authorities are unable to recognize the fact of the Genocide during the Ottoman Empire, then the least they can do is to show respect toward the survivors of the Genocide and their children, said Nalbandian in a surprise departure from his usual modus operandi.
Nalbandian was responding to comments made earlier on Friday by Erdogan, who was quoted by the Milliyet daily as saying that Turkey would not open its borders with Armenian without a final resolution of the Karabakh conflict.
We told them [Armenia] about that, said Erdogan, adding [Azeri President Ilham] Aliyev, [Russian President Dmitry] Medvedev and [Armenian Presdient Serzh] Sarkisian have intensified negotiations recently. We are closer to the resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict that ever. It is impossible for us to open the borders without solution of this problem.
The Turkish side has been informed and we are certain that they know that we are against steps for the resolution of the Karabakh conflict to be addressed within the framework of normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations, said Nalbandian.
The Armenian foreign minister said efforts to tie the two together can hinder both processes.
Many countries have expressed the same position, among them the Minsk Groups co-chair countries, who have announced on several occasions that normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey must take place without precondition, announced Nalbandian.
If the Turkish leadership has issues with signing the protocols, then it must not attempt to address those concerns by going against the goals, the letter and spirit of the documents, added Nalbandian.
The signing and realizing the agreed upon protocols is a process fraught with complications. However, Armenia is ready to respect the agreements, in order to move forward, explained Nalbandian.
In his remarks, Erdogan also said that Armenia should be freed from the influence of the Diaspora.
The Diaspora does not bring any advantage to Armenia. On the contrary, it takes away from Armenia, said Erdogan.
Nalbandians prompt response to Turkeys ongoing enmity is commended. As the protocol processes advance, the Armenian authorities should be vigilant to proceed with the same level of respect they are anticipating from Turkey. ASBAREZ.COM
As Community Unites, Armenian Assembly Steps Away By Serouj Aprahamian, Sep 18th, 2009 As political parties and community organizations have come together to express a loud and collective disapproval of the dangerous protocols on Turkey-Armenia relations, one faction in the communitythe Armenian Assembly of Americahas opted for a route of dissention and has chosen to herald the protocols benefits as a cure all for Armenias ills and step forward for US interests in that area.
I am not willing to call it quits at the outset, said Peter Kezirian a spokesperson for the Armenian Assembly of America in an appearance on a live television panel last Sunday discussing the Armenia-Turkey relations protocols.
Mr. Kezirian was using that argument to fortify hisand his organizationsbelief that the protocols are meant to begin a long-awaited and much-needed process of normalizing relations between Turkey and Armenia and admonished all those opposing the protocols as doing the work of the enemy by, at the end of the day, pointing out the inherent flawsdangersof the documents.
On Sept. 2, the Assembly issued an announcement on the protocols saying This announcement is consistent with the U.S. position that normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey proceed without preconditions. Armenian authorities have also made it clear that no preconditions means just thatno linkage to progress on the Nagorno Karabakh peace talks and no conditions on affirmation of the Armenian Genocide, or debating whether a genocide occurred through a commission-style process.
In expressing its wholehearted support for the protocols, the Assembly referredand more importantly deferredto the US State Department position on the matter, clearly signaling that the course the US administration has charted out for Armenia is the desired outcome for the Assembly.
Mr. Kezirian was quite adamant to reiterate these claims and inferred that only the Armenian government can determine what its national interests are, apparently, if, and only if, they are consistent with the US position.
By now we have all become accustomed to the Armenian Assemblys posturing on issues of Armenian national interest. The vernacular used in their communicationsboth written and verbalseems to be emanating from the State Department.
Memorable past instances of this have included:
Spearheading of the Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission TARC;
After brazenly claiming responsibility for the passage of Section 907, the provision in the Freedom Support Act that prohibited US aid to Azerbaijan until that country lifted its blockade of Armenia, the Assembly worked hard in supporting a waiver by the State Department;
Support for the nomination of Richard Hoagland as US ambassador to Armenia, because the US needed an ambassador there.
While we might have become accustomed to other instances of parroting the State Department line, the blind acceptance of the protocols as a set of documents that will guide Turkey and Armenia into a détente is as unacceptable as the protocols themselves.
Mr. Kezirian was eager to convince his television audience and fellow panelists that the protocols did not endanger the Karabakh peace process, despite Turkish foreign ministers insistence that borders would not open without a resolution of the Karabakh conflict. As such, he also went on to justify that the mere fact that a protocol was being announced attested to the stipulation of principles of self-determination, which are conveniently omitted from the protocols. Instead, the provisions dictate that modern-day borders are to be recognized as valid under international law, a notion that is at odds with rights and title held by the Armenian Republic which have yet to be properly adjudicated. And if the principle of territorial integrity is to guide future development of relations, shouldnt those rights be based on legal title, a basic pre-requisite to legal right, and not in fact the notion of what makes right, which Turkey has so artfully exercised.
Mr. Kezirians insistence that the Armenian government was prudent in agreeing to the protocols, which he called a negotiated document, not only cements the Armenian authorities blatant disregard for the Diaspora and what it stands for in the context of national interests, but it also goes to the State Departments objective of decades to marginalize the voices that run counter to US policy interests.
In both instances Mr. Kezirian and the Armenian Assembly have undermined their own stated mission of allegedly being the largest Armenian advocacy organization in the US. First: by blindly toting the Armenian governments position, with impunity towards the legal rights of the Armenian nation they have all but ceded to Turkish interests and undermined the Diasporathe very entity that has maintained and preserved Armenian national interests since the Genocide and beyond the 1991 independence. Second: by vocally reiterating and constantly deferring to US policy, they have failed to advocate for the true aspirations of the Armenian-American community, those that are based on the solid foundation of law and justice. ASBAREZ.COM
Transaction Publishers Announces New Book on Effects of the Armenian Genocide `A Perfect Injustice' by Hrayr S. Karagueuzian and Yair Auron is an essential contribution to understanding why the issue of stolen Armenian wealth remains unresolved after all these years'. That topic is addressed for the first time in this volume.
Except for a short period after the end of the First World War and the ensuing armistice, Turkey has consistently denied that it ever employed a policy of intentional destruction of Armenians. The 1913-1914 census put the number of Armenians living in Turkey at close to two million.
Today only a few thousand Armenians remain in the city Istanbul and none elsewhere in Turkey. Armenian sites in Turkey, including churches, have been neglected, desecrated, looted, destroyed, or requisitioned for other uses, while Armenian place names have been erased or changed. As with the Jewish Holocaust, Armenian properties that were seized or stolen have not been restored. Sixty and ninety years after these terrible events, Jewish and Armenian victims and their heirs continue to struggle to get their properties back. There has been only partial restitution in the Jewish case and virtually no restitution at all in the Armenian case.
`The authors accumulated the material item by item and slowly began to piece together the story of a massive injustice towards the victims of genocide. . . .A fascinating investigation, a book rich in details and full of documents,' says Dickran Kouymjian, who is an Emeritus Haig & Isabel Berberian Professor of Armenian Studies at California State University in Fresno.
No adequate reparation for the deeds committed against the Armenians can ever be made. But resolving claims with respect to stolen property is a symbolic gesture toward victims and their heirs. This is unfinished business for Jewish heirs and survivor of the Holocaust, as it is for Armenians.
To order a copy of A Perfect Injustice, contact Transaction Publishers at 888-999-6778 or order online at www.transactionpub.com. The California Courier
Erdogan: Our Goal Is Restoration Of Ottoman Empire Might 21.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Turkey's goal is to live in peace with all countries and restore the might of the Ottoman Empire, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.
"I believe that each Turkish family should have at least three children. We believe in Turkey's future and call on everybody to believe," he said.
Dwelling on Turkish-Russian relations, he described them as strategic.
"Russia is our partner. The trade between our countries has reached $40 billion," Milliyet newspaper quoted Erdogan as saying.
Turkey’s Armenians Express Support For Opening Of Border Turkish Armenians have expressed hope regarding the opening of the border between Armenia and Turkey, saying such a step would help the two peoples remember that they do not have only sad memories of each other, but also have a long common history.
On Aug. 31, Ankara and Yerevan announced that after talks which have been continuing under Swiss mediation, they have decided to launch an internal consultation process on both sides before signing two protocols aiming to normalize relations by opening the closed border between the two countries and re-establishing diplomatic ties after 16 years. Earlier this week, speaking in New York, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that he expects to present Parliament with documents on establishing diplomatic ties with Armenia by early October. In its latest edition, the bilingual Agos newspaper spoke with Armenian citizens of Turkey concerning the recent developments. The founder of Agos, Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, was shot dead outside the newspaper's offices in January 2007. Dink's murder trial is still ongoing.
Lerna Kuyumcu, a 67-year-old housewife, voiced her pleasure over the protocols, saying she believed they would serve for the good of both countries, while Tabita Toparlak, an 18-year-old student, reflected her enthusiasm over the developments.
“Open the borders so that both of the countries can breathe fresh air. We have gradually become rusty, since we remained closed [to one another],” Toparlak was quoted as saying by Agos.
A middle-aged finance employee, Vartkes Hergel, 43, was cautious in welcoming the developments. “As a Turkish Armenian, I consider the signing of these protocols as a beautiful start, though I'm not very hopeful. Despite dragging their feet, supporters of the status quo on both sides will not be able to block the rapprochement of the two peoples. Progress will continue on this road on which Hrant Dink took big steps,” Hergel said. “My dream is to cross the border one day together with my Turkish friend Şafak, hand in hand. Even if Şafak and I cannot do this, our children will make it happen,” Hergel added.
Turkey and Armenia have no diplomatic ties and share a history of animosity stemming from the killings of Anatolian Armenians by Ottoman Turks during World War I. Turkey denies the 1915 killings amounted to genocide but has agreed to set up a commission of international experts on the issue under a protocol it signed with Armenia.
Ankara has said it hopes to open its border with Armenia by the end of the year and establish diplomatic ties. Anticipation over an Ankara-Yerevan thaw has been growing ahead of a planned visit by Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan to Turkey on Oct. 14, when he is due to attend the return leg of a World Cup qualifying soccer match between the two countries.
Jeweler Hagop Can Hulyar, 49, was critical of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), which has not lent its support to the government's steps for rapprochement with Armenia. “I never vote for the CHP, and I will never do so. I also have the conviction that a sane Armenian indeed should not vote for the CHP,” Hulyar said. 26 September 2009, TODAY'S ZAMAN
Pm Sets Oct. 10-11 As Date For Sending Armenia Protocols To Parliament Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and US President Barack Obama make a toast at an annual luncheon hosted by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday, during the 64th UN General Assembly. Erdoğan also addressed the General Assembly on Thursday.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and US President Barack Obama make a toast at an annual luncheon hosted by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday, during the 64th UN General Assembly. Erdoğan also addressed the General Assembly on Thursday.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has stated that he expects to present Parliament with documents to establish diplomatic ties with Armenia by early October, just before a critical meeting between the two nations' leaders. Erdoğan, in a wide-ranging foreign policy speech before faculty and students at Princeton University said the negotiations “have really taken us to an important position.”
Turkey and Armenia have no diplomatic ties and share a history of animosity stemming from the killings of Anatolian Armenians by Ottoman Turks during World War I. Turkey denies the 1915 killings amounted to genocide but has agreed to set up a commission of international experts on the issue under the protocol it signed with Armenia.
“If we don't see prejudice or some domestic political considerations at play, I believe the preparation for an agreement, which has been initialed between Turkey and Armenia, could be taken to Parliament to be ratified. We hope to take those steps by the 10th or 11th of next month,” Erdoğan said in his speech delivered on Wednesday.
Ankara has said it hopes to open its border with Armenia by the end of the year under a protocol to establish diplomatic ties. Anticipation over an Ankara-Yerevan thaw has been growing ahead of a planned visit by Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan to Turkey on Oct. 14 when he is due to attend the return leg of a World Cup qualifying soccer match between the two countries.
Sarksyan has said he will not travel to the game, the first leg of which Turkish President Abdullah Gül watched last year in Yerevan, unless the border has reopened or there are clear signs it is about to open.
Erdoğan said he thought there should be no hesitation on the part of Sarksyan to make the trip.
New quadrilateral meeting on Iraqi-Syria tension planned in New York
A quadrilateral meeting between three neighboring countries -- Iraq, Syria and Turkey -- and Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa is planned to take place this week on the sidelines of the ongoing UN General Assembly in New York as part of a Turkish-initiated process to reconcile the political differences between its common neighbors, Iraq and Syria, the Anatolia news agency reported, citing anonymous sources.
Iraq and Syria recalled their ambassadors last month after Baghdad accused Damascus of sheltering militants it blames for a string of bombings, including two huge truck bombs outside Iraqi government ministries on Aug. 19 that killed 95 people.
The issue was also on the agenda of a meeting which took place on Wednesday in New York between Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Anatolia reported, underlining that the Iraqi side expressed its appreciation for Turkey's efforts to resolve the Baghdad-Damascus tension.
As of Wednesday Erdoğan also had talks with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, whose country holds the European Union presidency, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha.
Erdoğan also attended a luncheon on Wednesday hosted by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and attended by presidents, prime ministers and diplomats from the UN's 192 member states.
Erdoğan, who sat at the same table as Ban and US President Barack Obama, met with Greek Cypriot leader Dimitris Christofias as he was entering the luncheon hall. Erdoğan and Christofias had a lengthy conversation while standing, Anatolia said, noting that UN Secretary-General Ban also joined the two for a while. Ankara Today's Zaman with wires
“If the Turkish president can easily go to Armenia to watch a game, then it should be just as easy and simple for the Armenian president,” to come to Turkey, Erdoğan said. “I think asking for certain conditions to be met to decide to come is not the right way forward in international politics anymore.”
Internalization of democratization initiative
In his speech Erdoğan also touched upon his government's democratization initiative which ultimately aims at reaching a comprehensive resolution to the decades-old Kurdish question by granting more rights to the country's Kurdish citizens.
“We have set off for resolving problems regarding the rule of law, democracy and human rights,” Erdoğan said.
In response to a question from the audience, Erdoğan said their democratization initiative did not solely include the Kurdish issue: “When we established our party, our party program had already included -- whatever you call [it] -- the Kurdish issue or the East or Southeast [Anatolia] problem.”
Recalling steps that have been taken so far such as lifting bans on teaching and broadcasting in Kurdish and the presence of a new state-run Kurdish television station, Erdoğan added a new step has been taken recently, referring to the approval of teaching the Kurdish language as part of the establishment of a “living languages” institute at a state university in Mardin.
“We aim at continuing [the] functioning of this entire democratic initiative process in the short, medium and long run. It is not possible to carry out the entire process at once. We need to continue this process by internalizing and by having it internalized,” Erdoğan said. 25 September 2009,TODAY'S ZAMAN
Turkish Premier Says Initialed Deal With Armenia To Be Sent To Parliament The Turkish prime minister said on Wednesday that an initialed deal with Armenia could be sent to the parliament soon.
Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said he believed an initialed deal with Armenia could be brought to the Turkish parliament soon.
"We have reached an important stage with the step we have taken with Switzerland's mediation, and I believe we can send the initialed document to the parliament if we do not face any prejudice and if steps are not taken by just thinking about the internal politics," Erdoğan told a conference at the Princeton University in New York.
Erdoğan said that the document would be sent on October 10 or 11.
The Turkish prime minister said that the president of Armenia could visit Turkey for a World Cup qualifier between Turkey and Armenia in October with comfort as the Turkish president visited Armenia for an away match last year.
"Turkey will have neighborly relations with Armenia within the framework of mutual respect," he also said.
The Turkish prime minister enumerated recent problems the world was facing as wars, economic crisis, hunger, poverty, terrorism, energy safety and climate change, and underlined the need for a new global order for solution of problems.
"There should be a fair and pluralist order embracing every one, based on confidence and which sees differences as a richness," Erdoğan said.
Erdoğan said there was need for a new understanding of leadership, and said Turkey could contribute to the new global order.
The Turkish prime minister said the new world system could rise on four main principles, including the global political order, economic order, cultural order, and universal legal norms.
Erdoğan said that the global political order should be pluralist and egalitarian, and countries had to perceive relations among actors correctly.
The prime minister said Turkey was implementing a fair policy embracing every one in its region, and was trying to gain friends, not enemies.
"If you end prejudices, it is not difficult to gain friends, and the constructive and pacifist policy we pursue in our region aims at not only regional but also global peace," he said.
Erdoğan said, "is it possible to see Middle Eastern problem only as a regional problem? I believe many problems in the world would be solved when Israeli-Palestinian dispute is overcome."
Prime Minister Erdoğan said the new economic order should also be fair. Referring to the cultural aspect of the new global order, Erdoğan said Turkey had assumed the co-leadership of the Alliance of Civilizations initiative, which proved it was possible and necessary for different cultures and civilizations to live in a constructive atmosphere.
On the universal legal norms, Erdoğan said, "fundamental rights such as right to live, human rights, freedom of expression and belief, immunity of private life and safety were the common goals of humanity."
Erdoğan also referred to Turkey's democratic move, and said Turkey wished to complete this process with success.
"What I am saying is to create a system for a new global order, based on justice, peace and confidence," he said.
Also, Erdoğan said Turkey was a country that had suffered much from terrorism, and was one of the countries supporting international fight against terrorism.
"Our aim is to ensure peace and stability in our region, and contribute to world peace," Erdoğan also said.
Erdoğan said there was need for a dialogue platform that would bring together regional countries, and therefore Turkey proposed to set up a stability and cooperation platform in the Caucasus.
The Turkish prime minister said Turkey aimed to make the region a basin of peace, and wanted to solve Azerbaijan-Armenia, Turkey-Armenia and Russia-Georgia problems through this platform. 24 September 2009, ANATOLIA NEWS AGENCY NEW YORK
Auschwitz And Facing History Here, at the Auschwitz camp, which has become synonymous with the Holocaust, is the place where the “Final Solution” was implemented.
In fact, the Nazis had a total of 30 camps, and they were all death camps. The camp directors recorded the deaths that took place at these camps in “Totenbuch or a book of death.” These books, however, lacked in information as the deaths sped up, and most were destroyed when the Allied forces were victorious. Toward the end of the war, certain SS officers competed over who had killed more people, increasing the sheer scale of the horror. Everyone should see these camps if they have the opportunity. Like Nagasaki and the gulags. It seems as though there are no empires without bloody, dirty events from the past. True courage and civilization is being able to see the dark periods of an empire, as well as praising the bright dimensions from the past, and being able to learn from the past as a lesson for the future. It would be helpful to view the whole Armenian matter from this perspective. 23 September 2009, STAR ERGUN BABAHAN
Transparency International On Corruption In Armenia, News.Am 09/24/2009 The Transparency International organization has released its Global Corruption Report 2009. The report specifically deals with corruption in Armenia. According to the authors, corruption is thriving in all the spheres of Armenia's life and takes such forms as mass bribery and political pressure, which causes grave damage and impedes steady economic progress in Armenia.
The report contains information on 45 countries. In the part dealing with Armenia, the authors focus their attention of the misfortunes of the Royal Armenia Company and the Gala TV Company. The owners and managers of the Royal Armenia Company found themselves in prison for exposing the facts of bribery in Armenia's customs system, which is one of the most corrupt in Armenia. Transparency International refers to Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, who severely criticized the Armenian customs bodies on April 17, 2008. The organization doubts the situation in the country will be improved, as the system is headed by Gagik Khachatryan, the person that demanded a bribe from the Royal Armenia Company.
As regard the Gyumri-based Gala TV Company, the report says that it was subjected to economic pressure after airing the speech of Armenia's first President Levon Ter-Petrosyan in September 2007. Grigor Amalyan, Chairman of the RA TV and Radio Commission, demanded that the TV company stop broadcasting political programs. After the company refused, it was subjected to economic pressure.
Send Your Cash On-Line, Leave To ANCA, Be Divine!
Dear ANCA activist, Armenia's under pressure from all sides. You've heard about the dangers. And I know you want to do something to help. That's why I'm inviting you today to send a secure online donation to empower the ANCA to fight back against all the forces hell-bent on driving Armenia right off a cliff.
Here's the situation in a nutshell:
* On one side, Turkey and its allies are using illegal blockades to force Armenia to accept "Protocols" that threaten the future of Armenia, cast doubt on the Genocide, and surrender the rights of all Armenians.
* On the other, Azerbaijan and the oil industry are pressuring Armenia to accept the "Madrid" principles, giving away hundreds of square miles of Armenian land in return for a possible decision on Karabagh's status - at some point - in the future.
These dangers are real and urgent. Decisions may be only days away. That's why it's so vital that you send your secure online donation today so we can put your contribution to work right away fighting the enemies of the Armenian Cause in Washington.
Your contribution, large or small, allows the ANCA, a true grassroots organization that relies on community donors, to be your voice in pressing the U.S. government to:
* Stand up for truth, and against Turkey's "historical commission." * Stand up for freedom, and against the surrender of Nagorno Karabagh. * Stand up for justice, and against the sacrifice of Armenian rights. * Stand up for real peace, and against foreign pressure.
Your secure online donation of $250, $100, $50, or even $15 is needed right away to lift the pressure from Armenia and pave the way toward a real and lasting peace based on enduring principles. Please give today as generously as you can.
Ken Hachikian Chairman P.S. I know you want to do something about the dangers facing Armenia. So please click here to send a secure on-line donation today to protect Armenia from the intense pressures and deadly dangers she is facing right now.
Nkr Neutral To Armenian-Turkish Dialogue, News.Am 09/24/2009 Stepanakert will not interfere in the Armenian-Turkish dialogue or in the positions the Armenian authorities and people are taking, Georgy Petrosyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR), stated in his interview with the Turkish NTV channel.
"Our position is quite clear: we have never interfered in Armenia's life despite issues of pan-Armenian importance we are concerned over in the context of the Armenian-Turkish rapprochement," Petrosyan said. He expressed a wish that Turkey show a similar attitude to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, without linking it with the Armenian-Turkish dialogue.
"We would like the two issues be separated from each other. Attempts to link them will hardly contribute to the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Turkey is obviously hostage to its own promises to Azerbaijan - it gave the promises and has to keep them now," Petrosyan said. According to him, Turkey is becoming an interested party in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. "It is being perceived as a kind of pressure, but positive results can hardly be attained by means of pressure," Petrosyan said.
Azerbaijan Sends Note To Turkey, 25 September 2009 Today.Az The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has presented a note to the Turkish Embassy in Azerbaijan. "The note stated that a while ago journalists of the Turkish NTV TV channel, who were issued accreditation in the so-called "Foreign Ministry of the Nagorno-Karabakh", visited the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. The fact disappointed Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry strongly opposes such visits to country's occupied territory and requests the Turkish Foreign Ministry to investigate this fact and take measures," Foreign Ministry's Spokesperson Elkhan Polukhov said.
Caucasus Reporting Service : Armenians Lick Lips at Prospect of Turkish Trade Economists predict huge boost for Armenian economy if ties between Yerevan and Ankara are normalised. By Hasmik Hambardzumian in Yerevan (CRS No. 512, 25-Sep-09) Economists have welcomed the progress Yerevan and Ankara have made towards normalising relations, anticipating it will open up vast new markets for Armenian producers.
There is currently a near-total blockade on Armenian goods going to Turkey. In 2008, according to Armenia’s National Statistics Service, less than two million US dollars worth of Armenia products were exported to Turkey, whereas more than 250 million dollars of Turkish goods were imported.
Correcting this imbalance could prove revolutionary for Armenia, which currently depends on exporting most of its goods to Russia via Georgia, since its borders with both Turkey and Azerbaijan are closed.
“A significant growth in the economy is expected, with an increase in the volume of exports and a growth in investment, as well as an improvement in the population’s living conditions,” said Mark Lewis, the head of the International Monetary Fund’s mission in Yerevan.
Armenia and Turkey have lacked diplomatic relations since shortly after Yerevan gained independence from Moscow. Ankara, in a mark of support for its allies in Azerbaijan, who were fighting Armenian forces for control of the region of Nagorny Karabakh, cut ties in 1993 and has not restored them. Armenians still rule Karabakh, and the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process is mired in difficulties.
Armenia and Turkey, however, have made significant progress since the two presidents met at a football match between their national sides a year ago.
They issued two protocols at the end of August, pledging to sign them after six weeks of public discussion. Appropriately, the six week discussion period, which should end with the border being opened, is due to end just before the return fixture.
The initial meeting also featured a deal between the Turkish UNIT company and High-Voltage Electric Networks of Armenia to sell 1.5 billion kilowatt/hours of Armenian electricity to Turkey. The size of the contract is a clear sign of the potential for cooperation.
Harutiun Khachatrian, an economic analyst from the Noyan Tapan agency, did not believe the official explanation for why no electricity has been sold so far. Officials say technical complications have prevented progress being made, but Khachatrian said its failure was linked to the progress of the peace talks.
“The fact that the project is not yet completed is obviously political,” he said. “You cannot even imagine how beneficial this cooperation will be for Armenia. Completely new possibilities will be opened, joint ventures will appear, products will be exported.”
Some economists have predicted, however, that the businessmen who currently dominate the Armenian market will object to the border with Turkey being opened, since it would let in a flood of competing products and services that could well undercut them on price.
Few of the so-called oligarchs Armenian have actually expressed a negative opinion of the peace process, with just Hrant Vardanian, president of the tobacco and confectionary company Grand Holding, being quoted in April as saying he looked on it “without particular enthusiasm”.
“The opening of the Turkish border means an end to monopolies. This is a significant step,” said Hrant Bagratian, a former prime minister and an economist by training.
Bagratian said some reluctance to open the border to competition from Turkish operators was natural, since Armenian businesses have faced little competition since independence.
He said Armenia just had to exploit its strengths, and trust its producers to become efficient enough to combat Turkish competitors.
“Whatever they do in Turkey, they won’t have the same harvest of tomatoes, apricots and grapes that we have and in this sense, I think the opening of the border won’t do much harm to our farmers. It’s possible that there will be a temporary shock, but within one or two years we will see that we have good chances for development,” he said.
Other businessmen agreed that Armenians should not be concerned, and should just rely on their country’s natural advantages. Besides the agricultural sector, the energy business, for example, is one where Armenia has a clear advantage, thanks to the Soviet legacy of decent infrastructure.
“With the correct implementation of international standards, there is no cause for concern, since in Armenia the industrial base, the infrastructure and the workforce are cheaper than in Turkey, where there are high salaries. It is necessary to occupy ourselves with increasing the productivity and efficiency of our production methods,” said Gurgen Arsenian, founder of the Arsoil company.
"To Be Or Not To Be", A1plus, September 23, 2009 "The two-sided Protocols on Armenian-Turkish relations put forth numerous preconditions," says Armen Aivazian, Director of "Ararat" Center for Strategic Research.
Regarding Republican Party's statement that the Protocols set no preconditions and do not refer to the Karabakh conflict, Mr. Aivazian said: "When in 1915 they displaced and drove people away to "safer places," did they warn against the pending massacre? Surely, they did not. The same is true with the Protocols which speak of the Artsakh problem and the Kars Treaty omitting the names.
Armen Aivazian says he has written about Armenia's wrong policy towards Turkey for ten years.
"During the so-called "diplomatic relations" during the football matches I made speeches signaling to the destructive effect of the negotiation process. After the road-map was determined this April I called the document "the first act of capitulation" to be followed by new ones. Surely enough, the Protocols were signed in a few months by which Turkey attempts to illegally formulate Armenia's colonization."
Turkey aims to annihilate Armenians - a fact ignored by Armenian authorities. We face a dilemma today. To be or not to be - this is the question."
Over 800 Protest For Justice, Oppose Armenia-Turkey Protocols Hairenik September 23, 2009 NEW YORK, N.Y.-Over 800 people turned out for the "Protest for Justice" organized by the Armenian Youth Federation-YOARF Eastern Region USA on Sat., Sept. 19 in front of Armenia's Permanent Mission to the United Nations.
Displaying Armenian flags and signs protesting the announced protocols for diplomatic relations between Turkey and Armenia, the crowd chanted slogans in support of the independence of Artsakh (Karabagh), recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey, and reparations and the restitution of land. "Justice Not Protocols" was the resounding message.
"We came in the name of justice. The protocols ask Armenia and the Armenian nation to give up on what is rightfully theirs, what was taken away from them during the genocide. These protocols are not only a step backwards for the Armenian nation but also set a dangerous precedent at the international stage," said Lauren DaSilva, the chair of the AYF-YOARF Eastern USA Central Executive.
The protocols are the latest manifestation of a continuing Turkish genocidal policy towards the Armenian nation. It is clear that Turkey, which imposes an illegal blockade and whose geographic existence and economic prosperity were founded on the losses of the Armenians, is using its advantage to convince the Armenian state to concede any possibility of restorative justice.
These concessions go beyond the authority of the Armenian government, which has no legitimate right to speak on behalf of the eight million Diasporan Armenians. Worse, discussions on normalization were held secretly, in the dark, with no participation from the citizens of Armenia. Furthermore, unlike Armenia's concessions, Turkey's "concessions" are deferred, reversible, and vaguely worded.
"I am absolutely disgusted with the foreign policy of the Sargsyan-Nalbandian regime," said Hrag Arakelian, a member of the Chicago "Ararat" Chapter Executive. "They have either sold out on the Armenian Cause for their own personal interest or are just incapable of making sound policy decisions."
Coming from as far away as Racine and Chicago, people of all ages boarded buses early in the morning from Boston, Providence, Worcester, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. to participate.
The protest began with the singing of "Mer Hairenik" by Nina Froundjian. Dikran Khaligian then led a program that included speeches by Lauren Da Silva on behalf of the Central Executive of the AYF, Antranig Kasbarian and George Aghjayan on behalf of the Central Committee of the ARF Eastern USA, as well as Mourad Topalian, Levon Attarian, Hovig Charchaflian, and Hrag Arakelian.
The rally ended with the symbolic presentation of a letter to the Armenian mission from the AYF on behalf of the "Protest for Justice," reprinted below.
For more information, visit justicenotprotocols.com. *** Ambassador Garen Nazarian Permanent Mission of Armenia to the United Nations 119 East 36th Street New York, NY 10016
We have come here today, from Massachusetts to Florida, from Chicago to Philadelphia, to demand justice.
For centuries, Armenian people have lived in servitude to Turkey. However, the normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia must be based on equality, not capitulation.
The independence of Artsakh must be guaranteed. The Armenian Genocide must be accepted by the Turkish government as a crime against humanity with justice requiring reparations and the restitution of land.
These demands are non-negotiable.
The announced protocols aim to extinguish the rights of Armenians everywhere. We find this unacceptable. In the name of our ancestors who sacrificed so much and generations yet to come, we demand Justice Not Protocols.
Erdogan Says He Wants President Sargsyan To Make Trip, Hetq 2009/09/24 Yesterday, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, commenting on President Serzh Sargsyan's declaration that he would only travel to a football in Turkey next month if there is progress towards opening the border, stated, "~TAsking for certain conditions to be met in order to decide to come is not the right way to conduct international relations anymore."
Mr. Erdogan made the comment during a policy address at Princeton University in New Jersey. Turkey's prime minister said that nations should solve their problems based on trust rather than threats and he would like Armenia's president to travel to Turkey for the match pitting the national teams of Turkey and Armenia.
Turkish Pm Says Protocols Signed With Armenia Are Of Great Significance, Panorama.Am 23/09/2009 The reporter of Turkish Hurriyet managed to have a talk with the Turkish Prime Minister Tayip Erdogan while he was walking in one of New York streets.
One of the questions addressed to the Turkish PM concerned Armenian matter and the protocols.
"I'd say that the so called closed-door session of the parliament is going to be open. The pre-signed protocols with Armenia are very important. I guess they are success but there is nothing definite yet. The protocols will be presented to the committees first, and then put on discussion. Let's wait for the parliament's decision which we are looking forward to."
Several Thousand Strong Oppositional Rally Held In Yerevan, Kavkaz-Uzel.Ru Sep 19 2009 The situation in economy, with democracy and observance of human rights, and in foreign policy of Armenia continues to be extremely unfavourable. This was stated by former President Levon Ter-Petrosyan, leader of the Armenian National Congress, at a rally in central Yerevan, where, by different estimates, from 5 to 25 thousand persons got together.
A special place in Ter-Petrosyan's speech was given to the topic of foreign policy - the problem of normalizing Armenian-Turkish relations and settlements of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as the "Interfax" reports.
"By the protocols, signed by him on August 31, President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, put in doubt the fact of Armenians' genocide. Besides, the Turks have deceived him by failing to fulfil their promise to open the border after signing on April 22 of the Armenian-Turkish roadmap," said the political leader.
In his turn, President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said on September 17 at his meeting with the leaders of political forces of Armenia, dedicated on normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations, that he did not regard establishment of diplomatic relations with Turkey either programme-minimum or programme-maximum.
According to the President, it was important for him to show that Armenians are able to be the first "to demonstrate the absence of reason in moving against global development."
New Allegations In Armenian Genocide Fight, Mike Doyle Fresno Bee September 22, 2009 CA There's a new and bizarre twist in the unending political battle over an Armenian Genocide resolution -- a battle in which San Joaquin Valley lawmakers and local residents have long played key roles.
As part of an Ohio election dispute, a woman named Sibel Edmonds who served very briefly as an FBI translator has been making pointed and wide-ranging allegations against Turkish officials. The unproven and reputation-damaging allegations against past and present members of Congress, which she first raised in a deposition, now get broader play in a story coming out this week in Pat Buchanan's magazine The American Conservative. Without endorsing any of Edmonds' unproven claims, the article might be worth a look for those deeply interested in Armenian-American issues.
President Never Gave Alleged Interview - Spokesman, Interfax Sept 23 2009 Russia Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan never gave an alleged interview the text of which was published in Russian daily Moskovsky Komsomolets recently, his spokesman said.
"The Armenian president gave no interview either to that correspondent or to Moskovsky Komsomolets," Samvel Farmanyan told Interfax.
The reporter who claimed to have interviewed Sargsyan was at an event in Yerevan that was part of a Russian language festival and the president was there at the same time, Farmanyan said.
The journalist never asked the questions she claimed to have asked Sargsyan, "and the Armenian president's words were completely distorted," the spokesman said.
The newspaper Moskovsky Komsomolets has acknowledged it made an error in the story, titled "Yerevan, Kinship Remembered"", published on September 21 on the occasion of the 18th anniversary of Armenia's independence and passed off as an exclusive interview allegedly granted by Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.
"In fact, Sargsyan did not give an interview to Moskovsky Komsomolets. An unprepared article was published through the fault of the editor on duty. The article carried wrongly interpreted excerpts from the Armenian president's statements, with hypothetical questions he was never asked," Moskovsky Komsomolets' Deputy Editor-in-Chief Vadim Poegli told Interfax.
"The newspaper editors have offered their apology and those responsible were disciplined. The newspaper staff again congratulates the president and the Armenian people on independence. We hope our regrettable mistake will not spoil anyone's holiday," Poegli said.
Harut Sassounian to Receive ANC Legacy Award, Asbarez Sep 25th, 2009 LOS ANGELES—Community legend and Armenian National Committee long-time activist Harut Sassounian will be honored with the ANC Legacy Award at the organization’s annual banquet.
The honor is among the organization’s highest awards and is being granted to Sassounian for his volunteer support for the ANC and many other sister organizations for more than 30 years. The banquet, which is set to be a sold out event, will be held on November 8th at the Pasadena Convention Center.
“For the past three years, the ANC-WR has been bestowing the Legacy Award to individuals who have made a difference in the Armenian community and the advancement of Hye Tad,” said Aida Dimejian, ANC-WR Board Member. “We are honored to award Mr. Sassounian with this distinguished award.”
Sassounian is the Publisher of The California Courier — the nation’s oldest independent Armenian weekly newspaper. His political columns are reprinted in scores of U.S. and overseas publications and posted on countless websites. In tandem, he is the President of the United Armenian Fund, a coalition of the seven largest Armenian-American charitable organizations. The U.A.F. has supplied $575 million of humanitarian assistance to Armenia and Artsakh over the past 20 years.
“Wait. There’s more,” exclaimed Dimejian. “Harut serves in many capacities.” As Senior Vice President of Kirk Kerkorian’s Lincy Foundation, he has overseen the implementation of $250 million of infrastructure-related projects in Armenia. From 1978 to 1982, he worked as an international marketing executive for Procter & Gamble in Geneva, Switzerland. For 10 years, he was a non-governmental delegate on human rights at the United Nations. He played a leading role in the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the UN Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities in 1985.
Sassounian has a Master’s Degree in International Affairs and a Certificate in Middle East Studies from Columbia University in New York, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Pepperdine University.
He is the author of “The Armenian Genocide: The World Speaks Out, 1915-2005, Documents and Declarations.” The book has also been published in Arabic in Lebanon.
He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Diaspora Ministry of Armenia. For more than a dozen years he served on the Board of Directors of the Armenian National Committee of America, Western Region.
Sassounian has been decorated by the President and Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, as well as the heads of the Armenian Apostolic and Catholic churches. He is the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
“We are proud to be honoring Harut Sassounian,” remarked ANC-WR Banquet Chair Elizabeth Boyadjian. “We are pleased that Harut, who has supported the ANC’s work and mission for many years, will be receiving the ANC Legacy Award.”
