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A.R.F. News
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Tuesday September 30, 2008 |
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Monday September 29, 2008 |
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Sunday September 28, 2008 |
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Friday September 26, 2008 |
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Press Release :
ARF Delegation Meeting
ARF
Central Committee of Western USA
Office of
Public Relations
104 N Belmont St. Suite
307
Glendale, CA 91206
Tel: (818) 243-7059
Fax:
(818) 243-1467 |
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Wednesday September 24, 2008 |
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Tuesday September 23, 2008 |
PRESS RELEASE:
A.R.F.
Central Committee of Western USA
Office of
Public Relations
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Friday September 19, 2008 |
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Brad Sherman Seeks Aid for
Armenia
to Adjust to the Caucasus War
Dear Friend:
As you know, Armenia is an innocent victim of the war between
Georgia and Russia. According to the Armenian government, the country has
suffered an estimated $680 million of damage to its economy. I wanted you
to be aware that I am working to increase U.S. aid to Armenia during this
difficult time.
Please
Click here to find the two articles from Armenian news sources
which detail my recent activities on this issue.
Sincerely,
BRAD SHERMAN
Member of Congress
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Thursday September 18, 2008 |
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Tuesday September 16, 2008 |
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Monday September 15, 2008 |
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Friday September 12, 2008 |
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Wednesday September 10, 2008 |
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Monday September 08, 2008 |
Hundreds protest against Gul visit to
Armenia
Turkey Beats Armenia 2-0
YEREVAN--Turkey beat Armenia 2-0 in the World Cup qualifier match
being played at Yerevan's Hrazdan Stadium Saturday.
The match has garnered international attention since Turkish President
Abdullah Gul accepted his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sarkisian's
invitation and arrived in Armenia, becoming the first Turkish president to
visit Armenia.
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Sunday September 07, 2008 |
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Friday September 05, 2008 |
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A.R.F. Western U.S. Central Committee's
Press Conference on Gul's visit to Armenia
 
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Tuesday September 02, 2008 |
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Armenian Fonts
Download |
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Download the following font files
into your system's fonts folder, and you should be able to view
the articles in Armenian.
Once copied to your fonts folder,
refresh the page to see the articles in Armenian fonts. |
ARS Sepan Chapter
ALLA LEVONYAN CONCERT
Proceeds will benefit Glendale Youth Center
Armenian National Committee of South America
Launches a new web-site
www.cna.org.ar
Consejo Nacional
Armenio de Sudamérica
Oficina Central:
Armenia 1366
C1414 DKD Buenos Aires -República Argentina -
TELFAX (5411) 4775-7595 / 7494 Interno 15
EMAIL:
consejonacionalarmenio@cna.org.ar
cna@cna.org.ar
www.cna.org.ar
**********************************
Hamazkayin
Educational and Cultural Society
Burbank Armenian Center
Organizes 1st Annual Festival
BURBANK, CALIF
- The Burbank Armenian Center is organizing its 1st
Annual Festival, to be held on Sunday, October 12, 2008 at Gross
Park in Burbank from 11 AM to 5 PM. We will have food, music,
dancing and games for the kids, as well as booths promoting Burbank
businesses and organizations.
"The Armenian Festival in Burbank will be
a great place for the kids to have fun," said Ungerouhi Nanig
Kupelian, chairwoman of the event. "Adults will be able to see old
friends and make new friends, as well as keep in touch with the
goings-on of the local Armenian-American community."
In operation for more than 18 years, the
Burbank Armenian Center houses many local chapters of the following
Armenian-American organizations: The Armenian Cultural Foundation,
the Armenian National Committee (ANC), the Armenian Youth
Federation, The Badanegan, the Armenian Relief Society and the
Homenetmen.
The Burbank Armenian Center promotes and
serves the local community by offering anti-drug & anti-gang
initiatives, educational & civic programs, meetings & forums, and
local-school partnerships.
Location:
Robert E. Gross Park
2800 W. Empire Avenue, Burbank
CA
For more information:
Contact: Silva
Kechichian
Burbank Armenian Center at (818)
562-1918.
e-mail:
Burbankcommunitycenter@yahoo.com
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September 30, 2008
Kassakhian
Addresses Need for Political Involvement at Pasadena ANC Town Hall |
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Pasadena, CA--The city
known nationally for hosting the annual Rose Bowl football game and
Tournament of Roses Parade was the site of a town hall meeting on
grassroots political involvement recently organized by the local
Pasadena chapter of the Armenian National Committee.
The town hall meeting featured Glendale City Clerk Ardashes Kassakhian
who discussed why all citizens, including Armenian Americans, have a
responsibility to be involved in local government affairs. The
gathering drew broad spectrum of community members, some longtime
activists and others new to the community.
“Today we touched on the importance of grassroots action and the need
to be involved locally with our city council and other local
officials. We plan to hold more town hall meetings--and future
meetings will touch on other interesting topics designed to engage our
community members and get them involved," remarked Pasadena ANC leader
Dikran Tabakian.
“Our town hall meeting this evening was all about serving the
community," he said. "The idea is simple. We need to educate our
community, motivate them and finally, we need to activate them to
support worthwhile activities.”
In his remarks during the town hall meeting, Kassakhian reflected on
his own history of grassroots involvement, from registering voters as
a volunteer to organizing the community as the executive director of
the Armenian National Committee's Western Region office. He cited a
number of examples of how an energized and motivated group of Armenian
Americans can bring positive change to their local government.
Kassakhian made clear that failing to be involved in local government
affairs in Pasadena and elsewhere is not an acceptable option. “If you
want to play a positive role in the future of your city, you have to
be involved."
The ANC of Pasadena advocates for the social, economic, cultural, and
political rights of the area's Armenian American community and
promotes increased Armenian American civic participation at the
grassroots and public policy levels.
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September
30, 2008
ANC-WR
Annual Banquet: Sold Out Event! |
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LOS ANGELES--The
Armenian National Committee-Western Region (ANC-WR) is pleased to
announce that the organization's annual banquet to be held on October
12, 2008 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley,
California is officially a sold out affair.
"We are very excited for what again is a sold out banquet," stated
ANC-WR Banquet Chairwoman Aida Dimejian. "The ANC-WR Annual Banquet
allows all of our community leaders and activists to come together
with government officials and policymakers to reflect on a year of
tremendous accomplishments," she added.
Honorary
chairs of the event include Congressmen Adam Schiff, George
Radanovich, Ed Royce, Congresswoman Jackie Speier and several others.
Those being honored include Vice Presidential Nominee Senator Joseph
Biden, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, President Ronald Reagan
and Mrs. Ashkhen Pilavjian.
Senator
Biden, set to receive the prestigious Freedom Award, has provided
friendship and support to the Armenian American community dating back
to his first days in public office. As Chairman of the United States
Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Joseph Biden has cosponsored
numerous Armenian Genocide resolutions and most recently presided over
the confirmation hearing of Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch.
The ANC-WR 2008 Man of the year is Los Angeles Mayor Antonio
Villaraigosa. As Mayor of Los Angeles, Villaraigosa has repeatedly
demonstrated his steadfast support for the Armenian community. In
2007, at the urging and support of the Mayor, the Los Angeles City
Council passed a resolution calling on the House of Representatives to
pass H. Res. 106.
Following his election to the presidency in 1980, Ronald Reagan
distinguished himself as the last U.S. President to properly
acknowledge the Armenian Genocide as "genocide". President Reagan
will be honored with the esteemed Woodrow Wilson Award at the ANC-WR
2008 Banquet.
A dedicated supporter of the ANC-WR, Mrs. Ashkhen Pilavjian shall be
honored with this year's Legacy Award. Over the years, Pilavjian has
vigorously supported several Armenian organizations including the
Western Prelacy, Armenian Cultural Foundation, Armenian National
Committee, Homenetmen, Armenian Relief Society as well as many
Armenian Schools. Pilvajian's diligent efforts are truly admirable and
she has been instrumental in support of the community's growth.
Individuals interested in learning more about the ANC-WR banquet are
encouraged to contact ANC-WR Banquet Coordinator Aida Dimejian at
(818) 500-1918 or visit
www.itsmyseat.com. The banquet is slated to begin at 3:30 pm with
the cocktail hour and dinner and program set to begin promptly at 5:30
p.m.
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.
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September 29, 2008
Another Turkish writer persecuted for
mentioning Armenian Genocide |
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Members
of four factions in Dutch Parliament, namely the Christian Union, the
CDA (Christian Democrats), the SGP (Political Reformed Party) and the
VVD (Liberal Party) have submitted Written Questions to the Minister
of Foreign Affairs about the permission of the Turkish Minister of
Justice to prosecute Turkish writer Temel Demirer, because of
his remarks on the Armenian Genocide the day after the assassination
of the Armenian Turkish journalist Hrant Dink.
Written questions by the MP’s Voordewind (Christian Union), Ormel
(Christian Democrats), Van der Staaij (Political Reformed Party) and
Van Baalen (Liberal Party) to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the
permission to prosecute the Turkish writer are as follows:
1. Have you been notified of the news that the Turkish Minister of
Justice has granted permission to prosecute writer Temel Demirer
pursuant to Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code because of
utterances on the Armenian Genocide?
2. In which cases has the Minister of Justice given permission to
institute a criminal case by invoking this Article after it had been
amended under the EU pressure?
3. Which conclusion do you draw from this situation also considering
the background of the answers to the earlier written questions on the
condemnation of a Turkish writer due to publication of a book on the
Armenian Genocide (nr. 3045), where you asserted that you could not at
the time evaluate the effect of the amendment of Article 301 properly?
Doesn’t this make clear that the amendment of Article 301 has, neither
in material nor procedural sense, produced the intended result and
that the further amendment of the Turkish Penal Code is necessary? If
not, why?
4. Which measures are you going to take, bilaterally as well as in EU
connection in order to make it clear to the Turkish government that
the continuing violation of the freedom of expression is unacceptable?
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September 29, 2008
Armenia, ANCC Attend OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Toronto |
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TORONTO --Four delegates
from Armenia attend the Organization of Organizations for Security
Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly's three-day fall meeting
on Sep. 18 here. The Armenian delegation consisted of head of
delegation Aram Safarian, Prosperous Armenia; Khachig Harutiunian,
Orinats Yergir; Larisa Alaverdian, Heritage; and Anahit Gasparyan,
head of international organizations department at the National
Assembly of the Republic of Armenia.
Aris Babikian attended the meeting as an observer on behalf of the
Armenian National Committee of Canada.
The morning session on Sept. 18 was devoted to “The OSCE Mediterranean
Dimension”, while the afternoon session focused on “OSCE in an Open
World: Trade, Security, and Migration”. Keynote speaker Gareth Evans,
president and chief executive of the International Group and the
former foreign minister of Australia, analyzed the current and future
security role of the OSCE and NATO's role in Europe.
Within the context of the OSCE ODIHR election monitoring missions
around Europe, Evans made an ambiguous remark on the presidential
election in Armenia. He said, “While the mission in Macedonia played a
very helpful role, there was the positive assessment of Armenian
presidential elections in February 2008 that in fact were fraught with
problems and led to fatal clashes between police and demonstrators.”
During a question-and-answer session, Armenian representative
Alaverdian challenged the Evans' statement and asked more
clarification.
Evans also labeled Russia as an aggressor and occupier in the recent
South Ossetia-Georgia conflict. His remarks launched a wave of anger
from the Russian delegation. During the question-and-answer session,
the head of the Russian delegation, Alexander Kozlovskiy, attacked
Evans and criticized the OSCE Secretariat for inviting Evans. He
called the former Australian foreign minister's speech and the western
media's approach to the South Ossetia-Georgia crisis as “information
terrorism”. Kozlovsky also said that what had happened was an insult
to Russia. "We [OSCE] do not need lecturers to come and teach us about
our security,” he added. Kozlovskiy then presented a historical
prospective of the crisis.
A Greek delegate also raised his objection by saying, “We are not in a
classroom. We are a political body and speakers should behave
accordingly.”
In the Mediterranean Forum session, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings made
the following supportive statement on Turkey and its membership in EU.
“ I hope that Turkey is given fair and expeditious consideration for
accession to the European Union.”
The second day of the was the highlights of the meeting. While the
morning session was devoted to the topic of “Economic/Environmental
Dimensions”, the afternoon session was about Georgia-Russia conflict.
Goren Lennmarker, special envoy for the situation in Georgia,
presented a report in which he divided his speech into three sections:
What Happened; the cost of the conflict; the future.
He called on “the three countries of the Caucasus to come together to
help each other, cooperate and shape their future.” He also said that
it is time to solve the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict between Armenia and
Azerbaijan. He added that in the next meeting, to be held after the
presidential elections in Azerbaijan, he would have a detailed
report.
Eka Tkeshelashvili, foreign minister of Georgia, presented her
country's case. She said, “The frozen conflicts concept is wrong and
dangerous”. She said that the recent conflict in Georgia was
premeditated by Russia. “International engagement should be more
straightforward. This is military invasion/ethnic cleansing. Russia
should restore its image as a reliable partner. NATO should be
expanded bringing Georgia closer to the European Union.” She also
called for an “international investigation mission.
Vitaly Churkin, Russia's ambassador to the UN, presented Russia's
case. He went through a long list of incidents which demonstrated
Georgians had frequently broken international law. The annulment of
the Ossetians and Abkhazians self-autonomy which they had enjoyed
under the Soviet Union and the declaration of “Georgia for Georgians”
was one example, he said, of Georgia's breaking of international law.
He cited an article in the UN Charter which demonstrated Ossetians and
Abkhazians are entitled to break away from Georgia. To underline
Georgia's aggressive intentions, he pointed out that Georgia had
increased its military budget 50 fold.
Churkin asked NATO member countries whether they were "willing to
rescue your country's security for the sake of Saakashvili?"
Afterward more than 50 delegates took to the floor and made
statements. delegate said that use of force by Russia was
disproportionate. They said "This is a new Iron Curtain. Russia is
redrawing the borders of Europe. Georgia's territorial integrity
should be supported. Russia is unreliable and unpredictable. Russia
broke the rule of law. This is state annexation."
Many delegates called for an international observers and investigation
team to go to Georgia to investigate the conflict and its aftermath.
They also called for dialogue and cooperation.
The Russian and Georgian delegations exchanged frequent insults and
were often highly emotional.
Aram Safaryan of Armenia said that we [Armenia] believe in the OSCE's
peaceful efforts. He said, "The Russian Federation is our strategic
ally and the largest trade partner. We look with respect to Russia's
role and interest in the Caucasus. Georgia is our traditional
neighbor. Some 70% of our imports come through Georgia. During the
five days of the conflict Armenia lost $682 million. Armenia doesn't
look favorably to big power clashes in the Caucasus. Safaryan called
for balanced relationship between Russia, the United States and the
European Union. He said his government supported Turkey's “Caucasus
Platform” proposal and positively assessed Gul's visit to Armenia. He
called for the right of self-determination for all the nations of the
Caucasus.
Larisa Alaverdyan, called for an international conference to discuss
the issues of the over 100 nations that make up the Caucasus. She
called for the Caucasian nations to make their contribution to the
region and to speak their mind.
The chairwoman of the Azeri delegation supported the territorial
integrity of Georgia. She said Azerbaijan rejected Georgian
separatism, considered Abdullah Gul's visit to Armenia a positive
step, and called for the establishment and safeguards for the energy
transportation routes. She said that tension and recriminations do not
help the situation and called for dialogue. She then asked the OSCE to
turn its attention to solving the problem in Nagorno-Karapagh problem
"where [OSCE] did not keep its commitment."
The head of the Turkish delegation called for peace and stability in
the region. He said nations had a moral responsibility to turn the
region to the benefit the people. The Turkish delegate said the
recognition by Russia of Abkhazia and Ossetia is an alarming
development and would have negative effect on the resolution of the
conflict.
On the third and last day of the gathering, the agenda was titled
“Human Dimension” on role of OSCE ODIHR in promoting human rights,
democracy, migration and integration of legal and illegal migrants.
Alaverdyan of Armenia mentioned the non cooperation of neighboring
countries in the migrants issue. She mentioned Turkey's non-responsive
attitude to cooperating on the issue of Armenian migrants to Turkey
and in protecting their rights.