Individuals interested in attending the ANC-Western Region banquet where Sassounian will be honored are encouraged to contact ANC-WR office at (818) 500-1918 or visit www.itsmyseat.com.
The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANC-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.
Istanbul Calling: Kevin Costner Entering Turkish Politics? September 25, 2009 Yigal Schleifer Just what is it about Turkey and Kevin Costner? He may be remembered in the United States for “Dances With Wolves” and several other hit films (as well as for “Waterworld” and “The Postman,” two of the most spectacular cinematic duds ever), but he’s certainly no longer the star he once was.
Not so in Turkey, where the Costner magic still seems to be at work. It all started two years ago when Costner and his “rock” band, Modern West (don’t tell me you’ve never heard of them!), came to play a benefit concert in Istanbul for a children’s aid group. During the visit, it was even suggested that perhaps Costner could play the role of Ataturk in a proposed biopic about the secularizing founder of the modern Turkish state. High praise, indeed!
Earlier this year, meanwhile, Turkish Airlines deemed Costner’s star bright enough to recruit him for a massive (and strangely ineffective) ad campaign promoting the airline’s new and improved first class service. Soon his face was plastered on billboards all over Turkey, telling Turks that now they, too, can “feel like a star.” (You can watch the English-language television commercial, where Costner works his charm on a lithe flight attendant, here.)
But now things are getting even more serious. According to reports in the local press, Costner is now getting involved in Turkish politics. In a Friday report in the English language Today’s Zaman, we are told “American actor and director Kevin Costner [has] joined the ranks of celebrities supporting Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s democratic initiative aimed at addressing various problems, including the Kurdish issue.” According to the article, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) had actually invited Costner to attend the party’s upcoming congress, but wasn’t able to make it. Still, according to a statement released by party deputy chairwoman Edibe Sozen (a former professor of “communications,” it should be noted), Costner “conveyed his support for the democratic initiative because it shows the value Turkey attaches to human rights.” (A brief about this in the semi-official Anatolian Agency news service makes it sound like the invite was only issued after Costner himself contacted the AKP to give his unprompted support for the government’s new initiative.)
The Turkish government has been busy laying the groundwork for the unveiling of its highly-anticipated “democratic initiative,” which is mostly aimed at dealing with the long-standing Kurdish problem. A big part of laying that groundwork has involved meeting with civil society groups and other political parties. But now it looks like the government is pulling out the big guns by unveiling “celebrity” endorsements for the initiative. Of course, the ultimate endorsement of the initiative would be the one given by the Turkish people (Kurds, in particular), but having Kevin Costner on board certainly doesn’t hurt.
(UPDATE — Speaking of celebrity endorsements, the Turkish papers have been running front page headlines about U2’s decision to add an Istanbul leg to their current world tour. According to Hurriyet, Egemen Bagis, the government minister who is handling Turkey’s European Union membership process, even promised the band that if they come to the country, he will arrange for them to play a gig on one of the bridges crossing the Bosphorus, which would allow them to play at the spot where Europe and Asia “meet.” The last ones to try this bi-continental stunt were a pair of top-ranked Chinese and Austrian ping pong players, who played a 30-minute match earlier this summer in the middle of one of the Bosphorus bridges. Motorists in the city of 18 million were not amused.) istanbulcalling.blogspot.com)
"Vartan Oskanian Is To Apologise To Armenians" A1plus, September 23, 2009 Armenia's former Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian yesterday made a statement on the pre- signed Armenian-Turkish Protocols saying he would never dare put a document like that on the negotiation table.
Senior representative of the opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK), Levon Zurabian, says the former FM "made a wonderful statement" saying "he is not envious of the person who is to sign the document on Armenian-Turkish relations."
"In fact, Robert Kocharian and Vartan Oskanian stand behind the whole process," Levon Zurabian said to A1+.
"The current state of Armenian-Turkish relations is resulted by Robert Kocharian's prompt decision to involve the recognition of the Armenian Genocide in the agenda of Armenia's foreign policy. Turkey seized the opportunity and made use of Kocharian's mistake which enabled Turkey to suggest formation of an interstate commission to inquire into the 1915 massacres and to present its responsibility in the light of an Armenian-Turkish interstate variance.
"Today Serzh Sargsyan does nothing more Robert Kocahrian was ready to do in time," Levon Zurabian said regarding Serzh Sargsyan's policy on Armenian-Turkish relations.
"After Turkey suggested setting up an interstate commission, Kocahrian sent a letter to Recep Tayyip Erdo?an confirming his approval of the common commission and suggesting formation of a sub-commission to study the genocide issue."
Does it mean that the formation of a historians' sub-commission was initiated by Robert Kocahrian?
Responding to A1+, Levon Zurabian said:
"Surely, it was. Serzh Sargsyan has no intent to refuse from Kocharian's heritage. Being an indispensible part of the clan, Serzh Sargsyan cannot act by himself or correct Kocharian's grave mistake."
Levon Zurabian thinks Vartan Oskanian should be made accountable like Robert Kocharian. "If today Oskanian speaks frankly he must shoulder responsibility for the March 1 clashes and apologise to Armenian people for becoming a tool in the hands of this kleptokratic regime and imposing a state of emergency throughout the country. I am sure that Armenians are generous enough to forgive Vartan Oskanian."
Armenian American Artist Ara Dinkjian to Perform in Turkey, Asbarez, Sep 25th, 2009 ANKARA (ArmRadio)–World renowned Armenian lute virtuoso Ara Dinkjian, whose family migrated to America in the beginning of 19th century, will appear on stage in Istanbul’s Hagia Irene as part of a hospital project to be built for the disabled.
Dinkjian, who has previously given a concert in Turkey, will appear on a Turkish stage once again on Sept. 26 for the benefit of the Turkish Disabled Society, or TSD. Dinkjian will be accompanied by Turkish folk singer Erdal Akkaya during the concert titled “Roots and Branches.”
The revenues from the show will be donated to the project “life house,” to be constructed with a capacity of 500 beds in the Marmara city of Balikesir’s Gonen district, Hurriyet Daily News reports.
Speaking to the Anatolia news agency, Dinkjian said his grandfather went from the eastern Turkish city of Diyarbakir to France at the beginning of the 19th century, and after the death of his parents, his father was adopted by a family. Later on, his father immigrated to America and he was born in 1958 in New Jersey, Dinkjian said.
Dinkjian said he didn’t have relatives in Diyarbakır, adding that he went there for the first time in his life five years ago. He said his father was involved in music and thanks to that he learned how to play lute on his own in his early childhood.
Dinkjian said he had formed a band named Night Ark with Arto Tuncboyacyan, and has released two solo albums titled “Armenian in America” and “Peace on Earth.”
His biggest dream is to give a concert in Diyarbakir, he said, He adding that he has always wanted to play for an audience in Diyarbakir and that he would feel like returning home if he got a chance to perform there.
“One side of me is Armenian, and the other is American. Both sides are nourished by each other. I am inspired by all types of music, such as Armenian music, Anatolian melodies and American blues,” Dinkjian said.
Opening of Border with Turkey will Devastate Armenian Businesses, Asbarez Sep 25th, 2009 YEREVAN (PanArmenian.net)—The opening of the Armenia-Turkey border will devastate Armenia’s local economy and throw businesses into bankruptcy, warned an expert from the Mitk Analytical Center on Friday during a news conference in Yerevan.
“We are seriously concerned that the opening of the border will considerably damage the Armenian economy,” said Edgar Helgelyan.
Adding to his research, which has been submitted to the Armenian government, Turkey exports 168 times more goods to Armenia than Armenia does to Turkey.
A very serious threat looms over the Armenian economy, he warned, explaining that once the border is opened, large Turkish companies will gain unfettered access to Armenia’s markets and the ability to buy and control critical and strategic spheres of Armenia’s economy.
“Imports from Turkey to Armenia account for about $178 million, while exports from Armenia to Turkey do not surpass $1.8 million,” he said, adding that Armenia’s economy cannot match the massive amounts of goods that will flood its markets once the borders are opened.
Turkey’s Armenians Express Support For Opening Of Border Turkish Armenians have expressed hope regarding the opening of the border between Armenia and Turkey, saying such a step would help the two peoples remember that they do not have only sad memories of each other, but also have a long common history.
On Aug. 31, Ankara and Yerevan announced that after talks which have been continuing under Swiss mediation, they have decided to launch an internal consultation process on both sides before signing two protocols aiming to normalize relations by opening the closed border between the two countries and re-establishing diplomatic ties after 16 years. Earlier this week, speaking in New York, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that he expects to present Parliament with documents on establishing diplomatic ties with Armenia by early October. In its latest edition, the bilingual Agos newspaper spoke with Armenian citizens of Turkey concerning the recent developments. The founder of Agos, Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, was shot dead outside the newspaper's offices in January 2007. Dink's murder trial is still ongoing.
Lerna Kuyumcu, a 67-year-old housewife, voiced her pleasure over the protocols, saying she believed they would serve for the good of both countries, while Tabita Toparlak, an 18-year-old student, reflected her enthusiasm over the developments.
“Open the borders so that both of the countries can breathe fresh air. We have gradually become rusty, since we remained closed [to one another],” Toparlak was quoted as saying by Agos.
A middle-aged finance employee, Vartkes Hergel, 43, was cautious in welcoming the developments. “As a Turkish Armenian, I consider the signing of these protocols as a beautiful start, though I'm not very hopeful. Despite dragging their feet, supporters of the status quo on both sides will not be able to block the rapprochement of the two peoples. Progress will continue on this road on which Hrant Dink took big steps,” Hergel said. “My dream is to cross the border one day together with my Turkish friend Şafak, hand in hand. Even if Şafak and I cannot do this, our children will make it happen,” Hergel added.
Turkey and Armenia have no diplomatic ties and share a history of animosity stemming from the killings of Anatolian Armenians by Ottoman Turks during World War I. Turkey denies the 1915 killings amounted to genocide but has agreed to set up a commission of international experts on the issue under a protocol it signed with Armenia.
Ankara has said it hopes to open its border with Armenia by the end of the year and establish diplomatic ties. Anticipation over an Ankara-Yerevan thaw has been growing ahead of a planned visit by Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan to Turkey on Oct. 14, when he is due to attend the return leg of a World Cup qualifying soccer match between the two countries.
Jeweler Hagop Can Hulyar, 49, was critical of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), which has not lent its support to the government's steps for rapprochement with Armenia. “I never vote for the CHP, and I will never do so. I also have the conviction that a sane Armenian indeed should not vote for the CHP,” Hulyar said. 26 September 2009
Dr.Vartan Gregorian to Be Honored As The Professional Of The Year, Asbarez Sep 23rd, 2009 LOS ANGELES—Dr. Vartan Gregorian, President of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, will be honored by the Armenian Professional Society on November 7 at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Los Angeles, California.
Dr. Gregorian will be in Los Angeles to discuss the economic challenges of obtaining higher education in the United States and possible solutions.
As President of The Carnegie Corporation of New York, Dr. Gregorian strives to help students obtain a higher education. In a recent interview with PBS correspondent Bill Moyer, Gregorian proposes a twenty-year plan to help re-engineer and re-ignite its workforce by educating its leadership.
Dr. Gregorian has worked diligently “to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding by providing grants to support programs of higher education” through the Carnegie Corporation.
Dr. Gregorian has recently been appointed by President Barack Obama to the Commission on White House Fellowships and is responsible for recommending exceptional young men and women as White House Fellows who will ultimately gain experience working in the federal government.
Dr. Gregorian is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts of Sciences. Gregorian is the author of The Road To Home: My Life And Times, Islam: A Mosaic, Not A Monolith, and The Emergence of Modern Afghanistan, 1880-1946.
The Armenian Professional Society was formed in 1958 for the advancement of education and fellowship among Armenians.
The APS acknowledges the achievements of outstanding individuals, encourages students who have attained university education to proceed to post-graduate studies, and has awarded scholarships to graduate students in the United States and grants to institutions of higher learning in Armenia.
Activists Pursue Armenian Genocide Insurance Claims Despite Court Ruling, 2009/09/24 The following Glendale News Press article focuses on community-wide efforts to have the August 20th U.S. 9 Circuit Court of Appeals ruling prohibiting insurance claims stemming from the 1915 Armenian Genocide overturned. Armenian community leaders believe they can sway a split 3-judge appellate panel to collect insurance.
Armenian activists insisted Wednesday that a recent federal appeals court ruling would not stop them from seeking payments from life insurance companies on the policies of those killed in the Armenian Genocide.
Representatives from the Armenian National Committee and Armenian Youth Federation, among other groups, assured attendees during a town hall meeting at St. Mary’s Apostolic Church that the lawsuit’s plaintiffs, which number in the thousands, would win a favorable decision from the court as the group fights a recent legal hurdle.
The group’s goal is to sway a split three-judge appellate panel, attorney Mark Geragos said.
“We’re hoping it just takes one vote,” he said of plans for an appeal.
The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Aug. 20 that descendants of Armenian Genocide victims could not request payment from insurance companies, despite a state law that allowed them to do so, because it would interfere with U.S. foreign policy.
“The federal government has made a conscious decision not to apply the politically charged label of ‘genocide’ to the deaths of these Armenians during World War I,” said Judge David R. Thompson, who wrote the majority opinion in the ruling. “Whether or not California agrees with this decision, it may not contradict it.”
That logic, agreed to by two of the three judges on the appellate panel, drew harsh criticism not only from town hall attendees, but also from Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, who has written legislation to push for national acknowledgment of the genocide and, as an state senator, co-wrote California’s law allowing the descendants of genocide victims to claim insurance benefits.
“The problem with that is that there is no federal policy against genocide recognition and there has never been,” said Schiff, who petitioned the court this week to reconsider its ruling.
Congress has considered three resolutions in the last decade that would have paved the way for official recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
But the White House has worked to kill each effort, fearing they would damage relations with Turkey, which denies a genocide took place.
The U.S. government currently has no official position on the mass killings of 1.5 million Armenians that occurred between 1915 and 1923 in Ottoman Turkey.
“I think when they examine the record more closely, they’ll realize that the court made a poor judgment, not based on the facts or the law,” Schiff said.
Lawsuits from genocide victims have yielded a combined total of $37 million in settlements from two firms, New York Life Insurance Co. in 2004 and AXA S.A. in 2005.
Glendale priest Vazken Movsesian, of St. Peter Armenian Church, filed a case six years ago seeking a settlement of claims under policies issued by German insurers Victoria Versicherung and Ergo Versicherungsgruppe, as well as parent company Munchener Ruckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG.
Thousands of Armenians whose relatives were genocide victims also joined in the lawsuit.
The plaintiffs scored a partial victory two years ago when U.S. District Judge Christina A. Snyder said the law passed in 2000 by the California Legislature gave the descendants standing to sue. But that ruling was overturned by the appellate court.
Town hall organizers hoped their forum would give stakeholders confidence despite the recent court ruling, said Zanku Armenian, chairman of the Armenian National Committee Glendale chapter.
“It’s a legal matter that often times [includes] complicated matters and so it’s important to get the community to understand both what transpired, what the implications of the court decisions are, as well as what the potential avenues for them are, in terms of appeals,” Armenian said.
Representatives for Shant Student Assn. and the Armenian Bar Assn. participated in the town hall discussion, bringing more than 100 people, including many students and attorneys.
An overwhelming majority of those in the audience had no direct ties to the outcome of the case, but were interested nonetheless, they said.
The court’s ruling to block the push for a settlement on insurance claims was unfair because a law was in place to allow similar suits, La Crescenta resident Caroline Tashejian said.
“Taking it back, it pushes us further back, in terms of progressing our cause,” she said.
Sylvia Natalie Manoogian, of Los Angeles, had benefited from the New York Life settlement and came to learn more about what she said was an unfortunate appellate court ruling.
Her family, which received $20,000 in the New York Life settlement, claims to own property within modern Turkey’s borders, but has not been able to secure it.
She saw the battle for life insurance claims and genocide recognition first hand, she said.
“The more information I have, the more it gives me tools and means [for moving forward],” she said.
Armenian Court To Hear Genocide Denial Case In October 23.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Ararat Center for Strategic Research has filed a suit against Caucasus Institute on accusation of Armenian Genocide denial.
"In 2008, Caucasus Institute published "Caucasus neighborhood: Turkey and South Caucasus" collection, which included TESEV expert Aybars Gorgulu's "Armenian-Turkish relations: An Eternal Deadlock?" In his report, Gorgulu used the term Genocide in quotation marks for 34 times," said Armen Ayvazyan, director of Ararat Center.
Ararat Center urged a disclaimer for disputable information published by Caucasus Institute. It also called to exclude use of the term Armenian Genocide in quotes.
The initial court session is due in mid-October.
Lragir 22/09/2009, Armenia And Turkey Are Not Authorised "To Define" The Border In the fifth clause of the protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey, the parties agree to define the existing border.
In this regard, it is necessary to take up a very important question, even if strange at first glance, whether the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey are in fact within their authority according to international law "to define the existing border".
Let me clarify the idea behind the question. From the perspective of international law, any international multilateral agreement, no matter how it ends up, be it a treaty, an agreement, protocol, etc., can be altered (amended, modified, suspended, terminated or nullified) only with the participation and agreement of all parties to the given document. This principle, in terms of treaties, is codified in Articles 39-41 of the Vienna Convention on Treaties (1969).
The "definition" of the Armenian segment of the border of the former USSR as the border between Armenia and Turkey, from a legal point of view, implies a change in the border (1) because the de jure Armenia-Turkey border is very different from the Soviet-Turkish border. This de jure, and thus the only legal border was "defined" by a multilateral treaty, and consequently "to define the existing border" is in reality a change in frontiers and, in this case, falls outside of bilateral relations for the following reason.After suffering ignominious defeat in the First World War, on the 30th of October, 1918, the Ottoman Empire signed the Mudros Armistice. Legally speaking, this armistice was an unconditional surrender, i.. e. unqualified capitulation, and so the entire sovereignty of Turkey was transferred to the victors until a peace treaty was signed. That is to say, the victorious Allies (2) were to subsequently decide which part of the Ottoman Empire was to come under the sovereignty of a Turkish state and to what degree.
During 1919-1920, the Paris Peace Conference took place to discuss the conditions of the peace treaties. In April, 1920, the San Remo session took up the fate of the Ottoman Empire. Naturally, one of the most important questions was the future of Armenia. Therefore, on the 26th of April, the Supreme Council of the Allied Powers officially approached the President of the United States Woodrow Wilson "to arbitrate the frontiers of Armenia" as per an arbitral award (3).
Two factors in this previous paragraph need further clarification:
a) The Supreme Council of the Paris Peace Conference was authorised and functioning on behalf of all the Allied Powers. That is, the compromis for the arbitration deciding Armenia's border, and consequently the unqualified acceptance of obligations by the award to be made on that basis, was made on behalf of all the Allied Powers. During the First World War, more than thirty states formed part of the Allied Powers, and, counting the British Empire, the Third French Republic, the kingdoms of Japan and Italy, with all their dependent territories, it came to almost a hundred countries.
b) The border with the Republic of Armenia, as opposed to other borders with Turkey, was to be decided not by a peace treaty, but through arbitration. From a legal perspective, this is an extremely important detail, because treaties can always be modified, suspended or terminated upon the agreement of the parties, whereas arbitral awards are "final and without appeal", as well as being binding (4). That is, arbitration cannot be altered or repealed, as opposed to treaties. Besides which, arbitration and treaties are carried out with opposite procedures. While in treaties, the agreement is first reached and only then a corresponding legal document put in place, arbitration begins with signing the compromis on unqualified acceptance of the future agreement, after which only the award is granted.
And so, as a consequence of the aforementioned compromis on the 26th of April, US President Woodrow Wilson officially took on the arbitration of the Armenian-Turkish border in writing on the 17th of May, 1920, and began to carry out the required work. It is necessary to point out here that this was almost three months before the Treaty of Sèvres was signed (the 10th of August, 1920) and so, the arbitration process commenced independent of the signing of that peace treaty and this compromis which is mentioned in it as Article 89.
In summary, one may draw this clear conclusion. The border between Turkey and the Republic of Armenia was decided based on the arbitral award which came out of two independent compromis (San Remo, 26 April 1920, and Sèvres, 10 August 1920). The award was granted on the 22nd of November, 1920, to come into effect that same day. Two days later, on the 24th of November, the ruling was officially conveyed to Paris by telegraph. This Arbitral Award has never been appealed, it is in effect to this day. The award was legal and lawful. It functions independent of the Treaty of Sèvres. The compromis included in the Treaty of Sèvres as Article 89 was and continues to be an additional, but not the basic compromis.
And so, the border between Armenia and Turkey has been decided by a multilateral instrument of international law, an arbitral award, to which almost a hundred countries are party today.
After all this, let us return to the real question at hand:
Upon what basis of international law do the authorities of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey wish to dismiss their own international obligations by transgressing an inviolable international decision, the arbitral award, through a bilateral protocol?
Additionally one must bear in mind that international law does not take into account in principle any procedure or precedent for modification or annulment (nullification of the legality) of an arbitral award which has legally come into effect. Refusal by the losing party to comply with the award is not in itself equivalent to a lawful annulment. The plea of nullity is not admissible at all and this view is based upon Article 81 of The Hague Convention of 1907, and the absence of any international machinery to declare an award null and void (5).
Pro-Turkish Us Lawmakers Endorse Turkey-Armenia Deal September 24, 2009 Ümit Enginsoy Hürriyet The three leaders of a group of pro-Turkish lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives late Wednesday voiced full support for a protocol recently signed by Armenia and Turkey aimed at normalizing relations between the two neighbors.
"It is our understanding that the 'Protocol for the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey' confirms the decision of the two governments to open their shared borders and to establish full diplomatic relations once the protocols enter into force," said Robert Wexler, Ed Whitfield and Kay Granger, co-chairs of the congressional caucus on U.S.-Turkish relations in a joint letter to all 435 members of the House of Representatives.
Wexler is a Democrat, and Whitfield and Granger are Republicans. Under the Turkish-Armenian protocol signed on Aug. 31, the two sides pledged to work for six weeks to establish full diplomatic relations. Under the reconciliation process, Turkey and Armenia also are working for the reopening of their land border closed since 1993.
Outstanding disputes
Armenian claims of "genocide" for the deaths of their kinsmen in the Ottoman Empire at the end of World War I and Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani lands in a war in the 1990s have prevented normalization of ties between Ankara and Yerevan.
"We are heartened by the significant progress made by Armenia and Turkey toward normalizing their bilateral relations. This historic development between Armenia and Turkey is critical to ensuring peace, security and prosperity in the South Caucasus region," Wexler, Whitfield and Granger wrote.
"Unfortunately, this is a region where decades-long conflicts have long overshadowed bilateral cooperation and engagement, limiting economic growth, stability and political reform," they said.
"To that end, we strongly encourage both the Armenian and Turkish governments and their respective parliaments to continue to move the rapprochement process forward under the good offices of the Swiss government and build a better future for Armenia, Turkey and the entire South Caucasus region," the three lawmakers said.
Pro-Armenian lawmakers in the House, for their part, are working to pass a resolution qualifying the Armenian killings as "genocide."
European Armenian Federation to Host Conference Against Denial in European Parliament, Asbarez Staff Sep 24th, 2009 BRUSSELS (ArmRadio)–The European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD), in association with the Centre Communautaire Laïc Juif (Jewish Laic Community Centre) and IBUKA Mémoire & Justice (Ibuka Memory and Justice Association), will hold a conference entitled Denial and Democracy in Europe on October 6, 2009 in the European Parliament, Brussels.
The conference will be held under the aegis of Elmar Brok, a member of the European Parliament from the German Christian Democrat party. It is being organized in light of the adoption of the Framework Decision against Racism and Xenophobia by the European Council in December 2008.
Article 1 of the Framework Decision prohibits genocide denial in the EU. It is now a requirement that EU Member States incorporate the provisions of this Framework Decision into their national legislations by 2010.
The conference will be an occasion for political leaders, historians, experts, human rights workers, philosophers and others to exchange their views and their concerns regarding the state of genocide denial in Europe. Specifically, the speakers will explore critical questions for Europe arising from increased genocide denial within the EU as well as the potential benefits or drawbacks of the Framework Decision.
The increase in genocide denial is evidenced by comments such as those of the president of Iran regarding the Holocaust. More recently, the Republic of Turkey has incorporated provisions into a recent agreement with the Republic of Armenia that call for the establishment of a committee of experts to revisit and review the actuality of the Armenian Genocide.
Among others, the experts to take the floor on October 6 include Ralph Giordano, a Jewish journalist and essayist who survived the Nazi regime, Professor Yves Ternon, one of the main French historians who specialize on the 20th century genocides, Professor Mihran Dabag, founder and director of Institute for Diaspora and Genocide Studies in Bochum (Germany) and Marcel Kabanda, the chairperson of Ibuka France.
"System Of Political Discussions Is Not Established", Aysor Sept 23 2009 Armenia "We must admit that parliamentary system of Armenia passed through a short interval during which system of political discussions still hasn't been established," told journalists Republican Party's member Mkrtich Minasyan.
According to Mr. Minasyan, the National Assembly is not only a legislative body but also "the only political structure".
"Driven by people's voting political parties came here to share their views on discussions or hearings. The last discussions were stormy and proved once again that in Parliament is a platform where views of all segments are expressed," the MP said.
Regarding of political discussions establishment Mr. Minasyan underlined the importance of two opposition parties' existence: "Heritage" and "Dashnakcutyun". This fact will make NA's discussions become political and ideological and will help to solve various problems.
Speaking about last session's discussions Mr. Minasyan stated: "Recent discussions satisfied that there are problems demanding attention, concern and neutrality of everyone."
We Wish Turkish Friends A Happy Ramadan and Festive Season
Turkey Has Four Positions On The Issue: Prosperous Armenia Information-Analytic Agency NEWS.am , Armenia Sept 19 2009 14:03 / 09/19/2009Turkey should explain why it has four different positions on Armenia-Turkey relations' normalization, Naira Zohrabyan, Prosperous Armenia Party MP told NEWS.am, commenting on Nalbandyan's statement, that `Attempting to link Armenian-Turkish and Karabakhi processes, Turkey might fail both'.
`It is absolutely clear that currently Protocols do not contain any preconditions and they should not say so at any stage, including signing. If Turkish Government representatives pursue their policy of four positions, that is: 1) for international community; 2) for talks with Armenia; 3) for Turkish society and 4) for Azerbaijan, then it is Turkish authorities' problem. They have to explain why there are several viewpoints on one matter,' Zohrabyan said.
According to MP, relations' normalization is equally advantageous both for Armenia and Turkey. Asked whether Serzh Sargsyan will go to Turkey October 14 if the border is not open, Zohrabyan replied: `It is not a good start. Not everything should be turned into practicality. I consider crucial RA President's statement that he would go to hear out Diaspora's opnion.'
What About Kocharian's Criminal Accountability? Says Heritage Party Leader, Tert Sept 18 2009 Armenia During the special parliamentary session held yesterday, Heritage Party Leader Stepan Safaryan, who criticized the March 1 Commission's conclusion, noting that after becoming familiar with the report, he had the impression that the report was on the topic of social status, since, according to him, the report more so discussed the polarization of the classes.
Safaryan expressed a conviction that the report's entire summary was that the events which took place in the Republic of Armenia could've been prevented, if ex-president Levon Ter-Petrosyan wanted.
"This is nothing else, if not to affirm that during those days the president was Levon Ter-Petrosyan. I cannot accept another conclusion, it turns out that Robert Kocharian could not contain the situation, and the army and official bodies worked spontaneously," announced Safaryan.
In Safaryan's opinion, when speaking about the March 1 events, one must also speak about the three presidents (Kocharian, Ter-Petrosyan, Sargsyan), who were participants in the events during those days. In Kocharian's case, according to Safaryan, one must speak about criminal accountability, because at the time he was the one in charge of the situation. Safaryan is convinced that during those days under Kocharian's charge, actions took place which were in conflict with Armenia's Constitution.
Armenia And Turkey Are Changing The Caucasus: Alexander Jackson, Tert Sept 18 2009 Armenia The Protocols on establishing and developing Armenian-Turkish relations, which omit any reference to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, seem to reverse statements made earlier which said that the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border is contingent on settling the Karabakh issue, stated Alexander Jackson in the Caucasian Review of International Affairs, as reported by the Azeri Press Agency.
Jackson goes on to say that if no progress is made on Karabakh by the end of the six-week process, Azerbaijan's options would be to hold off on the Nabucco pipeline and increase cooperation with Russia, in order to reroute gas in Azerbaijan through Russia's network.
In Jackson's words, domestic political upheaval in either Armenia or Turkey is a real risk, particularly Armenia, which will have to deal with engaging Turkey and withdrawing from the occupied regions around Nagorno-Karabakh simultaneously. A serious domestic setback could stall all regional peace processes for the near future.
"Azerbaijan's position is crucial, and is inflexible. Exactly what it will - or can - do if Turkey opens the border without Armenian gestures on Karabakh is impossible to establish at this stage, but gas projects from the Caspian to the West are clearly under threat. This would ruin Turkey's reputation as an energy hub, one of its key attractions for the EU. Russia would lose some of its influence over Armenia, but could gain far greater power over Azerbaijan's energy exports, reshaping the whole oil and gas game in the region," says Jackson.
Jackson concludes by saying that "Most strikingly, we could see an end to the Baku-Tbilisi-Ankara axis, which has proved one of the most enduring alliances in Eurasia. The next six weeks could reshape the Caucasus as we know it."
The Scientific Mind Of The Turkish Is Based On Lies, Aysor Sept 18 2009 Armenia "It is not true that there are no osmaniologists in Armenia. First of all the osmaniology is a complex science. The one who reads in Osmanian language is not yet an osmaniologist. He mast have vast amount of knowledge", - said Tukiologist Ruben Melkonyan speaking to the journalists.
The speaker informed that in the Soviet times Armenian has had a school and professors of Osmaniology, but the school has been stopped working and at present they are working over recovering the teaching of the Osmanian language.
"The continuation of the school of osmaniology is in the agenda.",-stressed Ruben Melkonyan and added that in YSU, Yerevan State University has been created a center of Osmaniology.
The importance of osmaniologists is in there ability to examine the materials that are kept in Turkish archives. R. Melkonyan stressed that all the documents of the "Osmanian archives that are available for the Armenian scientists are already translated in modern Turkish language."
"Our scientific mind is more ready as our theoretical conclusions are based on facts, while the Turkish historic mind of has been breed with falsifications for centuries."
The speaker mentioned that since the times of Ataturk having the intention to create a new Turkish history, the Turkish scientific mind has been "based on lies".
"If there would be discussed concrete historical facts in the international areas, at presence of the third side the poorness of the Turkish side will be revealed for any scientist", - declared Ruben Melkonyan.
Turkish Newspaper Writes Of Armenian Genocide, Aysor Sept 18 2009 Armenia In a very rare news article published by one of the top newspapers in Turkey Today's Zaman the author openly speaks about the Armenian Genocide and how they were orchestrated.
In the beginning it was total silence and denial. Then in the recent two years we started seeing phrases like "so called Armenian Genocide," "Armenian claims of genocide," and so on. In any case the word genocide was always written in quotation marks. Yet today, one of Turkey's premier newspapers Today's Zaman published a rare story about how the Armenian Genocide was organized and orchestrated by the ruling elite of the Turkish government in 1915.
Orhan Kemal Cengiz, a human rights advocate writes that the "Massacres of Armenians were orchestrated and organized by the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) -- which came to power through a military coup --while the Ottoman Empire was falling apart. After these massacres and as a result of the lack of confrontation with our past, the CUP and its gangs changed their format and turned into the "deep state" in Turkey. These deep state elements continued their massacres and manipulations and drenched Turkey with blood during the Republican era. We have these deep state elements, but we also have many people fighting against them with or without knowing the history."
True the word genocide is not used in that paragraph. Instead Cengiz is using the phrase Massacres of Armenians. However, in the 5th paragraph he openly talks about the Armenan genocide in the following way. "I was in Toronto last year attending an extremely interesting course on genocide. For two weeks we went into all the details of different genocides that took place in various parts of the world. All lecturers gave exemplary presentations, and I felt I had really learned something. However, I also realized that there was a fundamental difference in the way in which the Armenian genocide is being handled. When we spoke about the Holocaust, we spoke of the Nazi regime; when we discussed the genocide in Cambodia, we talked about the Khmer regime; when it came to the Armenian genocide, though, we only heard the word "Turks."
While his sincerity is most appreciated he does have a point that when the world refers of the Jewish or Cambodia national tragedies we do refer to regimes. However, we speak of the Armenian Genocide Turks are indeed pointed. But why is this?
It is the 90 years of the denial of the truth and the fear to face its own history that has made things come to this place, where a Turk is pointed when speaking of the Armenian Genocide. Why is it taking Germany only 20 years to face the Jewish Holocaust, say thank you and compensate, but when it comes to the Armenian Genocide even the past 90 years are not enough?
It is believe that if Turkey had earlier recognized the genocide and condemned it the following generations would have blamed it to the ruling regime of the time not the nation. In fact, I have heard many stories that many Turkish families have risked their lives hiding the Armenian families, their neighbors from massacres and killings in and around 1915.
A historic moment is upon us. Today the president of Armenian, meeting with the leaders of various Armenian parties and discussing the pre-signing of the Turkey Armenia normalization protocols, despite much criticism, said that "we want to show that even the nation that has fallen a victim to a genocide can be the first to offer a hand of normalization of relationship." Arming themselves with sincerity, honesty and the sense of fairness and justice the Armenian, Turkish and Azerbaijani nations should look to a new South Caucasus, building a better future for their children and themselves.
The Awakening Of "Hidden Armenians" May Come True, Aysor Sept 18 2009 Armenia "If the diplomatic ties are established and the border is reopened then Armenians which hide their identity, the so-called "hidden Armenians", may awake," said at today's meeting with journalists Ruben Melkonyan, a turkologist.
As he forecasts the "hidden Armenian's awaking" may become the positive development coming true in the context of Armenian-Turkish relations.
Mr. Melkonyan also touched upon the total number of Armenians living in Turkey, noting that circulating quantity of 4 million Armenians in Turkey is not realistic. More realistic number is 1-1.5 million.
Note that data of 1-1.5 million Armenians is provided by Armenian Patriarchate in Istanbul.
Speaking about relations between Armenian and Turkish intelligentsia, Mr. Melkonyan said that there were communications with Turkish intelligentsia; however, those of Turkish are strained.
According to Mr. Melkonyan, the issues concerning both sides are closed for Turkish and even banned. These things explain tension inside Turkish intelligentsia.
"The very small part of Turkish intelligentsia which has courage to call a spade a spade and not to avoid historical reality, is communicating with Armenian intelligentsia."
R. Melkonyan: Ottoman Empire's Archives Have Been Purged, Aysor Sept 18 2009 Armenia "Both item on committee [of historians] and mutual recognition of borders are those ones that have definitely caused different assumptions and opinions, and there is a reason to," said at today's meeting with journalists Ruben Melkonyan, a turkologist.
Mr. Melkonyan underlined that Para on committee of historians needs to be systematized. Thus, the turkologist is interested how the committee will form an agenda, who will enter the committee, and what have the historians do in committee if that is governmental and so on.
Mr. Melkonyan thinks that none of Armenian historians will discuss issue of Armenian Genocide and at the same time he doesn't exclude that Turkish side will do its best to make it the subject of discussions.
"The most important issue that the Turkish push is Ottoman Empire's archives learning," said Mr. Melkonyan. He noted that the Turkish are trying just to play, having announced that one can find facts that prove otherwise. He says the issue of archives is their "trump card", that is why the Turkish side offers mutual opening of archives referring to Dashnaky's ones in Boston.
"Ottoman Empire's archives were purged many times," said Ruben Melkonyan, "after Young Turks lost they have just destroyed all the archival documents."
"Documents directly confirming Armenian Genocide have been destroyed," the turkologist said adding that issue of Armenian-Turkish relations has numerous other problems which are closed even for the Turkish researchers.
Armenian President Builds Backing For Turkey Ties (Afp) YEREVAN — Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian held five hours of talks with the country's political leaders on Thursday as he sought to build support for the delicate aim of establishing diplomatic ties with Turkey.
Speaking at the opening of the closed-door talks, Sarkisian said the meeting with members of 52 political parties was aimed at hearing all perspectives on the controversial issue.
"I have heard various opinions in detail, I have heard positive, encouraging statements, and I have heard criticisms and concerns as well," Sarkisian said.
"Obviously I also see risks and have concerns. But in order to assess the risks properly... we must bring all of our observations together," he said.
"I see the end of this process only as providing the minimum environment to begin a dialogue with Turkey," he said.
Armenia and Turkey announced last month they had agreed a framework to establish diplomatic ties and reopen their border after decades of hostility, in what was internationally hailed as a major breakthrough.
The two countries said they would hold internal political consultations for six weeks before submitting to their parliaments two protocols on establishing diplomatic ties and developing bilateral relations.
The deal has come under fire from opposition groups in both countries, which accuse their governments of making concessions.
Turkey has long refused to establish diplomatic links with Armenia over Yerevan's efforts to have World War I-era massacres of Armenians by Ottoman Turks recognised as genocide -- a label Ankara strongly rejects.
Armenians say up to 1.5 million of their kin were systematically killed between 1915 and 1917 as the Ottoman Empire, the predecessor of modern Turkey, was falling apart.