The ANCC representative had many opportunities to meet the various
delegates and OSCE PA leaders, discuss with them the Nagaorno Khrabagh
conflict and give them copies of Patrick Wilson Gore`s book “ Tis
Some Poor Fellow's Skull” on Nagorno-Karabakh.
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September
29, 2008
Turkey Scared to Admit Armenian Genocide, Says Historian |
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YEREVAN --Turkey
risks a collapse of its secular political system akin to that of the
Soviet Union if it bows to international pressure to recognize the
1915-22 Armenian genocide, the head of Armenia's Dzidzernagapert
Genocide Memorial Museum complex has told the Guardian.
Hayk Demoyan said Ankara could not acknowledge the systematic killing
of up to 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman troops during the First
World War because it would lead to a wholesale re-writing of Turkish
official history and undermine the ideological basis of the Turkish
state.
In remarks that will cast a shadow over attempts to forge a new
Turkish-Armenian rapprochement, he said those implicated included
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of modern Turkey and a figure Turks are
taught to revere. Historical documents proved Ataturk committed "war
crimes" against Armenians and other groups in his drive to create an
ethnically homogeneous Turkish state, Demoyan explained. "Fear of
rewriting history is the main fear of modern Turkey," said Demoyan,
director of The Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute in Yerevan,
Armenia's capital.
"It is a fear of facing historical reality and causing a total
collapse of the ideological axis that modern republican Turkey was
formed around. Turks get panicked when you compare Ataturk's legacy to
Lenin.
Ataturk was sentenced to death in absentia by a military judge to
punish war crimes during the First World War. There are documents from
non-Armenian sources listing him as a war criminal."
Demoyan's remarks come amid fledgling attempts to re-establish links
between two countries which have not had diplomatic relations since
Turkey blockaded its border with Armenia in 1994 following the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Tentative efforts towards normalizing ties occurred this month when
the Turkish president, Abdullah Gul, visited Yerevan to attend a World
Cup football match between Turkey and Armenia at the invitation of his
Armenian counterpart, Serzh Sarkisian.
Unlike most visiting heads of state, Gul did not visit the genocide
museum, which displays documentary and photographic exhibits proving,
Armenian officials say, that their ethnic brethren were subjected to
deliberate genocide. Turkey vehemently denies this and has jailed
Turkish citizens who argued otherwise. However, rising numbers of
Turkish tourists and journalists have visited the museum recently.
"More than 500 Turks have visited this year. They've come in
unprecedented numbers," Demoyan said. "Their reaction is one of shock.
At first there is denial. Sometimes they ask: 'What is our sin?' or
'How can we be responsible for this?'. It's not taught in Turkish
schools, so we understand their reaction."
Turkey denies the Armenian Genocide, claiming that the death toll has
been exaggerated and that most victims died from starvation or
disease. It also argues that many Turks were killed by Armenian
groups.
But historians, international genocide scholars, over 20 sovereign
nations, the United Nations Subcommittee on Human Rights, the EU
parliament, and hundreds of international organizations all recognize
the fact of the Armenian Genocide.
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Sept-28-2008
Sarkisian Blasts Azeri War Threats, Defends Karabakh at UN |
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UNITED NATIONS--Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian, in his first
address to the United Nations General Assembly, Thursday Defended
Karabakh's right to self-determination and blasted Azerbaijan's
continued threats of military action and actual military build-up,
saying that the international body has clear guidelines for such
actions that were not being adhered to.
“We, the member countries of the United Nations, must adhere to the
letter of the United Nations Charter. If any country, in a short
period of time, enlarges its military budget on several occasions and
is proud of that; If it blatantly violates international armament
agreements; If a country has signed a cease-fire agreement, which is a
legal international document, but at every juncture threatens to
resume war; These require a prompt and decisive response,” said
Sarkisian referring to the continued threats of war by Azerbaijan.
In his first major address before the international community,
Sarkisian highlighted the significant role Armenia plays in the vital
South Caucasus region, emphasizing its central role as a humanitarian
corridor for refugees and diplomats seeking safety during the recent
conflict between Georgia and Russia.
“Once again blood was shed in the South Caucasus and once again
innocent people died because we, the leaders failed to bring a
peaceful resolution to the existing conflicts. The armed conflict,
which erupted in a matter of hours, threatened not only the entire
region but well beyond it,” he said, calling on the international
community to prevent conflicts that threaten to reignite “Cold War”
sentiments and hostilities.
“I think on that direction our main task should be the establishment
of a new, dependable, and viable structure,” Sarkisian said, adding
that complex geopolitical challenges make it impossible to manage
regional and international relations “exclusively within the
structures established after the World War II.”
“Regional cooperation can become one of the essential means to address
these new challenges,” Sarkisian said. “Armenia has always been
promoter of this kind of cooperation, and we are confident that
cooperation is one of the most effective means of attending to the
problems existing among the states. With this regard open borders,
crisscrossing lines of communication and interrelated economic systems
are crucial.”
He also urged the General Assembly to realize that the time has come
for the international community to look at the right to
self-determination of peoples as a guiding principle for the
resolution of conflicts.
“We reject the notion that every expression of self-determination is
viewed as separatism,” said Sarkisian, adding that the Karabakh
conflict must be resolved through peaceful means within the framework
of the OSCE Minsk Group.
“There is no doubt that to be viable, such an outcome should be
endorsed by all parties involved, which was why Armenia continues to
negotiate with Azerbaijan in the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group,”
he said, noting that negotiations have sought to gain Azerbaijan's
recognition of Karabakh's independence.
“The people of Nagorno Karabakh, who followed the legal path for
declaring their desire for self-determination, were subjected to a
brutal war. For months they were on the brink of extinction,”
Sarkisian explained. “At that time it was only an autonomous region
which had neither a regular army, nor arms and ammunition, nor any
intention or ability to occupy any Azeri territory. I think it is at
least not fair to label as the %u218occupiers' those people who fought
for their right to live.”
The Armenian president also spoke about a UN vote on a resolution
dealing with “the situation in Azerbaijan's occupied territories” that
was passed in March with 39 states supporting it, seven voting against
and 100 states abstaining.
“Several months ago, 146 countries that participated in the vote
within this building, with only 39 %u218for' votes adopted a
resolution that has a certain relation with one of the episodes of the
Nagorno-Karabakh settlement process.”
“A decision on an intricate and sensitive problem that has deep roots
and has gone through painful and bloody developments and has received
massive efforts aimed at finding a peaceful resolution was made just
like this, with a motivation of mainly supporting one of the sides.
And the result was very predictable 's a new wave of war rhetoric in
Azerbaijan, false laurels in political speculations, etc.,” Sarkisian
said.
“Is there a need for blood to be shed again for understanding that
frozen conflicts need a professional and informed approach and that
they cannot be resolved through organizing votes at different forums?”
Sarkisian asked, stressing that the countries informed about the
conflict, including the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing states--the
United States, France and Russia--either abstained or voted against
the resolution.
Speaking about the situation in the South Caucasus in the wake of the
brief Russian-Georgian war in August, the Armenian leader voiced the
opinion that “a collective demand for excluding a repetition of
similar developments” should become the primary objective during the
current session of the General Assembly.
Meanwhile, he stressed the importance of regional cooperation as a
basic means to grapple with the existing challenges and emphasized
that Armenia has always been for such cooperation: “What is needed for
this is open borders, intercrossed communication ways, interlinked
economic systems.”
Sarkisian also discussed his decision to invite Turkish President
Abdullah Gul to Armenia for a meeting on the sidelines of the
Turkey-Armenia soccer match. He said the most important issue
emanating from his meeting with Gul was the agreement that unresolved
issues between the two nations should not be left to the next
generations.
“I was glad about Gul's bold step to accept my invitation by which he
became the co-author of my proposal of 'football diplomacy,'” he said.
“We discussed numerous bilateral and regional issues. The most
important is that we agreed not to leave the existing problems to the
next generations. I believe that indeed time has come to solve
problems in Armenian-Turkish relations and I also saw President Gul's
readiness in this matter.”