Turkey also closed its border with Armenia in 1993 in solidarity with ally Azerbaijan over Yerevan's backing of ethnic Armenian separatists in the breakaway Nagorny Karabakh region.
"Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidents intensified talks between with mediation of their Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev," he said.
"If we do not see Armenia taking action, the border will not be opened," Milliyet quoted Erdogan as saying.
William Schabas: No State Can Renounce International Commitments, Information-Analytic Agency News.Am Sept 17 2009 In his interview with the Lebanon-based Aztag daily, Professor William A. Schabas, Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the National University of Ireland, referred to the principles of international law, saying that a successor state is responsible for its predecessors' actions. Prof. William A. Schabas participated in recent conference on the Armenian Genocide and International Law in Beirut.
Speaking of the complicated relations between Armenia and Turkey, as well as of the Armenian Genocide, Prof. Schabas pointed out that a state cannot renounce its international commitments, reorganizing itself. The relevant provisions of international law are quite clear.
As regards the different opinions that in 2015, after a hundred years have passed since the events in the Ottoman Empire, the issue may be removed from the agenda, Prof. Schabas stated no law sets any terms, particularly 100 years, as a time limitation for crimes like that. On the other hand he pointed out that it is more and more difficult to lay claims as time passes. No doubt, deported people have the right to return to their native lands. The same principle applies to their children and grandchildren. The law says that the rights to claims become less and less topical in the course of time. Prof. Schabas did not say anything definite concerning the Armenian Cause. He once more pointed out that no law sets any time limits to the right of claim.
Reconciliation Doesn't Mean Armenians Will Stop Seeking Genocide Recognition: Us Official, Tert Sept 17 2009 Armenia David L. Phillips, a senior fellow at the US-based Atlantic Council, has said the Turkish government is working on democratic reforms not to satisfy the demands of the European Union or the United States but because of its own interests.
A journalist from Turkish daily Today's Zaman asked Mr. Philips about genocide recognition demands from the Armenian side.
"Adopting a treaty on normalization and recognition is an event that occurs on a specific date. Reconciliation between Turks and Armenians is a process that is going to require a long time and a lot of interaction. Opening the border, Turks and Armenians will be able to come together. That will deepen mutual understanding and promote reconciliation between these two peoples. But that doesn't mean that Armenians will stop seeking recognition of the genocide. My experience with historians is that they come to the table with piles of books and papers justifying their conclusions. I suspect that this commission will not reach a definitive conclusion that is satisfactory to either side," David L. Phillips answered.
Turkish-Armenians Would Like To See An Open Border, Tert Sept 17 2009 In speaking with Tert.am's correspondents recently, representatives of the Armenian community in Turkey state that the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border would be a positive step for the community.
People from all walks of life -- lawyers, journalists, businessmen --echoed this opinion. Tert.am's correspondents, while in Istanbul, attempted to investigate, in particular, what would the benefits be for the Armenian community if the border were to open.
All those whom Tert.am correspondents spoke to were in favour of developing Armenian-Turkish relations and for the border opening. An open border could provide a range of benefits to Istanbul's Armenian community: the community would be able to preserve itself and further its development.
Today the Armenian community in Istanbul has challenges. Basic statistics show this. Though Armenian churches and schools have played and still play a serious role in Istanbul, their number has reduced in the past few years. For instance, about ten years ago, the number of children studying in Armenian schools was 4,500, while this year that number has dropped to 3,092. There is an issue of textbooks in the schools, they are old, and quite possibly, it is difficult to print new textbooks, though the Turkish government has already agreed to finance the project.
It's only natural that more and more Turkish citizens of Armenian descent prefer to send their children to Turkish schools: this way, the children can integrate more quickly into society.
In the case of an open border, parents who left Armenia for Turkey and who currently have no legal status would be able to send their children to Armenian schools. Currently, however, the absence of legal status prohibits those children from attending school. For example, one eleven-year-old girl, whose parents came to Istanbul ten years ago, has never attended school. She is literate in neither Armenian nor Turkish. This child has no future in Turkey, though returning to Armenia is not really an option either.
During his life, Hrant Dink raised this concern. Today, the Turkish paper Agos continues to write about it. They call upon the Armenian community to exercise pressure on the Turkish government so that it will allow immigrant children from Armenia to attend classes in Armenian schools at least informally -- to at least sit in on the classes. For now, it is difficult for the community to raise this issue, since there are many other challenges.
Turkish-Armenians mention that establishing diplomatic relations will change the situation greatly; in particular, many Armenians will gain legal status, their children will attend Armenian schools, and they will be able to participate in the community to the fullest extent.
Arf-D Sees Hints Of Nagorno-Karabakh In Armenian-Turkish Protocols Tert, Sept 17 2009 The foreign minister of the Republic of Armenia has no intention of making any changes to Armenian-Turkish Protocols, said ARF-D 'Armenian Cause' and political affairs bureau director Kiro Manoyan to journalists today.
"Logic dictates that the aim of these discussions is that, at the end of the day, if the sides have proposals, they must present them," Manoyan said.
According to him, the ruling party and the opposition, considering ARF-D's objections, preferred not to speak about the nature of the issue, but rather, to speak about the ARF-D's achievements and faults.
ARF-D representatives complain that "Armenia in practice satisfies the three preconditions set by Turkey back in the 1990s. One of them is that Armenia states it has no demands from Turkey, the second is that Armenia refuses to continue the process of Armenian Genocide recognition."
Besides, Manoyan expressed his dissatisfaction with the governing party's statement that the Armenian-Turkish Committee will not be "a committee of historians" but "a committee of experts." "It's clear that it is the subcommittee of the same "committee of historians," which will be used by Turkey to hamper the international recognition process of the Armenian Genocide."
Manoyan named the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue as the third precondition, noting the authorities' statement that there is no mention of the word "Karabakh" in the Protocols. ARF-D representative stated that there are hints about Karabakh in the Protocols, recalling the statement of the Turkish foreign minister, which said that Armenian-Turkish relations would not be established before the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.
Bryza's Spouse Discloses Nkr, Armenian-Turkish Processes Azg Daily 09-09-2009 The re-opening of the Armenian-Turkish border fully meets the West's interests, as it will make Armenia less dependent on Russia and Iran, that the U.S. has failed to achieve for many years despite the great financial assistance to Armenia, Zeyno Baran, Director of the Center for Eurasian Policy and a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, a research centre located in Washington D.C., said in her interview with the TURAN news agency, news.am reports.
The prospective reopening of the Armenian-Turkish border will draw Armenia closer to the West, which will allow the country to have partners other than Russia and Iran. It will enable Armenians and Turks to turn to their past together and try to make their future better, Baran said.
According to her, official Ankara has been and will be taking Azerbaijan's interests into account in making decisions on all the Caucasus-related issues, including the Armenian-Turkish rapprochement.
Baran gave assurances that Armenian-Turkish diplomatic relations would ensure caution on the part of all the regional players and enhance stability and security in the South Caucasus.
Baran said she, as well as many in Turkey, understand Azerbaijan's concern. However, she does not think Turkey will make a step to the detriment of Azerbaijan's interests. It is not only because of strategic relations and growing exports of Azerbaijani energy resources through Turkey, but also because of the affinity between the two nations, she said.
She also made an almost straightforward statement that a breakthrough in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process should be expected soon: after the Armenian-Turkish negotiations, the sides are speaking of the possible reopening of the border by the end of the year. This will enhance the efficiency of negotiations for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The present agreement may evidence the ness to settle the conflict now than leave it for the future. In the next few months, all the three Governments (Armenia, Turkey and Azerbaijan) will be seeking to resolve these most complicated and important problems. It would make the region free of recriminations and mutual threats, Zeyno Baran said.
Adl District Committee Of Us And Canada Letter To President Obama, AZG DAILY, 09-09-2009, September 7, 2009
Honorable President Barack Obama, The White House 1800 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, DC 20001
Dear Mr. President, Your election as the leader of world's most powerful nation on earth restored America's credibility among nations and placed the country on the path of its Founding Father's.
We believe that your vision will be able to bring peace to the world and prosperity at home, because your policies match America's moral power to its military strength.
It was that vision which took all the Armenians by storm and helped to give a landslide mandate to your administration.
One million strong American-Armenian Community was also mobilized to join the movement mostly inspired by your unswerving stand on issues that concern the us the most. Your continued actions as senator, and later your pledge as presidential candidate did not leave any doubt that this time around moral fortitude would prevail over political expediency.
Most reassuring was specially your statement made in April 12, 2007 which said in particular: "For those who aren't aware that there was a genocide that did take place against the Armenian people. It is one of these situations where we have seen a constant denial on the part of the Turkish government and others that this occurred".
In April of 2009 your statement about the Martyrs' Day Commemoration, unfortunately fell short of your earlier pledges, allowing the Turkish government pretending a breakthrough in Armenian-Turkish relations and then retracting.
However we do believe that your other public and private relevant statements in Ankara and your administration's relevant political actions have brought about a change in Turkish policy's long standing intransigence, we believe that those changes must not stand on your way to fulfill your pledge deny Turkish policy makers to find subterfuge in Armenia's hesitation.
For many years the promise that using the word Genocide may harm American-Turkish relations has proven wrong. Every time Turkey makes a headway in that direction, America's moral paradigm is compromised. Hiding festering wounds will not help healing.
Thanks to your leadership, recent Protocols were made public by the representative foreign ministries of Armenia, Turkey and Switzerland on August 31. Those advances must not pre-empt America's moral standing, nor its credible foreign policy.
We urge you at this critical stage of the entire Caucasus region to confront Turkish leaders with the historic through. That will help in the first place heel the deep wounds in the history of the Turkish people, thereby laying the foundations of a true democracy aspiring the family of civilized nations.
We believe that will also be consonant to your conscience of America's global leadership and help Armenian region its place in the world.
A Conference To Struggle Against Genocide Denails To Be Held In European Parliament, ArmInfo 2009-09-09 ArmInfo. A conference to struggle against genocide denails will be held in European Parliament in October, European Armenian Federation reported.
The European Armenian Federation, the Jewish Laic Community Centre and IBUKA-France have organised the conference.
This conference comes in the scope of the future Pan-European penalisation of denial: a decision[1] of the European Union which enforces criminal prosecutions against deniers must be transposed in the 27 Member States legislations before the end of 2010. The conference entitled "Denial and Democracy in Europe" must be transposed in the 27 Member States legislations before the end of 2010. The conference entitled "Denial and Democracy in Europe" is placed under the patronage of the European deputy Elmar Brok (German Conservative).
Political officials, lawyers, historians and scholars in social sciences - great figures in the fight against denial - will present the common points between denials of the various genocides. They will aim to convince the European leaders of the need for extending the penal provisions against all cases of proven denials as allowed by the European decision.
It's Naive To Believe Turkish Archives Retained Proofs Of Armenian Genocide 09.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ "The point stipulated in RA-Turkish protocols on creating historic research subcommittee is unacceptable, as by researching archives on Armenian Genocide, we automatically question the fact of the Genocide," Gnchakyan Social Democratic Party Leader Lyudmila Sargsyan said at today's joint news conference with RA Republican Party representative Sukias Avetisyan.
According to Sargsyan, by discussing the Genocide issue with Turkey, Armenia not only allows to question the Genocide fact, but also places states which already recognized the crime against humanity in awkward situation.
Sukias Avetisyan noted that by researching Turkish archives for proofs of Genocide, Armenia will acquire new facts to confirm truthfulness of Armenian party.
In reply to RA Republican Party representative's statement, Lyudmila Sargsyan noted that Armenia would be very naive to believe Turkish archives retained any documents proving the fact of Armenian Genocide
II International Conference On "Ukrainian Armenians: Present, Past And Future" Finished In Crimea, 09.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ II International Conference on "Ukrainian Armenians: Present, Past and Future" finished in Crimea. The event was dedicated to the history of Armenian people, one of conference organizers David Davtyan, expert at Analitika.at.ua, told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.
"After several years of restoration work, the monastery today revives its one time glory of a religious and scientific centre," said conference organization committee member, Doctor of Philosophy Oleg Gabrielyan, addressing scholars and other guests from different parts of Ukraine, as well as Armenia, Russia, Belarus and Poland. Participants heard reports of 30 people.
Conference closed yesterday at 6:00 p.m. During the festive dinner, participants exchanged views on reports delivered. Scholars expressed great desire to visit Sourb Khach Armenian monastery once again and share views on their new works and ideas," Davtyan said.
Monument To Armenian Genocide Victims To Be Erected In Moscow, 09.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ On September 8, Moscow Municipal House hosted the regular session of Monumental Art Committee which reviewed the proposal on building a sculptural composition dedicated to Armenian Genocide victims. Considering initiators' willingness to cover financial costs, committee members found it advisable to include the proposal in the "Appendix on Building Monumental Constructions of Urban Importance. "
Architectural composition may be placed on the territory of New Nakhichevan and Russian Eparchy of Armenian Apostolic Church, which is currently at the stage of construction, Regions.ru reports.
Armen Ashotyan: Armenians Have Disinterested Attitude About Knowledge, 09.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Ministry of Education has to main goals. These are to secure the economy sector with highly skilled specialists and to make education inseparable part of upbringing of generations, Armenia's Education Minister Armen Ashotyan said.
Reorganization of the legislative field is one of major tasks, according to him.
"Our legislation suffer from grave shortcomings and is not in line with international standard," he said. "Although the government managed to secure AMD 270 million (out of planned AMD 370 million), further development of the education system will demand heavier expenses."
The Minister also remarked that Armenians have disinterested attitude about knowledge. "Curiously enough, many prefer to pay in order not to study," he said.
Imf: Open Borders Can Whip Up Armenian Economy, 09.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ The International Monetary Fund hopes that open borders will be a perfect stimulus for Armenia's economy.
"Armenia is still a transition economy with ongoing market processes," Ms. Nienke Oomes, IMF Resident Representative in Armenia, told reporters in Yerevan today.
"There is a large number of market mechanisms but the country is not competitive enough," she said.
Armenia's competitiveness index has not changed. The country is 97th in the list of 133 countries of the world.
Switzerland-Armenia Association Opposes Protocols ; Issues Position Paper
BERN—The Switzerland-Armenia Association issued a position paper Wednesday criticizing the protocols on the establishment and development of relations between Turkey and Armenia.
In the announcement, the organization fleshes out the contentious points of the protocols and dangers it poses to Armenia and its national security. It is significant since Switzerland is mediating the talks between Turkey and Armenia.
Below is the position paper:
Switzerland – Armenia Association (SAA) Position Paper on the Protocols for the Establishment and Development of Diplomatic Relations Between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey Protocols intended to be ratified by the Parliaments of Armenia and Turkey
Introduction
If ratified by the respective Parliaments of the two Republics, these Protocols will have the value of an international treaty; they will be legally valid under international law, and the parties will assume obligations among themselves. It will not be possible to object to these obligations unless a new treaty, with different content is ratified.
The following items and clauses of the Protocols are to be disputed:
I. Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Armenia and Republic of Turkey
3rd point:
“Reconfirming their commitment, in their bilateral and international relations, to respect and ensure respect for the principles of equality, sovereignty, non intervention in the internal affairs of other states, territorial integrity and inviolability of frontiers.”
• Armenia has already subscribed to these principles by signing the UN Charter at the time of independence.
• Armenia will no longer have the right to negotiate for Karabakh. Under international law, the region of Karabakh is currently, legally part of Azerbaijan territory. Karabakh runs the enormous risk of no longer being supported by its mother country (the Republic of Armenia), thus being left alone in its claim for self-determination, part of the Principles of Madrid.
• It is unclear as to why the Protocols expressly cite the principles of sovereignty, non intervention in the internal affairs of other States, territorial integrity and inviolability of frontiers, but do not make any explicit or implicit reference to the principle of the right of self-determination. This right does not appear in this, or in any other paragraph within both this Protocol and the one on the Development of Relations Between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey. In fact, the indirect reference to it, by citing the Final Act of Helsinki (which includes the right to self-determination, quoted in point 2 of the same protocol) does not imply that the Protocol could make reference to it. It implies that the issue of self-determination cannot be raised unless the Republic of Azerbaijan agrees to refer to it. If raised, the right of self-determination under these Protocols would be subordinate to territorial integrity.
• By not mentioning it separately, and not asking Turkey for a clear reference to it, the right to self-determination and the reaffirmation of this principle which has the value of an “imperative norm of international law” will loose its prevalence over any other principle; there is an acquiescence by the signatory, that this principle does not apply to the subject matter because the subject is not open for discussion. The reference to the final Act of Helsinki, whose dogma of territorial integrity prevails, is nothing more than a direct intention to undermine this willingness.
• Armenia will no longer have the right to raise concerns about the possible abuse of Armenian cultural patrimony in Turkey and as part of its claims in relation to its historical properties. It is indirect acknowledgement of the effective legislation applied by Turkey since the events of 1915 to render ineffective any claim on such properties.
• Directly related to this point is that as a signatory of the Protocols in question, Armenia will no longer have the right to hold Azerbaijan accountable in front of an international authority for the destruction of the Khatchkars (Cross-Stones) of Djougha (Nakhitchevan), the Armenian cemetery in Baku and many other Armenian monuments on Azerbaijani territory.
• In addition, the destruction of Armenian monuments and churches in Georgia, especially in Tiflis and in the Armenian populated Region of Samtkhe Djavaketi (Djavakhk), will never be subject to international condemnation. Moreover, by signing these protocols Armenia will not have the right to defend Armenians in Djavakhk, this is a direct reference to the Vahak Chakhalian case.
5th point:
“Confirming the mutual recognition of the existing border between the two countries as defined by the relevant treaties of international law,”
• This is a direct reference to the Treaty of Kars (1921) and the Treaty of Lausanne (1923), but not the Treaty of Sèvres (1920), which was signed by the Ottoman Empire on August 10, 1920, but has not been ratified by the Ottoman Parliament. Armenia was not present during the negotiations leading to the Treaty of Lausanne and could thus advance the reserve that it did not sign this treaty. Armenia could also make the point that Soviet Armenia was forced to sign the Treaty of Kars. It is vital to note that President Wilson got a Mandate from all of the Powers present in Sèvres in order to establish the new territorial boundaries for Armenians, the Kurds and the Turks. The definition of these boundaries did not depend upon ratification. An international arbitration on these boundaries has been rendered, and as a judicial instrument, is still in force. If Armenia signs this Protocol, it will put an end to the existing judicial controversy and the Republic of Armenia will permanently loose all of its claims to land in Turkey.
• The recognition of borders would put an end to the debate; the victims of the Armenian Genocide were subject to a massive ethnic cleansing campaign and are entitled to reparations. Accepting these boundaries leaves by definition, the question of liability aside. Responsibility under international law leads by definition to appropriate reparations; this is what would have happened with recognition of the Genocide. Here Armenia recognizes the borders, recognizes the Treaty of Lausanne, and the crime is left in the hands of a “sub committee”, whose decisions will not be considered a judgment having relevance under international law. At best, this committee will recognize a historical fact. Therefore, Armenian claims of any nature whatsoever, territorial, legal etc. will be waived and no longer considered.
6th point:
(…) Reiterating their commitment to refrain from pursuing any policy incompatible with the spirit of good neighborly relations.” (…) • This point is a direct intention, and Turkey’s aim, to definitively block international recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Furthermore, this point would be used against any claim or issue Armenia should make concerning the destiny of Armenian cultural and architectural patrimony in Turkey, bilaterally or under international law. Although indirectly, this point could be used against Armenia’s role in the Karabakh conflict, given the close ties between Turkey and Azerbaijan.
II. Protocol on the Development of Relations Between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey
6th point:
“Reiterating their commitment to the peaceful settlement of regional and international disputes and conflicts on the basis of the norms and principles of international law,”
• The Karabakh conflict is directly implied here as is the issue of Armenian Genocide reparations. Clear reference is made to the Karabakh conflict, and implies that the Republic of Armenia is no longer entitled to support, help, or contribute to the defense of the Republic of Karabakh.
• Karabakh: what are the criteria under international law for defining the legitimacy of a region within an existing country, giving that region its independence? As mentioned previously, under international law the right of self-determination prevails over any other principle, including that of territorial integrity. However, by signing these Protocols where such criterion is not included, is a clear indication that this principle is to be excluded from this issue; it would therefore be impossible for the Republic of Armenia to make any reference to it, in relation to the conflict at stake.
• Reparations: As long as: Turkey will not sign a document recognizing the Genocide, or an international criminal court does not condemn Turkey (as successor of the Ottoman Empire) for the Armenian Genocide, the General Assembly of the United Nations will have no reason to condemn it; as a consequence, there will be no instrument under international law to pursue Turkey — as legal successor of the Ottoman Empire, for this crime (even only to require that moral reparations be met).
• Directly related to the former is a decision of a court case in the United States on 20 August 2009, where the absence of such an instrument, as well as the absence of legal recognition by the U.S. Government that the Armenian Genocide occurred, was fundamental in the ruling by a federal appeals court. The ruling found that Armenian American descendants of the victims of the 1915-18 massacres by Ottoman Turks, are not permitted to sue foreign insurance companies for unpaid claims. Amazingly, the appeals court did not take then US President Ronald Reagan’s speech commemorating and recognizing the Armenian Genocide in 1981 into consideration, and did not take into consideration both joint resolutions passed by the US House of Representatives in 1975 and 1984, textually recognizing the Armenian Genocide. However, the recognition of this crime by more than 20 national Parliaments and five Governments (France, Greece, Argentina, Uruguay and Canada), the Swiss Supreme Court in condemning the denialist Dogu Perincek, and the Whitaker Report (on the prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide, approved by the UN Sub-Commission on the Prevention of Discrimination and the Protection of Minorities) is tangible evidence of heightened sensibility and international law in this sense.
2nd agreement, 2nd paragraph:
“Implement a dialogue on the historical dimension with the aim to restore mutual confidence between the two nations, including an impartial and scientific examination of the historical records and archives to define existing problems and formulate recommendations;”
• This item is one of the most controversial points in this Protocol, and puts Armenia at great risk with respect to its relations with the Diaspora: Armenia does not have the right to speak on behalf of the entire Nation, which includes the Diaspora (this point in the Protocol specifies “Nations” and not Countries, and holds true for the remainder of the text).
• The SAA does not concur with following phrase in the Protocol: “to define existing problems”. Is the Genocide an existing problem that needs to be redefined? Or is the problem in fact that the Genocide has not yet been recognized by the Republic of Turkey? Or is it that relations between the two Nations cannot move forward because of the unresolved issue of the Genocide? Mutual confidence between Armenia and Turkey on the “historical dimension” cannot be restored but by Turkish recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Affirming that an “impartial and scientific examination” is needed leaves the assumption that such work did not take place before the drafting of this Protocol — such an intention is flagrantly untrue.
• The conclusions by a Sub-Commission on the “historical dimension” will not be a binding resolution for Turkey; only recommendations are foreseen. Given Turkey’s track record, it would be highly unlikely that the Republic of Turkey will take any responsibility for the Armenian Genocide based on simple recommendations. Worthy of particular note however is that if the Protocols are ratified, it will be the first time that the Republic of Turkey has participated in a commission, at an international level in relation to the 1915 events. The following is certain: the commission’s conclusions will have no impact or effect under international law; the objective of the commission being explicitly defined, is to study “the historical dimension”. The SAA finds it evident that the commission shall not be allowed to deviate from this objective, nor entitled to conclude in a manner different from that of mere historical appreciation.
Bern, 8 September 2009 Asbarez/
Turkey, Australia, New Zealand To Conduct Historical Studies In Gallipoli, September 9, 2009 Anatolia News Agency Turkish, Australian and New Zealander historians are readying to carry out historical studies on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Australian Ambassador to Turkey Peter Doyle; Ian Campbell, a secretary of the Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs; and Matthew Cartledge, the adviser to the secretary; paid a visit on Wednesday to the Onsekiz Mart University rector, Ali Akdemir, in the western province of Çanakkale.
During the meeting, the Turkish and Australian authorities discussed the launching of joint studies in the historical national park on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Ian Campbell said that Turkish, Australian and New Zealander historians and archaeologists would launch joint historical and archaeological studies in the Anzac Cave, where Anzac soldiers landed during the Çanakkale Battles.
Campbell also said he hoped the studies would illuminate many unknown issues regarding the Anzac Cave.
The Battle of Çanakkale took place on Gallipoli Peninsula in the west of Turkey from April 25, 1915 to Jan. 9, 1916, during World War I.
A joint British Empire and French operation was mounted to capture the Ottoman capital of Istanbul, and secure a sea route to Russia. The attempt failed, with heavy casualties on both sides.
In Australia and New Zealand, the campaign was the first major battle undertaken by a joint military formation, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, or Anzac, and is often considered to mark the birth of national consciousness in both of these countries. Anzac Day (April 25) remains the most significant commemoration of military casualties and veterans in Australia and New Zealand, surpassing Armistice Day/Remembrance Day.
Each year, thousands of people, many of them Australians and New Zealanders, travel to the battlefields in northwestern Turkey on Anzac Day, the anniversary of the start of the campaign.
International Conference on Genocide and International Law Concludes, 8 September 2009 BEIRUT—The two-day international conference entitled “The Armenian Genocide and International Law” organized by Haigazian University and the Armenian National Committee of the Middle East (ANC-ME) concluded on September 4.
This long-planned conference began on Sept. 2, with an inaugural speech by the President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus, Marios Garoyan who stated that his presence as the guest speaker of the conference was driven by his country’s “commitment to international law, peace, security and stability, but also the determination to continue to condemn, on every possible occasion, any infringement of International Law by acts of Genocide.”
During the next two days of the conference, 13 experts in the fields of Genocide and international law from the US, Canada, Switzerland, Ireland, Armenia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Lebanon joined more than 80 local political scientists, activists, sociologists, historians, religious leaders, educators, academicians, international correspondents, journalists and students, in taking an important step forward in addressing the consequences of the Armenian Genocide and promoting a fair perspective through international law.
In a profoundly academic atmosphere, the conference covered such topics as genocide denial and recognition issues, Turkish nationalism and the politics of denial, as well as the economic aspect of the genocide and the issues of lands and assets. Within the framework of international law, the conference discussed the general topics of genocide and crimes against humanity, retribution, and preservation of the Armenian cultural heritage.
Conference panoramic (Medium)More specifically, Dr. George Charaf from the University of Lebanon lectured on the problem of minorities and majorities, discussing the case of the Ottoman Empire.
Dr. Ugur Ungor, from the University of Sheffield, talked about demographic engineering in the Ottoman Empire and the Armenian Genocide.
Dr. Mohammad Rifaat, from the University of Alexandria, discussed the Armenian Question according to Arab sources.
Dr. William Schabas from the National University of Ireland discussed the problems and prospects of the Genocide and international law, 60 years after the International Genocide Convention.
Dr. Alfred De Zayas, from the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations, elaborated on the issues of justice and international law regarding the Armenian Genocide.
Khatchig Mouradian, a Ph.D. candidate in Genocide Studies at Clark University, lectured on the Armenians, Raphael Lemkin and the UN Convention.
Dr. Taner Akcam’s paper entitled, “Turkish Nationalism and the Armenian Genocide Issue in Turkey Today” was presented in absentia.
Dr. Ragip Zarakolu, Vice President of Human Rights Association of Turkey, tackled the issue of Genocide denial and law in Turkey.
In the same context, Dr. Seyhan Bayraktar, from the University of Zurich, covered the evolution of the Armenian Genocide denial in the Turkish Press.
A PhD. Candidate, at John Hopkins University, Bilgin Ayata discussed Kurdish-Armenian relations and the Armenian Genocide.
Dr. Roger Smith, a professor emeritus of government at the College of William and Mary in Virginia, lectured on professional ethics and the denial of the Armenian Genocide.
Dr. Henry Theriault, from the Worcester State College, discussed restorative justice and alleviating the consequences of genocide.
And finally, Dr. Richard Hovannisian, from UCLA, covered the issue of universalizing the legacy of the Armenian Genocide.
The sessions were moderated by Dr. Arda Ekmekji, Dr. Naila Kaidbey, Giro Manoyan, Dr. Rania Masri, Dr. Joseph Bayeh, Dr. Ohannes Geukjian, Antranig Dakessian and Dr. Haig Demoyan.
Haigazian University President, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian said that such conferences will always keep the Genocide issue alive, giving an increasingly growing international momentum to it. Haidostian said that “the topic of Genocide, and this conference in particular, will hopefully open the door to further academic studies and research, activating deeper study in the economic, social and legal aspects of inter-state relations.”
On the sidelines of the conference, public lectures were held spanning over three evenings on related topics.
Conference organizers announced that the presentations were expected to be published in a volume.
The inaugural session of the conference took place at the hall of the First Armenian Evangelical Church of Beirut.
Among the capacity audience were present Minister Alain Tabourian, representing the Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, Parliament Member Hagop Pakradouni, representing the Parliament Speaker Mr. Nabih Berry, Minister Jean Oghasabian, representing the President of the Council of Ministers, Fouad Sanioura, Member of Parliament Sebouh Kalpakian, representing the appointed President of the Council of Ministers, Saad Rafic Hariri, Parliament Member Shant Chinchinian, ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Cyprus, Uruguay, the Czech Republic, President of the Union of Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, Rev. Megrdich Karagozian, Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Lebanon, Bishop Kegham Khatcherian, the president of the Armenian Protestant community in Syria, Rev. Haroutune Selimian, representatives of embassies, Armenian and Lebanese political parties, cultural associations, former members of parliament and ministers, religious leaders and guests of the conference.
Haigazian University’s public relations director Mira Yardemian welcomed the audience, noting that “this conference is being held at a time when world politics and indeed the relations between Turkey and Armenia are witnessing significant change, a season of breaking news.”
In his message, the President of Haigazian University Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian emphasized that “the Armenian Genocide is not simply an Armenian problem but essentially an international burden.” Haidostian added that, “the victim carries a strong sense of ownership of pain, but human civilization cannot be considered as highly developed if it does not embrace a sense of advocacy for the victimized.”
Speaking of Genocide, Haidostian drew the attention to four key points. First, “that injustices of any nation against any other nation are part of the same human manifestation of evil that require joint, and effective global action.” Second, “that this international conference convenes in a country, Lebanon, which continues to be a unique land of dialogue and culture despite the ever-present seeds of misunderstanding.” Third, giving the example of Haigazian University, and more specifically, giving the name of Armenag Haigazian, a victim of the Armenian Genocide, Haidostian emphasized, “our calling has been and continues to be standing up for new life not only for Armenians but especially for our Arab brothers and sisters, and really, all people of the world.” Finally, Haidostian explained that given the fact that this conference is being held at a university it reminds us that no academic community can be value-neutral. “A university may be a neutral medium of dialogue, but it is essentially a forum of passion for deeper knowledge, responsibility, and enlightenment.”
In her message, Executive Director of the ANC-ME, Vera Yacoubian, spoke about the efforts of the Armenian National Committee in highlighting the important role of the Armenian community throughout the Middle East and its coexistence with it surrounding Arab and Islamic communities and the efforts it invests in addressing the Armenian question with all its historical, political and judicial implications to public opinion.
Yacoubian expressed hope that this conference would provide a significant breakthrough in analyzing the Armenian Genocide given the fact that it brings together a large group of specialists in the arena of genocide and international law and because that this conference is taking place in a region which is still suffering the its Ottoman inherited values.
Regarding Turkish-Armenian relations, Yacoubian noted: “we cannot ignore or disregard recent developments and address these pending issues without resolving past history between the two nations.” Yacoubian added that “indeed Turkish-Armenian relations carry the heavy burden of the Armenian genocide and there is high level of doubt and mistrust regarding Turkish intentions.”
Yacoubian concluded by questioning that in the context of these developments, what are Turkey’s responsibilities towards the acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide and the future of the Armenian Question.
Garoyian expressed his gratitude to the organizing bodies, expressing that his presence here is driven by his country’s “commitment to international law, peace, security and stability, but also their determination to continue to condemn, on every possible occasion, any infringement of International Law by acts of Genocide.”
Garoyian reiterated the fact that “on the one hand, governments and parliaments should act together and closely cooperate in terms of assessing the progress made with regard to the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and identify measures to be taken at all levels. On the other hand, it is the States that must cooperate for the prevention and punishing of those responsible for the crime of Genocide.”
Garoyian questioned the role that Turkey is playing as mediator, peacemaker and peacekeeper, in the wider Middle East, while Turkey continues to deny the truth of the crimes perpetrated by its Ottoman predecessors.
He noted that Cyprus has always stood by the side of the Armenian people in regard to their struggle for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. In 1975 the Cyprus House of Representatives was one of the first Parliaments in the world to adopt a resolution calling the atrocities inflicted upon the Armenians in and around 1915 as genocide. Garoyian added that Cyprus and its people have many more reasons to understand the injustice of the Armenian Genocide due to, “the implementation of Turkey’s policy of ethnic cleansing against Cyprus’ population during the 1974 invasion and the continuing occupation of 37 percent of Cyprus’ territory.”
Comments: A big ho-hum reaction Submitted by David Boyajian on Wed, 2009-09-09 When some academicians in Armenia recently wrote that Armenian American academicians were bought off and were minimizing how far back in time the history of the Armenian people goes, Armenian American academicians reacted with an angry petition.
When a young Turkish academician was arrested in Armenia a few years ago for allegedly trying to take historic books out of the country, Armenian American academicians were outraged and reacted with an angry petition.
But when Armenia negotiates Protocols with Turkey that call the Armenian Genocide into question and subject it to the whims of genocide deniers, and when those same Protocols strip the Armenian nation of its rights to regain its Western Armenian homeland and patrimony, these same academicians (like the ones in the conference in Lebanon above) react with a big ho-hum.
Now we know where their priorities lie: in an Ivory Tower.
reply from United States Scholars are not politicians Submitted by Patille on Wed, 2009-09-09 These scholars are not politicians nor lawyers to enact international law, which is what the conference apparently addressed. In fact, it pains me to say that many if not most Armenian scholars have allowed themselves to "pay for play," that is: be co-opted, silenced and/or bought off in order to keep their jobs or advance in their fields. With urgent matters at stake, these academics should have taken the opportunity, during an international gathering, to collectively produce a protest letter rejecting the Turkish/ Armenian protocols! "Studies" could go on indefinitely. Let us move on to restitution and reparations!
Armenian-Turkish Protocols To Confirm Kars Treaty, By Asbarez Staff on Sep 17th, 2009 YEREVAN (PanArmenian.net)—If signed, the protocols on establishing relations between Armenia and Turkey will give legal power to the treaty of Kars, signed between Kemalist Turkey and the Soviet government on October 13, 1921, according to Arman Melikyan, the former Foreign Minister of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.
The fifth clause in the first protocol establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries requires “the the mutual recognition of the existing border between the two countries as defined by the relevant treaties of international law.”
The only relevant treaty defining the de facto borders between the Republic of Armenia and Turkey is the Treaty of Kars, signed between Turkey and Bolshevik Russia, as well as the Soviet Republics of Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. Armenia, as vassal state at the time, was forced to relinquish its rights to the treaty of Sevres and cede control of Nakhichevan and Nagorno Karabakh to Azerbaijan. The treaty was not reconfirmed following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
“The Kars agreement stipulated the acknowledgement of borders between Turkey and the Caucasian states: Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. At present, the protocols specifies only the Republic of Armenia’s de facto border with Turkey,” Melikyan explained, adding that Yerevan should “annul the Kars agreement, and then continue its negotiations with Turkey.”
Melikyan added also that neither Azerbaijan nor Georgia have acknowledged their borders with Turkey, thus automatically annulling the agreement. As a result, Nakhichevan, which was given to Azerbaijan by the Kars treaty, legally does not belong to Azerbaijan.
According to Melikyan, Armenia will find itself at an unfavorable position vis-à-vis Turkey if it signs the protocols. “I don’t want such fate to befall our country,” he said, adding that Armenia will be at the mercy of the Turks if the Kars treaty is indirectly ratified through the protocols. “We have to clarify our relations with Turkey.”
What Happened In 1909?, Dover-Sherborn Press Sept 16 2009 Here are some of the key events of 1909, as recorded on suite101.com:
Popular novels of the time included "The Wonderful World of Oz," by Frank Baum, and Jack London's "Call of the Wild."
Leisure time was spent in family get-togethers, baseball, picnics and long Sunday drives (mostly by horse and buggy). In the evenings, families gathered for sing-alongs around the piano.
These 1909 events made headlines: · German researcher Paul Ehrlich found a cure for syphilis. · Shackleton's expedition reported finding the magnetic South Pole. · The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded. · Construction on the Titanic was begun. · The Roman Catholic Church named Joan of Arc a saint. · William Howard Taft took over from Teddy Roosevelt as President of the United States. · The first credit union in the U.S. was established. · The first event was held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. · Construction was begun on the modern city of Tel Aviv, Israel. · In the Ottoman Empire, thousands of Armenian Christians were slaughtered. · In 1909, life expectancy was under age 50, and the average worker made $12.98 per week for 59 hours. · The Model "T" Ford (or "Tin Lizzy") was starting to roll off the assembly lines, and people could buy homes from the Sears Catalog of Modern Homes.
· In addition to Mary McCarthy, other notable births from 1909 included Benny Goodman, Burl Ives, Katharine Hepburn, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Barry Goldwater, Gene Krupa, Simone Weil, Carmen Miranda, Queen Juliana (of the Netherlands) and Al Capp.