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PRESS RELEASE:
Sept-23-2008
ARF
Central Committee of Western USA Office of
Public Relations |
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Tel: (818) 243-7059
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9/26/2008
ARF Delegation Meeting
Press Release |
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²ðºôØîº²Ü ²ØºðÆβÚÆ Èð²Ðàêø
ÐÇÝ·ß³µÃÇ« 25 ê»åï»Ùµ»ñÇ« 2008
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Tel: (818) 243-7059
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9-24-2008
A.R.F. Peace Demonstration in Paris |
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9-23-2008
Armenia
Marks 17 Years of Independence |
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YEREVAN
(Combined Sources)--The Republic of Armenia celebrated Sunday the 17th
anniversary of Armenia's independence from the Soviet Union.
17 years ago, on September 21, 1991, Armenians overwhelmingly voted in
a referendum to break free from the crumbling Soviet Empire and live
again as an independent state. The move marked the apex of a
democratic movement that began in 1988 with millions taking to the
streets in support of Nagorno-Karabakh's unification with Armenia.
Congratulating the nation on Sunday, President Serzh Sarkisian
emphasized the importance of independence for the country.
“Independence is the materialization of our dream, it is our
biography, with ups and downs, struggles and fights, opportunity and
possibility to defend our national dignity, sacrifice, national
achievements obtained through that sacrifice, and the right for all of
us to share the pride of these achievements,” the republic's third
president said in his address on the occasion.
Sarkisian also emphasized that during these 17 years, the Armenian
people have defended their country, built a state structure, laid the
foundations for a growing economy, and given new breath to culture,
education, and health care.
“From year to year for us freedom and independence acquire new meaning
and substance,” he said. “We overcame all difficulties and never gave
up. It became clear for us that only independence can give us the
ability to protect the interests of Armenia and the Armenian people.”
Meanwhile, in a written statement, Armenia's Prime Minister, Tigran
Sargsyan, paid tribute to Armenia's national heroes, “who gave their
lives as a sacrifice for this noble cause, paving the way for an
irreversible march of independence.”
He praised the nations unity during the march for independence and
congratulated the country for having endured the hardships along the
difficult road to independence and statehood.
“Our people were well aware of those hardships and challenges awaiting
them on the way to building a free, sovereign and democratic State as
they made an historic choice over a decade and a half ago,” he said.
“Nonetheless, they were convinced that any such challenge might be
overcome through national unity, adherence to the objectives and
principles stated in the Declaration of Independence, as well as with
unfailing will and perseverance.”
Sargsyan, who has made a name for himself as an independent reformer,
expressed confidence in the country's future.
“I am confident that we will manage to meet the new challenges coming
from this quickly changing world, to safeguard our country and people
from any eventual threat and push ahead the process of reform with
strong determination,” he said. “We do have enough will and resources
to preserve and build on today's hard-earned achievements in order to
bequeath a stable and prosperous Armenia to future generations.”
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9-19-2008
20th
Anniversary of Karabakh Movement Marked on Capitol Hill |
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WASHINGTON--Members
of Congress joined together on a bipartisan basis Wednesday evening to
mark the 20th anniversary of the Nagorno-Karabakh freedom movement at
a Capitol Hill program headlined by prominent lawyer and humanitarian
Mark Geragos, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
The evening, titled "Nagorno Karabakh Republic/Artsakh: 20 Years of
Freedom, Democracy and Progress," was hosted by the Congressional
Caucus of Armenian Issues in cooperation with the Embassy of the
Republic of Armenia, the Nagorno Karabakh Representation in the U.S.,
and Armenian American organizations.
“As a community deeply devoted to Artsakh's security, we are pleased
to be joined by our Congressional friends at today's Capitol Hill
celebration of Nagorno Karabagh's hard-won freedom,” said ANCA
Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “We take from this event an added
measure of devotion to standing up against Azerbaijani and Caspian
energy interests, increasing developmental aid to Nagorno Karabakh,
zeroing-out military aid to Azerbaijan, and breaking down the
artificial barriers to U.S.-Artsakh dialogue.”
Throughout the evening, Members of Congress offered remarks
congratulating Nagorno-Karabakh--praising its commitment to democracy,
peace and stability, and citing it as an example for other countries
in the region.
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe
Knollenberg (R-MI), who served as Masters of Ceremony for the evening,
offered moving remarks along with Reps. Shelly Berkley (D-NV), Gus
Bilirakis (R-FL), Jim Costa (D-CA), Barney Frank (D-MA), Patrick
Kennedy (D-RI), George Radanovich (R-CA), Steven Rothman (D-NJ), Brad
Sherman (D-CA), and Tim Walz (D-MN).
In recognition of Congressional support for Artsakh, the Congressional
Caucus Co-Chairs were given a special book of letters and drawing
prepared by the children of Artsakh, presented by Ms. Nelly
Martirosyan, who had recently spent over two months working with youth
there.
The event invocation was offered by His Eminence Archbishop Vicken
Aykazian, legate of the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of
the Eastern U.S., while a special presentation on the Nagorno Karabakh
liberation movement was made by His Eminence Archbishop Choloyan,
Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Eastern U.S.
In his keynote address, Geragos challenged Members of Congress to
increase their support for Nagorno Karabagh, calling the $30 million
in U.S. assistance allocated to date to Nagorno Karabakh insufficient,
and asserting that this aid package, to a democratic nation in a
troubled region, should be at least at the $100 million level.
Armenian Ambassador to the U.S. Tatoul Markarian and the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Representative in the U.S. Vardan Barseghian
provided insight on the current peace talks over Nagorno-Karabakh and
the ongoing commitment of both countries to a peaceful resolution of
the conflict.
A special video marking the 20th anniversary of the Artsakh movement,
prepared by film-maker and documentary producer Peter Musurlian,
highlighted the economic progress and strengthening of democracy in
the Republic. The evening concluded with moving remarks by human
rights activist Kathryn Porter, a frequent visitor to Artsakh who has
shared trying and triumphant moments with the women of Artsakh during
and after the conflict in the region.
Photos and video coverage of Congressional remarks from the event will
be posted on the ANCA website (www.anca.org)
and YouTube channel 's
www.youtube.com/ANCAgrassroots.
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9-19-2008
Sherman Seeks Aid for Armenia to Adjust
to the Caucasus War |
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U.S. CONGRESSMEN TO CONSIDER ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE PACKAGE TO ARMENIA
PanARMENIAN.Net, 9.10.08. - House Foreign Affairs
Committee Chairman Howard Berman (D-CA), today, thanked Armenia for
providing safe transit for U.S. officials during the recent Georgia
conflict, during Committee consideration of a $470 million
post-conflict assistance package to Georgia, the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA) told PanARMENIAN.Net.
Noting the "ripple effects" of the crisis beyond Georgia’s borders and
the absence of Armenia in the bill, Chairman Berman pledged
consideration of additional assistance to Armenia next year. He
stated, in his opening remarks, that, "I note that the ripple effects
of this crisis were clearly felt beyond Georgia’s borders. The United
States is grateful to the Armenian Government for providing safe
transit for American and international officials, relatives of
diplomats and NGO representatives and Georgia nationals. Although this
bill does not include funding for other countries in the Caucasus
region, it is my intention, when we consider the authorization of
assistance next year, to examine the wider impact of this conflict and
provide appropriate funding for Armenia and other affected countries."
Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), an outspoken supporter of post-conflict aid
to Armenia and Javakhk, expressed reservations about language in the
bill, which may support the construction of a new pipeline bypassing
Armenia.
"We see that there are pipelines in Georgia," stated Rep. Sherman.
"Why are there pipelines in Georgia? Because we funded an anti-Armenia
pipeline that violates the rules of geometry – that does not use a
straight line – but rather goes around Armenia in order to benefit
those who are trying to isolate Armenia and now there is talk in this
resolution of a new pipeline – again one designed to avoid going
through Armenia territory, avoid building a peace pipeline between
Azerbaijan and Armenia."
Rep. Sherman expressed regret that assistance to Armenia was not
included in this initial $470 million allocation and pledged his
support for future consideration. The Committee adopted the measure
with a vote of 24 to 9. The remaining $530 million will be discussed
in appropriations next year.
"We commend Chairman Berman and Rep. Sherman for highlighting
Armenia’s large scale economic losses as a result of the Georgia
conflict," stated ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "While we
had hoped that assistance to Armenia and Javakhk would be included in
this first aid package to Georgia, we will continue to work with the
Foreign Affairs and Appropriations committees to ensure that these
funds are included in future assistance packages."
The Armenian government’s post-conflict contributions have been in
four key areas: 1) Safe transit for U.S. and international officials
and relatives of diplomats, NGO representatives, and Georgian
nationals; 2) reconstruction assistance for damaged Georgian
infrastructure; 3) regional dialogue toward peace and stability, and;
4) alleviating the humanitarian burden on the Georgian government.
PROPOSAL CONCERNING RENDERING ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE NOT ONLY TO GEORGIA,
BUT ALSO TO ARMENIA TO BE CONSIDERED AT U. S. CONGRESS
YEREVAN, 9.10.08. DE FACTO - Hearing entitled "U.S.-Russia
Relations in the Aftermath of the Georgia Crisis" was held today, the
Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) reports.
Testifying on behalf of the Bush Administration, Daniel Fried,
Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs,
starting with the region's history, told Members of Congress that the
collapse of the former Soviet Union "was marked by ethnically-based
violence, especially in the South Caucasus." Fried also explained, in
greater detail, the Administration's $1 billion economic support
package that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice had announced on
September 3.
During a question and answer session with Secretary Fried,
Representative Brad Sherman (D-CA), citing a September 3, report from
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty entitled, "Armenia Claims Huge Losses
from Georgian Crisis," pressed the Administration whether they planned
on providing additional aid to Armenia.
Fried commented that Armenia was already a recipient of
significant amount of aid, although he acknowledged that Armenia had
been impacted by the crisis. Sherman added that due to strife, Armenia
had suffered an estimated $680 million in damage to its economy and
again asked if additional aid would be provided. Fried responded that
there would be more, but would have to look into the figure as to an
amount.
To note, the House Appropriations Committee will need to review
the aid package, of which the Assembly last week sent a letter to
Members of Congress pointing out the impact not only for Georgia, but
Armenia as well.
In the letter, the Assembly wrote, in part, that:
"Armenia, as a land-locked nation facing dual blockades by its
neighbors, Turkey and Azerbaijan, is forced to orient on a north-south
axis for trade and shipment of goods and supplies. As such, the
bombing of ports in Georgia and damage to rail lines therein has not
only caused hardships for the people of Georgia, but also for Armenia,
most prominently is the shortage of fuel."
"The Administration has an important opportunity to reinforce
stated U.S. policy goals of regional cooperation and economic
integration in the South Caucasus region," said Congressman Sherman.
"As such, I was deeply troubled that the Administration failed to take
into account the impact that this recent crisis has had on our ally
Armenia. We must ensure that any aid package also includes Armenia,"
Sherman concluded.
"We commend Chairman Berman for holding this timely hearing and
applaud Congressman Sherman for making sure that the needs of Armenia,
as a result of this crisis, will be taken into account," said Assembly
Executive Director Bryan Ardouny.
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9-18-2008
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House Foreign Affairs Chairman Praises Armenia's Help to US
Diplomats in Georgia Crisis |
Rep. Sherman Pushes
for Aid to Armenia and Javakhk;
Expresses Concern about Ongoing Anti-Armenian Efforts in Region
WASHINGTON--House
Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman (D-CA) Wednesday
thanked Armenia for providing safe transit for U.S. officials during
the recent Georgia conflict, during Committee consideration of a $470
million post-conflict assistance package to Georgia, reported the
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
Click here to watch video
Nothing the "ripple effects" of the crisis beyond Georgia's borders
and the absence of Armenia in the bill, Chairman Berman pledged
consideration of additional assistance to Armenia next year. He
stated, in his opening remarks, that, "I note that the ripple effects
of this crisis were clearly felt beyond Georgia's borders. The United
States is grateful to the Armenian Government for providing safe
transit for American and international officials, relatives of
diplomats and NGO representatives and Georgia nationals. Although
this bill does not include funding for other countries in the Caucasus
region, it is my intention, when we consider the authorization of
assistance next year, to examine the wider impact of this conflict and
provide appropriate funding for Armenia and other affected countries."
Rep. Sherman (D-CA), an outspoken supporter of post-conflict aid to
Armenia and Javakhk, expressed reservations about language in the
bill, which may support the construction of a new pipeline bypassing
Armenia.
"We see that there are pipelines in Georgia," stated Rep. Sherman.
"Why are there pipelines in Georgia? Because we funded an
anti-Armenia pipeline that violates the rules of geometry's that does
not use a straight line 's but rather goes around Armenia in order to
benefit those who are trying to isolate Armenia and now there is talk
in this resolution of a new pipeline 's again one designed to avoid
going through Armenia territory, avoid building a peace pipeline
between Azerbaijan and Armenia."
Rep. Sherman expressed regret that assistance to Armenia was not
included in this initial $470 million allocation and pledged his
support for future consideration. The Committee adopted the measure
with a vote of 24 to 9. The remaining $530 million will be discussed
in appropriations next year.
"We commend Chairman Berman and Rep. Sherman for highlighting
Armenia's large scale economic losses as a result of the Georgia
conflict," stated ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "While we
had hoped that assistance to Armenia and Javakhk would be included in
this first aid package to Georgia, we will continue to work with the
Foreign Affairs and Appropriations committees to ensure that these
funds are included in future assistance packages."
The ANCA has supported Congressional efforts, spearheaded by
Congressmen Brad Sherman, Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and George Radanovich
(R-CA) to ensure that the U.S. aid package includes 1) a meaningful
allocation for Javakhk, a under-developed and largely Armenian
population region in southern Georgia, and 2) a dedication of funds to
help offset the considerable economic harm that the conflict has
inflicted upon Armenia. Yerevan played a critical role in helping to
evacuate U.S. diplomatic personnel and other international officials
during the conflict.
During a hearing before this same panel last week, Congressman Sherman
pressed energetically for the aid package to include funding for
Armenia, which he described as an "innocent victim" in the war between
Georgia and Russia. Despite strong argumentation, persistent
questioning, and his recitation of facts concerning how "Armenia has
suffered tremendously as a result of this war," the State Department's
witness, Assistant Secretary of State Dan Fried, remained adamant in
voicing the Administration's opposition to providing economic aid to
Armenia as part of this package.
In a Congressional letter, which will soon be sent to President Bush,
Representatives Pallone and Radanovich outline two recommendations to
the White House. Firstly, ensuring that a "meaningful level of this
aid program is specifically targeted to the vital Samtshke-Javakheti
region. This largely Armenian-inhabited area, home to roughly five
percent of Georgia's overall population, remains, in great measure,
economically undeveloped. Of the $1 billion proposed for Georgia, a
proportional share on a per capita basis--should be officially
dedicated to developmental programs in Samtshke-Javakheti, with a
special focus on alleviating poverty, developing transportation and
communication links, promoting international trade and investment, and
supporting sustainable economic growth."
Secondly, "in light of Yerevan's extensive assistance during this
crisis and also the large-scale economic harm it has endured as a
result of the fighting in the region," they called for setting aside a
portion of the post-conflict aid package to "help offset the ongoing
damage to Armenia's economy." The legislators explained that, "As a
country beset by twin blockades, Armenia conducts the vast majority of
its trade through Georgia. Since the outbreak of the conflict between
Russia and Georgia, Armenia has experienced significantly higher
transportation costs, increased prices for basic commodities such as
food and fuel, and a slow down in international investments. This harm
has been estimated by senior Armenian government officials, including
the Prime Minister, Chairman of the National Security Council, and
Ambassador to the United States, at between $680 million and $1
billion."
The Armenian government's post-conflict contributions have been in
four key areas: 1) Safe transit for U.S. and international officials
and relatives of diplomats, NGO representatives, and Georgian
nationals; 2) reconstruction assistance for damaged Georgian
infrastructure; 3) regional dialogue toward peace and stability, and;
4) alleviating the humanitarian burden on the Georgian government.
Related Links:
The full text of the
ANCA issue brief circulated to Congressional offices is provided
below.
ANCA Issue Brief:
Armenia's constructive response to the crisis in Georgia Armenia has
played a balanced and constructive role in addressing the humanitarian
crisis caused by the recent Russian-Georgian conflict, and is working
with the nations of the region to help restore peace and stability.