The Armenian Opening, Hurriyet Daily News Sept 15 2009 Obviously, there are objectionable and perhaps deplorable elements in the Turkish-Armenian protocols but a careful reconsideration might vividly demonstrate that they are products of a successful and diligent diplomacy that caters to most of Turkey's outstanding interests. Most important of all, though tacit, with these protocols Armenia has delivered Ankara two crucial concessions.
What are they?
First of all Armenia has accepted for the first time ever the creation of a history commission that might feature historians from interested third parties in examining the genocide claims. That is, without saying so the Serge Sarkisian administration of Armenian has conceded from the "Genocide is a fact, there is no need to verify it through scientific research or to discuss it" position. Secondly, for the first time ever in the post-Soviet era, Armenia has agreed to recognize the joint border with Turkey as was defined in the Kars treaty, though there is no reference in the protocols to the Kars treaty. Such recognition by Armenia is no less than declaring it has no territorial claims from Turkey or it has turned a cold shoulder to diaspora's land claims from Turkey.
Because of those concessions Sarkisian is now having a tough ride with the Armenian opposition, while many Turkish diplomats who devoted a life to battle Armenian claims against Turkey are expressing with satisfaction appreciation for the Turkish "diplomatic victory" in Armenia relations.
Yet, the opposition parties are fuming over the protocols and delivering tough statements as if the ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP, government has betrayed Turkey's national interests.
All the issues on the table in Turkish-Armenian negotiations, excluding one, are problems between the two countries. Recognition of the Kars treaty or the joint border defined by that treaty and Armenia declaring it has no territorial claims from Turkey, resolution of the genocide claims through studies of a joint historical commission, normalization of relations including establishment of diplomatic relations and opening of the border gates are the most prominent issues the Swiss-mediated silent diplomacy between Turkey and Armenia has been aiming to achieve. Of these topics, only normalization of relations and opening of the border gates heading was not a purely bilateral subject as suspension of the plans to open a Turkish embassy in Yerevan and closure of the border were decided by Ankara as a reaction to the invasion and subsequent occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh, a predominantly Armenian dominated enclave in Azerbaijan, and several Azerbaijani-population regions around the mountainous enclave.
Indeed, without abandoning Azerbaijan and landing Turkish-Azerbaijani relations in an unprecedented crisis and risking his own political future very seriously no Turkish leader can open the border without a resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh occupation or at least declaration of a withdrawal timetable by Armenia. Can Armenia undertake such a move now? What if, as was suggested earlier, Armenia withdraws from Nagorno-Karabakh and the Azeri regions around and Russian peacekeepers are deployed in the mountainous region? Even if with Azerbaijani demands Turkish troops join Russians as peacekeepers in the disputed territory, such a development might still be acceptable for Yerevan as an "interim formula." After all, were not Russian military elements together with Armenian troops in the occupation of the region?
Such a development may as well help Erdogan escape "treason" accusation in the 2010 or 2011 early polls while convert him into a "national hero" in Azerbaijan as he would have secured "liberation" of occupied Azerbaijani land.
The outcome would serve to Turkish-Russian relations, as well as the U.S. interests in this geography. Furthermore, such a resolution would be a great contribution to Western energy security, and thus would be applauded by the EU, too.
Can Armenia declare a withdrawal timetable? That might make Erdogan a hero, otherwise, he will find himself in some very serious reputation problems in domestic politics. Would he care? So far he proved that he has no such worries.
AGBU Central Board of Directors Issues Statement on Armenia-Turkey protocols YEREVAN (ArmRadio)-The Armenian General Benevolent Union's Central Board of Directors issued an announcement Monday on the protocols for the establishment and development of relations between Armenia and Turkey. Below is the text of the statement:
On August 31, 2009 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, together with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, jointly produced two documents of protocol concerning the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey and the development of bilateral relations. These documents provide details on the initial steps to be taken for the normalization of relations, the establishment of consular representation, and the opening of the current border between the two countries.
This marks a significant moment in the history of relations between the Armenian and Turkish peoples. It presents major ramifications for both the government of the newly independent Republic of Armenia and the Armenian nation worldwide. The Armenian people in both the homeland and the Diaspora have followed these negotiations with great interest and concern.
We recognize the great geopolitical challenges faced by Armenia - its concern for its national security, the need to improve its accessibility and communication links vital to its economic development, the desire to participate in regional programs of political and economic cooperation. All of these objectives motivate the Armenian government to be positive and sincere in its approach to these negotiations and to adopt a pragmatic policy with regard to Turkey. However, as practical as such a policy may be, it should not be implemented at the expense of the fundamental and historic rights of the Armenian people. We believe the official governmental authorities in Armenia are both the administrators of the state and the guardians of its future. Therefore, they must be guided by pan-national goals and aspirations in making these difficult and far-reaching decisions.
The documents establishing diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey touch directly or indirectly upon the enduring issues of the Armenian Genocide and our territorial demands. We understand the importance for the Republic of Armenia to have normal diplomatic relations with neighboring states, including Turkey. We also believe that justice for the sacred Armenian Case and the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide should transcend and not be sacrificed for any immediate diplomatic consideration.
The start of negotiations between Armenia and Turkey has been favorably encouraged by the international community. The sole opponent to this dialogue between Armenia and Turkey has been the country of Azerbaijan. For almost two decades, Turkey has joined with Azerbaijan in the blockade of Armenia due to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
In the past, Turkey has used the unresolved Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as justification for its refusal to pursue a separate rapprochement with Armenia. This current effort to normalize relations between Armenia and Turkey should not be pre-conditioned by any terms of concession involving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The people of Nagorno-Karabakh have already clearly expressed their will to live freely through their exercise of the sacred right of peoples for self-determination.
This is a rare moment of opportunity for Turkey. It must show that it is ready to move forward in earnest. If it falters, hesitates or withdraws, it will expose itself to the reproach of the international major powers and those regional nations which are fostering this rapprochement between Armenia and Turkey.
As this bold diplomatic initiative moves toward normalized relations between the two countries, Turkey will find itself subjected to even greater international scrutiny. To justify its membership in the European Union, Turkey will be under pressure to fulfill its international commitments. It will become more exposed and accountable to world public opinion. It will be forced to adhere to principles of human rights and democratic rule and to cooperate with its neighboring countries.
We know the authorities in Armenia face a difficult path as they endeavor to build new relations with Turkey without imposed preconditions. We also believe the government of Armenia shares our serious concerns about the sincerity of Turkey, given its historic anti-Armenian policy that has continued to the present time. We commend their initiative and lend our support in their efforts to find a just and fair outcome in the building of good neighborly relations between Armenia and Turkey, while safeguarding the historic claims and rights of the Armenian People.
The Armenian General Benevolent Union has been steadfast in serving the Armenian people for more than a century. It has been a leading voice for the desires and aspirations of the Diaspora. AGBU unwaveringly adheres to its time-honored policy of supporting the homeland, safeguarding the rights of the Armenian nation, and promoting the historic and cultural legacy of our people.
On this occasion, we appeal to all Armenians to face the challenges of this historical moment, in collaboration with the government of the Republic of Armenia, with wisdom, national unity and the spirit of cooperation among our people. Armenian Life
Take the Armenian Weekly, Asbarez Survey on Turkey-Armenia Protocols, Weekly Staff • September 16, 2009 President Serge Sarkisian has invited political forces in Armenia to discuss the protocols on the establishment and development of relations between Armenia and Turkey on Thursday.
What are your thoughts on the protocols?
Asbarez and the Armenian Weekly are asking their readers to take a moment and complete a short survey on the matter. Click on the link below to take the survey:
Survey on Turkey-Armenia Protocols Required Question(s)
1. Do you agree with the creation of a historical commission of Turks and Armenians to study whether the events of 1915-23 were a genocide? Yes - No
2. Do you agree with Armenia officially recognizing its current border with Turkey? Yes - No
3. Do you agree that the lifting of Turkey’s blockade of Armenia should be linked to Azerbaijan’s approval of a Nagorno Karabagh settlement? Yes - No
4. Are the recent Turkey-Armenia protocols better for Turkey or Armenia? Better for Armenia - Better for Turkey
5. Do you support the adoption of the Turkey-Armenia protocols? Yes - No
‘The Next 100 Years’ May Not Bode Well for Armenia, By Andy Turpin • on July 16, 2009 Corporate Intelligence Guru George Friedman’s Latest Book Predicts Turkish Superpower
WATERTOWN, Mass. (A.W.)—To personify the tone of George Friedman’s newest book of speculative geopolitics, The Next 100 Years: A Forecast for the 21st Century (Doubleday, 2009), I shall quote F.D.R. when he allegedly said of Nicaraguan despot and U.S. proxy Anastasio Somoza García: “Somoza may be a son of a bitch, but he’s our son of a bitch.”
Likewise, I will say of Friedman that while I’d probably disagree with his personal social views if seated beside him at a dinner party, there was little in his book’s research or analysis that I—nor, I’m assuming, any charter member of the ANCA—would disagree with that staunchly.
Friedman is the chief executive of STRATFOR, the leading private global intelligence firm he founded in 1996. The son of Hungarian Holocaust survivors and raised in New York City, he spent almost 20 years in academia prior to joining the private sector, teaching political science at Dickinson College. During that time, he regularly briefed senior commanders in the armed services on security and national defense matters, as well as those in the Office of Net Assessments, the SHAPE Technical Center, the U.S. Army War College, the National Defense University and the RAND Corporation.
For all intents and purposes, I have honed my review to focus on Friedman’s predictions for Armenia, Turkey, and the Caucasus, although his general outline for a realistic 21st-century timeline is as ruthless and American-interest driven—never to be confused with the goals of true American values—as any State Department report I’ve ever perused.
Keenly, of all U.S. foreign policy decisions, Friedman writes with veritas that the U.S. “has no key interest in winning a war outright. As with Vietnam or Korea, the purpose of these conflicts is simply to block a power or destabilize the region, not to impose order. In due course, even outright American defeat is acceptable. However, the principle of using minimum force, when absolutely necessary, to maintain the Eurasian balance of power is—and will remain—the driving force of U.S. foreign policy throughout the 21st century. There will be numerous Kosovos and Iraqs in unanticipated places at unexpected times… But since the primary goal will more likely be simply to block or destabilize Serbia or al Qaeda, the interventions will be quite rational. They will never appear to really yield anything nearing a ‘solution,’ and will always be done with insufficient force to be decisive.”
In short, Friedman predicts that following the August 2008 war in Georgia, conflicts in the Caucasus will remain relatively stable until roughly 2020, at which point “Americans will see Russian domination of Georgia as undermining their position in the region. The Turks will see this as energizing the Armenians and returning the Russian army in force to their borders. The Russians will become more convinced of the need to act because of this resistance. A duel in the Caucasus will result… But it will be Europe [namely the Polish border and the Baltic states], not the Caucasus that will matter.”
He continues of this proposed conflict: “The Turks will make an unavoidable strategic decision around 2020. Relying on a chaotic buffer zone to protect themselves from the Russians is a bet they will not make again. This time they will move north into the Caucasus, as deeply as they need to in order to guarantee their national security in that direction… The immediate periphery of Turkey is going to be unstable, to say the least. The United States will encourage Turkey to press north in the Caucasus and will want Turkish influence in Muslim areas of the Balkans.”
In Friedman’s view, the opening of the border between Turkey and Armenia can be postponed but is inevitable. And when it finally occurs, the Tashnag nightmare scenario—of the Armenian market being flooded with Turkish goods, and Turkey taking over all industrial sectors, leading to Armenian economic serfdom and client state status—will also be unavoidable.
The difference is that like a therapist objectively and impassively listening to someone’s problems, Friedman comments but doesn’t care about Armenia’s interests. He simply notes that such an outcome will be deemed by the U.S. to be in America’s interest, before the country makes adequate progress in transitioning to more sustainable “green” energy policies.
By 2040, Friedman writes, an Armenian, Greek, and pro-West anti-Turkish movement will begin to coalesce as the U.S. and Britain no longer regard Turkey as a friendly ally but as the rival superpower against the U.S. alongside a rejuvenated militant Japan.
“Turkey will move decisively northward into the Caucasus as Russia crumbles. Part of this move will consist of military intervention, and part will occur in the way of political alliances,” he writes. “Turkey’s influence will be economic—the rest of the region will need to align itself with the new economic power. And by the mid-2040’s, the Turks will indeed be a major regional power. There will be conflicts. From guerilla resistance to local conventional war, all around the Turkish pivot. Turkey will wind up pushing against U.S. allies in southeastern Europe and will make Italy feel extremely insecure with its growing power.”
In Friedman’s view, such a build-up will eventually lead to a limited-World War conflict between the U.S. and Poland against Turkey and Japan for divided world hegemony around 2050, with any actual ground combat occurring primarily in the vicinity of the Balkans and the Polish border areas surrounding U.S. and Turkish military targets.
Naturally it remains to be seen what will occur on the world stage, but like Groopman’s How Doctors Think (Mariner, 2008), Friedman’s Next 100 Years is as best an educated guess as anyone in the geopolitical analysis field can give, pending all variables—and that’s something.
Comments By Free Ashot Manukyan on July 16th, 2009 Andy, you write that “the Tashnag nightmare scenario—of the Armenian market being flooded with Turkish goods, and Turkey taking over all industrial sectors, leading to Armenian economic serfdom and client state status—will also be unavoidable”.
However, this has already happened to Armenia at the hands of Mother Russia. Russia has killed 3 generations of Armenians already and yet it is continously ignored.
As we speak, Russia and their minions in Yerevan are starving and killing the country. They are driving the rest into expatriation. They’ve crippled the Armenian soul and mind.
Meanwhile, not a word on these pages of today’s slaughter. The Diaspora is focused 100 years in the past or 50 years into the future…on Turkey.
What drives the Tashnag, really? Is it true concern for ‘Armenians’ or is it rather a self-identity of personal and ancestoral vegengance against the Turk?
Any honest and objective perspective points to the latter. Ironically, this is another losing position. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Genocide survivors may stay connected through this identity, but it is not sustainable. As greed and corruption lose the Homeland, the Diaspora will fall apart as Great-great Grandchildren and beyond cease to have a real Armenian identity beyond simply hating Turkey.
By Haro on July 17th, 2009 Friedman must do his homework more carefully, the last 150 years, turks have only lost land, while their political system cannot function without the West and USA (or Russia). Moreover, during these 150 years, there never was well formed Armenian, Greek, Syrian or Iranian states, while Russia was in the midst of two deadly revolutions. In the best scenario for Friedman’s turkic superpower, we need at least two centuries for the geopolitical landscape of the Euroasia changes in their favor, assuming that Armenians have the mentality of sheep, which is highly unlikely.
Also, to reflect Ashot’s comments, we should look at the Russian dominion over Armenia as the actual practical test. Soviet influence migrated to South America, China, as well as other places far away from Russia, but a 3-4 million Armenian state persisted and remained Armenian. It’s not so simple to win against Mesrop Mashtoz, the only way to win Mashtoz is to kill the body and mind of the nation. The whole Europe, Russia and Turks have tried this for almost 300 years, and they have failed.
Perhaps, Armenians are dorment now, but this sleep will not last long, they will be awaken soon…
Concerning the Diaspora, it acts like a complex viro-biological entity, when it assimilates, it acts like a connector agent. It also has it’s awakening moments. So, I wouldn’t underestimate the potentials of Diaspora.
By ED on July 17th, 2009 To the previous comment: The issue with Turkey is that Turkey’s life would be much simpler if Armenia did not exist or if it was reduced to the level of a puppet state. Turkey is not interested in strong, independent and, perhaps even friendly Armenia and in this respect the “nightmare scenario” may indeed turn into a nightmare for Armenia. The Russians are no angels but they are the best protection we have. Would love to see US or EU in this role but for some reason they are in no particular rush.
By Armen on July 17th, 2009 I briefly read a section of the book concerning Armenia and while the author makes some valid predictions, he makes some obvious mistakes as well. He writes (p. 109) “Azerbaijan is hostile to Armenia – and therefore close to Iran and Turkey.” While Azerbaijan certainly is hostile and is allied with Turkey, the allusion that Azerbaijan and Iran have coinciding interests stands on weak pillars. Iran certainly does not want an emboldened Azerbaijan nor does it want Turkey to stick its nose in the affairs of the Caucasus, making it a reliable bulwark against further pan-Turkic expansion. Fascinating article, though.
By ZM on July 19th, 2009 I agree partially with Ashod about Russia. They are a major player and small countries like Armenia are the pawns. I don’t believe there is any hope for Armenia. The country is in a permanently stalemated position. Worse yet, the people there mostly sold their souls to the Russians in return for the appearances of real country. When the Russians took off the training wheels so to speak, all of the paper republics, including Armenia, hit the ground hard. Based on the 1 million+ people who abandoned their beloved “Hayrenik” for places like Hollywood, I think that says it all about the Republic of Armenia and the qualities of its (former) citizens.
As for Armenians who have lived for generations outside Armenia for many generations, I think that also speaks for itself. Unlike Armenia, there has been a certain level of stability that has lasted in those scattered communities for over a century. Obviously Ashod isn’t aware of this or is avoiding it altogether. Armenians, like Irish, Scottish, Jewish and a number of other people tend to function better in a decentralized system than in a formal state. Thats just the reality and the facts back it up.
By john on July 20th, 2009 Free Ashot Manukyan you are really a turkish agent mascarading as god know what. go fool yourself.
By Haro on July 20th, 2009 Actually, Friedman is like a so called “sailer” sailing his boat on a paper map. He may predict certain obvious things, but in order to go deeper, he needs to be actually sailing a real boat in a real ocean, because the last mast angle may determine whether he survives the storm or not. Go to Arstakh and Armenia and gather some real facts before predicting anything. Because, a single soldier’s last bullet may really change the whole scheme of the future.
Concerning the claim of Armenians in Armenia “selling their soul”, please visit Armenia and talk with real Armenians and not those that are trying to sell their last tomato box for a few drams. I really pity the Armenians that have suffered so much in poverty, and I would not make such a careless claim about them “Selling their soul”. Have you ever suffered starvation, believe me, you will sell your soul and body if you had the experience. Did you know that Komitas did not understand one word of Armenian when he was brought to Echmiazin, would you say that he sold his soul. Believe me when I say that the key is Mashtoz, you cannot kill Mashtoz very easily, even if you entirely assimilate. Have you heard of such names as Hrachya Acharyan or Gevorg Jahugyan, etc. If not, then please learn more before making some claims.
By ZM on July 23rd, 2009 To Haro: Armenians easily killed Mashdots with their own hands – and spit on his grave while doing nationalistic talk like you. Gomidas spoke Turkish as his first language, and though he did a great service to Armenians, Armenians made his work irrelevant by ignoring it. If you pity poor Armenians so much, get off the internet, get out of Yerevan and do something about it. As with Mashdots and Gomidas, you’re using the names of other people (including all of the poor people of Armenia) and actually ignoring those people in the process.
It sounds ridiculous but the most of the people going into Armenia are Armenians born outside of that country.
Armenian-Turkish Rapprochement Controlled By United States 11.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Protocols submitted on August 31 were prepared back in March. They served as a source for Basic Principles publicized on April 23, said Hovhannes Igityan , board member of Pan-Armenian National Movement and former Head of Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee. The original version of a document which has full legal effect is available in two copies. The initial variant, according to speaker, was written in English and then translated into Armenian and Turkish. "Normalization of Armenian-Turkish is a process dictated from abroad. The document was elaborated by US State Department. Armenian-Turkish rapprochement and Karabakh conflict settlement are dealt with by one and the same person," activist said, stressing that the main threat of two documents consisted in their interpretation.
Igityan also criticized the Protocol clauses on setting up historical commission dealing with Armenian Genocide. According to him, the issue bears no relationship to Armenian-Turkish border opening.
Opening Of Border To Contribute To Tourism Development On Historical Armenian Lands 11.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ In case of opening border with Turkey, Armenia can become Turkey's competitor in sphere of developing tourism on its historical lands, i.e. in Lake Van region, said Arsen Kazaryan, Head of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs.
Armenian entrepreneur finds that within several years, our tourism and construction specialists will create very good Armenian tourism centers there. "I hope in the near future we'll be able to light candle on Akhtamar island and enjoy the water of lake Van," he said.
Kazaryan also noted that border opening will contribute to the development of agriculture, energy and textile industry. In that connection, he informed participants that negotiations are currently held with Turkish companies for acquiring raw materials in sphere of knitted fabric production. Such enterprise with Turkish capital already operates in Spitak. "Our cement plants will be able to increase their production capacities and meet the demands of Turkish industry," he added. There is also potential for cooperation in spheres of healthcare, science and information technologies. Frontier trade in Gyumri-Armavir and Kars-Igdir directions will also receive positive impulse, leading to new job openings.
Armenians in the World over 12.000.000 ASIA Armenia 3.000.000 Arzax 140.000 Azerbaijan 18.000 China 36 Georgia 460.000 Hong Kong 22 India 1.200 Iran 90.000 Iraq 42.000 Israel 3.600 Japan 100 Jordan 10.500 Kazakstan 22.000 Kuwait 6.500 Kyrgystan 3.800 Lebanon 245.000 Philippines 12 Qatar 180 S.Korea 15 Singapore 55 Syria 160.000 Tajikistan 6.400 Thailand 1.100 Turkey Christians 80.000 Hamshens 820.000 Other Muslims 1.200.000 TOTAL Turkey 2.100.000
Europe Albania 550 Austria 3.300 Belarus 26.500 Belgium 5.800 Bulgaria 30.000 Cyprus 2.800 Czech Republic 11.200 Denmark 3.600 Estonia 2.100 Finland 1.100 Former Yugoslavian 10.000 France 550.000 Germany 70.000 Greece 35.000 Hungary 15.000 Ireland 150 Italy 2.800 Latvia 2.500 Lithuania 2.600 Luxembourg 70 Moldova 7.200 Monaco 210 Netherlands 9.600 Norway 1.300 Poland 90.000 Romania 14.000 Russian Federation 2.600.000 Spain 40.000 Sweden 5.200 Switzerland 5.800 U.K. 12.400 Ukraine 150.000 TOTAL 3.688.780
Africa Cote D´Ivoire 22 Egypt 6.700 Ethiopia 430 Ghana 16 Republic of South Africa 800 Senegal 16 Sudan 1.040 Swaziland 12 Zambia 10 Zimbabwe 33 TOTAL 9.079
North America Canada 100.000 Costa Rica 23 Cuba 220 Dominican Republic 75 Honduras 900 Mexico 390 U.S.A. 1.500.000 TOTAL 1.601.608
South America Argentina 155.000 Brazil 62.000 Chile 1.200 Colombia 290 Uruguay 19.000 Venezuela 3.500 TOTAL 240.990
Oceania Australia 34.000 Indonesia 14 New Zealand 650 TOTAL 34.664
TOTAL in the WORLD 12.023.853 http://www.armanum.de/edjer/armzahl.html
"Armenian Will Become A Token Coin", A1plus September 11, 2009 "Whenever we speak of Armenian-Turkish relations and frontier reopening we should bear in mind that Turkey considers Armenia its number one enemy," advises Armenian MP Vardan Khachatrian.
After the frontier opening both Turkey and the West will double pressure on Armenia. Armenia will be unable to yield to foreign pressure and will lower its role in the Karabakh conflict resolution. As a result, Armenia will become a token coin within the realms of geopolitical interest for this or that country to fill its scanty liabilities."
The Armenian MP sees serious threats under the lines of the recently announced Protocols on Armenian-Turkish relations. "The devil is hiding in deflections and ambiguity."
After a mutual recognition of the countries' borders Karabakh will become an enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, adds Vardan Khachatrian.
Besides, formation of a historical sub-commission will lead Armenia and other countries recognizing the Armenian Genocide to an "idiot situation."
Vardan Khachatrian is convinced that Turkey will destroy Armenian agriculture which is of great strategic importance for the country. He fears lest the frontier reopening should lead to the "loss of Armenian immunity."
Karabakh war veteran Vardan Malkhasian thinks the recent attempts towards Armenian-Turkish rapprochement speak of Turkey's perfidious policy. "We must annihilate Armenians with love," Mr. Malkhasian cited a Turkish official.
ARFD Not An Anti-Turkish Party 11.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ ARF Dashnaktsutyun was never against opening of Armenian-Turkish border without preconditions. However, Dashnaktsutyun believes that normalization of ties with neighboring state is possible only after recognition of Armenian Genocide and elimination of its consequences, ARFD Bureau member Aghvan Vardanyan told a press conference in Yerevan. "Dashnaktsutyun is not an anti-Turkish" party," he said.
ARFD representative was concerned that many people consider Protocols perfect documents not containing any threat. Commenting upon Republicans' statements on ARFD's being aware of National Security Conception which contains a clause on Armenian Turkish ties normalization, he mentioned that it was the only document which required Armenia to conduct consistent policy in achieving Genocide recognition. "If that clause is currently effective, Armenian Foreign Minister should call on international community, including Turkey to recognize Armenian Genocide regardless current normalization process. That's the only factor which can convince us that Genocide recognition process is not suspended and we can normalize ties with Ankara without any precondition," Aghvan Vardanyan said.
Under the Protocols, Armenia and Turkey should normalize ties without preconditions. "Such requirement was not reflected either in April 22-23 statement or the documents currently on table. Besides, statements on considering Baku's interests are voiced by Turkish side," speaker stressed.
Armenia Braces For More Protests, September 17, 2009 Vercİhan Zİflİoğlu Yerevan - Hürriyet Daily News Armenia is bracing for more protests on Friday against the normalization of relations between Ankara and Yerevan, as President Serge Sarkisian begins talks with Armenian party leaders on a landmark deal to establish diplomatic ties with Turkey.
Thousands of Armenians are expected to stage a demonstration in Yerevan on Friday to protest the recent diplomatic thaw with Turkey. The former Soviet republic’s first president, Levon Ter-Petrossian, will lead the rally, organizers told Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review.
“Sarkisian, who came to power without the support of the Armenian people, is trying to win the international community’s approval by bargaining with Turkey. If Ter-Petrossian were in power, there would be no such deal on the table,” said Levon Zurabian, a spokesperson for Ter-Petrossian.
Turkey and Armenia agreed last month on steps to establish full diplomatic ties for the first time between the neighbors. The countries will hold six weeks of domestic debate over the protocols, drawn up under Swiss mediation, before they are submitted for ratification by their parliaments.
A first sign of rapprochement came in September last year, when Turkish President Abdullah Gül went to the Armenian capital to visit Sarkisian and watch a World Cup soccer qualifying match between the two countries. Sarkisian is expected to visit Turkey for a return match on Oct. 14. U.S. President Barack Obama visited Ankara in April and said he hoped efforts to normalize relations between the two would “bear fruit.”
Armenia claims up to 1.5 million Armenians were systematically killed in 1915 under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Turkey denies this, saying that any deaths were the result of civil strife that erupted when Armenians took up arms for independence in eastern Anatolia.
Diaspora deeply anxious
Turkey is taking advantage of the weak political position of Sarkisian’s government, Zurabian said. “The recent steps toward normalization will harm bilateral relations between both nations,” he said. “The protocols are nothing but fake and they [Ankara and Yerevan] want us to believe there are no preconditions.”
Commenting on the reaction of the Armenian diaspora to the normalization talks, Zurabian said many Armenians abroad are deeply anxious about the protocols and disappointed with what he termed “the wrong steps taken by the Sarkisian government.” The Armenian parliament will ratify the protocols, predicted Zurabian, but the Turkish parliament won’t. “Besides, Ankara will not open the border with Armenia unless Yerevan takes steps toward solving the Nagorno-Karabakh issue,” he said.
Nagorno-Karabakh is an enclave in Azerbaijan that has been occupied by Armenian forces since the end of a six-year conflict in 1994, which left about 30,000 people dead and displaced 1 million. The region’s unilateral independence is not recognized by the international community.
Turkey closed its border with Armenia in 1993 in solidarity with ally Azerbaijan over Yerevan's backing of ethnic Armenian separatists in the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Karabakh is an internal issue of the self-proclaimed republic, said Zurabian. “Let’s leave Karabakh to itself, and it will decide its own future.”
“Stop the Protocols” Campaign to Protest Swiss Consulate Friday
LOS ANGELES–The “Stop the Protocols” Campaign, a broad-based coalition of Armenian youth groups and organizations across the United States, will be holding its first direct action against the Turkey-Armenia protocols at the Swiss Consulate in Los Angeles on Friday September 18 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (11766 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90025)
“Stop the Protocols” is rallying the entire community, and all youth in particular, to gather at the consulate Friday and express their disapproval of the Swiss government’s role in drafting a set of one-sided protocols that threaten Armenia and undermine the rights of all Armenians. As the primary mediator between the Turkish and Armenian governments, the Swiss government has both abandoned the core humanitarian values of its own people, as embodied in their adoption of laws recognizing the Armenian Genocide, and also played a highly destructive role in facilitating Turkey’s use of economic blackmail to force Armenia into devastating concessions of its security, rights, and even its very viability. Built around the shared conviction that these protocols must be stopped at all costs, the Coalition consists of the ARF Shant Student Association, Unified Young Armenians, Armenian Youth Federation, Woodbury University Armenian Students Association, UCLA Armenian Students Association, and others.
Protocols Will be Signed on Kars Treaty Anniversary, "Ara Khachatourian" Neither the Turkish nor the Armenian foreign ministries refuted reports by the Milliyet newspaper that the dangerous Turkey-Armenia protocols are scheduled to be signed on October 13.
It is interesting that the news came from unnamed officials at the Turkish foreign ministry and, once again, Turkey—and not Armenia—is setting the course and the agenda for normalizing relations.
And what an agenda it is. October 13 is not merely the day before the scheduled Armenia-Turkey European qualifier soccer match, it also marks the 88th anniversary of signing of the Kars treaty, on which the recognition of the current boundaries provision of the protocols is based.
With neither country refuting the report on the signing of the protocols, Turkey is poised to capitalize on its past misdeeds, while Armenia legitimizes a clandestine treaty through which Turkey annexed historic territories of Armenia, among them Ani, Kars, Ardahan and, of course, Mt. Ararat.
What Serzh Sarkisian thought to be a shrewd political move when he invited his Turkish counterpart to Armenia in June 2008 has evolved into a national disaster with detrimental consequences for the future of the Armenian Nation.
Now, that nation is divided, especially in Armenia, where the authorities are utilizing the protocol-imposed six-week public discussion period to forcefully convince the people of Armenia that the protocols will not endanger Armenia’s national security nor the future of the nation.
In his customary patronizing manner, Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian, having returned from a “crucial” jaunt to China, finally addressed the parliament regarding the protocols and expressed his surprise at inquiries regarding the provisions of the protocols. In conclusion, in his often demeaning rhetoric, he simplified the matter by saying that the protocols cannot be changed because they are agreed upon documents by both sides and it is incumbent on the parliament to make the final ratification.
Similarly, on Thursday, President Sarkisian, in meeting with political forces, after acknowledging that the protocols had pitfalls, nevertheless pushed ahead with his belief that the move to normalize relations with Turkey would eventually benefit Armenia.
In his presentation to parliament, Nalbandian asserted the Turkey had made significant concessions in the final document. The foreign minister did not clarify what those concessions were.
So we are left to read between the lines of this crucial document and not to judge when provisions of the protocols call for the recognition of current boundaries, respecting of territorial integrity, the creation of a sub-commission on historical issues and now the announced date for the signing of the protocols.
In his remarks Thursday, Sarkisian said: “By inviting Turkey’s President to Armenia, I intended to open a window of the possibility to normalize relations and to demonstrate that a people who have suffered Genocide, and the Armenian nation, have enough courage and the will to be the first to extend a hand.” Announcing of a “roadmap” on the eve of the Genocide anniversary, the provisions of the protocols and now, scheduling the signing of the defeatist documents on a day that symbolizes an historic setback for Armenia do not speak to the “courage” of a nation that survived a Genocide, but rather they demonstrate the “will” of a new generation of misguided leaders who are prepared to undermine historic justice and national dignity.
While Mr. Nalbandian is adamant that the protocols cannot be changed, perhaps he can be assertive in ensuring that when he signs the protocols he does not throw the baby out with the bath water.
Is Turkey Renaming Istanbul Constantinople? www.worldbulletin.net Sept 9 2009 Turkey Last month, Turkish President Abdullah Gul broke a long-standing national taboo: He called the remote village of Guroymak by its Kurdish name, Norshin.
The president's opponents say renaming Istanbul Constantinople on highway signs will inevitably follow. Or worse. For many Turks, saying Norshin leads to saying Kurdistan, and saying Kurdistan leads to recognizing an independent Kurdish state stretching across Iran, Iraq, and southeastern Turkey.
After a 1980 military coup, Turkey "Turkified": It banned the Kurdish language, imposed new Turkish place names, and famously declared that Kurds were actually "mountain Turks." Its government has since abandoned this extreme form of forced assimilation. But allowing or using Kurdish names is still a politically charged act, seen by many Turks as a concession to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (better known as the PKK), which has fought a brutal 25-year battle for Kurdish independence.
The Turkish government wants to end the PKK's terrorist campaign without splitting off a Kurdish state -- and sees extending cultural rights and linguistic freedoms as the way to do it. But what will it take to reconcile the Turks and the Kurds?
The verbal recognition of Kurds and Kurdish culture at the highest political level is a first step, as Gul's use of the name Norshin demonstrates. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently brought a number of parliamentarians to tears by saying that something is terribly wrong when the mothers of Turkish soldiers and the mothers of PKK fighters are saying the same prayers over their sons' bodies. That such a comparison can even be made is itself a sign of progress.
And there are concrete changes, too. Already, the government has opened a Kurdish radio station and promoted Kurdish literature classes at universities. In late July, Erdogan announced his government was beginning a "Kurdish Initiative." He has not yet provided any details. But most Turkish journalists expect the government to allow public servants and politicians to speak Kurdish, end restrictions on Kurdish media, give some form of amnesty to all but the highest ranking PKK members, and possibly even revise the Constitution to allow Kurds to be full Turkish citizens without giving up their Kurdish identity. (Those Kurds who are proud to call themselves Turks have always been accepted and often risen high in the ranks of politics and pop culture)
These initiatives have met -- and will meet -- tremendous push-back. Previous leaders have considered similar changes, such as calling citizens "Turkiyeli" (from Turkey) rather than "Turkish," to emphasize citizenship over ethnic identity. But obstacles to implementing such initiatives have been insurmountable. Already, the two leading opposition parties have denounced Erdogan's plan. Plus, Turkey has a Constitutional Court with the power to strike down laws that alter the country's "unamendable" constitutional articles --one of which declares that the national language is Turkish.
This time around, though, the government has the army, a long-time rival, on its side. Realizing at last that the fight will never be won through purely military means, Turkey's leading general now supports greater cultural freedom for Kurds and wants to make it easier for PKK members to surrender. The National Security Council, traditionally a vehicle for the military to "advise" the government on political issues, also gave its blessing to the initiative.
Still, security and foreign-policy concerns complicate the issue. Numerous Turks are convinced that the U.S. government -- a friend to politicians and generals, a foe to most everyone else --is behind the Kurdish initiative. They presume that the United States is desperate to ensure stability in northern Iraq as it prepares to withdraw from the country. Thus, they claim, the United States, after supporting the PKK for years, is now forcing Turkey to give in to PKK demands in order to foster peace with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
The conspiracy theory is only two parts crazy. The PKK is based in the Kandil Mountains, in Kurdish Iraq. The United States, hesitant to upset Iraq's lone functioning region, has proven unwilling to take decisive action against it. But such U.S. strategic intransigence stokes anti-American sentiment in Turkey. Further, the KRG's refusal to prevent the PKK from launching attacks in Turkey has poisoned relations between Ankara and Erbil.
But in the past year, for Turkish policymakers the KRG has increasingly looked less like a threat than a potential ally. Turkish firms have been doing billions of dollars worth of business with Iraqi Kurds for some time now, in every field from construction to telecommunications. Moreover, if chaos follows the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq, a peaceful Kurdistan would help protect Turkey from the spread of violence. On top of this, Turkey's new foreign minister is the architect of a regional policy awkwardly but succinctly rendered in English as "zero problems with neighbors." In practice, this has meant trying to mend fences with traditional rivals such as Greece, Syria, Russia, and even Armenia.
Recent developments have also left the KRG eager to improve relations with Turkey. The Kurds are increasingly concerned about being left friendless in the region, as Arab-Kurdish tensions mount, a confrontation over Kirkuk seems possible, and U.S. forces continue to withdraw. As the chief of staff of the president of Iraqi Kurdistan told the International Crisis Group, "If the Shiites choose Iran, and the Sunnis choose the Arab world, then the Kurds will have to ally themselves with Turkey." Economics figure in as well: The oil-rich Iraqi Kurds export their oil though a pipeline that leads to the Turkish port of Ceyhan .
But what does all this intricate politicking mean for Ankara and the PKK?
The insurgent Kurdish group's imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, continues to maintain a unilateral cease-fire and is no longer demanding independence. But he has also made proposals that no Turkish government would accept. For example, he has said Turks and Kurds must recognize Turkey and Kurdistan as a "joint homeland," whatever that means. He may also harbor dreams of transforming the PKK into a legitimate political party, like Ireland's Sinn Fein.