1) Safe transit
Armenia provided a "humanitarian corridor" for the safe
transit of:
* More than 150 U.S.
officials and their family members.
* Hundreds of international personnel, including foreign embassy
officials and NGO representatives.
* Thousands of Georgian nationals seeking refuge from the conflict.
(Armenia waived all airport fees and transportation taxes.)
2) Reconstruction
assistance
Armenia sent a team of
repair personnel to Georgia's Gori region, along with a train of rail
cars carrying construction materials, to help rebuild a key Georgian
railroad bridge that was destroyed in the fighting.
3) Peace and
stability
Armenia's President
has spoken to both Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili and Russian
President Dimitry Medvedev to express Armenia's condolences over the
loss of life during the recent fighting, and to discuss Armenia's hope
for a timely return to peace and stability in the region.
Armenia helped
alleviate a potential additional humanitarian burden on the Georgian
government by managing the timely and orderly return to Armenia of
several thousand Armenian nationals who were visiting Georgia at the
time of the conflict.
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Armenian Genocide Deniers on Trial in Switzerland |
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ZURICH, Switzerland (Azat Or)--Three Turkish nationals have gone on
trial for Zurich for denying the Armenian genocide. The three made the
comments during a public demonstration in Winterthur in June last year
and repeated them Tuesday in the courtroom.
They say they are sorry for the Armenians who died but argue that
Turkey did not commit genocide, saying this is an “international lie.”
The prosecutor has asked for the accused to be fined up to 12,000
Swiss franks each. The defendants' lawyer says his clients should go
free because people can only be punished for racially motivated
statements denying genocide. He claims his clients made the comments
out of patriotism.
One of the accused, Ali Mercan, is the number-two person in the
Turkish Labor Party and represents the party in Europe. The other two
are the chairmen of Zurich and Bern chapters of the Ataturk
Organization, which claims to promote Kemal Ataturk's ideals around
the world. The organization has a large base in England and Germany
and recently established the Swiss chapters. It is headquartered in
Ankara and its chairman was recently arrested in Turkey in connection
with the wave of arrests of ultranationalists in Turkey.
Chairman of the Switzerland-Armenia Friendship Society Sarkis
Shahinian reported that a large number of Turks had flooded the
courtroom during Tuesday's hearing. Three representatives of the
Armenian community were also present, as were a large number of media
organizations.
Shahinian added that the judge was not quick to rule on the matter and
announced that he would issue a written verdict in coming days after
reviewing relevant documents. Shahinian added that the delay could
only mean that officials were trying to buy more time.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan met Saturday in Bern with his
Swiss counterpart Micheline Calmy-Rey. Relations between the two
countries have been strained since Switzerland recognized the Armenian
Genocide in 2003.
Last June, Turkish Labor Party leader Dogu Perincek was also charged
by Switzerland for denying the Armenian Genocide and in 2004 the
notorious Turkish historian Yusef Halacoglu was also charged with the
same crime by Switzerland.
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9-16-2008
ARS
Mediterranean Cruise A Memorable Experience
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Whether
it's the “wave” of the future or not, the ARS Mediterranean Cruise
provided a delightful experience in more ways than one Aug. 15-27
For openers, 352 Armenians representing 14 states and a host of
countries sailed the Hye seas. Of the lot, 111 emerged from the West
Coast and 64 from Canada. They also came from Argentina, Australia,
England, Greece, Argentina, Lebanon, Switzerland, Cyprus and Egypt.
The passenger list resembled a “league of nations” with Armenian the
predominant language. It was easy recognizing the Armenians aboard the
cruise ship Celebrity Summit. They were the ones toting their tricolor
bags, singing their songs and exercising the language.
“We're very happy with the turnout,” said organizer Shakeh Basmajian,
who was joined in the forefront by Mayda Melkonian and Tamar Der
Bedrosian, members of the ARS Central Body.
“People met friends they hadn't seen in years. Everybody bonded well,
regardless of where they came from.”
Basmajian, a Detroit resident, met a high school chum from Lebanon she
hadn't seen in 44 years. She was reunited with Sirvart Boniaboghanian
and the two caught up on lost time.
The same could be said for sisters Sona Derovakimian (Michigan) and
Angele Panikian (Canada). The two were part of an excursion to St.
Asdvazazin Church in Nice, France, where they encountered a cousin
they hadn't seen in 48 years.
Christine Papazian met her two cousins by a khatchkar praying and went
into an emotional greeting. Hourig Antabian (San Francisco) met family
members from Argentina.
Others like Sarkis and Mary Garibian of Wilbraham, MA, couldn't think
of a better way to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. The two
have long been stalwarts in the Springfield community.
“When Armenians come together in such an arena, it revitalizes our
heritage,” says Sarkis. “The friendships we've made on this trip will
last forever. We commend the ARS for serving its population over these
past 98 years and join others in looking forward to the centennial in
2010.”
The junket was actually a precursor to the milestone anniversary in
which commemorations will take place throughout the world. Of the 352
Armenian tourists, 150 represented the Armenian Relief Society in
their respective countries.
The ARS organized its own itinerary apart from the cruise. Three
excursions took place to Armenian churches in Nice and Athens, along
with a visit to the Mekhitarist Monastery on the island of San Lazarus
in Venice, Italy. There, the group toured the expansive library and
admired the luscious landscaping. The Armenian Catholic Fathers were
most gracious in their role as hosts and emissaries.
Four dances provided ample entertainment, thanks to Sam Alajajian and
his Ararat Ensemble from Detroit. People danced the night away and
joined in a concert of revolutionary songs.
An ARS centennial celebration brought forth anniversary couples and
resulted in a number of monetary gifts for the organization. A large
cake and complimentary champagne marked the proceedings. And the band
played on, resulting in a missed dinner in the dining hall. Nobody
really cared. What was another meal compared to exercising some
Armenian energy?
Canadian folk dancer Lori Najarian regaled the crowd with her fine
choreography in full costume.
There were Armenian happy hours and a number of encounters to the
hospitality desk to keep Armenians abreast of activity.
Inside the dining hall, Armenians were seated together, not disbursed,
and strangers mingled together at the same table. At ours, we dined
with two couples from Massachusetts and another from California.
One might instantly think this might conflict with the Armenian
Heritage Cruise which takes place annually aboard the Costa cruise
lines. Not so.
“We plan to go every other year and it's two different destinations,”
said Melkonian. “This won't interfere with the Heritage cruise in any
way. Armenians love to travel. This gives them another option.”
Many checked off Alaska as their next destination. An itinerary may be
formed in 2010 but due to the centennial celebrations throughout, this
may be moved up to the following year. Stay tuned.
Flora (Ounanian) Guiragossian of Montreal sat next to Marie (Bedrosian)
Najarian of Providence at the dinner table.
“Come to find out, we went to the Sophia Hagopian College in Lebanon
together,” said Najarian. “We relived our childhood and shed tears of
happiness. We both have families now. This will give me every reason
to visit Flora in Montreal.”
Okay, so the weather was incurably hot, the cost expensive but
negligible, and the crowds overwhelming at times. But when all was
said and done, the cruise offered its own unique ambiance, pampered to
the hilt.
For 12 days, we meandered through five countries, traveled some 2,100
nautical miles, digested more meals than a gourmet chef gone berserk,
and encountered more spectacles than I could have ever imagined in a
lifetime.
For the better part of our journey --- as American-born --- we
exercised our language fluently because that was protocol. Our
syllabus was improved 100 percent.
The flip side was Europe at its supreme best. Seven excursions gave us
a glimpse of each port, as time would allow.
Our journey began in Barcelona two days before boarding the ocean
liner. There, we got to see Gaudi's art and architecture, his most
famous Sacred Family Church, the majestic Montserrat, a 16th Century
Renaissance basilica, and walked the Ramblas with its eclectic Gothic
Quarter.
That evening found us at a flamenco dance concert where complimentary
sangrias were the order of the night. We paid enough for both but you
don't follow a budget on an excursion like this, not unless you wish
to grow spastic.
The ship was nothing short of the royal treatment. The length of
nearly three football fields, it contained all the amenities including
a mammoth-sized indoor Jacuzzi with jet-streamed shower sprouts to
cure any fatigue. A basketball game with the ship's crew kept me
revitalized.