Even the most liberal Turkish politicians balk at any legitimization of the PKK. But why would the group give up its guns if that meant agreeing to disband? The United States could be one reason. As the Pentagon considers sending troops to northern Iraq to stem an armed Kurdish-Arab conflict, it could also pressure the KRG to crack down on the PKK's camps. In this scenario, PKK would have no safehaven in Iraq or Turkey. Then, it might accept amnesty without any politicians in Ankara having to appear to negotiate or concede too much.
Turkey is closer now than ever before to solving the problem that has kept it estranged from the United States, the European Union, and millions of its own citizens. Turkish politicians have started speaking the right language. With luck, action will follow.
A Memorandum Of Website Establishment Is Signed, Aysor Sept 9 2009 Armenia Yesterday, September, 8, RA Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and creative group "Hanguyc" signed a memorandum of website establishment which would have pan-Armenian values and significance, the press-office reports.
DA minister Hranush Hakobyan highlighted the using of high technologies in unification of Armenian world and the involving of Diaspora into strengthening the capacity of the Armenian statehood. In this regard Hranush Hakobyan noted the importance of using Armenian language, translations and converters for eastern-Armenian and western-Armenian.
"I am sure we'll have our own Google but as DA minister I dream on Armenian CNN," H.Hakobyan said adding that the Armenian search system would also contribute the creation of pan-Armenian television.
"Time for unification all the high technologies to solve Armenian identity conservation came," minister said adding that in November 6-10 in San-Francisco it would be hold the 3rd Conference on Armenian high technologies "ArmTech-2009".
Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and creative group "Hanguyc" (www.hanguyc.am) will facilitate the establishment of the Armenian search system and networking system that will eventually be able to assume the role of the national local regulator, combining all Armenian sites in one system and reducing in this area increasing financial leakage.
"This network may become the basis of a virtual "Armenian world" which will also include a number of specialized professional networks that allow combine intellectual, cultural and scientific potential of Armenians around the world and send a unified work of the network for the benefit of Armenians in Armenia and Diaspora."
Ara Guler Awarded With French Vermeil Medal, 09.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Christophe Girard, deputy mayor of Paris, honored Turkish photographer of Armenian heritage Ara Guler with the "Vermeil Medal" during a ceremony Tuesday held at the municipal building in the French capital within the framework of the "Turkey Season" activities in France.
The award is being granted to dignitaries who make artistic contributions to the people of Paris.
The Paris Municipality had decided to also decorate Turkish director Nuri Bilge Ceylan and Nobel-laureate author Orhan Pamuk with the same medal.
An exhibition comprised of black-and-white photographs taken by Ara Guler in Istanbul between 1950 and 1960 will open at the Maison Europeenne de la Photographie on Tuesday evening.
The exhibition will stay open through Oct. 11, HDN reported.
Turkey To Open Lobbying Ministry, 09.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Faruk Celik, Turkish Minister of Work and Social Security, has elaborated a new project to be submitted to Milli Majilis for approval. Project envisages creation of a new ministry protecting the rights of Turks living beyond the country's borders. The ministry will have a special department which will deal with lobbying issues and represent Turkey in international structures.
New Ministry staff will consist of a Minister, 7 department heads and 15 specialists, Turkish Sabah newspaper reports.
Efforts To Mend Turkish-Armenian Ties `Order From US`, AzerNews Sept 8 2009 08-09-2009 23:31:41 The initiative by Turkey and Armenia to normalize their strained relations is due to pressure from the White House, a Turkish politician has said.
Husamettin Cindoruk, Turkey`s former parliament speaker and Democratic Party chairman, told Dogan news agency that US President Barack Obama`s recent address to the Turkish legislature "contained a part that was more of an order than advice." Due to that statement, the issue of normalizing ties with Armenia has now come into the spotlight, Cindoruk said.
On August 31, Ankara and Yerevan agreed to participate in Swiss mediation to begin discussions on forging diplomatic ties and developing bilateral relations. The two countries announced they would complete domestic consultations over two protocols within six weeks, to be followed by ratification in their parliaments. The protocols ultimately seek to open the Turkish-Armenian border.
Cindoruk noted that the normalization issue should be addressed not only bilaterally, but with the participation of Azerbaijan.
"Any agreement not involving Azerbaijan will not be adopted anyhow," the former Turkish speaker added.
Turkey and Armenia have been at odds, and their shared border has been shut, since 1993 due to Armenia`s policy of occupying Azerbaijani territory and Armenian claims of World War I-era genocide. The latest agreements are considered the first substantial move toward normalizing ties between Ankara and Yerevan. The US government welcomed the initiative, saying the normalization should take place without preconditions and within a reasonable timeframe, and urged Armenia and Turkey "to proceed expeditiously."
MP Safaryan – Government and Opposition Joining Forces Against Heritage Party, 2009/09/09, Lilit Nurijanyan At a press conference held today Heritage Party MP Stepan Safaryan stated that after reading the Armenian press he clearly noted that when it came to their attitude regarding his party the interests of both the regime and the opposition converged.
MP Safaryan commented that the opposition, via today’s article in “Haykakan Zhamanak”, didn’t seek to defame Armen Martirosyan or Hovsep Khourdoushyan, but only Raffi Hovhannisyan, the founder of the Heritage Party and Armenia’s first foreign minister after independence.
“The ‘official organ’ of the Armenian National Congress (HAK), or those who sponsored the article, simply wished to misdirect the attention of the public away from the true reason that Raffi Hovhannisyan has given up his seat in the parliament and thus devalue his move,” stated Mr. Safaryan.
According to Mr. Safaryan, the real reason that Mr. Hovhannisyan has given up his parliamentary seat is the recently agreed upon Armenian-Turkish protocols. He said that the leader of the Heritage Party saw real threat to the Republic of Armenia in the document and that the party had recently pointed out these threats.
“In particular, the positions of Heritage and the HAK regarding Armenian-Turkish relations have radically diverged of late. I don’t know. Perhaps by discrediting us the HAK wishes to resolve an issue regarding the leadership of the opposition or perhaps their attitude is one of personal ambition.” Hetq
Meeting The Armenian Margaret Thatcher, Iain Dale's Diary September 7, 2009 Having only had four hours sleep, today got a bit of getting through. Eyelids were drooping at one stage. This morning was spent in meetings with the British Council here in Yerevan and then meeting the British Ambassador to Armenia, Charles Lonsdale (pic) at the embassy. We then had lunch in a French restaurant where we were serenaded loudly by some very loud French music. Watching my travel companion Aisling from the John Smith Memorial Trust eat her salmon steak to the strains of Je T'Aime was a delight indeed. During the afternoon we made our presentation to thirty or forty possible candidates for a JSMT Fellowship, encouraging them to apply to come to Britain next summer for five weeks. Find out about the fellowship programme HERE. The room we were presenting in felt like a sauna as the air conditioning had failed. But the potential Fellows seemed impressed by what we had to tell them.
This evening we attended a reception at the Ambassador's residence related to the EU Skills initiative. It turned into a highly entertaining evening firstly because the Ambassador took a shine to my tie - clearly a man of taste.
I then had the pleasure of having an uproarious chat with the Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister, a lady called Karine Ghazinyan (pic). She's only been in the job six months, having previously been Armenian Ambassador to Rumania and Germany. Armenian Ministers are not politicians - they are appointees by the Prime Minister. She was the most untypical diplomat I have ever met - a real Margaret Thatcher in the making if ever I saw one. She also had a good line in jokes from the Soviet era...
Both the American and Soviet constitutions guaranteed freedom of speech. The difference was that the American constitution guaranteed freedom after the speech.
Boom boom. And... Damn, I can't remember the other one.
Tomorrow I have three TV interviews to do, and in the morning I am visiting the genocide museum and then going on a trip outside the capital. And back to London on Wednesday morning. I wish we were here longer. There's a lot to see and because of all the meetings we'll barely scratch the surface. I won't make that mistake again.
Armenia And Turkey Not Establishing, But Legalizing Their Economic Cooperation: Armenian Expert Arka September 8, 2009 Yerevan An Armenian economist said today that Armenia and Turkey are not establishing economic cooperation, but legalizing the existing one, that has grown substantially in the recent decade. Tatul Manaserian, who serves as an aide to parliament speaker on economic issues, said about 25% of Armenia's foreign trade falls on Turkey.
According to official figures of the National Statistical Service (NSS), Armenia's trade with Turkey in Jan.-July, 2009 shrank by 28 % to $86.7 million. Armenian exports to Turkey plunged by 50.1% year-on-year to $539,8000 (0.2% of all Armenian experts), while imports from Turkey fell by 27.8% to $86.2 million.
According to Manaserian, Armenia is still unable to offer quality goods at competitive prices and this is why Armenian imports from Turkey dominate over Armenian exports. He believes that the opening of the border, expected on both sides, will force Armenia and Turkey to form a new relationship.
He argued that Turkey wants to open the border more than Armenia because as a nation aspiring to join the European Union, 'Ankara needs to show the world that it is not only a civilized country but a country with free economy and open borders.'
He added that normalization of relations with Armenia will allow Turkey to buy Armenia-generated electricity20and cover a huge shortage of power in its eastern regions.
In a joint statement released on August 31 night, the foreign ministers of Armenia and Turkey as well as Switzerland said Ankara and Yerevan have agreed to start "internal political consultations" on two bilateral protocols on the establishment of diplomatic relations and reopening of their border.
According to the press release, the protocols provide for a framework for the normalization of Turkish-Armenian bilateral relations within a reasonable timeframe. 'The political consultations will be completed within six weeks, following which the two Protocols will be signed and submitted to the respective Parliaments for the ratification on each side.
Both sides will make their best efforts for the timely progression of the ratification in line with their constitutional and legal procedures,' it said.
Turkey and Armenia have had no diplomatic ties since Armenia became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991. Turkey closed its border with Armenia in 1993 in a show of support for its ally, Azerbaijan, which had a dispute with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh, the ethnic Armenian enclave of Azerbaijan.
There are several sensitive issues complicating the establishment of normal relations between the two countries, particularly, Ankara's blatant support of Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution process and Turkey's refusal to acknowledg e the mass killings of Armenians in the last years of the Ottoman Empire as a genocide.
The thaw in the strained relations began in 2008 September after Turkish president Abdullah Gul arrived in Armenia, at his counterpart's invitation, to watch together with Serzh Sargsyan the 2010 World Cup qualifying football game between the two countries' national teams.
During that visit the two presidents discussed prospects for engaging in dialogue and normalization of relations.
Ex-spy is BP's Lawrence of Arabia, By Glen Owen, 06th September 2009 He is the modern Lawrence of Arabia who used his relationship with Colonel Gaddafi to help to secure a £200,000-a-year job with BP.
The career of ex-MI6 agent Sir Mark Allen, the driving force behind the suspected ‘deal’ to return Abdelbaset Al Megrahi to Libya, reads like an espionage novel, taking in Middle East spy schools, falconry and secret meetings in Pall Mall gentlemen’s clubs.
Our investigation has discovered how Sir Mark, 59 – who resigned from MI6 to join BP in 2004 – used the contacts made during a life in the shadows to build a new career in business.
Sir Mark Allan, a modern Lawrence of Arabia, was the driving force behind the suspected 'deal' to return Abedlbaset Al Megrahi to Libya
It reveals that he: Led the diplomatic drive to lift sanctions against Libya, teaming up with a top CIA agent for private meetings with Colonel Gaddafi.
Chaired a secret meeting with Gaddafi’s spy chief in The Travellers Club in London, which included discussion of the Megrahi case and led to the Libyan leader being allowed to trade again with the West.
Resigned from MI6 six months later to join BP and was cleared by the Cabinet Office to start working for the oil giant immediately.
Is a friend of Justice Secretary Jack Straw, who backed his unsuccessful attempt to head MI6.
The Mail on Sunday tracked Sir Mark to his secure £1million apartment in Westminster but he refused to talk about the role he may have had in securing Megrahi’s return.
Last week it was revealed that he lobbied Mr Straw to speed up an agreement over prisoner transfers – which had been expected to lead to Megrahi’s return – to avoid jeopardising a trade deal with Libya worth up to £15billion to BP.
Allen's book, Falconery In Arabia which was published in 1980
Yesterday Mr Straw admitted the agreement had played a ‘very big part’ in his decision to include Megrahi in the transfer deal.
In 2003, Sir Mark, then head of MI6’s counter-terrorism unit, joined forces with Steve Kappes, now deputy director of the CIA, to lead secret talks with Gaddafi’s regime to end international sanctions.
The two men embarked on shuttle diplomacy, flying around the world to meet senior Libyan figures, including Gaddafi.
Pulitzer prize-winning US author Ron Suskind, who has investigated British and American dealings with Gaddafi, said Sir Mark had several meetings with the Libyan leader in summer 2003.
‘He played a key role in charming Gaddafi out of his international isolation,’ he said. ‘His job was to make it clear to Gaddafi that anything could be put on the negotiating table, including Megrahi.’ At that point, Megrahi had been in a Scottish jail for two years.
A deal to end sanctions was sealed in December 2003 at The Travellers Club, where Sir Mark thrashed out an agreement with Gaddafi’s external intelligence chief Musa Kousa.
In return for the lifting of sanctions – and, sources say, assurances from Britain about Megrahi’s future – Gaddafi promised to abandon plans for weapons of mass destruction. Britain and America resumed relations the next month.
In May 2004, Sir Mark was the favourite of Mr Straw, then Foreign Secretary, to succeed Sir Richard Dearlove as Head of MI6. But the following month, after it was announced that the job had gone to John Scarlett, Sir Mark resigned to take up a special adviser’s job with BP.
Unlike Sir Jeremy Greenstock, Britain’s special representative to Iraq who joined BP at the same time, Sir Mark was told by the Cabinet Office’s Advisory Committee on Business Appointments that he could start work immediately.
Sir Mark, who was knighted in 2005, immediately used his Libyan contacts in BP’s drive to win gas and oil contracts in the country, flying with the then BP boss Lord Browne to meet Gaddafi in the desert.
The BP deal with Libya was announced in May 2007. But by November it had still not been ratified because of delays in finalising prisoner transfers which had been arranged between Tony Blair and Gaddafi in tandem with the BP deal. The sticking point was debate in the British Government over whether to exclude Megrahi.
Sir Mark made two calls to Mr Straw, asking for the agreement to be speeded up. Within six weeks of his second call in November 2007, Mr Straw had written to Scottish Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill to say Megrahi would be included.
In the Seventies, Sir Mark studied at the Middle East Centre for Arabic Studies, a British ‘spy school’ in a village near Beirut.
He was posted to Cairo in 1978, where he developed a love of falcon-hunting with Bedouins.
In 1980 he published Falconry In Arabia, with a foreword and photos by Wilfred
Thesiger, the late writer-explorer who devoted his life to roaming deserts in the spirit of Lawrence of Arabia.
Bryza Criticizes Armenian Opposition Matthew Bryza, the US envoy on the Minsk Group sponsored by the OSCE, met with the press on Friday, August 8 in Yerevan to discuss recent developments in the Nagorno-Karabagh peace process. It was most likely his last visit to Armenia.
In the press conference he was critical of Armenia’s oppositional parties which has been voicing its concerns that the agreed upon Madrid principles of 2007 would in no way serve Armenia’s interests. He called such sentiments “empty” in ridicule. He said that, “Certainly those who are claiming that the update of the Madrid document, based on what we did in Krakow, somehow disadvantages Armenia … are operating out of sheer ignorance.” The Madrid principles were outlined in a previous post on this blog.
The article I read quotes Bryza explaining what the Minsk Group has in mind by revising the Madrid principles:
Bryza maintained that the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders agree on the “fundamental concept” behind the compromise settlement favored by the United States, Russia and France. “But it’s a long distance from agreeing on the basic concept to actually agreeing or to having a finalized document,” he cautioned.
“An analogy would be that they have agreed on the menu for a meal,” he said. “They know what dishes they want to cook, maybe they’ve even started cooking some of them, but none of those dishes are prepared yet. They’re still cooking. We don’t know what they will finally look like until the cooking process is finished.”
I just wanted to add here that I enjoy roasting a whole chicken from time to time. Usually I coat the skin with some oil and then apply fresh tarragon and even some basil. I also insert garlic cloves into the breast by first cutting small holes in the flesh. After an hour in the oven I know that the chicken will have a crispy skin and appear light golden brown in color. The meat will be very tender and infused with a subtle garlicky flavor. I know it will be delicious. But the three cooks of the revised Madrid principles seem to be ruining their dish with too many spices, although I am certain that it will be cooked to perfection for their main customer, Azerbaijan. Armenia will be served the leftovers–some skin and cartilage with a little meat hanging from the bones.
Soon Bryza will be off to Baku as the US ambassador to Azerbaijan. During his tenure as part of the Minsk Group he obviously failed to get the two sides to agree on a definite peace proposal, despite the “agreements” the two sides have made over the years that he has time and time again presented to the public with his pretentious smiles and aloof comments. His role in the peace settlement process will seemingly end unless he plays a behind-the-scenes role to appease his buddies in Baku.
A good friend of mine told me a couple of weeks ago, when I conveyed to him my concerns about the peace process and how the conditions seem to be wholly in Azerbaijan’s favor, that if a peace deal was indeed vitally important for stability in the region Moscow would have insisted that Yerevan sign the proposal a long time ago. Russia’s only safe outlet for maintaining its influence in the Caucasus has been Armenia, and the bond of friendship as well as trust has been fostered for hundreds of years. Georgia in its various incarnations has proven time and time again to be totally untrustworthy, and the Russians were historically always weary of the Tartars. A century ago Baku was prospering due to the influence of Armenian businessmen who were making a fortune there, and Russian interests were in that way safeguarded. Thus any interests Armenia currently has need to be protected as they are also those of Russia.
Russia is not about to lose access to its interests in the South Caucasus–it simply needs Armenia to allow that influence to continue. Therefore it will not allow Armenia to lose out in any peace deal, despite its perceived active role in the Minsk Group. These opinions of his make sense, and they provided some comfort, they put my mind somewhat at ease. After all, not one Armenian I have spoken to believes such a peace agreement will ever be signed. My friend believes that even President Sarkisian’s closest allies will never allow it to happen. Perhaps he’s right. Hetq
Armenia’s Financial Woes An interesting article about the current financial situation in Armenia that appeared in business new europe was reprinted on Hetq Online. Although I am not a financial adviser or banker, I can’t say that I agree with everything that was reported in the article.
Here is one excerpt that is interesting to note:
The growth of banks like AEB [Armeconombank] has slowed considerably, but they are still in profit and see 2009 as a hiccup rather than a disaster.
Armenian banks find themselves in a frustrating position now: they have the liquidity to make loans, but they can’t find anyone to lend to.
According to AEB’s Web site, the bank is currently offering mortgages for five-year terms at an annual rate of 14 percent. These types of plans, plus or minus a percentage point payable in five or seven years, have been offered for a while now by Armenian banks, and they’re obviously not great offerings by any means. I’ve seen rates as high as 20 percent or even more being advertised for short-term loans.
By contrast, mortgage rates in the US are now around 5.25 percent for a 30-year term and that’s now considered on the high side. And the rate for a 15-year mortgage is only 4.69 percent.
Thus the Armenian mortgage lending business can best be defined as basically legitimized loansharking.
But really, who would agree to sign on to such terms? Cash poor businessmen most likely, or people who have come into lots of money quite suddenly and have diversified their funds into several different sectors, be it real estate, consumer trade or what have you.
Imagine the following scenario. A new house becomes available in a part of Yerevan where having a home is considered very trendy these days, like Nork-Marash where lots of expensive homes have been built. The buyer, finding himself short on cash but eager to buy a house in a prestigious area, takes out the loan. The percentage rate doesn’t necessarily make much of a difference to him, he just needs some cash handed over to him fast so he can buy the home. Five years gives him plenty of time to pay off the loan in monthly payments while most of his capital funds continue to be tied up elsewhere. No ordinary Armenian citizen could ever afford such a loan, not with a $200 monthly salary on the low end or even $2000 at the top tier. It doesn’t make any logical sense to consider such a mortgage loan, and it is certainly not a viable option anyway. So these loans being offered by Armenian lenders have never made much sense.
What about the over $1 billion in loans coming from Russia and IMF? Some of it is supposedly going to soften the drop in the GDP while another chunk is trickling down to businesses via the banking sector, like construction companies, to help them offset losses as a result of the crisis. It’s true that housing prices have fallen considerably since the beginning of the year, but a three-room apartment in central Yerevan can still fetch around $150,000, depending on the specific location, perhaps even more. For a tiny landlocked country like Armenia, that’s astronomical. By comparison you can buy a villa in the coastal town of Guardamar, Spain for under 100,000 euros.
Yet despite the construction crunch, building continues unabated. A new crane has just gone up at the foot of the slope that reaches the “Monument” area. Sure, some sites seem to be dormant, but that’s been the case for the last five years. Construction of a building starts, then comes to a halt for months on end before it resumes again. The cycle continues over and over. That’s why it’s been taking so long for these high-rise buildings to go up. That’s been the case throughout the Yerevan construction boom, it’s nothing new. These same companies that are supposedly hurting are getting money to support their business efforts. But do they really need the money? No one can tell. Try performing an audit on them to find out. Hetq
Petty Crime in Yerevan: A Growing Trend? Yesterday Hetq Online filed a report stating that four European tourists had been attacked and robbed during the last week. The victims included two people from the Czech Republic and two Dutch tourists. Luckily the assailants were found and many stolen items were recovered. Nevertheless, those foreigners are unlikely to visit here ever again, and their told stories will dissuade countless others to vacation in Armenia. This is not the first time I have heard of foreigners being harassed and robbed. A couple of years ago the chef of the now-defunct “New Delhi” restaurant was hassled and then forced by his muggers to withdraw the equivalent of $3000 in dram from an ATM machine. As a result he was obliged to leave Armenia for his home in Nepal, nearly penniless. I think he earned enough to buy a plane ticket and pocket money, then left the country. Even officials are getting into the harassing act. Back in March Abraham Manukyan, the Deputy Health Minister, was charged with creating a public disturbance, defined as “hooliganism,” in front of a restaurant in downtown Yerevan where he, his son and others who were all drunk bothered people walking by. Three people were even assaulted.
Tourism has been on a decline around the world and Armenia’s tourism business is no exception. Hotel prices in Yerevan are extraordinarily high compared with those in Georgia and Eastern European countries. Restaurants are becoming increasingly expensive it seems as well, with the number of posh, trendy dining establishments offering “VIP” seating sections on the rise. Affordable, modest places to eat are falling by the wayside. Excursion packages into Armenia’s regions seem to be fairly reasonably priced, but they can always be made more affordable in an effort to increase the number of tourists. On the contrary, prices are increasing. And now, on top of the ridiculously high costs, foreigners have to worry about being beaten up and robbed when they come here, if they every do.
Lately I have been wondering whether I would ever be mugged while walking around the city center in the evening. I usually stroll around as late as midnight or even later. The mafia life is not only beneath the surface of society at large, it has already slipped into the consciousness of the populace. There are at least four television programs (one of them on state-sponsored Public Television strangely enough) glamorizing criminal life. One of them, called “The Price of Life,” which is very popular, is rebroadcasted several times a day on Armenia TV. Teenagers are undoubtedly watching these programs and some, like the punks that mugged the Europeans last week, are aspiring to live that kind of life.
I think the days of being able to safely walk the streets at night in confidence may be coming to an end. But I hope I’m wrong. hetq.am
ARF Begins Protest Against Armenia-Turkey Protocols, September 15, 2009 A poster released by the ARF asking Armenians not to give in.
YEREVAN—The Supreme Council of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) on Tues., Sept. 15 kicked off its month-long protest against the protocols between Armenia and Turkey with a hunger strike and sit-in at the foreign ministry and government headquarters, reported Yerkir.
As 24 ARF members—symbolizing April 24—began their hunger strike at the foreign ministry, some 60 members began a sit-in at the government building. Chanting “No concessions to Turkey!” and “Nalabandian must resign,” the protesters also initiated a petition campaign against the protocols, collecting signatures from passersby in high-traffic Republic Square.
ARF Supreme Council of Armenia chairman Armen Rustamian told those gathered outside that the sit-in and the hunger strike would continue until provisions of the protocols are amended.
“These demonstrations are meant to reject the preconditions forced on us, and demand that the provisions of the document that jeopardize Armenian interests are reviewed,” Rustamian said. “No matter how hard the government is trying to say that there are no preconditions in the document, we believe they serve only Turkish interests. They say the Kars Treaty is not mentioned in the protocols; then why does it say that we have to recognize the current boundaries? These borders are described only in the 1921 Kars Treaty. No other treaty speaks of the borders.”
“We demand that authorities include our proposed changes in the protocols. These documents are anti-Armenian and cannot be signed in their current format. We’ll continue the protest and hunger strike unless all our proposals are considered,” echoed ARF parliamentary bloc member Artyusha Shahbazyan.
ARF Bureau member and parliamentary bloc leader Vahan Hovannesian said that the authorities had agreed to the protocols because they did not understand the inherent dangers and consequences to their actions.
“Officials also have national responsibilities,” he said. “They are responsible for our future generations.” The ARF has not abandoned its calls for Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian to resign, he added. For while in Turkey, the government has reached out to political forces on the matter, such efforts by Armenian officials have not been made in earnest. “The public at-large is not aware of the full scope of the developments,” Hovanessian said.
The ARF’s political affairs director, Giro Manoyan, said the authorities had not intention of amending the protocols.
“We are not given a chance to present our concerns to the people. There are two key provisions that disturb us: the recognition of the borders and the establishment of a commission tasked with addressing historical issues that would enable Turkey to discuss the issue of the genocide,” he said.
ARF’s Concerns Did Not Subside After President’s Meeting
YEREVAN (Combined Sources)—After a five-hour closed door meeting about the Amenia-Turkey protocols between President Serzh Sarkisian and more than 50 political parties Thursday, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation said its concerns were not put to rest.
“By inviting Turkey’s President to Armenia, I intended to open a window of the possibility to normalize relations and to demonstrate that a people who have suffered Genocide, and the Armenian nation, have enough courage and the will to be the first to extend a hand,” said Sarkisian during his opening remarks at the meeting, which was part of the protocol-mandated public discussion provision.
The president acknowledged his own concerns about the protocols, nevertheless, defending Armenia’s position vis-à-vis the process.
“I too see risks, I too have concerns,” Sarkisian said in his opening remarks, and claimed that by signing the protocols Armenia and the Armenian nation was not sacrificing their convictions, but rather “we are paving the way for driving them home.” However, he did not specify as to how Armenia was going to achieve the latter.
Sarkisian pointed out that while many had advised him to keep the negotiations confidential, his and his administration’s approach was to hold the talks in public, since, he explained, the grievances—“and yes the enmity”—was between the people and not the upper echelons of government.
He said that the protocols were a mere beginning to a long and arduous process of addressing the various facets of normalization process.
“I consider this process as providing a minimum platform to begin a dialogue with the Turks. We have a lot of problems with Turkey, which must be addressed: economic, political and historical. I think that we are on the way of solving the problems,” said Sarkisian.
ARF Supreme Council Representative Armen Rustamian (center) speaks to delagates.
The ARF’s representative at the meeting, Supreme Council chairman Armen Rustamian, explained that major changes in the protocol could be made only during the parliamentary ratification process.
“This means that if there are really important and serious views the negotiating party would take them into consideration but it will be left of to that person’s discretion to address them,” explained Rustamian.
After reporting that foreign minister Eduard Nalbandian was also in attendance and his staff was taking notes on the discussion, Rustamian explained that it was unclear as to which proposal would be accepted.
“I understood it to mean that either we are signing whatever there is or we are not. This is unacceptable to us,” said Rustamian.
Ra Government: Open Border Means Economic Gains For Armenia, Turkey Information-Analytic Agency News.Am Sept 16 2009 19:04 / 09/16/2009By various estimates, the reopening of the Armenian-Turkish border means economic gains from dozens of millions to billions of U.S. dollars for both countries, RA Minister of Finance Tigran Davtyan stated in the Armenian Parliament.
He pointed out that the RA Government has conducted extensive research to estimate the possible impact of the reopening of the Armenian-Turkish border. "The research was conducted by not only Armenia, but also foreign experts, as well as by such an authority as the Word Bank. The researchers were of the unanimous opinion that the reopening of the Armenian-Turkish border means economic gains for both the countries," the Minister said. Davtyan pointed out that the reopened border means lower transportation costs for Armenia, new markets for Armenian products as well as impetus to investment. The Minister also pointed out that the Government is ready for open hearings for the issue. RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan reported that, pursuant to the President's order, the RA Government is preparing a report on a possible impact of the reopening of Armenian-Turkish border. The Premier assured the Parliament members that the document will cover all the aspects of Armenian-Turkish relations.
In contrast to the Government's position, Vahan Hovhannisyan, a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), stated that the party conducted in-depth research as well. However, unlike the Armenian Government, the ARF arrived at an unfavorable conclusion.
'Armenian-Turkish Border Opening, Armenia's Diplomatic Victory': Deletroz Tert.Am Sept 15 2009 If the Armenian-Turkish border opens in the coming months, first and foremost, it would be Armenia's diplomatic victory, and secondly, from an economic standpoint, it would change all the trading routes in the region, stated International Crisis Group Vice-President for Europe Alain Deletroz, in an interview with Azerbaijan news agency 1news.az.
"It is possible to create new railway lines in the region. Currently, Armenia's trading routes are primarily with Iran, Georgia and Russia. But with Turkey, completely new routes will open for Armenia, which connect with the Near East and Mediterranean Sea ports," added Deletroz.
In Deletroz's words, people from the region's countries understand this. "Relations with Turkey is a very sensitive issue for Armenians, due to a tragic past. Though, and Turkey, and Azerbaijan, and Georgia, and Armenia want to live like Europeans and to one day join the European Union."
Armenian-Turkish Protocols - Real Documents, 16.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Recently signed Protocols on normalization of Armenian-Turkish ties are real documents, Stepan Grigoryan, Head of Analytical Center on Globalization and Regional Cooperation, told a news conference in Yerevan. "Opposition and experts stress time and again that Protocols containing a clause on territorial integrity do not say anything on a nation's right to self-determination. It is necessary to realize that the given Protocols are bilateral documents, and it does not simply make sense to raise a question on self-determination principle," political scientist said.
Touching upon mutual recognition of Armenian-Turkish border, Grigroryan noted that Armenia, being a UN member, automatically agreed to respect all UN member states' territorial integrity.
Vardan Khachatryan: Border Opening Will Increase Turkey's Influence On Armenia, 16.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Turkey's pressure will bring Armenian authorities face to face with new challenges, and the greatest disadvantage is that not all forces represented in Armenia's political domains are involved in the process, MP Vardan Khachatryan told a press conference in Yerevan. He did not rule out possibility of Armenian political forces' being unaware of agreements between parties.
"Turkey will seriously benefit by those Protocols. One of its principal achievements will be the possibility of being involved in Karabakh settlement process," Vardan Khachatryan said, adding that such step will make Turkey a serious stakeholder in the region.
Opening of Armenian-Turkish border will increase Turkey's influence on Armenia, parliamentarian finds. "It is necessary to realize that any provocation may lead to closing of Armenian-Turkish border," he stressed.
He also commented upon ARFD's protest against Protocols, saying that such actions should awaken vigilance in Armenian society. "The protest should warn Armenian people of dangers related to signing Armenian-Turkish Protocols," NA parliamentarian said.
On September 15, ARFD Dashnaktsutyun started a rally and hunger strike near Foreign Ministry and Government buildings as sign of protest against Protocols on Normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations. Protesters were holding posters which read, "No Preconditions!", "No Acceptance, No Concessions, Protest!". There was also a stand containing ARFD's demands proposed to be included in Armenian-Turkish Protocols.
Initially 24 individuals, including ARFD's youth wing representatives and Supreme Body members were reported on hunger strike.
First Memorial For Armenian Genocide Victims To Be Erected In Israel YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 16, NOYAN TAPAN - ARMENIANS TODAY. Construction of Armenian Genocide memorial complex dedicated to the 95th anniversary of Genocide is launched on the initiative of the Ararat Union of Armenians of Israel and with the consent of Petach Tykva Mayor's Office. PanARMENIAN.Net correspondent was informed about it by the Ararat union.
"Many states have recognized the Armenian Genocide of 1915, there are memorials for Armenian Genocide victims in various corners of the world and the memorial complex being built on the Sacred Land, state of Israel is not only symbolic but also one step on the way of restoration of historic justice," the letter of Ashot Martirosian, the Chairman of the Union of Armenians of Israel, to all Armenians read.
"For implementing the sacred task of creation of a memorial complex of 1915 Genocide victims we expect assistance from all of you, ask all of you for moral and material support by providing which you will be recognized an official sponsor of the memorial complex and will make your contribution to the sacred affair of perpetuating the memory of Genocide victims. We are grateful for assistance and support," Ashot Martirosian's letter read.
Turkish Historian: There Is Significant Popular Support For Armenian-Turkish Process, Arminfo 2009-09-16 ArmInfo. "I cannot speak for Armenian society, but as for Turkish society, my understanding from the Turkish press is that there is significant popular support for the protocol, Altug Taner Akcam, the Turkish historian and sociologist , says in an interview with ArmInfo when commenting on the two protocols on establishment and development of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey.
"If two conflicting parties want to normalize their relations, why should it be a problem and not to be supported? There is a strong opposition from the Republican People's Party (CHP) and the Nationalist Party MHP and this is understandable. Both parties have a vested interest in maintaining Turkey's isolation and authoritarian rule. Neither party wants Turkey to become a democratic country that can resolve its problems with neighboring countries.
The signed protocol with Armenia should be understood in the context of the continuing democratization efforts in Turkey. The establishment of diplomatic relations and open borders with Armenia is strongly related to ongoing domestic policies such as the Ergenekon investigation and attempts to resolve the Kurdish problem," he said.
The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey have agreed to start their internal political consultations on the two protocols -the "Protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations" and the "Protocol on the development of bilateral relations" - which have been initiated in the course of their efforts under Swiss mediation.
The two Protocols provide for a framework for the normalization of their bilateral relations within a reasonable timeframe. The political consultations will be completed within six weeks, following which the two Protocols will be signed and submitted to the respective Parliaments for the ratification on each side.
Turkish Historian: Coming To An Agreement Is No Easy Task, Arminfo 2009-09-16 ArmInfo. Coming to an agreement is no easy task, Turkish historian, sociologist and publicist Taner Akcam told ArmInfo when commenting on the agreements initialed by the Armenian and Turkish Foreign Ministries, which envisage signing of two protocols on establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
"I have no doubt about the trustworthiness of the agreement. If two states engage in certain bilateral agreements, of course, they mean it; if they don't want to implement the plan that they have announced, they will make themselves look ridiculous. So, I don't think that "trustworthiness" is the important issue here", he said.
The historian thinks that the main problem is whether or not both governments possess the courage and political will to overcome the obstacles to this agreement. "Given the number of domestic and international stakeholders with conflicting interests in the process, coming to an agreement is no easy task", Akcam resumed.
Armenia and Turkey have agreed to start internal political consultations around the "Protocol on Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between the Two Countries" and the "Protocol on Development of Bilateral Relations" signed during the negotiations under the Swiss mediation. It is scheduled to complete the political consultations during six weeks, after which the two protocols will be signed and submitted to the two countries' parliaments for approval.
U.S. Government To Provide $2.3 Million Assistance To Armenia To Support Justice Sector Reforms, ARKA September 16, 2009 YEREVAN, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Marie L.
Yovanovitch and Armenian Prosecutor General Aghvan Hovsepyan signed today two Protocols on the amendment to the Letter of Agreement on Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Armenia.
These are the ninth and tenth amendments to the Letter of Agreement, and under them the U.S. Government will provide additional assistance to the Government of Armenia in the amount of $2,286,050 for several assistance programs.
These funds will support a number of Armenian institutions and bilateral projects: the forensic laboratory of the National Academy of Sciences' National Bureau of Expertises, the Central Bank's Financial Monitoring Center, a Resident Legal Adviser from the U.S. Department of Justice, a legal socialization project carried out by the NGO Project Harmony, the American Bar Association's Rule of Law Initiative, assistance for victims of human trafficking, and development of law enforcement academies in Armenia.
Prosecutor General Aghvan Hovsepyan commended the U.S. government for supporting justice sector reforms in Armenia saying thanks to this assistance Armenian authorities have improved radically the operation of some agencies. He said the forensic laboratory of the National Bureau of20Expertises, established with the U.S. government assistance conducts 23 types of high level expertise.
Since the signing of the original Letter of Agreement on June 11, 2001, the United States has provided over twelve million dollars of justice sector assistance to the Government of Armenia through the Embassy's International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Section. M.M.
The Huffington Post September 16, 2009
The Name "Ergenekon" May Not Be Familiar To Non-Turks, but this murky political affaire has riveted Turkey's 70 million people.
Thirty-three members of a neo-fascist group called Ergenekon have been on trial, accused of murder, terrorism, and trying to overthrow the elected government. The trial was temporarily suspended after the courthouse was flooded out during torrential rains that inundated Istanbul last week, leaving 31 dead.
This fascinating trial has been exposing the workings of the `deep state,' a powerful cabal of retired and active military officers, security forces, gangsters, government officials, judges, and business oligarchs that has long been the real power in this complex nation.
Turkey's military vigorously denies any links to the Ergenekon.
The `deep state' advocates extreme Turkish nationalism and revived Pan-Turkism, or Turanism, the unification of all Turkic peoples from Turkey to the Great Wall of China.
Its extreme right-wing members are bitterly anti-Islamic, and violently oppose any admission of guilt for the mass killing during World War I of many of the Ottoman Empire's Armenians. Most Turks insist the killings occurred in the chaos of war and insurrection. Armenians call it the 20th century's first genocide.
Turkey's hard right also opposes improving relations with neighbors Armenia and Greece, or making any more concessions to Turkey's sizable Kurdish minority.
Ergenekon's plotters stand accused of plans to assassinate officials of PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Part(AKP), a democratic, modernizing movement advocating Islamic principles of fairer wealth distribution and social welfare.
While AKP is a moderate, centrist party, Turkey's secularists, without any serious evidence, claim it is the spearhead of a radical Islamic movement. The real issue is as much about the secularist's right to protect their long-enjoyed economic and social privileges as it is about religion.
The plotters reportedly hired hit men to kill leading liberal intellectuals, including acclaimed writer, Orhan Pamuk, and may have murdered a prominent Armenian-Turkish journalist and three Christians. They also oppose Turkey's entry into the EU as a threat to `Turkishness.'
What makes this case particularly interesting is that Ergenekon may well be linked to Gladio, a secret, far right underground group created in the 1950s by the US and NATO during the Cold War as a `stay behind' guerrillas to resist Soviet invasion or Communist takeovers. Gladio had a network of agents and caches of arms across Europe with secret links to NATO intelligence services.
Gladio staged numerous bombing attacks and assassinations during the 1970s and '80s in a effort to promote far right coups in Italy, Belgium, and Turkey, where it remains active. A cell was even recently uncovered in Switzerland.
In Italy, Gladio members played a key role in the P2 Masonic Lodge's plot to overthrow the government. The Vatican's Banco Ambrosiano, its head, Roberto Calvi, and Italian military intelligence, were also involved this intrigue.
The Ergenekon plot is one facet of the intense struggle between Erdogan's Islamist-lite reformists and Turkey's 510,000-man armed forces which sees itself as defender of the anti-religious, westernized secular state created in the 1930's by Ataturk, founder of modern Turkey.
Turkey's generals are closely allied to the deeply entrenched secularist oligarchy of business barons, judges, university rectors, media groups, and the security services that has made Ataturk's memory and anti-religious values into a state philosophy.
Turkey's right-wing generals have overthrown three governments and ousted a fourth. The Turkish military establishment is traditionally close to the US and Israel, with whom it's had extensive military, arms and intelligence dealings.
Until PM Erdogan's election, the military was Turkey's real government behind a thin façade of squabbling elected politicians, a fact lost on western observers who used to urge Turkey's "democratic" political model on the Muslim world.
An intensifying struggle is under way between the two camps. On the surface, it's "secularism versus Islamic government." But that's just shorthand for the fierce rivalry between the military-industrial-security complex and Erdogan's supporters, many of whom are recent immigrants to the big cities from rural areas, where Islam remains vital in spite of eight decades of government efforts to stamp it out or tightly control it.
Right-wing forces recently got allies in the Appeals Court to lay spurious corruption charges against Turkey's respected President, Abdullah Gul. The Erdogan government struck back by levying a US $2.5 billion tax fine on the powerful Dogan media conglomerate that has been a fierce critic and enemy of the prime minister. Both foolish acts injure Turkey's image as a modern democracy.
Erdogan has been Turkey's best, most popular prime minister. He has enacted important political, social, legal and economic reforms, and has drawn Turks closer to Europe's laws and values. He stabilized Turkey's formerly wild finances and brought a spirit of real democracy to Turkey. The EU keeps warning Turkey's growling generals to keep out of politics.
After 50 years of trying, Turkey still can't get into the European Union. Europe clearly wants an obedient Turkey to protect its eastern flank and fend off more troublesome Muslims, but not an equal partner and certainly not a new member, even though Turkey is as qualified for the EU as Bulgaria or Romania.
Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel and France's Nicholas Sarkozy, both leaders of Europe's anti-Muslim right, keep saying no to the Turks. The EU wants no more farmers - and productive, lower cost ones at that - and no more Muslims.
Vardan Khachatryan: The Protocols Contain Threat Karen Ghazaryan, "Radiolur" 16.09.2009 MP Vardan Khachatryan is assured that the ratification of the Armenian-Turkish protocols will become a serious threat to Armenia. He considers that Armenia will lose much. Vardan Khachatryan believes that the ratification of the protocols will undoubtedly lead to the deterrence of the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide and aggravation of relations with the Diaspora.
Tomorrow the President of Armenia will convene consultations on the Armenian-Turkish relations with the political parties. Can such consultations change anything in the positions of the parties? According to Vardan Khachatryan it is possible only in the event the consultations shed light upon the agreements reached.
Assessing the acts of protest organized by ARF Dashnaktsutyun, the MP said it's time for abrupt steps and the public consciousness has to wake up, since there is a threat of serious losses, and this should not be ignored.
"I think that first of all it's necessary to wake up the public and inform people about the real danger those documents or their ratification contain," he said.
Vardan Khachatryan: Armenian-Turkish Relations Small Part Of Mosaic, 16.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian-Turkish relations are a small part of the mosaic invented by world powers, according to RA National Assembly member Vardan Khachatryan.
"Having experienced the negative consequences of Berlin process and Lausanne conference, Armenia should be cautious about the Protocols, which do not leave room for maneuvering. Powers are ruling," he said, adding that Turkey and Azerbaijan are important factors for Europe.
"If these protocols are ratified, the process of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide will be frozen. Relations with Diaspora will be strained," Khachatryan said.
Petition Opposing Some Provisions in the Protocols, 16 September 2009, Canada We, the signatories, are in agreement with establishing neighbourly international relations between Armenia and Turkey and the lifting of the Turkish blockade. However, we strongly oppose specific stipulations outlined in the Protocols of 31 August 2009 that Include provisions for a sub-commission of historians, thus questioning the veracity of the Genocide of the Armenians,
Recognize only the principle of territorial integrity to the exclusion of the principle of self-determination, effectively legitimizing Turkey's illegal occupation of Western Armenia, the appropriation of Armenian property, land, historic, cultural, and religious monuments, and jeopardizing the future of Nagorno-Karabagh.
Most Diaspora Armenians are descendants of the Genocide committed by the Ottoman Turks and oppose these potentially deleterious conditions. To protest against their inclusion in the Protocols, we call upon our compatriots in Europe to galvanize all concerned, democratic and progressive forces, including Armenian parties, associations, and non-affiliated individuals and to organize a peaceful march in Sèvres, in Paris and in Lausanne, Switzerland Kkeghart.com
ARF Declaration on Armenia-Turkey Protocols The Central Committee of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Eastern United States denounces the protocols agreed to for the normalization of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Armenia.
It has been almost six months since the “road map” was announced and all efforts aimed at placing the process on the correct path have failed. The announced protocols codify the mistakes in Armenia’s foreign policy.
It is time for the entire Armenian nation to be heard. The issues being addressed are Pan-Armenian and our principles can not be compromised. Turkey must acknowledge the Genocide and atone for the crime. The self-determination of Artsakh must be ensured. Armenian cultural sites must be protected. Turkey and Azerbaijan must stop their anti-Armenian agenda.
Turkey and Armenia, geographic neighbors, must naturally have diplomatic relations. But it must not be done at the expense of the basic ideals which guarantee an equal partnership. The protocols instead solidify the subjugation of Armenia and the Armenian people. As such, the protocols can not serve as the foundation for respectful and friendly relations between Turkey and Armenia.
Armenian Revolutionary Federation Central Committee Eastern United States
Armenian Political Forces On Armenian-Turkish Protocols, Information-Analytic Agency NEWS.am Sept 15 2009 The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) has presented draft amendments to the Armenian-Turkish Protocols to the Armenian political forces.
The ARF mainly objects to the points on a commission to study historical facts and on the mutual recognition of borders. Talking to NEWS.am, Eduard Sharmazanov, Secretary of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) faction, pointed out that some of the ARF-drafted amendments are acceptable. "Specifically, the party proposes a provision on a dialogue without any preconditions. On the other hand, why should the text be amended if it is clear as it is?" Sharmazanov said.
As regards the ARF;s objections to the point on mutual recognition of borders, which, the party believes, means Armenia's renouncing any territorial claims on Turkey, he said: "During the whole history of the Third Republic, no government, including the one with ARF as part thereof, has stated Armenia has any territorial claims on Turkey." Of course, the RPA expresses its all-out support for the Armenian-Turkish Protocol and is not going to propose any modifications. "They are unprecedented protocols, which do not contain a point challenging the Armenian Genocide or one on the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. Both President Serzh Sargsyan and international representatives made relevant statements. We should trust our leaders after all," Sharmazanov said.
As regards he Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP), it has not yet had time to examine the ARF's proposals. However, Aram Safaryan, Secretary of the PAP faction, told NEWS.am that the party has prepared a number of proposals. He did not provide any further information as the faction decided to wait until the RA President's meeting with the Armenian political forces.
The Heritage Party has not decided on whether it will take part in the meeting. Board Chairman Armen Martirosyan pointed out that the party prepared ten proposals that are mostly similar to the ARF-prepared ones.
On September 17, the Armenian President and Armenian political forces are to discuss Armenian-Turkish relations. The Armenian National Congress led by Levon Ter-Petrosyan refuses to take part in the meeting.
Recognition Of Armenian Genocide By Turkey Security Issue For Ra 14.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ There are three approaches to the Armenian Genocide issue, AFR Dashnaktsutyun parliamentary group Vahan Hovhannisyan said.
"First, Turkey denies the fact of this crime against humanity. Second, Europe insists that Genocide if a fact which should not be used as a tool of pressure on Turkey. Third, Armenia understands that recognition of the Genocide is a security issue for the republic," he told reporters in Yerevan.
"Turkey's is certainly under pressure. It refers to Kurdish issue and open borders with neighbors. We are under pressure as well. However, Armenian Genocide is not an issue for concessions," Mr. Hovhannisian said.
Michel Legrand: Germany And Turkey Are To Blame For Armenian Genocide, 14.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ I have never been to Turkey and don't have any desire to visit that country. Two states are to blame for Armenian Genocide," world famous composer Michel Legrand told journalists in Yerevan.
"When I first visited Yerevan 2 years ago, I felt this was the only place that made me feel like my real homeland. And though I am Armenian only by my mother's side, I have relatives here whom I love very much," maestro said.
On September 15, Aram Khachatryan big concert hall will host Michel Legrand's concert with the participation of State Youth Chamber Orchestra, as well as the composer's wife and daughter.
Concert organizers is RA Ministry of Culture in collaboration with City Lights Productions (Director: Armenian jazzman Levon Malkhasyan) and VTB Bank.
French composer, arranger, conductor and piano player Michel Jean Legrand was born in 1932 in Paris in the family of French composer and actor Raymond Legrand and Armenian piano player Haykanush Marcelle Ter-Mikayelyan. Future musician gained his first musical experience from his father. At age 11, he entered Paris Conservatory. Upon graduation, he moved to United States where he started writing music for films. Legrand's music for The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, The Young Girls of Rochefort and many other motion pictures became masterpieces of cinema art. His musical compositions have been performed by renowned piano players Oscar Peterson, Caunt Beisya and Charlie Parker. Michel Legrand his a winner of 3 Oscar and 5 Grammy nominations.
Armenia Orders New Trains, Ready For Open Border, Today's Zaman Sept 15 2009 The Armenian administration has ordered three trains from a Polish train factory which are reportedly planned to be used when the railway between Turkey and Armenia resumes operations, upon the opening of the border between the two estranged neighbors, Polish Radio Merkury has reported.
The Armenian ambassador in Warsaw, Ashot Galoyan, visited the factory and signed an agreement with the managers for the new trains, which clearly indicated Armenian hopes for the opening of the borders, the daily reported. Polish daily Gazeta Wyborcza also argued that the recent orders from Armenia would help the company to overcome the negative effects of the global economic crisis. Although the company had decided to dismiss many workers, the order for three trains will protect the workers' jobs.
Yerevan wants the railway between Kars and Gumru reopened after the necessary restoration and repairs are done. In previous months, Alexander Kuznestov, the general director of Russian South Caucasus Railways (SCR), stated that they are ready to provide rail transportation between Kars and Gumru. In his statements in the Armenian press, he said that if Yerevan and Ankara would approve the project (opening of the railway), they would offer rail transportation between the two countries through the Ahurian-2 rail station. He also stated that with that project, passenger and cargo transportation would be possible with these countries.
On Aug. 31, Ankara and Yerevan announced that after talks that have been continuing under Swiss mediation they have decided to launch an internal consultation process on both sides before signing two protocols aiming to normalize relations by opening the closed border between the two countries and re-establishing diplomatic ties after 16 years.
A Perfect Injustice Unveils the Effects of the Genocide which occurred in Armenia Press Release by Transaction Publishers, 3 September 2009 A Perfect Injustice unearths new incriminating evidence about a long-censored mass murder and theft which occurred in Armenia.
[Written] by Hrayr S. Karagueuzian and Yair Auron*, [it] is an essential contribution to understanding why the issue of stolen Armenian wealth remains unresolved after all these years—a topic addressed for the first time in this volume.
Except for a short period after the end of the First World War and the ensuing armistice, Turkey has consistently denied that it ever employed a policy of intentional destruction of Armenians. The 1913-1914 census put the number of Armenians living in Turkey at close to two million. Today only a few thousand Armenians remain in the city Istanbul and none elsewhere in Turkey. Armenian sites in Turkey, including churches, have been neglected, desecrated, looted, destroyed, or requisitioned for other uses, while Armenian place names have been erased or changed.
As with the Jewish Holocaust, Armenian properties that were seized or stolen have not been restored. Sixty and ninety years after these terrible events, Jewish and Armenian victims and their heirs continue to struggle to get their properties back. There has been only partial restitution in the Jewish case and virtually no restitution at all in the Armenian case.
“The authors accumulated the material item by item and slowly began to piece together the story of a massive injustice towards the victims of genocide. . . A fascinating investigation, a book rich in details and full of documents,” says Dickran Kouymjian, who is an Emeritus Haig & Isabel Berberian Professor of Armenian Studies at California State University in Fresno.
No adequate reparation for the deeds committed against the Armenians can ever be made. But resolving claims with respect to stolen property is a symbolic gesture toward victims and their heirs. This is unfinished business for Jewish heirs and survivor of the Holocaust, as it is for Armenians.
To order a copy of A Perfect Injustice, contact Transaction Publishers at 888-999-6778 or order online at http://www.transactionpub.com. Editors interested in reviewing this book in a scholarly publication can forward the request along with company information to marketing@transactionpub.com.
* Yair Auron is the author of The Banality of Denial - Israel and the Armenian Genocide (Transaction Publishers, 2004)
Comments: A Pefect Injustice ... Submitted by George Y. Krikorian on Tue, 2009-09-08 I wonder whether in this recent Turkish-Armenian "arrangement", the Genocide pre-condition is neglected!? I do applaud the resumption of talks between Turks and Armenians, but not without insisting on our past tragedy and its formal recognition and acknowledgement by the present Turkish authorities. It is a shame to all our martyrs if we are going to forget about them. I hope that the organization of "historical" commissions on either side would not hamper the white naked truth everybody in this world knows about!
reply from Canada
Hidden Armenians Submitted by Houry Ellezian on Mon, 2009-09-07
"Today only a few thousand Armenians remain in the city Istanbul and none elsewhere in Turkey" would be an understatement. Over the years, we have learned that there are more Armenians in Eastern Turkey than we would have imagined. Only they are hidden. You could go to Google videos, "Turkey's hidden Armenians", a documentary prepared by France 24, and revive your memories with this fascinating story. Keghart
Turkey Never To Take Actions That Might Disappoint Azerbaijan: Abdullah Gul, Trend, Azerbaijan Sept 8 2009 Azerbaijan, Baku Turkey will never take any actions that might disappoint Azerbaijan, the Turkish President Abdullah Gul, said at the meeting with Azerbaijani ambassador to Turkey Zakir Hashimov.
Friendly and fraternal relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey based on history were always important for Turkey, Gul said at the meeting with Azerbaijani ambassador during iftar for ambassadors of foreign countries accredited in Ankara, the Azerbaijani embassy to Turkey told Trend News.
During the meeting they exchanged views on protocol envisaging normalization f Armenian-Turkish relations.
Yerevan, Ankara Mum on Reported Deal Date YEREVAN (RFE/RL)–Official Ankara and Yerevan have pointedly declined to refute media reports that the signing of landmark agreements on the normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations has been scheduled for October 13.
Citing unnamed Turkish diplomats, the “Milliyet” daily reported on Thursday that the foreign ministers of the two neighboring states will sign the two protocols the day before the return match of Armenia’s and Turkey’s national football teams. Turkish President Abdullah Gul and his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sarkisian are expected to attend the World Cup qualification game to be played in the Turkish city of Bursa.
Commenting on the “Milliyet” report, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Burak Ozugergin was quoted by AFP news agency as saying, “We have a month…. I think the signing will be sometime around this time.”
The Foreign Ministry in Yerevan also did not deny the information. “We will inform the public about all actions stemming from the Turkish-Armenian protocols, including the signing dates, in due time,” the ministry spokesman, Tigran Balayan, told RFE/RL.
Another Armenian diplomatic source said earlier this week that the deal is unlikely to be signed during Sarkisian’s visit to Turkey. The source said the signing ceremony will most probably take place in a third country.
The protocols envisage the normalization of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey and the reopening of their borders. In a joint statement issued on August 31, the Armenian and Turkish foreign ministries said they will be signed within the next six weeks. The documents have to be ratified by the parliaments of both countries in order to take effect.
Floods kill at least 30 in Turkey September 9 2009 Apparently the prince of Turkey was upset and angry with the "thirsty..." post above. That prince is a wicked spiritual (not a physical one) entity, call it a demon if you wish who has put itself in charge of the welfare of Turkey. Demons like that have power to send outpouring of rains but they basically are blind and without logic or reason. So it was normal for that demon to send the rain in wrong direction not where it was needed. It send it in over the city of Istanbul and around it, and not to western Armenia which has its grounds soaked with the blood of butchered Armenians during the Genocide, the same blood that the demons are still licking from the ground in order to live. There was great damage to Istanbul with death and destruction and people there are by now cursing their demon protector. ------- Floods kill at least 30 in Turkey ANKARA, September 9, 2009 (RIA Novosti) - The death toll from flooding that has swept parts of Turkey rose to 30 on Wednesday, national media said, referring to rescuers.
Istanbul was hit hardest, with 14 people reported dead there as of noon local time (09:00 GMT).
Weathermen say Istanbul is seeing its worst weather for the last 80 years, and local papers have dubbed the heavy rains the Second Flood. More rain is expected.
Civil defense vehicles and helicopters are involved in a rescue operation in the city.
The flood also hit Bandirma, in the country's northwest. Seven women drowned in the town while trying to escape a stranded bus. The town is currently without electricity, and residents of an apartment block have been evacuated.
Turkey's NTV television said some 50 people were also missing. http://en.rian.ru/world/20090909/156071090.html COME TO JESUS! Sarkisian's Defeatist Diplomatic Overtures To The Turks Continue Armenia And Turkey Announce Agreement To Normalize Relations After more than a year of intensive negotiations Armenia and Turkey have announced a potentially ground-breaking agreement to normalize their historically strained relations in the coming months.
In a joint statement released on Monday night, the foreign ministers of the two countries as well as Switzerland said Ankara and Yerevan have agreed to start “internal political consultations” on bilateral protocols on the establishment of diplomatic relations and reopening of their border.
“The political consultations will be completed within six weeks, following which the two Protocols will be signed and submitted to the respective Parliaments for the ratification on each side,” read the statement. “Both sides will make their best efforts for the timely progression of the ratification in line with their constitutional and legal procedures.”
According to copies of the draft agreements released by the Armenian Foreign Ministry, the Turkish-Armenian border will be reopened within two months of the deal’s entry into force.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu appeared to reaffirm that in a Tuesday interview with Turkey’s NTV television. “If everything goes as planned, if mutual steps are taken the borders could be opened around New Year,” he said, according to Reuters.
But in an earlier television interview late Monday cited by AFP news agency, Davutoglu said: “At the moment opening the border is not foreseen and it is not the priority.” He also made clear that the Turkish government will not take any steps that “would hurt the interests of Azerbaijan.”
“The opening of the border without the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict would contradict the interests of Azerbaijan,” a spokesman for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, Elkhan Polukhov, told AFP, reacting to the latest Turkish-Armenian announcement.
Polukhov said Baku therefore does not expect Ankara to lift the 16-year economic blockade of Armenia which had been imposed at the height of the Armenian-Azerbaijani war for Nagorno-Karabakh.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other Turkish leaders have repeatedly stated in recent months that Turkish-Armenian relations will not be normalized as long as the One of the draft protocols stipulates that a joint Turkish-Armenian study of the 1915 mass killings and deportations of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire. will be conducted by one of six panels to be set up by a Turkish-Armenian inter-government commission tasked with tackling a broad range of issues of mutual interest. The panel in question would engage in an “impartial scientific examination of historical documents and archives.” It would comprise experts from not only Armenia and Turkey but also Switzerland and other countries.
Many in Armenia and especially its worldwide Diaspora are strongly opposed to the establishment of such a body which was first proposed by Ankara in 2005. They regard the idea as a Turkish ploy designed to stop more countries from recognizing the 1915 massacres as genocide.
Oddly, in an August 25 interview with the BBC, Serj Sarkisian accused the Turkish government of failing to honor understandings reached by the two sides. “We have arrangements, and I think it is only right that the parties keep to them,” he said. “Unfortunately, I have not yet seen any great desire or aspiration [from Turkey] to keep to these arrangements.” West Hails Turkish-Armenian Statement
The United States and the European Union have welcomed the latest agreement announced by Armenia and Turkey and urged the two estranged neighbors to promptly complete the normalization of their relations.
“The United States warmly welcomes the joint statement made today by Turkey and Armenia, with Swiss participation, outlining further steps in the normalization of their bilateral relations,” U.S. State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said late Monday.
“It has long been and remains the position of the United States that normalization should take place without preconditions and within a reasonable timeframe,” he said. “We urge Armenia and Turkey to proceed expeditiously, according to the agreed framework as described in today’s statement.”
Javier Solana, The EU foreign and security policy chief, called it a “crucial step towards normalization of bilateral relations.”
“I commend the courage and vision of both sides to move forward with this historic process,” Solana said in a statement. “I hope the two protocols can be signed, ratified, and implemented in the near term.”
“The European Commission attaches high importance to a rapid and steady implementation of the protocols on the establishment of diplomatic relations and on the development of bilateral relations,” read a separate statement by Benita Ferrero-Waldner and Olli Rehn, the EU commissioners for external relations and enlargement respectively. “This agreement should contribute to peace and stability in the South Caucasus.”
S. D.Hunchakian Party Central Committee Statement Social Democratic Hunchakian Party Central Committee issued a statement in connection with the release of texts of the Armenian-Turkish protocols.
The statement asserts that a thorough study of the protocols will indicate the beginning of the process of unilateral concession by Armenia. Recognizing the territorial integrity and inviolability of borders of third countries, Armenia, in fact, recognizes Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan. By agreeing to the establishment of a commission to study historical issues, Armenia will close the issue of genocide recognition. Recognizing the present borders between both countries, in fact, Armenia will recognize the Kars Treaty imposed on the Armenians.
“Until now, Armenia was speaking about the opening of the borders without any precondition, however, the study of texts of the protocols suggests that we are paying a huge price for the opening of the borders” the statement says.
“Casting doubt on the Armenian Genocide is noting else, but a betrayal of the memory of our victims and our national interests”. “Adopting the “road map” on Armenian-Turkish relations, our people have not only to renounce their territorial claims, but also to exclude Karabakh’s participation in the negotiations”.
“We have repeatedly stated that the normalization of the Armenian and Turkish relations is impossible without the participation of the Diaspora, whose existence is attributable to the genocide implemented by Turkey”.
“The proposed documents are not acceptable for the SDHP and we are ready to cooperate with all forces to thwart the ratification of these protocols”, the statement adds.
Social Democrat Hunchakian Party Disagrees With Armenian National Congress
YEREVAN -- Social Democrat Hunchakian Party Chair Lyudmila Sargsyan announced the party’s official statements on the Armenian-Turkish Protocols at a press conference held on September 3rd. The statements made by the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party, a member of the Armenian National Congress (ANC), called for an end to negotiations and for the Protocols not to be ratified.
To Tert.am’s question of whether, since the Opposition for the most part is in agreement with the government’s position, there is a possibility that the process of establishing Armenian-Turkish relations will be suspended, Sargsyan responded, “I, for the most part, do not agree with that announcement [referring to ANC’s announcement on the Armenian-Turkish Protocols]. Our party for the most part is not in agreement with that. This is why we have come forward with our own announcement.”
Sargsyan noted that on the issue of Armenian-Turkish relations, they have their own fixed perspective, though they have come together in Congress only to restore the country’s constitution and establish an exemplary governing body. On this issue, according to Sargsyan, they are united with the ANC.
The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey “Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations” and “Protocol on the Development of Bilateral Relations” The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey have agreed to start their internal political consultations on the two protocols – the “Protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations” and the “Protocol on the development of bilateral relations” – which have been initiated in the course of their efforts under Swiss mediation.
The two Protocols provide for a framework for the normalization of their bilateral relations within a reasonable timeframe. The political consultations will be completed within six weeks, following which the two Protocols will be signed and submitted to the respective Parliaments for the ratification on each side. Both sides will make their best efforts for the timely progression of the ratification in line with their constitutional and legal procedures.
The normalization of bilateral relations will contribute to the regional peace and stability.
The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey are committed are pursuing their joint efforts with the assistance of Switzerland.
Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between Republic of Armenia and Republic of Turkey
Desiring to establish good neighborly relations and to develop bilateral cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and other fields for the benefit of their peoples, as envisaged in the Protocol on the development of relations signed on the same day,
Referring to their obligation under the Charter of the United Nations, the Helsinki Final Act, the Charter of Paris for a New Europe,
Reconfirming their commitment, in their bilateral and international relations, to respect and ensure respect for the principles equality, sovereignty, non intervention in internal affairs of other states, territorial integrity and inviolability of frontiers,
Bearing in mind the importance of the creation and maintenance of an atmosphere of trust and confidence between the two countries that will contribute to the strengthening of peace, security and stability of the whole region, as wll as being determined to refrain from the threat or the use of force, to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes, and to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms,
Confirming the mutual recognition of the existing border between the two countries as defined by the relevant treaties of international law,
Emphasizing their decision to open the common border.
Reiterating their commitment to refrain from pursuing any policy incompatible with the spirit of good neighborly relations.
Condemning all forms of terrorism, violence and extremism irrespective of their cause, pledging to refrain from encouraging and tolerating such acts and to cooperate in combating against them,
Affirming their willingness to chart a new pattern and course for their relations on the basis of common interests, goodwill and in pursuit of peace, mutual understanding and harmony,
Agree to establish diplomatic relations as of the date of the entry into force of this Protocol in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and to exchange Diplomatic Missions.
Protocol on Development of Relations Between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey Guided by the Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey signed on the same day,
Considering the perspectives of developing their bilateral relations, based on confidence and respect to their mutual interests,
Determining to develop and enhance their bilateral relations, in the political, economic, energy, transport, scientific, cultural issues and other fields, based on common interests of both countries,
Supporting the promotion of the cooperation between the two countries in the international and regional organizations, especially within the framework of the UN, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council and the BSEC,
Taking into account the common purpose of both States to cooperate for enhancing regional stability and security for ensuring democratic and sustainable development of the region,
Reiterating their commitment to the peaceful settlement of regional and international disputes and conflicts on the basis of the norms and principles of international law,
Reaffirming their readiness to actively support the actions of the international community in addressing common security threats to the region and world security and stability, such as terrorism, transnational organized crimes, illicit trafficking of drugs and arms,
1. Agree to open the common border within 2 months after entry into force of this Protocol,
2. Agree to
Conduct regular political consultation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries;
Implement a dialogue on the historical dimension with the aim to restore mutual confidence between the two nations, including an impartial and scientific examination of the historical records and archives to define existing problems and formulate recommendations;
Make the best possible use of existing transport, communications and energy infrastructure and networks between the two countries and to undertake measures in this regard; Develop the bilateral legal framework in order to foster cooperation between the two countries;
Cooperate in the fields of science and education by encouraging relations between the appropriate institutions as well as promoting the exchange of specialists and students, and act with the aim of preserving the cultural heritage of both sides and launching common cultural projects;
Establish consular cooperation in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963 in order to provide necessary assistance and protection to the citizens of the two countries; Take concrete measures in order to develop trade, tourism and economic cooperation between the two countries;
Engage in a dialogue and reinforce their cooperation on environmental issues.
3. Agree on the establishment of an intergovernmental bilateral commission which shall comprise separate sub-commissions for the prompt implementation of the commitments mentioned in operation paragraph 2 above in this Protocol. To prepare the working modalities of the intergovernmental commission and its sub-commissions, a working group headed by the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs shall be created 2 months after the day following the entry into force of this Protocol. Within 3 months after the entry into force of this Protocol, these modalities shall be approved at ministerial level. The intergovernmental commission shall meet for the first time immediately after the adoption of the said modalities. The subcommissions shall start their work at the latest 1 month thereafter and they shall work continuously until the completion of their mandates. Where appropriate, international experts shall take part in the sub-commissions.
Book Report: Children of Armenia, A Forgotten Genocide and the Century-Long Struggle for Justice, By Michael Bobelian From 1915 to 1923, the ruling Ottoman Empire drove 2 million Armenians from their ancestral homeland; during which 1.5 million of them were viciously slaughtered. While there was an initial global outcry and a movement led by Woodrow Wilson to aid the “starving Armenians”, the promise to hold the perpetrators accountable was never fulfilled and a curtain of silence soon descended on one of the worst crimes of modern history. Now, almost a century later, the Armenians are still fighting for justice.
After uncovering his family’s experiences during the Genocide, Michael Bobelian struggled to rationalize how an event as widely reported as the Genocide—more than a hundred articles ran in The New York Times in 1915, with a typical headline exclaiming “Wholesale Massacres of Armenians by Turks”—could fade from public consciousness. Why was the Genocide ignored, forgotten, and worse, relegated to fiction for so long? What role did America’s national self-interest play in helping Turkey evade public accountability? Why did Armenians themselves initially stand silent? Based on years of archival research and personal interviews, Children of Armenia is the first book to trace this post-Genocide history and reveal the events that have conspired to eradicate the “hidden holocaust” from the world’s memory.
At the close of World War I, the upsurge of support for the Genocide’s survivors, considered one of the world’s first international human right movements, inspired the few remaining Armenian leaders—such as Simon Vratsian, the ravaged nation’s last prime minister, and Vahan Cardashian, Armenia’s chief advocate in the United States—to seek relief and justice for their people. But despite their tireless efforts, the promises made to them by the war’s victors were systematically cast aside during postwar negotiations. In the end, the Armenians received nothing, not even an apology, and decades of silence would pass before the Genocide’s survivors—dispersed, stateless, and on the verge of extinction—would produce a new generation of activists who would renew their fight for justice.
In Children of Armenia, we meet Gourgen Yanikian, a seventy-seven year old terrorist bent on revenge, whose act of terrible violence in southern California galvanized a movement for recognition; Vartkes Yeghiayan, a lawyer who brought a class action suit against New York Life, seeking to win a judgment for thousands of unclaimed policies; and Van Krikorian, who teamed up with Senator Bob Dole to gain public acknowledgment of the Genocide from the U.S. government. From the initial acts of revenge-fueled terrorism to the birth of an organized movement seeking recognition for these unacknowledged crimes—including political maneuvering to get a resolution passed by the U.S. Congress—this is a groundbreaking account of the Armenian struggle to seek redress in the face of recalcitrant perpetrators and an indifferent world.
Bobelian delivers a powerful lesson on the price that is paid when injustice goes unacknowledged and a moving story of a people living in the shadow of a century-old genocide. * * * “In this meticulously researched and moving work, Michael Bobelian reveals why the children of Armenia haven’t received justice for the genocide of their ancestors and the unconscionable efforts of Turkish leaders to rewrite their country’s history by denying its shameful past. This powerful and gripping account of a people’s century-long struggle for justice is long overdue.” — George Deukmejian, 35th Governor of California
“A powerful and provocative work, Children of Armenia is a poignant and disciplined chronicle of the difficult quest for recognition of the Genocide and the efforts within the Armenian community, the American government, and international community for acknowledgement.
Without such acknowledgement, there can be no redress and no way of building toward the future. One reads these pages with sadness and with anguish but also with the understanding of the perniciousness of genocide denial, which provides to the victims—and the perpetrators—no way to go forward.” — Michael Berenbaum, former project director, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
“Sadly, history is no stranger to mass murder. But what makes the Armenian Genocide so unusual is the strenuous efforts over the course of nearly a century to avoid calling it a genocide at all. Those who’ve refused include the Turkish government, the U.S. State Department, successive Presidents, key members of Congress and even some of America’s mainstream Jewish organizations. Michael Bobelian has done a real service both in reevoking the genocide and chronicling this long, sorry history of denial.” - Adam Hochschild, author of Bury the Chains and King Leopold’s Ghost Michael Bobelian, a graduate of the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, is a lawyer, journalist, and grandson of Genocide survivors. His work has appeared in Forbes.com, American Lawyer, and Legal Affairs magazine and has been featured on NPR’s Leonard Lopate show. He resides in New York City with his wife and daughter.
Available September 1, 2009 978-1-4165-5725-8 § $26.00 § A Simon & Schuster Hardcover
Armenia, Turkey to Sign Protocols in Six Weeks BERNE, YEREVAN, ANKARA (Foreign Ministry Press Service)—The foreign ministers of Armenia, Turkey and Switzerland issued a joint announcement Monday outlining the protocols that will guide the establishment and development of relations between Turkey and Armenia.
Below is the text of the announcement and the protocols, which we received from the foreign ministry.
The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey have agreed to start their internal political consultations on the two protocols – the “Protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations” and the “Protocol on the development of bilateral relations” – which have been initiated in the course of their efforts under Swiss mediation.
The two Protocols provide for a framework for the normalization of their bilateral relations within a reasonable timeframe. The political consultations will be completed within six weeks, following which the two Protocols will be signed and submitted to the respective Parliaments for the ratification on each side. Both sides will make their best efforts for the timely progression of the ratification in line with their constitutional and legal procedures.
The normalization of bilateral relations will contribute to the regional peace and stability. The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey are committed are pursuing their joint efforts with the assistance of Switzerland.
Timetable and elements for the implementation of the Protocol on development of relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey
Steps to be undertaken
Timing
1. to open the common border
Within two months after the entry into force of the Protocol on the development of relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey
2. to establish a working group headed by the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs to prepare the working modalities of the intergovernmental commission and its sub-committees
2 months after the day following entry into force of the Protocol on development of relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey
3. to approve the working modalities of the intergovernmental commission and its sub-commissions and ministerial level
Within 3 months after entry into force of the Protocol on development of relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey
4. to organize the first meeting of the intergovernmental commission
Immediately after the adoption of the working modalities of the intergovernmental commission and its sub-commissions at ministerial level
5. to operate the following sub-commissions: - the sub-commission on political consultations; - the sub- commission on transport, communications, and energy infrastructure and networks, - the sub-commission on legal matters - the sub-commission on science and education - the sub-commission on trade, tourism, and economic cooperation; - the sub-commission on the historical dimension to implement a dialogue with the aim to restore mutual confidence between the two nations, including an impartial scientific examination of the historical records and archives to define existing problems and formulate recommendations, in which Armenian, Turkish as well as Swiss and other international experts shall take part.
At the latest 1 month after the first meeting of the intergovernmental commission
For the Republic of Armenia - - - - For the Republic of Turkey Asbarez
Turkey Clarifies Position on Armenian Ties to Aliyev BAKU (Combined Sources)—Azeri President Ilham Aliyev and visiting top Turkish diplomats held talks over the weekend on recent developments in the Caucasus, the Anatolia news agency reported.
The meeting between Aliyev, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ambassador Feridun Sinirlioglu and Ambassador Unal Cevikoz, the deputy undersecretary for the Caucasus and Central Asia, was held on Saturday following a Friday telephone conversation between Aliyev and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
During Friday’s conversation Erdogan briefed Aliyev on normalization efforts between Turkey and Armenia, while Aliyev informed Erdogan about developments regarding the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Prime Minister Erdogan’s office said in a written statement.
Ahead of their departure from Baku later on Saturday, Sinirlioglu told reporters that they explained Turkey’s views to Aliyev concerning both the normalization efforts between Turkey and Armenia and the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, without elaborating further. Asbarez/
ARF Slams Protocols as ‘Dangerous’ for Armenia YEREVAN (Combined Sources)—The Armenian Revolutionary Federation, in a statement issued Tuesday, slammed the draft protocols for the establishment and development of relations between Turkey and Armenia, calling their provisions “dangerous.” The protocols were issued Monday by the foreign ministries of the two countries and Switzerland.