The liner set sail for Nice, allowing passengers to catch the
panoramic splendor of cities along the French Riviera, including
Monaco.
Next on the itinerary was Florence, Italy, with visits to
Michelangelo's “David” and “Pieta,” along with the famed Ponte Vecchio.
The ancient capital of Tuscany in the lovely foothills of the
Apennines is truly a site to behold.
At Rome, the famous Trevi Fountain saw three coins sail over my
shoulder after climbing down the 400 Spanish Steps. At St. Peter's
Basilica, we discovered a statue of St. Gregory the Illuminator, who
founded Christianity in Armenia in 301 AD.
The cruise ship moved on from Rome to Naples, Pisa, Capri and Pompeii
before continuing to the Greek island of Santorini where we enjoyed a
refreshing dip in the Mediterranean on our own and rented a van for a
2-hour tour.
Next came Athens, home of the Panathinion Stadium, Acropolis with its
Pantheon and Platka, walking narrow cobblestone streets with old
mansions.
On the tour was a stop to Dubrovnik, a truly unsung vista in Croatia,
which acquired the nickname “pearl of the Adriatic,” and rightfully
so. Only recently have tourists begun to rediscover the quaintness and
history of this port city.
Our final stop was Venice and the visit to the monastery, followed by
a short stay in San Marco Square.
Heeding the advice of experienced travelers, we declined a gondola
ride and opted for a water taxi at a fraction of the cost. One hour
touring the canals and crossing the many bridges was just the right
course, considering the 95-degree heat.
We kept a distance from the tourist traps and souvenir shops, negated
any urge to purchase saleable artwork on ship, and didn't get hooked
at the casino. I did burst with delight at my first taste of
Lemoncello, an Italian liquor, and sampled baked Alaska for the first
time at dinner, all 1,000 calories of it.
One side step. Because we walked 3-4 miles on each of the tours, and
often beat the sunrise to the fitness spa when convenient, that trip
to the ship's dining hall (early seating) was richly deserved.
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9-15-2008
Glendale 'Ararat' Turns 30!
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Even prior
to July 1978--the year Glendale Ararat Chapter was fouded--Varooj
Mirzaian, Erick Amirkhania, Allen Amirkhanian, Jirkik Nerssesian,
Zareh Nerssesian, and Edward Khachatourian, who would eventually
become its founders--would come together at social gatherings to
affirm and reaffirm the need to implement a scouting program in
Glendale.
And one day, they began the process by contacting the Glendale
Armenian Church and met with Rouben Gourjian, along with two scouting
leaders from Homenetmen Western Region's flagship Los Angeles chapter.
That chapter had been formed 10 years earlier to spark the spread of
Homenetmen in that region of the United States.
That fateful meeting concluded that that Glendale would be a division
of the Los Angeles chapter and would be led by Varooj Mirzaians, as
scout master, along with a representative from the LA chapter
assistant him.
In the meantime, Erick Amirkhania, Allen Amirkhanian, Jirkik
Nerssesian, Zareh Nerssesian, and Edward Khachatourian formed an
exploratory committee, while Gourjian contaced Armenian community
leaders and Homenetmen Western Region's Executive Committee requesting
the launch of a new Homenetmen chapter.
And On Dec. 15, 1978--while the Armenian population of Glendale was
undergoing a momentous growth spurt, the first official Glendale
Homenetmen Ararat meeting was held. Hagop Ovayan attended on behalf of
the organization's regional executive, along with representatives of
affiliate organizations and 25 adult members, over 70 youth scouts and
10 athletes who had come to play soccer for the chapter.
There was, of course, no Ararat center in those days, and the
chapter's activities and meetings were held in a rented room in an
Armenian church located around Chevy-Chase & Carlton Streets in
Glendale.
Very aware of the necessity to own real estate in Glendale, the
chapter worked hard to purchase their building on Broadway in 1984. In
1996, what is now known as the sprawling Ararat Center was purchased,
and in 2007, the determined chapter purchased its North Campus located
at 3618 San Fernando Rd. All this was done thorough generous
contributions from community members as well as government grants.
When asked recently what sparks the chapter's consistent expansion,
one of its leaders categorically stressed: "dedication and unity." And
when asked what would Glendale be without Glendale Ararat? They
responded that Armenian youth would have no place to congregate. They
are talking about an army of Armenian youth--1800 scouts and athletes
who make up the chapter.
The massive program at Glendale Ararat includes scouting and athletics
(basketball, soccer, volleyball, table tennis, tennis, gymnastic,
rhythmic gymnastic, marshal arts), and even culture. Its Fundraising
Division--considered its driving force--is composed of a group of
volunteer parents who continuously raise money to support the various
activities and programs designed by athletes, scouts, cultural members
and others.
Happy 30th birthday Glendale Ararat. You're truly wise beyond your
years.
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Marking the 93rd Anniversary of the Musa Dagh Self Defense |
One of the proudest moments
in Armenian history is the Mousa Dagh resistance movement and every
September Armenians, but especially descendents of Musa Dagh, mark
this occasion with great fanfare and celebration. Of course, Franz
Werfel immortalized the heroic struggle of the resilient people of
Musa Dagh in his book 40 Days of Musa Dagh, which some scholars claim
to have become the "bible" for Jewish Underground movement during
World War II. In Southern California, the 93rd anniversary of this
movement was marked this weekend at a festival at Camp Arev, organized
by the Musa Ler Association's Los Angeles chapter. The organization's
Fresno chapter held a similar gathering on Labor Day weekend.
This week, we present a historical overview of the region and its
people and how some of them still thrive today in the only Armenian
village in Turkey. Our special contributor for this week is Director
of the Armenian Studies Program at California State University,
Northridge Dr. Vahram L. Shemmassian. We thank him for his assistance. |
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9-12-2008
Turkey says opportunities emerge to
solve Nagorno-Karabakh conflict |
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Turkey's president said Wednesday Armenia had changed
its approach and opportunities had emerged to solve the long-standing
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Turkey’s foreign minister held a telephone
conversation with his U.S. counterpart who extended her support to
Turkey's initiatives. (UPDATED)
Gul told reporters in Ankara following his visits to
both Yerevan and Baku he observed the same honest and sincere desire
for a solution both in Armenia and Azerbaijan.
"In Azerbaijan I saw the same frank, honest and sincere desire for a
solution and respect to opponent that I observed in Armenia earlier.
There is a significant opportunity to resolve a long-standing problem.
We need to seize this opportunity. Also, everyone is aware that if a
solution is reached, it paves the way for cooperation in the region,"
he said after his return from Azerbaijan where he met the President
Ilham Aliyev.
Gul's
Azerbaijan visit
came a while after his landmark visit to
Yerevan.
Azerbaijan
and
Armenia have no
diplomatic relations due to
Yerevan's invasion of 20
percent of Azerbaijani territory.
Turkey
had proposed the formation of Caucasian alliance to help the
resolution of conflicts through dialogue.
Turkey,
Russia,
Georgia,
Armenia and
Azerbaijan are
planned to take part in this new formation.
Ankara
has intensified its diplomatic efforts for the Caucasus region as well
as
the Middle East since the
Georgia-Russia war in August.
Gul said Wednesday Armenia had the will to withdraw
from the occupied Azerbaijani territories in case of a final agreement
between the two countries.
"My talks with Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents
revealed the need for exchange of views between the two countries on
bilateral, regional and international developments. Turkey and
Azerbaijan have always advocated that the regional problems should be
resolved through peaceful and diplomatic ways," he said.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan held a telephone
conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on
Wednesday.
Burak Ozugergin, spokesman for the Turkish Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, told the A.A on Thursday that recent developments in
the Caucasus were high on agenda and Babacan informed Rice on his
visit to Armenia.
"Babacan reiterated that Turkey extended support to the
Minsk process aiming at finding a solution to the Upper Karabakh
dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He said that such a solution
would have a positive impact on Turkey-Armenia relations. Meanwhile,
Rice said that they would support Turkey's regional initiatives,"
Ozugergin added.
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U.S. prompts Turkey to open border
with Armenia
The United States praised last weekend's visit by
Turkish President Abdullah Gul to Yerevan, but reiterated that it would
continue to push Turkey to open its land border with Armenia, the
Turkish Daily News (TDN) reported on Thursday.