ARF Bureau member Hrant Markarian denounced the protocols as “unacceptable,” in an interview with RFE/RL.
“I regret that our president is going to sign a document he has no right to sign,” Markarian told RFE/RL. “In the next two months we will do everything to inform the public about the essence of the agreement and issues hidden in it,” he said.
Markarian told RFE/RL that these concessions alone would not lead Ankara to reopen the Turkish-Armenian border. “I think it is a bit naïve to expect that state [Turkey] to subordinate Azerbaijan’s interests to its relations with Armenia,” he said. “Maybe there is another, hidden agreement whereby during the next two, three or six months the Karabakh conflict will be ‘solved.’ So [that means] all of Turkey’s three preconditions have been accepted.”
Upon the announcement of the protocols, the ARF Bureau and the Supreme Council of Armenia convened an emergency session and issued the following statement:
On August 31, 2009 protocols on the establishment and development of relations between the republics of Armenia and Turkey were officially announced.
Armenia and Armenians entered a new phase, which is encumbered with numerous threats and danger.
It was about these very concerns that the Armenian Revolutionary Federation continued to warn from the onset of the political process by intermittently expressing the following positions:
a. As neighboring states, Armenia and Turkey are bound to take steps to normalize relations. However, good neighborly relations can be established between the two countries only when Turkey recognized the Armenian Genocide and reestablishes the rights of the Armenian people. The establishment of relations without preconditions and lifting of the blockade were mere first steps.
b. The proposal by Armenia to establish relations without preconditions can be deemed a serious concession c. It is unacceptable to establish relations with Turkey at the expense of our government’s sovereignty and viability, as well as the national rights of our future generations.
Based on these principles, the ARF on several occasions warned that Turkey is leveraging the entire process to benefit its own interests (impeding the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide effort, a pro-Azeri resolution to the Nargorno-Karabakh conflict) and is communicating with Armenia through obvious and veiled preconditions.
It is already evident that the published documents contain the well-known preconditions of the Turkish side. That is, to call into question the veracity of the Armenian Genocide and to invalidate the unwavering rights of the Armenian people. Furthermore, immediately following the release of the protocols, Turkey, through official statements, reiterated its third precondition: it will not undertake any steps that would contradict Azerbaijan’s interests. This means it is continuing to use the Karabakh issue as a precondition for the Armenia-Turkey process.
The ARF continues to insist that the foreign policy of Armenia has veered from its national doctrine and predictable developments will have irreversible consequences.
With these considerations, during this domestic deliberation stage, the ARF will utilize all means to expose the existing dangers within the protocols in an effort to neutralize them.
We call on the Armenian people and the political forces in Armenia to properly assess the Armenia-Turkey relations process with its negative consequences and, in the most unified manner, deter the possible irreversible losses.
Armenian Revolutionary Federation September 1, 2009 Yerevan
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ANCA Warns Capitol Hill About Dangers Of ‘Protocols’ WASHINGTON—The Armenian National Committee of America Tuesday shared with Members of Congress the reservations of the Armenian American community regarding a recent set of secretly-negotiated, Swiss-brokered, protocols between Turkey and Armenia regarding the normalization of their bilateral relations.
In a September 1 memo to Senate and House offices, ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian reviewed these concerns, alerted these offices to the undue pressure applied to Armenia to accept dangerous concessions, and informed legislators on both sides of Capitol Hill about Turkey’s rapid backtracking from even the minor commitments it had undertaken in these agreements.
In the note, Hamparian stressed that, “Among [the ANCA's] primary concerns is that Armenia, blockaded by Turkey and under intense economic and diplomatic pressure, was forced into accepting terms that threaten her interests, rights, safety, and future – very notably in the form of a proposed ‘historical commission.’” He added that, “This provision, a tactic long pursued by Ankara to cast doubt on the historical record of the Armenian Genocide, is intended to serve Turkey’s drive to roll back the growing tide of international recognition of this crime against humanity. There can be no enduring relationship between Armenia and Turkey that is not built upon the foundation of Turkey’s acceptance of a true and just resolution of this crime.”
The memo closed with a set of four ANCA recommendations for U.S. policymakers, including both Presidential and Congressional recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
The full text of the ANCA memo is provided below.
To: Foreign Affairs Legislative Aide From: Aram Hamparian, Executive Director Date: September 1, 2009
I am writing to note that our community is seriously concerned regarding the substance of the recently signed Protocols between Armenia and Turkey, to share with you our alarm over the pressure applied to Armenia to accept dangerous conditions that prejudice the security of Armenia and the rights of all Armenians, and, finally, to inform you of Turkey’s nearly immediate backtracking from its commitments in these agreements.
Among our primary concerns is that Armenia, blockaded by Turkey and under intense economic and diplomatic pressure, was forced into accepting terms that threaten her interests, rights, safety, and future – very notably in the form of a proposed “historical commission.” This provision, a tactic long pursued by Ankara to cast doubt on the historical record of the Armenian Genocide, is intended to serve Turkey’s drive to roll back the growing tide of international recognition of this crime against humanity. There can be no enduring relationship between Armenia and Turkey that is not built upon the foundation of Turkey’s acceptance of a true and just resolution of this crime.
It’s worth noting that, at the same time that Turkey is seeking to gain credit internationally by appearing open to dialogue, its government is enforcing Article 301 and other laws criminalizing even the discussion of the genocide.
Just hours after yesterday’s signing of this secretly-negotiated deal, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu, had already started walking away from his country’s commitment to end its 16-year-old blockade of land-locked Armenia, a country that rose from the ashes of Ottoman Turkey’s genocidal campaign during and after the first Word War.
Here is Mr. Davutoglu’s quote, as reported by AP, and a Wall Street Journal report on Turkish and Azerbaijani resistance to opening Turkey’s border with Armenia.
”Ahmet Davutoglu said, however, that opening the border was out of the question for now, “A longer process is required for that,” he was quoted by Turkey’s NTV television station as saying Monday.”
–Turkey Armenia agree to establish diplomatic ties Associated Press, August 31, 2009
“[Davutoglu's] comment on Tuesday reflected strong opposition to opening the border with Armenia in both Turkey and Azerbaijan, opposition that could still delay or derail reconciliation.
– Azerbaijan Casts Doubt on Turkey-Armenia Pact Wall Street Journal, September 1, 2009
In what has become a troubling pattern – at the expense of U.S. credibility and Armenia’s very viability – the Turkish government is once again playing a double game: Claiming public credit, on the one hand, for progress on Turkey-Armenia relations, while, on the other, assuring Azerbaijan that Ankara will only lift its blockade with Baku’s approval.
This duplicity complicates the prospects for the actual establishment of Turkey-Armenia ties and undermines prospects for a durable peace in Nagorno Karabakh.
The lack of good faith by Ankara underscores the need for decisive action on the part of our government:
1. The President should honor his repeatedly stated pledge to recognize the Armenian Genocide. 2. The Obama-Biden Administration must affirm that it will not, in any way, support a “historical commission” or any other effort calling into question the Armenian Genocide. 3. The State Department must hold Turkey accountable for its failure to honor its commitments. 4. The U.S. Congress should move quickly to pass the Armenian Genocide Resolution, H.Res.252.
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Davutoglu Says Border Opening ‘Out of the Question’ ANKARA (Combined Sources)—Turkey’s foreign minister, Ahmet Davutoglu said Monday, immediately after the announcement of protocols by his and his Armenian counterpart’s offices, that opening the border was out of the question for now. “A longer process is required for that,” he was quoted by Turkey’s NTV television station as saying Monday.
In the same interview Davutoglu said that Turkey would “guard” Azerbaijan’s interest during its reconciliation with Armenia, saying in comments that “our aim is to establish stability in the Caucasus.”
His comments reflected the strong opposition to the opening of the border with Armenia in Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Turkish opposition forces have already denounced the protocol.
Davutoglu said that “recognizing borders” was an important element of the protocols on “Establishment of Diplomatic Relations” and “Development of Bilateral Relations”
“Recognizing borders in line with the international norms stemming from Kars agreement is a basic element. Without that, we cannot talk about being neighbors,” Davutoglu said.
Commenting on the six-week internal political process that started with the protocols, Davutoglu said an agreement would be signed by the end of such period.
Both Davutoglu and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed Tuesday, that the final word on moving forward with relations rested on the Armenian and Turkish parliaments. Without legislative approval, envisioned after the signing of the draft protocols, there would be no development of ties.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan said Tuesday it did not expect Turkey to re-open its border with Armenia until the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolved.
Azeri foreign ministry spokesman Elkhan Polukhov told AFP that Baku was confident Ankara would not agree to open the border without a deal on Nagorno-Karabakh.
“Azerbaijan’s position is based on numerous statements from high-ranking officials in Turkey on the question of opening the Armenian-Turkish border,” he said.
“Opening the border without the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict would contradict the interests of Azerbaijan,” he said. Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu reiterated Tuesday in an interview with broadcaster NTV that Ankara would safeguard Baku’s interests while setting up ties with Armenia and could re-open the border if the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute is resolved soon.
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Schiff Calls on Turkey to Recognize Genocide WASHINGTON—Reacting to the Monday’s announcement of protocols for the establishment and development of relations between Armenia and Turkey, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) said true reconciliation will occur when Turkey recognizes the Genocide.
“While I welcome what may be an important step in the rapprochement between Armenia and Turkey and hope that the upcoming talks result in a swift opening of full diplomatic and commercial relations between Ankara and Yerevan, as well as a reopening of the border, I have serious concerns about some provisions of the protocols accompanying the announcement,” said Schiff on Tuesday.
“In particular, I was deeply disappointed to see that the protocols call for the creation of an historical commission to review the events of 1915-23. This is a thoroughly discredited idea; there is no dispute among scholars that the Armenian people were the subject of genocide during the waning days of the Ottoman Empire and an historical commission is another effort to obfuscate the truth,” added Schiff.
“Turkey cannot be allowed to re-write this tragic part of its history as a price for normal relations with Armenia. To do so means acquiescence in a charade that demeans the memory of so many victims,” explained the Congressman.
“True reconciliation between the Armenian and Turkish peoples will occur when Turkey acknowledges the genocide that was committed by the Ottoman Empire against Armenians from 1915 – 1923. The Armenian Genocide, the first genocide of the 20th Century, resulted in the deaths of 1.5 million Armenian men, women and children and the sorrow that the Armenian people carry in their hearts cannot be healed by diplomatic relations alone,” reaffirmed Schiff.
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US, EU Hail Protocols as Sarkisian Upbeat about Ties YEREVAN (Combined Services)—Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian said on Tuesday the agreement with Turkey to establish diplomatic relations could boost bilateral ties, as the US and EU hailed the protocols on establishing and developing relations.
“The signing of the protocols has brought Armenia closer to the possibility of settling bilateral ties with Turkey,” Sarkisian said at the opening of an annual meeting of the country’s diplomatic corps.
“We have made an attempt to settle relations with our neighbor in a decent way, as befits the civilized 21st century. I think the protocols do provide such a possibility,” the Armenian president said.
The United States late Monday welcomed the announcement of protocols by Armenia and Turkey to establish diplomatic ties, saying it was “ready to work closely” with both sides in support of improved relations.
“The United States warmly welcomes the joint statement made today by Turkey and Armenia,” said State Department spokesman Ian Kelly, referring to the plans to establish diplomatic relations and re-open their border in a bid to end decades of mutual distrust and resentment.
“It has long been and remains the position of the United States that normalization should take place without preconditions and within a reasonable timeframe,” Kelly was quoted by AFP as saying in a statement.
“We remain ready to work closely with both governments in support of normalization, a historic process that will contribute to peace, security and stability throughout the region.”
French President Nicolas Sarkozy also welcomed the announcement, saying in a statement that “normalizing relations between Armenia and Turkey would constitute an event of historic import that would contribute to regional stability.”
The United States, France and Russia co-chair the OSCE Minsk Group, which was set up in 1992 to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict peacefully.
EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana hailed the agreement between Armenia and Turkey to establish diplomatic ties as a “crucial step” towards ending their decades-long dispute.
“I welcome yesterday’s agreement between Turkey and Armenia to start internal political consultations… for establishing diplomatic relations,” Solana was quoted by AFP as saying in a statement.
“This is a crucial step towards normalization of bilateral relations, which would greatly contribute to peace, security and stability throughout an important region of Europe,” he added.
The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, also welcomed the diplomatic progress made. “This agreement should contribute to peace and stability in the South Caucasus,” EU commissioners Benita Ferrero-Waldner and Olli Rehn said in a separate statement.
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe “warmly” welcomed the deal between the two OSCE members. “The establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Armenia will be a positive step not only for the southern Caucasus region but also for the region at-large,” said Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, whose country currently holds the OSCE presidency.
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ARF Warns of Dangers for Armenia and Karabakh YEREVAN (Yerkir)—Calling it a retreat from generations of struggle and a disgrace, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, at a rally Wednesday, warned of the dangers emanating from the Armenia-Turkey normalization process as outlined by the protocols announced earlier this week. The rally was organized to mark the 18th anniversary of Karabakh’s independence.
Speaking to the thousands gathered at Yerevan’s Aznavour Square, ARF Bureau member Vahan Hovannesian expressed the unequivocal rejection by his party of the protocols for establishment and development of relations between Armenia and Turkey, which were announced on Monday.
He warned that the documents did not reflect the aspirations of Armenia and were guided by elements that, in the long run, would benefit Turkey and its interests in the region, including the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and its aspirations for membership in the EU.
Hovannesian pointed out that the Armenian authorities have agreed to further concessions in a process that was supposed to have been advanced without any preconditions, as articulated on numerous occasions by Armenia’s leaders.
“No matter how extensively our and US officials contend that talks on Turkish-Armenian relations are proceeding without preconditions, Turkey has not abandoned them and has adeptly managed to construct the entire negotiations package around its preconditions,” said Hovannesian.
He outlined that the provisions of the protocols have weakened the process to attain international recognition for the Genocide and are effectively forcing the recognition of the anti-Armenian Kars Treaty, to which Armenia was not a signatory.
“We view as careless efforts by the Armenian President and Foreign Minister to seek a quick resolution through negotiations. Our people will pay a very high price for that,” warned Hovannesian, enumerating Turkey’s gains and Armenia’s losses since the announcement of the so-called “roadmap” agreement on the eve of the 94th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Hovannesian stressed that the ARF has never been against the reopening of the Turkish-Armenian border. However, he said the party can by no means agree to “the price the Armenian authorities are willing to pay” for meeting Turkey’s preconditions.
“We say ‘yes’ to the establishment of diplomatic relations without any preconditions. However, in their present form, the Protocols are unacceptable and must be revised,” Hovannesian stated.
The same sentiments were echoed by ARF Supreme Council of Armenia chairman Armen Rustamian, who also discussed the party’s position on the ongoing Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution process.
He said that the current negotiations process are also pressuring Yerevan to agree to a hasty agreement, through which withdrawal of liberated territories surrounding the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is stipulated without security guarantees and the demand for determination of a new status, which goes counter to democratic norms, since Karabakh has already determined its status through popular vote.
ARF parliamentary bloc member Ara Nranyan also discussed Armenia’s domestic situation, outlining socio-economic reforms to strengthen Armenian society and national interests.
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Turkey to Push International Actors for Swift Move on Karabakh ANKARA (Hurriyet)–Promising its closest ally Azerbaijan that it won’t leave it in the lurch, Turkey will try to press influential countries to let them push for a swift resolution on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
“To be able to turn this normalization [between Turkey and Armenia] into permanent peace, we are expecting a forthwith settlement on the dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan with the contributions of the international community,” Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told reporters late Tuesday.
As stated in the joint statement issued by Turkey and Armenia, under Swiss mediation, the two countries will complete internal political deliberation on the signing of the two protocols for the establishment of relations within six weeks. Then the two countries will have to complete parliamentary ratification processes to let the protocols enter into force. If there are no delays, the process is expected to be completed before the end of this year or early 2010.
However, Turkey continues to hinge the normalization of its relations on Armenia to what it calls improvements on the Nagorno-Karabakh track. Ankara earlier assured Azerbaijan that it would not open the border with Armenia unless the Karabakh Armenian territories liberated from Azeri rule during the conflict are not returned to Baku’s control.
Turkey has already launched a new diplomatic initiative for mobilizing international actors in this regard, according to sources. Davutoglu held a long phone conversation with the foreign minister of France and the US Secretary of State, and the two French and US members of the Minsk Group, tasked with settling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The issue was already largely discussed with Russia, the third member of the Minsk Group. Davutoglu will continue to discuss the issue with his counterparts on every occasion, Hurriyet said, citing unnamed sources.
The issue will also be on the agenda of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to the UN General Assembly late September. The Foreign Ministry is also trying to arrange bilateral meetings with the United States, France and Russia with Erdogan, who also hopes to take the issue to the G-8 meeting in Pittsburgh at the end of this month.
One of Ankara’s short-term expectations is to let Armenia and Azerbaijan agree on an interim agreement for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. A meeting between the leaders of the two countries is scheduled for November 8 in Moldova during the summit of the Commonwealth of the Independent States.
Accompanied with this deal, Ankara is stating that the reconciliation process between the three countries will require Armenia to accept an agree to the return of the liberated territories to Azeri rule. Asbarez/
ARF Western US Statement On Proposed Armenia-Turkey Protocols The Armenian Revolutionary Federation of the Western United States comes before the Armenian nation to express its profound concerns on the so-called protocols for the normalization of bilateral relations between Armenia and Turkey.
The ARF, as one of the oldest Armenian national organizations outside the Armenian Church, has always advocated the establishment of not only diplomatic but friendly diplomatic relations between the Armenian and Turkish Republics. However, these relations cannot be based upon a capitulation of Armenian national rights arising from the Genocide committed against the Armenian nation that decimated its population, destroyed its cultural heritage and usurped its ancestral homeland.
First, the so-called “Protocols” provide for a clear surrender of Armenian national rights by recognizing the “inviolability of Turkish territory,” significant parts of which have a cloud over their lawful title. Included within this “territory” are large parts of modern Turkey that had been lawfully awarded to and recognized to be part of the Armenian Republic in 1920 and earlier.
Much of that territory has been illegally taken from the Armenian nation through force, coercion and through the use of internationally condemned illegal and wrongful means.
Second, the clause referring to the parties agreeing to “refrain from pursuing any policy incompatible with the spirit of good neighborly relations,” is objectionable for its vagueness and hidden objectives. This clause will be interpreted by Turkey as meaning that Armenia will abandon its support for the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide and its lawful entitlement to territorial and compensatory reparations from Turkey. Conversely, it is the ARF’s view that this clause must explicitly require Turkey to immediately and forever cease its shameful and reprehensible campaign of denying the Armenian Genocide and at evading its obligations for reparations to the Armenian people.
Third, the “Protocols” pointedly stipulate that Armenia must agree to “implement a dialogue on the historical dimension… including an impartial scientific examination of historical records and archives to define existing problems…” This deceitful and most dangerous clause is a flagrant attempt to turn the obvious 94 year old political and legal controversy of the Armenian Genocide into an historical controversy. The fact of the Genocide has never been doubted by impartial historians and is reflected in the firsthand testimonies of not only its witnesses and its victims, but even in the testimony of its perpetrators dating back to post war Turkish tribunals and to the recent autobiographical revelations of Talaat Pasha’s own diary entries. Any agreement which entrusts political entities to re-undertake a “scientific examination” of the Genocide is a dangerous ploy, as well as an insult to the one and half million Armenian victims and to their survivors and progeny who have been dispossessed of their patrimony and their millennial old ancestral homeland. This, the Armenian nation cannot and will not accept.
Was it not only a year ago that the U.S. State Department, in a letter signed by Acting Assistant Secretary of State Matthew A. Reynolds, affirmed its official policy to then Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Joseph Biden when it stated: “Our goal is to help archivists protect the evidence of the past so that future generations will have the documentation of the mass killings and deportation of Armenian committed by Ottoman soldiers and other Ottoman officials in 1915. Our goal is not to open a debate on whether the Ottomans committed these horrendous acts; it to to help preserve the documentation that supports the truth of those events…the Administration recognizes that the mass killings, ethnic cleansing, and forced deportations of over one and half million Armenians were conducted by the Ottoman Empire. We indeed hold Ottoman officials responsible for those crimes.”
We look to the Armenian government to take heed of the official public policy expressed by the United States government in July of 2008 and not be trapped, coerced or otherwise blackmailed into negating its own Genocide. History will not look favorably upon the authors of such a monumental disaster.
Once again we look forward to the establishment of good relations with Turkey, but those relations cannot be based on lies and upon coercion, but must begin with acknowledgment of the mistakes of the past and the proper measure of atonement to a create an honest atmosphere of true good faith if we are ever to get on with our children’s futures.
The Armenian government cannot and is not allowed to compromise the truth, to surrender our rights, and to endanger our national security.
September 1, 2009 Central Committee Of The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Of Western United States
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Ter-Petrosian Says Turkish-Armenian Deal ‘A Step Forward’ YEREVAN (RFE/RL)—The Armenian National Congress gave late Tuesday a mostly positive assessment of an agreement paving the way for the normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations, while rejecting one of its key provisions.
The Congress and its top leader, former President Levon Ter-Petrosian, have previously harshly criticized President Serzh Sarkisian’s conciliatory policy toward Turkey, saying that it has earned Armenia no tangible benefits. Some Congress representatives are also highly critical of a potentially ground-breaking statement issued by the Armenian, Turkish and Swiss foreign ministries on Monday.
The opposition alliance’s official reaction to the development was more positive. “The normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations stems from the interests of the two countries and peoples as well as peace and stability in the region,” the alliance said in a statement. “The protocols on the establishment of diplomatic relations and development of bilateral ties mark substantial progress in that direction.”
The Congress at the same rejected as “unacceptable” the establishment of a Turkish-Armenian panel of experts tasked with looking into the 1915 Genocide of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, which is envisaged by one of the draft protocols. Echoing the views of many in Armenia and its Diaspora, it said the very existence of such a body “calls into question the reality of the Armenian genocide.”
The Congress also expressed concern about another provision whereby the Turkish-Armenian agreements will take effect only after being ratified by the parliaments of the two countries. It said that allows Ankara to indefinitely delay the reopening of the Turkish-Armenian border.
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Armenian Caucus Co-Chairmen Voice Concerns Over Protocols Co-Chairmen Raise Reservations about Turkey’s Willingness to Honor its Commitments Call for New Era of Armenia-Turkey Relations Based on Truth, Justice, Peace and Cooperation
WASHINGTON–The Co-Chairmen of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, Representatives Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) today expressed their reservations regarding Turkey’s willingness to cooperate in the implementation of its agreements under a set of recently signed protocols on the normalization of Turkey-Armenia relations, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
In a public statement, the two legislators called into question several points related to the protocols, including Turkey’s pattern of using its ongoing dialogue with Armenia as a “stall tactic” to delay the lifting of its illegal 16-year blockade of Armenia.
The Co-Chairman also noted their concern regarding Turkey’s efforts to impose preconditions, stressing that: “Normalization of relations should take place without preconditions.” In a clear rebuke to the “historical commission” long advanced by Turkey, they set forth their view that: “Any attempt to include a review of historical fact, such as the Armenian Genocide, or to include the ongoing Nagorno Karabakh peace process into these negotiations stands in direct opposition to the intent of these talks.” The leaders of the Armenian Caucus closed their statement by expressing their hope that, “Turkey, by lifting its illegal blockade, will open the door to normalized relations between Yerevan and Ankara, and a new era of Armenia-Turkey relations based on truth, justice, peace and cooperation.”
Earlier this week, Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA), the lead author of the Armenian Genocide Resolution, expressed “serious concerns about some provisions of the protocols,” stating that “In particular, I was deeply disappointed to see that the protocols call for the creation of an historical commission to review the events of 1915-23. This is a thoroughly discredited idea; there is no dispute among scholars that the Armenian people were the subject of genocide during the waning days of the Ottoman Empire and an historical commission is another effort to obfuscate the truth.”
Rep. Schiff went on to state that “True reconciliation between the Armenian and Turkish peoples will occur when Turkey acknowledges the genocide that was committed by the Ottoman Empire against Armenians from 1915 – 1923.”
On Tuesday, the ANCA circulated a memo to Members of Congress, noting that “among primary concerns is that Armenia, blockaded by Turkey and under intense economic and diplomatic pressure, was forced into accepting terms that threaten her interests, rights, safety, and future – very notably in the form of a proposed ‘historical commission.’” The memo went on to note that “This provision, a tactic long pursued by Ankara to cast doubt on the historical record of the Armenian Genocide, is intended to serve Turkey’s drive to roll back the growing tide of international recognition of this crime against humanity. There can be no enduring relationship between Armenia and Turkey that is not built upon the foundation of Turkey’s acceptance of a true and just resolution of this crime.”
Armenian Americans began expressing their concerns to Members of Congress through an ANCA WebFax campaign urging lawmakers to call for an investigation into State Department pressure on Armenia to agree to the inclusion of a ‘historical commission’ – an affront to descendants of Armenian Genocide victims and survivors around the world.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACTS: Tali Israeli (Pallone) 202-225-4671 September 3,2009 Aaron Winters (Kirk) 202-225-4835
Lawmakers Issue Statement On Normalization Of Relations Between Armenia And Turkey Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Remain Concerned with Turkey’s Cooperation
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Reps. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ) and Mark Steven Kirk (R-IL), Co-Chairmen of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, released the following statement today regarding the recent development that Armenia and Turkey will renew their efforts to normalize relations.
Armenian and Turkish diplomats on Monday agreed upon two protocols, which establish the framework of talks aimed at a formal agreement on bilateral and diplomatic relations. A six-week deadline has been set for both the Turkish and Armenian governments to conclude consultations and for their respective parliaments to ratify the protocols. Once ratified, a two-month timetable has been set for the opening of the common border.
In addition, the protocols include a timetable for the establishment of an intergovernmental commission. The commission would provide an impartial scientific examination of the historical records and archives in order to define existing problems and formulate recommendations.
“As co-chairs of the Armenian Caucus, we support the aim of Monday’s development between Armenia and Turkey to move toward normalizing relations. We believe it is essential that the two countries do so without preconditions and in a timely manner. “While we are optimistic that efforts are being renewed to lift the Turkish blockade and establish relations between the two countries, we remain concerned with Turkey’s willingness to cooperate in the matter.
On July 30, along with 80 Members of Congress, we sent a letter to President Obama expressing our concern that the Turkish government will once again stall progress on these efforts. Only weeks after announcing the historical agreement to work towards normalization with Armenia, Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan steered his country away from the negotiations by placing preconditions on normalization. Once again, we fear that Turkey will use the recent developments as an excuse to continue stall tactics, which prevent a truthful working relationship between the two nations.
We are concerned with certain provisions of the protocols, which may include preconditions to opening the border between Armenia and Turkey. Normalization of relations should take place without preconditions. Any attempt to include a review of historical fact, such as the Armenian Genocide, or to include the ongoing Nagorno Karabakh peace process into these negotiations stands in direct opposition to the intent of these talks.
We remain hopeful that Turkey, by lifting its illegal blockade, will open the door to normalized relations between Yerevan and Ankara, and a new era of Armenia-Turkey relations based on truth, justice, peace and cooperation. By coming to terms with the past and reconciling any current conflicts, Turkey and Armenia will help bring more stability to a volatile and strategic region of the world.”
Asbarez
Azerbaijan Wants Turkey To Keep its Promise BAKU (Combined Sources)–Azerbaijan signaled on Thursday that a further alignment of the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process with the current Armenia-Turkey negotiations was taking place in revealing comments that follow the release of protocols by Armenia and Turkey aimed at establishing relations by year’s end.
“This issue was discussed last week during a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Ilham Aliyev and Azerbaijan has once again stated its position,” Novruz Mammedov, a senior aide to Azeri President Ilham Aliyev, said on Thursday commenting on the announcement of the Armenia-Turkey protocols.
Armenia and Turkey said Monday they will sign accords on diplomatic ties after six weeks of domestic consultations and submit them to their respective parliaments for ratification, after which the border is expected to be opened within two months of ratification, possibly by New Year.
Azerbaijan, a supplier of oil and gas to the West, opposes the opening of borders between Armenia and Turkey without Yerevan quitting its support for the independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, over which Baku seeks to regain control.
Mammedov told Azeri ANS television in comments posted on its website on Thursday that the Turkish- Armenian rapprochement was contrary to Azeri national interests. But he added: “I believe that before the border is opened, there could be movement in resolving the conflict, and certain agreement.”
Mediators from the United States, France and Russia have for months said they were close to clinching an agreement on the basic principles of a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Karabakh. The OSCE Minsk Group has been pushing for a speedy resolution of the conflict before October to secure similar gains in the Armenia-Turkey track.
But analysts have been skeptical of a breakthrough, citing a flawed mediation approach that ignores the conflicts core issues–namely that of the Nagorno-Karabakh peoples’ right to self determination,and Azerbaijan’s culpability in launching and losing a war of aggression. That the two conflicts are being packaged together into what is increasingly looking like one all-encompassing deal is also cause for skepticism that mediators will reach a sustainable solution to either issue.
Mammedov said that for Azerbaijan, “the main thing is that the opening of the [Turkish-Armenian] border should not contradict” its interests and “that certain movement should be achieved in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.”
A resolution to the Karabakh conflict, he reiterated, “depends on the [Armenia-Turkey] negotiation and on conditions made in the negotiations.”
“It is necessary for the Turkish side to keep its promises,” he added.
Asbarez/
Ohio Elections Panel Hears Krikorian-Schmidt “Blood Money” Case COLUMBUS, Ohio (Combined Sources)–The Turkish government covertly funneled campaign money to an Ohio congresswoman in return for her denial of the Armenian Genocide, Armenian American congressional candidate David Krikorian and his high-powered attorney argued at a state hearing Thursday.
U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt, a Republican, wants the Ohio Elections Commission to find that Krikorian violated election law when he said in campaign materials during the 2008 campaign that she had accepted “blood money” from the Turkish government in return for her genocide denial.
Schmidt and Krikorian, who plans to challenge her again in 2010, were both questioned during Thursday’s proceedings. Schmidt said she has not accepted money from the Turkish government, while Krikorian, based on research and other publications, said Schmidt was taking Turkish government money through back channels in return for her genocide denials.
Krikorian said Turkish interests, which are trying to fend off a congressional resolution recognizing the genocide, were trying to reward Schmidt for her public position in denial of the genocide.
After roughly seven hours of testimony Thursday, the commission ran out of time and will resume the hearing in October.
The commission is first trying to establish whether it can be proved that the Turkish government, or government-sponsored political action committees, gave money to Schmidt. If the commission decides there is no proof, it must then determine whether Krikorian made the statements in a reckless disregard of the truth.
Donald Brey and Bruce Fein, attorneys for Schmidt, argued that Krikorian was reckless and should have been able to distinguish between campaign contributions from Turkish people and PACs versus money directly from the Turkish government, which is illegal.
But during the hearing, Krikorian’s lawyer, California attorney Mark Geragos, used e-mails and other documents to show how $30,000 in campaign money was solicited – and possibly laundered – via lobbyists, Turkish businessmen and other “registered foreign agents” of Turkey.
Geragos’ team of lawyers flipped through an inch-thick file of exhibits linking Turkish political action committees to Turkish coalitions, corporations, a legal defense fund headed by one of Schmidt’s lawyers and various members of Congress.
As a free-speech issue, Geragos said, Krikorian merely has to prove he was diligent and not reckless in claiming Schmidt took tainted Turkish contributions.
Schmidt testified that she has “never received money from a foreign government including the government of Turkey. … I was not raising money from the Turkish government.”
But Geragos said Krikorian had already proven that Schmidt had received money from Turkish interests, but that at the next hearing he would present evidence of a direct link.
“I called it ‘blood money,’” Krikorian testified of his 2008 campaign claims. “I believe that it is. I stand by everything that I wrote in the last election.”
Krikorian’s defense still seeks to cross-examine Barry Bennett, Schmidt’s chief of staff, and Sibel Edmonds, a former FBI translator-turned-whistleblower.
In her four-hour deposition Aug. 8, Edmonds described Turkish attempts to bribe and blackmail other members of Congress. Edmonds is out of the country, so Krikorian will get another chance to call her as a witness on Oct. 1.
Krikorian ran as an independent against Schmidt for the 2nd Congressional District in 2008 and plans to try again next year as a Democratic candidate.
Asbarez/
"Let's Learn Tolerance Through English": Armenian And Turkish Students Communicate Across Cultural Boundaries 31/08/2009
On July 31 teenagers and teachers who participated in the international camp “Let’s Learn Tolerance through English” met with Her Excellency Marie L. Yovanovitch, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, Embassy reports. The Camp, in which 15 Armenian, 19 Turkish and 10 American students ages 14-17 took part, was implemented July 19-31 in Canakkale with the support of the US Embassies in Armenia and Turkey.
The participation of the 15 Armenian students (plus 3 Armenian teachers) was organized by “The Future is Yours” NGO. The aim of the camp was to help the students and teachers to communicate across cultural boundaries and understand each other better. For that purpose, they engaged in interactive programs using multi-cultural literature from the United States to teach English. Students were given opportunities to learn English and learn about each other’s respective cultures. Different interactive events, English language courses, and intercultural meetings were organized for the students. The Armenian participants presented their Armenian culture through dances, a performance and a presentation. They had an opportunity to visit Troy, Asos and Gelibolu (Edirne) during their stay in Turkey.
Source: Panorama.am
International Conference: The Armenian Genocide & International Law Press Release By The Swiss Federal Department Of Foreign Affairs, The Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Of The Republic Of Armena And The Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Of The Republic Of Turkey
Press release by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey
Bern, Yerevan, Ankara, 01.09.2009 - The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey have agreed to start their internal political consultations on the two protocols - the "Protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations" and the "Protocol on the development of bilateral relations" - which have been initialled in the course of their efforts under Swiss mediation.
The two Protocols provide for a framework for the normalization of their bilateral relations within a reasonable timeframe. The political consultations will be completed within six weeks, following which the two Protocols will be signed and submitted to the respective Parliaments for the ratification on each side. Both sides will make their best efforts for the timely progression of the ratification in line with their constitutional and legal procedures.
The normalization of bilateral relations will contribute to regional peace and stability. The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey are committed to pursuing their joint efforts with the assistance of Switzerland. Adresse für Rückfragen:
We Do Not Consider Recognition Of Genocde Precondition: Armenian President, Today.Az Aug 31 2009 The Turkish and Armenian Presidents will meet if the border is opened or countries are close to make this decision, the Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said in an interview with BBC's Russian service.
"I will go to Turkey for this football match if our border is opened or we are on the eve to achieve it," Sargsyan said.
Term 'football diplomacy' appeared a year ago when the Turkish President Abdullah Gul arrived in Yerevan. A formal cause was a football match between teams of the two countries.
The return football match will be held in Turkey in mid-October.
"We have agreements. I think that a normal, correct way for sides to fulfill their agreements. Unfortunately, I have not seen any great wiling or strive to fulfill these agreements," Sargsyan said.
He said that the Armenian still favors establishing relations without preliminary terms.
"We have not considered recognition of genocide as a preliminary term to establish relations," Sargsyan said.
Edward Nalbandyan: New Process In Armenian-Turkish Relations Under Way, Information-Analytic Agency News.Am Sept 2 2009 Armenia "The Armenian President's policy initiated a process of new quality in the Armenian-Turkish relations. As a result, a step was made welcomed by the entire international community," RA Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan told today's news conference on the Protocols initialed by Armenia and Turkey. Nalbandyan said that the international community urges Armenia and Turkey to honor agreements and sign the Protocols as soon as possible, which will establish peace and stability in the region. The Armenian Foreign Minister said that Armenia initiated the process, wishing to open a new page in its relations with Turkey. He expressed hope that Ankara has a similar wish. Nalbandyan stated Armenia is ready to continue the process, and "we will see Turkey's behavior." As to whether Turkey may frustrate the process, Nalbandyan stated that nothing can be ruled out. "The whole world is inclined to follow one way, and if one of the sides follows a different way, it opposes itself to the rest of the world," Nalbandyan said.
On August 31, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Ministries of Armenia and Turkey issued a press release, which says: "The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey have agreed to start their internal political consultations on two protocols -the 'Protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations' and the 'Protocol on the development of bilateral relations'
Melikyan: Karabakh Not A Price To Pay For Reconciliation, Information-Analytic Agency News.Am Sept 2 2009 Armenia
Arman Melikyan, NKR Former Foreign Minister and Former Presidential Candidate, called the issued Protocols an "intriguing progress". Meanwhile authorities try to regard the recent developments as a victory for Armenian side, one should not prematurely "kick up heels or get the blues".
The current process is nothing but ratification of Kars treaty. Melikyan stated that logical continuation of Armenian-Turkish border will be withdrawal of Russian troops from Armenia. It is not surprising, as Russia welcomes the bilateral efforts to normalize bilateral relations.
Asked to comment on Karabakh problem in the context of Armenian-Turkish relations, Mekiyan said: "Karabakh should not be a price to pay for these relations." He supposes Azerbaijani side will do anything to hinder the process, but it changes nothing. According to him, there are scenarios to Karabakh conflict resolution. Whatever seemed impossible yesterday is possible today. Melikyan underlined that war can resume any time.
Serge Sargsyan's Message, Lragir 02/09/2009 On The Occasion Of Karabakhi Independence Day
The past 18 years re-approved the irrevocability of the decision taken in 1991. Today the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh is a country with its own structures, army and the most important with its citizens ruling their own destiny.
The Republic of Armenia as well as all the Armenians of the whole world have always been and will be Artsakh's rear. I assure the citizens of Artsakh as well as the whole Armenian nation that the settlement of the Karabakh conflict will exceptionally be agreed with Karabakhi people.
Dear Artsakhi people, We owe this victory to people who became immortal giving their lives for their homeland and freedom. I again congratulate you on the occasion of this holiday and wish you well-being, happiness and courage.
Russia's Mfa Says Protocol Does Not Threat Interests Of Third State, Panorama.Am 02/09/2009 Russia approves Armenia's and Turkey's preparedness to start in-house discussions addressed to the regulation of ties, Russia's Foreign Ministry's PR department reports.
"Armenia and Turkey are relative countries for us. The advancement between their relations is natural and long desired. We'd be happy to find that those discussions, which are in-house problems of those states, result in substantive agreements," message writes.
According to the message the protocols, their content have been well discussed in Moscow and came to a conclusion that "both Yerevan and Ankara should decisive enough. Note that neither part of the protocol threats the interests of any third state," Russia's MFA official message says.
"Russia's official representatives have been always calling on their Armenian and Turkish colleagues to regulate the problems in pragmatic way," message writes.
AAA Released A Statement On Protocols Between Turkey And Armenia 03.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Armenian Assembly of America (AAA) issued a statement in regard to the protocols between Turkey and Armenia. The full text of the statement, sent to PanARMENIAN.Net, particularly says:
On August 31, 2009, the foreign ministries of Armenia, Turkey and Switzerland announced protocols to be signed within six weeks to establish diplomatic relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey and to open the border.
Normalization of relations without preconditions
This announcement is consistent with the U.S. position that normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey proceed without preconditions. Armenian authorities have also made it clear that no preconditions means just that - no linkage to progress on the Nagorno Karabakh peace talks and no conditions on affirmation of the Armenian Genocide, or debating whether a genocide occurred through a commission-style process. The incontestable fact of the Armenian Genocide is internationally recognized, and Turks and Armenians have previously commissioned in 2003 an independent analysis through the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), which concluded that the events of 1915 constituted genocide.
The Armenian Assembly supports normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey without preconditions. The United States has spoken clearly about the need for Turkey to lift its blockade and establish diplomatic relations with Armenia. Turkey's lifting of its blockade against Armenia and opening the border is not only long overdue but obligated under international treaties. For this long-awaited effort to succeed, it is incumbent that the United States require Turkey to adhere to its commitments with respect to Armenia.
Unequivocal affirmation of the Armenian Genocide
While the August 31st announcement represents an important step, experience has shown that reconciliation between Armenia and Turkey requires Turkey t th its past. President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have all spoken eloquently on the need to recognize the Armenian Genocide. We could not agree more and urge President Obama and the U.S. Congress to unequivocally affirm the Armenian Genocide. In so doing, the United States will honor a proud chapter in U.S. history in helping to save the survivors of the first genocide of the twentieth century.
Turkey's track record of broken promises
The Armenian Assembly views as encouraging the commitments made by the government of Turkey to normalize relations with Armenia without preconditions. However, we recall Turkey's ample track record of unfulfilled promises. As such, many remain skeptical as prior governments of Armenia had also offered to normalize relations with Turkey without preconditions only to be rebuffed.
Moreover, it is of particular concern that on the same day as the joint statement released by the Armenian and Turkish foreign ministries regarding the start of consultations to establish diplomatic relations that Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu sent mixed signals. Foreign Minister Davutoglu not only indicated that the opening of the border would be "a long process," but also stated that Turkey would guard Azerbaijan's interests.
These pronouncements by Turkey's Foreign Minister not only breach the spirit of framework just announced, but also directly contradict U.S. policy "that normalization should take place without preconditions and within a reasonable timeframe."
Normalization of relations within a reasonable timeframe
The U.S. government has urged "Armenia and Turkey to proceed expeditiously, according to the agreed framework..." The protocols set specific time limits and the international community expects Turkey to fulfill its commitments through measurable results and in good faith to normalize relations with the Republic of Armenia. The protocols also call for consultations and parliamentary debate, which we expect, will be vigorous a onducted with respect and dignity.
ANCC Released A Statement On Protocols Between Turkey And Armenia, 03.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) issued a statement in regard to the protocols between Turkey and Armenia. The full text of the statement, sent to PanARMENIAN.Net, particularly says:
On August 31st, 2009, the foreign ministers of Armenia, Turkey and Switzerland issued a joint announcement outlining the protocols that will guide the establishment and development of relations between Turkey and Armenia. The Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) would like to express its serious concerns regarding this recent development. The ANCC finds the content of the Protocols unacceptable, because of the concessions made therein, which seriously threaten the interests, rights, safety and future of the Republic of Armenia and of the Armenian people in general.
The Protocols are clearly the result of ongoing pressure exerted on Armenia to make concessions as preconditions to opening the border between Armenia and Turkey and to establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In particular, the Protocols call the two countries to create a "sub-commission on the historical dimension to implement a dialogue with the aim to restore mutual confidence between the two nations, including an impartial scientific examination of the historical records and archives to define existing problems and formulate recommendations..." The ANCC believes that this will be used by Turkey to cast doubt on the historical record of the Armenian Genocide. The word Genocide is in fact absent from the Protocols. By doing so, there is a tendency to find a political solution to this crime against humanity, to ignore the legal basis for the recognition on the international level and to promote a solution that serves the political interests of Turkey. Moreover, the undertaking by Turkey of a genuine dialogue is questionable, given the current denialist policy that the Government of Turkey is pursuing. Within i it is carrying out the legal prosecution of those who dare discuss the Armenian Genocide (Under Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code, making it illegal to insult Turkey, the Turkish ethnicity, or Turkish government institutions). On the international level, it continues the worldwide campaign of the denial of the Armenian Genocide including the lobbying among other places, in the U.S Congress and the Canadian Parliament at great expense. Furthermore, the Protocols' language regarding mutual recognition of existing borders, non-intervention, territorial integrity and inviolability of frontiers may also be used by Turkey to preclude the reparations in regard to legitimate claims based on international law, as well as to counter and distort current negotiations for a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict.
ANCC believes that there should not be any such pre-conditions to the establishment of diplomatic relations and opening of the border. Normal and neighbourly relations between Armenia and Turkey can only be based on Turkey's acceptance of the Armenian Genocide, and on a true and just resolution of this crime. Attaching such pre-conditions to the establishment of diplomatic relations and to the opening of the border demonstrates a clear lack of good faith on the part of Turkey in choosing a path that leads to true neighbourly relations.
On behalf of the Armenian community of Canada, the ANCC wishes to express opposition to these developments. Developments that ignore the rights of the Armenian nation as a whole, which are based on historical facts and international law.
"This announcement was imminent and we should not consider it as a surprising move, given the April 22, 2009 announcement of a provisional roadmap. The protocols issued on August 31st are vague and unbalanced, in favour of Turkey. It proves that there is a lack of commitment to establish a permanent peace between the two nations and a desire to hinder work toward the worldwide recognition of the Armenian Genocide." said the president of the Armenian N e of Canada, Dr. Girair Basmadjian.
The ANCC favours the normalization of the ties between Armenia and Turkey but without sacrificing the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the rights of the Armenian people. As Canadians where our Senate in 2002, our House of Commons in 2004 and our Government in 2006 have recognized the Armenian Genocide, we feel insulted: these Protocols ignore the recognitions taken in Canada as well as in other countries throughout the world and promote the campaign that is aimed at hindering similar future decisions of recognition. The ANCC encourages the Canadian Government to urge the Turkish Government to face up to and come to terms with its own history by recognizing the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Young Turks on the eve of the demise of the Ottoman Empire
Creation Of Intergovernmental Committee Of Historians - Unacceptable For Armenia, 02.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ In connection with recently signed Protocols between Armenia and Turkey, Armenian National Congress (ANC) has released a statement which says that Armenian-Turkish rapprochement is in the interest of both states, as well as regional and global security. Bilateral Protocols mark tangible progress in Armenian-Turkish rapprochement, activists say.
However, ANC disapproves plans for creating an intergovernmental committee of historians, as that may question the fact of Armenian Genocide. ANC members express concerns that ratification of documents by two countries' parliaments may enable President Sargsyan to share RA Parliament's responsibility with regard to border opening, whereas Turkey may delay ratification process, refusing to open Armenian-Turkish border because of unresolved NKR conflict.
ANCA Shares Reservations Regarding Protocols With Us Congress, 02.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) shared with Members of Congress the reservations of the Armenian American community regarding a recent set of secretly-negotiated, Swiss-brokered, protocols between Turkey and Armenia regarding the normalization of their bilateral relations.
In a September 1, 2009 memo to Senate and House offices, ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian reviewed these concerns, alerted these offices to the undue pressure applied to Armenia to accept dangerous concessions, and informed legislators on both sides of Capitol Hill about Turkey's rapid backtracking from even the minor commitments it had undertaken in these agreements.
In the note, Hamparian stressed that, "Among [the ANCA's] primary concerns is that Armenia, blockaded by Turkey and under intense economic and diplomatic pressure, was forced into accepting terms that threaten her interests, rights, safety, and future - very notably in the form of a proposed 'historical commission.'" He added that, "This provision, a tactic long pursued by Ankara to cast doubt on the historical record of the Armenian Genocide, is intended to serve Turkey's drive to roll back the growing tide of international recognition of this crime against humanity. There can be no enduring relationship between Armenia and Turkey that is not built upon the foundation of Turkey's acceptance of a true and just resolution of this crime."
There's No Mention Of Kars Agreement In Armenian-Turkish Rapprochement Protocols, 02.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Joint statement of RA and Turkey as well as protocols on establishment of diplomatic relations clearly state that the parties respect international norms and principles. There's no mention of Kars agreement in Armenian-Turkish rapprochement protocols, and there's no need to look for something the documents simply don't contain, RA Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian told a news conference in Yerevan.
"As we repeatedly stated, intergovernmental committee to be created will discuss all issues on Armenian-Turkish relations. The committee will include several subcommittees, one of them in charge of restoration of trust between the two countries," RA FM emphasized. According to him, Negotiations with Ankara did not include discussions on Armenian Genocide, neither was the issue mentioned in protocols.
Edward Nalbandian: On August 31 Ra -Turkish Relations Reached An Important Phase, 02.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ On August 31 RA -Turkish relations reached an important phase. The year started with a new stage of relations. Despite difficulties, Yerevan and Ankara managed to demonstrate political will to move forward, RA Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian told a news conference in Yerevan. "The world approves of RA-Turkish rapprochement. Superpowers urged Turkey and Armenia to move on and fulfill agreements entered within shortest terms. I hope, we'll make progress, as the rapprochement is supported by the whole world," RA FM noted.
Edward Nalbandian also noted that though Yerevan and Ankara reached an important phase, the process requires serious efforts. "Armenia wants to normalize ties with Turkey. We're ready to fulfill agreements entered. Time will show if both parties will be able to fulfill them," RA FM stated.
Armenian government repeatedly stated that in case agreements are reached between Armenia and Turkey, the agreements will be submitted to public discussion. "Armenian people understand that eternal enmity with Turkey is against our interests," RA FM emphasized.
Ra President's Statement Introduced Activeness In Armenian-Turkish Process, 02.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ "Recent activeness in Armenian-Turkish process and the Protocols signed between two states resulted from President Serzh Sargsyan's speech delivered during the meeting with his Serbian colleague. Thereafter, Turkish political system started searching for response to our President's statement," YSU lecturer, Turkish studies expert Ruben Melkonyan told today a press conference in Yerevan.
At the current stage, Turkey is attempting to resolve problems it has been facing for several decades, the speaker finds. Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party is considered a political force which not only fights for problematic issues but also tries to solve them, as seen by heated discussions over Kurdish problem and the issue on opening border with Armenia," Melkonyan stressed, adding that one of reasons Turkish ruling party signed the document was to save the country's image vs. avoiding internal problems.
Adam Schiff: Real Armenian-Turkish Conciliation Will Happen When Turkey Recognizes Genocide, Noyan Tapan - Armenians Today September 2, 2009 Washington Adam Schiff, a Congressman from the Democratic Party, a member of the Armenian Caucus greeted the agreement reached between Armenia and Turkey meanwhile expressing serious concerns over some provisions of the presigned protocols.
According to Radio Liberty, the pro-Armenian Congressman spread a statement, in particular, expressing disappointment that the "protocols call for creating a commission of historians to study the events of 1915-23."
"It is an entirely discredited idea: there is no dispute between scientists that a genocide was committed towards the Armenian people in the days of Ottoman Empire's decline, and a commission of historians is a regular attempt to veil the truth," Schiff's statement read.
"Turkey should not be permitted to proofread that tragic part of its history for normal relations with Armenia," the pro-Armenian Congressman mentioned. "A real conciliation between the Armenian and Turkish peoples will happen when Turkey recognizes the genocide committed by the Ottoman Empire against the Armenians in 1915-23."
According To Anc, Protocols On Establishment Of Diplomatic Relations And Development Of Bilateral Relations Between Armenia And Turkey Are Considerable Advance In That Direction YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 2, NOYAN TAPAN. The Armenian National Congress Central Office has made a statement presenting its estimation to the agreement reached by Armenia and Turkey on starting domestic political consultations over two protocols presigned during negotiations conducted with the mediation of Switzerland (Protocol on Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between the Two Countries and Protocol on Development of Bilateral Relations).
Mentioning that normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations is in the interests of the two countries and peoples, as well as in the interests of regional peace and stability, ANC states that the protocols on establishment of diplomatic relations and on development of bilateral relations between Armenia and Turkey are a considerable advance in that direction.
Meanwhile ANC considers inadmissible the provision on creation of an intergovernmental commission of Armenian and Turkish historians, which casts a doubt on the fact of the Armenian Genocide.
"The condition of ratification of the mentioned documents by the two countries' parliaments causes anxiety, it gives Serzh Sargsyan a possibility to share with the parliament the responsibility of creating the commission and Turkey to delay the issue of ratification with the motivation of Nagorno Karabakh problem's being not settled, and thus to delay the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border," the ANC statement read.
ARFD Displeased With The Latest Developments In Armenian-Turkish Rapprochement Process, Arminfo 2009-09-02 ArmInfo. ARF Dashnaktsutyun is displeased with the latest developments in the Armenian-Turkish rapprochement process, says the press service of the party.
The package of documents aimed at developing Armenian-Turkish relations means that Armenia and the Armenian people have entered a new stage fraught with numerous risks. ARFD has warned of them from the very beginning. The party believes that Armenia and Turkey, as neighbors, should take steps to normalize their relations but good neighbor relations between Armenia and Turkey can be established only when Turkey recognizes the Armenian Genocide and restores the rights of the Armenian people.
ARFD says that the establishment of diplomatic relations without preconditions and the opening of the border are just the first steps to this end. Armenia's proposal to establish relations without preconditions is a huge concession as it is. ARFD does not accept normalization at the expense of existence of sovereign and viable state and the national rights of the future generations. Turkey has placed this process at the service of its own interests and is speaking with Armenia in language of open and hidden preconditions.
"It is obvious that the published documents contain the well-known conditions of the Turkish party, particularly, the fact of the Armenian Genocide is doubted, and the Armenian people's rights having no period of limitations are being brought to naught", the statement stresses.
Furthermore, ARFD thinks that after publishing the specified documents Turkey continues repeating its third precondition at the official level, i.e. Ankara will take no steps contradicting the interests of Azerbaijan, "that is it continues conditioning the Armenian-Turkish process by the Karabakh problem".
ARF Dashnaksutyun continues insisting that the foreign policy of Armenia deviated from the national state line and the forecasted processes may lead to irreversible consequences. "We call on the Armenian society, political forces of Armenia to correctly assess the process of normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations, possible negative consequences and rule out any possible irreversible consequences by maximal solidarity",- the statement says.
Russia Hails Improvement In Armenia-Turkey Relations, Armradio.Am 02.09.2009 Moscow welcomes Armenia and Turkey's intention to normalize bilateral relations, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.
"We hope that an improvement in relations between the two neighbors will revitalize bilateral trade and economic contacts and will have a positive impact on the socio-economic situation of both states," the ministry said in a statement.
It added that a better relationship between Armenia and Turkey "will help normalize the situation in the region and strengthen peace and security."
RF Foreign Ministry Has Positive Attitude To Armenian-Turkish Rapprochement 02.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ "RF Foreign Ministry has positively accepted Armenia and Turkey's willingness to start internal coordination process with the purpose of signing Protocols on 'Establishing Diplomatic Ties' and 'Developing Bilateral Relations' ", RA MFA Press and Information Department says in a release.
"Armenia and Turkey are our friends. We perceive current rapprochement as a normal process expected for a long time. We'll be happy if current consultations between two states result in a substantive arrangement. As shown by preliminary analysis of draft protocols, elements and implementation time-limits, Ankara and Yerevan are serious and determined about studying the issues under consideration. Let's note that none of steps envisaged by those documents can be interpreted as harmful to a third party," says the statement.
Russian Foreign Ministry finds that the recent serious and mutual efforts undertaken by Armenian and Turkish leaderships create real chances for changing current situation and starting constructive cooperation after a long period of freezing.
"We hope that improvement of ties between two neighbors will liven up trade-economic relations and positively affect social-economic situation in both states, especially in times of global financial recession. Russian official representatives constantly called on Armenian and Turkish partners to resolve existing conflicts within such pragmatic logic. It is also important to proceed further with Armenian-Turkish rapprochement process. That will objectively contribute to improving situation in the region and strengthening peace and security," says the release of Russian Foreign Ministry.
Turkish Premier: Armenian-Turkish Protocols Need Two Parliaments' Approval01.09.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Protocols on "Establishing Diplomatic ties between Armenia and Turkey" need approval by two countries' Parliaments, Turkish Prime Recep Tayyip Erdogan said. According to Turkish official, those documents cannot be considered valid unless they are approved by Armenian and Turkish legislators.
Press Release Of Ministries Of Foreign Affairs Of Republic Of Turkey, Republic Of Armenia And Swiss Federal Department Of Foreign Affairs States News Service, August 31, 2009 The following information was released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey:
The Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Armenia have agreed to start their internal political consultations on the two protocols -the "Protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations" and the "Protocol on the development of bilateral relations" - which have been initialled in the course of their efforts under Swiss mediation.
The two Protocols provide for a framework for the normalization of the bilateral relations within a reasonable timeframe. The political consultations will be completed within six weeks, following which the two Protocols will be signed and submitted to the respective Parliaments for the ratification on each side. Both sides will make their best efforts for the timely progression of the ratification in line with their constitutional and legal procedures.
The normalization of the bilateral relations will contribute to regional peace and stability. The Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Armenia are committed to pursuing their joint efforts with the assistance of Switzerland.
Turkish And Armenian Presidents To Meet If Border Is Opened: Serzh Sargsyan, Trend Aug 31 2009 The Turkish and Armenian Presidents will meet if the border is opened or countries are close to make this decision, the Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said in an interview with BBC's Russian service.
"I will go to Turkey for this football match if our border is opened or we are on the eve to achieve it," Sargsyan said.
Term 'football diplomacy' appeared a year ago when the Turkish President Abdullah Gul arrived in Yerevan. A formal cause was a football match between teams of both countries.
It gave cause to think that the border between Turkey and Armenia will be opened and the countries will launch a process of reconciliation. However, Yerevan has recently accused Ankara of freezing this process.
A football match will be held in Turkey in mid. of October. The Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan is likely to attend the match.
"We have agreements. I think that a normal, correct way for sides to fulfill their agreements. Unfortunately, I have not seen any great wiling or strive to fulfill these agreements," Sargsyan said.
He said that the Armenian side's willing to establish interrelations without preliminary terms remains.
"We have not considered recognition of genocide as a preliminary term to establish interrelations, Sargsyan said.
New Protocols Set Ground For Turkey, Armenia Common Future, Hurriyet Sept 1 2009 With the second half of 'football diplomacy' just weeks away, Turkish and Armenian leaders are pledging to sign protocols that will usher in a new era of open relations between the two countries. The future isn't certain, however, as the parliaments and presidents on both sides of the border will need to ratify the agreements before they can come into force
FOOTBALL DIPLOMACY: Hopes escalate for Armenian President Serge Sarkisian to attend a football match in Turkey in October.
After decades of tension between the neighbors, Turkey and Armenia are set to sign protocols that promise to shape a broad common ground for establishing good ties and undertaking joint projects important for future development.
The two countries are expected to ink two protocols in six weeks, likely just before the World Cup qualifying match that will take place in Bursa on Oct. 14 between Turkey and Armenia's national teams.
The first protocol, covering the establishment of diplomatic relations, and the second, on the development of relations, are accompanied by an annex that sets a clear timetable for the implementation of both.
Though uncertainties remain, the agreements envision the opening of the Turkey-Armenia border within two months after the second protocol goes into force, which requires approval from both parliaments and presidents.
"[Turkey and Armenia] reconfirm their commitment, in their bilateral and international relations, to respect and ensure respect for the principles of equality, sovereignty, non-intervention in internal affairs of other states, territorial integrity and inviolability of frontiers," the first protocol reads.
The initial part of the agreement also touches on the issue of regional stability without making direct reference to the ongoing dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh, an Azerbaijani territory occupied by Armenian forces. Refraining from the use of threats or force, promoting the peaceful settlement of disputes and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms are also key provisions in the protocol.
Borders to be recognized
Under the agreement, the two countries will also affirm their mutual recognition of their existing border, as defined by relevant treaties in international law, a provision that directly refers to one of Turkey's most important demands, Armenia's acknowledgement of the 1921 Treaty of Kars that delimited the border. This aspect of the protocol can be seen as Armenia's confirmation that it will no longer make any claims on Turkish territory.
The next item of the protocol once again affirms the countries' decision to open the common border, which was sealed by Turkey in response to Armenia's occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh. Previously, Turkey had said it would not move toward reconciliation with Armenia unless the country removed its forces from Azerbaijani lands.
"Condemning all forms of terrorism, violence and extremism irrespective of their cause, pledging to refrain from encouraging and tolerating such acts and to cooperate in combating against them," are among the other terms of the protocol. As Turkish intelligence services believe that Armenia is one of the countries providing support to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, Turkey will press Armenia to severe any links with the banned organization.
The protocol on the development of relations lists a number of fields in which the two countries will work to launch joint projects. In addition to political and economic ties, Turkey and Armenia will set up sub-commissions to work on energy- and transportation-related efforts, as well as other scientific, technical and cultural issues, that will foster a common future based on mutual interests. Projects set to be launched in the short term include the reactivation of existing railroads and joint electricity production.
In another reference to the peaceful settlement of regional disputes, the protocol text says the countries are "reiterating their commitment to the peaceful settlement of regional and international disputes and conflicts on the basis of the norms and principles of international law."
Under the new agreements, Turkey and Armenia will also work together to stop transnational organized crime, including the illicit trafficking of drugs and arms.
Initiating a historical dialogue
In addition to the main aims of the two protocols, the neighboring countries have also agreed to set up a sub-commission to deal with the mass killings that occurred during the World War I era. The sub-commission will be able to invite foreign experts to contribute to its work. It is charged with implementing "a dialogue on the historical dimension with the aim to restore mutual confidence between the two nations, including an impartial scientific examination of the historical records and archives to define existing problems and formulate recommendations."
The two countries will also cooperate in the fields of science and education by encouraging relations between appropriate institutions and promoting the exchange of specialists and students, and will act to preserve the cultural heritage of both sides by launching joint cultural projects.
The timetable
After negotiations are completed, the protocols are expected to be signed in the first half of October and will then be sent to Parliament for further discussion. The final approval of the protocols must be made by President Abdullah Gul. It is not yet known how long it may take to complete the ratification process.
The protocol calls for the border to be opened within two months of the documents' entry into force, meaning that if Gul approves them on Nov. 1, for example, the border would have to be opened before the New Year.
The two countries will also establish a working group headed by their respective foreign ministries to prepare an intergovernmental commission, along with a number of sub-commissions, that will be convened within three months after the protocol goes into effect. The sub-commissions will convene a month after the initial intergovernmental meeting.
Uncertainty over Karabakh
Though a key step in the reconciliation process, the protocols do not address all the questions marks in the relationship between the two countries. After Turkey and Armenia declared their initial "road map" for reconciliation on April 22, Baku's strong reaction caused Ankara to backpedal and declare that it would only move forward if Armenia withdrawals from occupied Azerbaijani lands. The current protocol does not address this issue. Turkish diplomats say there are still two parallel tracks, but thus far, the implementation is not showing that to be the case.
Turkey To Normalize Ties With Armenia After Full Resolution Of Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: FM, Today.Az Sept 1 2009 Azerbaijan Turkey wants to normalize relations with Armenia, but also wants full normalization of relations in the South Caucasus, including Nagorno-Karabakh.
Turkey wants to go beyond establishing ties with Armenia and normalize relations across the South Caucasus, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told Reuters on Monday.
Davutoglu also spoke of opening the border between Armenia and Turkey's Muslim ally Azerbaijan. He did not specify any other borders.
"We want to normalize our relations with Armenia, but we also want full normalization of relations in the South Caucasus, including Nagorno-Karabakh," he said.
"This would provide a stable, sustainable peace and stability in our region. The Caucasus has already suffered a lot from ethnic tension and frozen conflicts," he said.
"We know very well from our experiences in the Caucasus and Balkans that frozen conflicts are like bombs in our hands and if we cannot control them, they could blow up in our hands," the minister said.
"We hope that the international community after this step will focus on frozen conflicts in the region, especially Nagorno-Karabakh," Davutoglu added.
Dashnaksutun: Documents Signed Between Turkey, Armenia Not To Ensure Real Establishment Of Diplomatic Ties, Today.Az Sept 1 2009 The latest initiative to normalize Armenia-Turkey ties is just a game by Turkey to keep Armenia in the game, chief of 'Ay Dat' bureau and Dashnaksutun party member Kiro Manoyan said.
He said the documents signed are not guarantees for real establishment of diplomatic relations.
"The current initiative was triggered by an interview of President Serzh Sargsyan with BBC in which he stated that Turkey does not respect agreements and was put into practice on the eve of the planned visit of Armenian President to watch football match between the two countries," Manoyan said.
He disagreed with the view that Turkey has taken this step to get reciprocal concessions from Armenia on the Karabakh issue.
He said Ankara did not pursue this goal in this case.
A Look At Issues Dividing Neighbors Armenia And Turkey, Washington Examiner Sept 2 2009 (AP) Issues dividing neighbors Armenia and Turkey, which announced Monday they would establish diplomatic relations for the first time:
GENOCIDE: Bitterly divided by killing of up to 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Turks during World War I, which many scholars consider first genocide of 20th century. Armenia wants it recognized as one of worst humanitarian atrocities. Turkey denies it constituted genocide, contending toll has been inflated and dead were victims of civil war and unrest that killed Muslims as well as overwhelmingly Christian Armenians. ___
NAGORNO-KARABAKH: Disagree over Nagorno-Karabakh, predominantly ethnic Armenian region of Azerbaijan controlled by separatists. Turkey closed border with Armenia in 1993 in solidarity with ally Azerbaijan, with which Turks share common language, culture and religion. Move hurt landlocked Armenia's economy. ___
SLAYING OF TURKISH DIPLOMATS: Relations strained by murders of dozens of Turkish diplomats in 1970s and '80s by extremists seeking to expand Armenian homeland in eastern Turkey and vengeance for slayings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks. Militants also attacked Turkish Airlines counter at Paris's Orly Airport in 1983, killing eight people and wounding 56.
Turkey-Armenia Hostility Thaws After 100 Years, Press Tv, Sept 2 2009 Iran Turkey and Armenia have agreed on a protocol which could result in reopening of the border between the two long-time foes by the end of the year.
The two countries have announced that they would sign accords within six weeks under a plan to end a century of hostility.
According to an unofficial translation of the protocol released by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, the two countries have agreed to establish ties in various areas.
Turkey and Armenia have also agreed to support each other in international bodies, including the United Nations.
Ankara and Yerevan have agreed to open the Turkey-Armenia border within two months after the implementation of the protocol, Turkey's Yenisafak newspaper reported.
"If everything goes as planned, if mutual steps are taken, the borders could be opened around New Year," Reuters quoted Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu as saying.
Turkey closed its border with Armenia in 1993 in solidarity with Muslim ally Azerbaijan, which was fighting Armenian-backed separatists in the breakaway mountain region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Armenians also accuse Turkey of committing a massacre against 1.5 million of their kin between 1915 and 1917 as the Ottoman Empire was falling apart.
Turkey rejects Armenian claims that the killings amounted to "genocide", and says many people were killed on both sides of the conflict.
The thaw in relations between Turkey and Armenia seems to have worried Azerbaijan, which may feel it is losing its traditional supporter, Turkey.
Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry spokesman Elhan Polukhov has said that any Turkish move to open its border with Armenia before "the Armenian occupation of the Azerbaijani territory" is over would be contrary to the national interests of Azerbaijan.
Armenia-Turkey Deal A Big Leap, Saudi Gazette Sept 2 2009 Saudi Arabia ARMENIA and Turkey have taken a major step forward by agreeing to a plan for establishing diplomatic ties, experts said Tuesday, but the deal does not yet mark an end to decades of hostility.
Domestic opposition, objections from Turkey's ally Azerbaijan and lingering distrust between the two countries could still derail their efforts to overcome nearly a century of acrimony, analysts said.
Most nonetheless agreed that the creation of a timetable for establishing ties and reopening their long-sealed border was a historic moment.
"It is a very, very serious step toward the completion of the negotiating process, and the questions of the border reopening and the establishment of diplomatic ties will be solved very soon... It is a matter of six months to a year," Yerevan-based political analyst Alexander Iskandarian said.
The agreement announced Monday foresees the signing of two protocols on establishing diplomatic relations and developing bilateral ties following six weeks of "internal political consultations".
Turkey has long refused to establish diplomatic links with Armenia over Yerevan's efforts to have World War I-era massacres of Armenians by Ottoman Turks recognized as genocide -- a label Turkey strongly rejects.
Turkey also closed its border with Armenia in 1993 in solidarity with ally Azerbaijan over Yerevan's backing of ethnic Armenian separatists in the breakaway Nagorny Karabakh region.
Analysts said the agreement of a precise timetable was a sign of the seriousness of the plan. "This is fantastic news, it seems these are very serious declarations, a very serious timetable," said Hugh Pope, a Turkey analyst for the International Crisis Group.
"Huge progress has been made, starting with intellectuals and academics and then with some business people getting involved and even ex-officials have been trying to get Turkey away from the old nationalist rhetorics," he said.
Washington and Paris Monday warmly welcomed the deal, which followed a year of Swiss-brokered talks and a historic visit by Turkish President Abdullah Gul to Armenia for a football match last September. Still, it is unclear how long the process of ratification could take and Turkey has already cast some doubts on the reopening of the border.
"At the moment opening the border is not foreseen and it is not the priority," Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told Turkey's NTV channel late Monday. He later added that Turkey would take no action "that would hurt the interests of Azerbaijan".
Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesman Elkhan Polukhov said Tuesday that Baku was confident Ankara would not agree to open the border without a deal on Nagorny Karabakh. "Azerbaijan's position is based on numerous statements from high-ranking officials in Turkey on the question of opening the Armenian-Turkish border," he told AFP. "The opening of the border without the settlement of the Nagorny Karabakh conflict would contradict the interests of Azerbaijan."
Turkey's immediate raising of Azerbaijan's interests following Monday's announcement could signal a step back on the border issue, Armenian political analyst Sergei Shakarian said. "The border will not be re-opened, not within six weeks or six months, or in two years, because the Karabakh issue will not be resolved within this time," he said.
The agreement could also face strong domestic opposition in both countries, analysts said, and the ratification process could drag on. "It is a very positive development, but of course we cannot say that the thing is in the bag," former Turkish diplomat Ilter Turkmen told CNN-Turk television.
"There is a long process ahead of us, first with six weeks of negotiations, then the ratification of the protocols before Parliament. There is no certainty over what will happen in parliament. It is likely that the opposition will oppose this project, that there will be long arguments."
Armenian Public Remains Divided On Relations With Turkey, Today's Zaman Sept 2 2009 While the government and its close circles seek to further normalize relations with Turkey, Armenian opposition groups are distancing themselves from the normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations, claiming that Armenia will lose its dignity and position.
Speaking to Today's Zaman, Alexander Iskandarian, director of the Yerevan-based Caucasus Institute, said Turkish-Armenian rapprochement should be evaluated at different levels of society. "Armenian government and pro-government forces," Iskandarian noted, "are very much supportive of the initiative. They believe this is a huge step forward in Armenian foreign policy." Talking about the opposition, Iskandarian was pessimistic, saying he does not expect it to lend its hand to bolster the initiative with Turkey. "The Armenian opposition is against relations between the two countries -- its sole reason being that they are in the opposition and need to criticize." Speculating about views held by the Armenian public, the Armenian expert said it is too early to say how the Armenian public will see the latest initiative.
Speaking to a local TV station in Armenia on Monday, Artyom Yerkanian, an Armenian political expert, suggested that the agreement to establish ties could be signed at an October soccer match between the two countries to be held in Turkey. Turkish President Abdullah Gul visited Armenia in September 2008 to attend a soccer match between Turkey and Armenia, a move that has since been dubbed "soccer diplomacy."
Armenian political expert and Caucasus Institute Deputy Director Sergey Minasyan spoke with the Azerbaijani Internet news portal Day.Az on protocols and bilateral relations between the two countries. The Armenian expert said, "Protocols made public by Armenia and Turkey first of all point to a new stage in the process of normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations and the willingness of the parties to continue the process, regardless of the complexity of the regional context."
Richard Giragosian, head of the Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS), said, "Clearly, the recent increased diplomatic and political activity over the new Turkish-Armenian 'protocols' have brought a new sense of expectations and pressure on all sides." Stressing the importance of the agreement, Giragosian warned, "But for Armenia, there is an added pressure from the Armenian diaspora, which is now very concerned over any agreement on normalizing relations with Turkey." Noting that while the events of 1915 and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict have always been a significant national issue for Armenians worldwide, there is also a new domestic political context, as the current Armenian government is under new pressure to ensure and protect the national interests and security of both Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. In this way, this recent announcement will also pose a test for the Armenian leadership, as Armenians throughout the world will be closely watching and carefully listening to every gesture and each word in the weeks ahead."
Pointing out that the biggest danger is likely to come from the opposition to halt the ongoing process, Giragosian said, "At the same time, the current Armenian government remains under constant attack by the country's opposition, thereby raising the stakes and increasing expectations as well as exacerbating the pressure already being exerted on Yerevan."
Kiro Manoyan, a member of the Armenian opposition Dashnaktsutyun party, said the latest initiative to normalize Armenian-Turkish relations is just a Turkish ruse to keep Armenia in the game. "Signed documents are not guarantees for the real establishment of diplomatic relations," Manoyan told the Armenian press.
Turkey Takes Bold Step For Change Of Status Quo In Caucasus, Today's Zaman Sept 2 2009 Turkey The ongoing status quo in the Caucasus is not advantageous for Armenia, Azerbaijan or Turkey. Now Turkey, with its leading role based on its soft power, aims to change this status quo, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Tuesday.
Davutoglu was speaking in an interview with the NTV news channel after Armenia and Turkey announced late on Monday that they have agreed to start internal political consultations on the two protocols --the "Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations" and the "Protocol on the Development of Bilateral Relations" -- which have been initiated in the course of their efforts under Swiss mediation.
"The two protocols provide for a framework for the normalization of their bilateral relations within a reasonable timeframe. The political consultations will be completed within six weeks, following which the two protocols will be signed and submitted to the respective Parliaments for the ratification on each side. Both sides will make their best efforts for the timely progression of the ratification in line with their constitutional and legal procedures," the foreign ministries of Armenia, Switzerland and Turkey said in a joint statement which was released simultaneously.
On April 22, Turkey announced that it had reached an agreement with Armenia on a roadmap for normalizing relations, drawing praise from the United States and deepening concerns in Azerbaijan. During a subsequent visit to Baku, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey would not open its border with Armenia unless Armenia withdraws its troops from Nagorno-Karabakh, raising doubts over Turkish-Armenian reconciliation in the foreseeable future.
Armenian leaders also criticized Erdogan for making the normalization of ties with Armenia conditional on a settlement in Nagorno-Karabakh and urged him not to interfere in the settlement process. Turkey was actually one of the first countries to recognize Armenia's independence in 1991. The two countries have been holding closed-door talks for around one-and-a-half years on ways to restore diplomatic relations and open their mutual border, closed by Turkey in 1993 in protest of the Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territory during a war over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The dispute is further complicated by Armenian claims of genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Empire during the time of World War I, a charge denied by Turkey.
Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan and Turkish President Abdullah Gul are seen during Gul's visit to Yerevan last year.
'Big peace starts with big dreams' "The fact that peace is delayed doesn't remove the indispensability of that peace. All big peace starts with big dreams. The biggest obstacle in front of them is prejudice. There is a status quo in the Caucasus at the moment which is not u
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Sep 30, 2009
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