"We were delighted that the president of Armenia
reached out to President Gul and invited him to Yerevan and delighted
also that President Gul accepted the invitation," assistant secretary
of state for European and Eurasian affairs Dan Fried told the House
Foreign Affairs Committee at a hearing on the recent Russia-Georgia
conflict.
He said the United States had been encouraging Armenia
and neighboring Turkey and Azerbaijan to work toward settling their
differences and that his policy would remain in place.
"I'm glad that we have an ambassador going out there
soon and we'd certainly hope to see Armenia's relative isolation end,"
Fried said. "We want its borders open and its relations improved and
we're going to work to that end,” he was quoted by the TDN as saying.
The border between the two countries has been closed
since 1993, when Turkey protested Armenia's occupation of the
Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, a close Turkish ally.
In a first effort to break the ice, Gul briefly visited
Yerevan last week on the occasion of a World Cup football game between
the two countries' national teams, where he met with Armenian
President Serzh Sargsyan.
Both presidents said they were happy with this first
contact and pledged to strive to improve relations.
Turkey is among the first countries that recognized
Armenia when it declared its independency in the early 1990s.
However, there is also no diplomatic relations between
two countries, as Armenia presses the international community to admit
the so-called "genocide" claims instead of accepting Turkey's call to
investigate the allegations, and its invasion of 20 percent of
Azerbaijani territory despite U.N. Security Council resolutions on the
issue.
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|
9-08-2008
Hundreds of Turks Visit Genocide Museum, Young Turk's Grandson Lays
Flowers
YEREVAN (Armenpress)--More
than 300 Turkish citizens visited the Armenian Genocide Museum
Complex at Dzidzernagapert during their visit to Yerevan for the
Armenian-Turkish World Cup qualifier soccer match, the director of
the museum, Hayk Demoyan, told Armenpress.
According to Demoyan, many of the Turkish visitors at the museum
were students, sports fans, and NGO representatives. He said many
of them visited the museum out of curiosity, with varying reactions
to the exhibits, including sympathy, remorse, regret and denial.
The museum had earlier this month launched an exhibit chronicling
the contributions of Armenians in Ottoman Sports. According to
Demoyan this was the most popular exhibit frequented by the Turkish
visitors, who were surprised to learn about the role of Armenians in
the development of sports in the Ottoman Empire.
According to him, many of the visitors said they had not known about
the contributions of Armenians to Ottoman Sports.
Meanwhile, the descendant of one of the three masterminds of the
Armenian Genocide, Hasan Jemal, visited the Dzidzernagapert Armenian
Genocide Memorial on Saturday where he laid flowers in memory of the
victims of the Armenian Genocide.
The grandson of Jemal Pasha, Hasan Jemal is a correspondent for the
Turkish daily “Milliyet.” Jemal wrote about his visit to Armenia in
an article entitled, “Let's Respect Each Other's Pains.”
Jemal proposed a minute of silence to be observed in the stadium
before the match “in memory of the tragic page in our common history
and the suffering experienced by the Armenians and Turks in the
past”.
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******************************************************************************************************************************
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Turkey Must
Apologize to Armenians, Says former Turkish Diplomat
ANKARA (Armenpress)--Turkey must
immediately apologize to Armenians for the “tragic events of the past,”
said Volkan Vural Turkey's former ambassador to Russia during the late
1980s, reported the Taraf Turkish newspaper.
“Although it is difficult to imagine that Turkey would recognize the
Genocide, nevertheless, it must apologize to the Armenians and other
ethnic minorities--Greeks, Assyrians, Kurds--for displacing them and
massacres, and allow them to return to the land of their ancestors and
become Turkish citizens,” said Vural.
“The return of assets and financial restitution are difficult issues to
tackle. However, it would be possible to make a symbolic offer of
financial restitution,” explained Vural, saying that making an apology
is an “imperative for a country like Turkey.”
“The Armenian question cannot be resolved by a commission of historians.
Such a commission can only help in the resolution process by analyzing
some of the issues,” said Vural, adding that the Armenian question can
be resolved only by political leaders.
“Diplomatic relations between the two countries must be established,
without wasting any time,” added Vural, who said that the opening of the
border with Armenia would not only benefit Armenia, but also Turkey.
The former ambassador said that Turkey lost a golden opportunity to
establish relations with Armenia when the Soviet Union collapsed, adding
that if Turkey had established diplomatic relations with Armenia in
1991, perhaps it would have averted the Karabakh conflict.
Vulral added that the establishment of diplomatic relations would also
benefit Azerbaijan.
“Although the establishment of Armenia-Turkey relations will not
entirely vanquish Armenians' genocide claims, it will provide
psychological reprieve. It is imperative to differentiate rhetoric with
the realities of life,” added Vural.
“Turkey must have more faith in itself and not become hostage to the
genocide issue,” said Vural, adding that Turkey must have strength to
acknowledge what has happened in the past and work toward establishing
neighborly and friendly relations.
“Armenians in the Diaspora will always force the genocide recognition
issue," he said. "But if Turkey-Armenia relations are normalized,
borders are opened, trade increases and people get wealthy, their
pressures would lose effectiveness” said Vural.
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*********************************************************************************************************************************************
ANCA Outlines
Concerns Over Gul Visit to Armenia
"For this initiative to succeed, Turkey's leaders need to view this as a
true opportunity for enduring peace, not simply as a photo opportunity
to help alleviate the growing international pressure it is under to
recognize the Armenian Genocide."
--ANCA Chairman Ken
Hachikian
WASHINGTON--The Armenian National Committee of America Thursday
expressed hopes and reservations regarding Turkey's President Abdullah
Gul's impending visit to Armenia, at the invitation by Armenian President
Serzh Sarkisian, to watch the September 6 Turkey vs. Armenia soccer match
in Yerevan.
"We are, as you can imagine, watching this matter with vigilance, mindful
of the risks that Armenia is taking for peace, hopeful that Yerevan's
diplomatic initiative will bear fruit, yet cautious regarding the
realistic prospects for progress given Ankara's long-standing and deeply
troubling track record of antagonism toward Armenia," explained ANCA
Chairman Ken Hachikian, in a September 4 letter to House and Senate
Members.
Asserting that this visit cannot, by itself, substitute for real progress
in improved Armenia-Turkey relations, Hachikian remained hopeful "that
Armenia's pro-active diplomacy, if matched with real movement by Turkey,
can serve as a first, cautious step toward a true reconciliation based on
truth and justice."
To that end, Hachikian outlined some immediate and long-term steps
President Gul could take to demonstrate his sincerity in accepting
President Sarkisyan's invitation, including showing the "willingness to
walk the mile from Armenia's national soccer stadium to the "Dzidzernagapert"
Armenian Genocide Memorial, a tradition long honored by foreign
dignitaries visiting Yerevan." In the days and weeks following President
Gul's departure from Armenia, Hachikian urged:
* Lifting domestic restrictions on the study, discussion, and recognition
of the Armenian Genocide, and abandoning opposition to international
recognition and commemoration of this crime against humanity - including
by the White House and the U.S. Congress.
* Lifting its blockade of Armenia, allowing free Armenian access to its
traditional transportation routes, ending its opposition to the
incorporation of Armenia in regional and international initiatives
impacting the Southern Caucasus, and removing restrictions on Armenian
stewardship of cultural and religious heritage sites within Turkey.
* Publicly and in practice adopting a truly neutral position as a member
of the OSCE Minsk Group charged with mediating a peaceful resolution of
the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, ending military support for Azerbaijan's
armed forces, and openly calling on all parties to reject any non-peaceful
resolution to this conflict.
* Lifting all restrictions on the collective rights of the Armenian
community in Turkey.
* Accepting Armenia's offer to negotiate the establishment of normal
diplomatic relations without any preconditions, and agreeing to resolve
all outstanding bilateral issues in a peaceful, non-violent manner."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The complete text of the ANCA letter to Congress is provided below.
Dear Senator/Representative,
In light of the announcement this week by Turkish President Abdullah Gul
that he will accept Armenian President Serj Sarkisyan's invitation to
watch the September 6th Armenia-Turkey World Cup qualifying match in
Yerevan, we wanted to share with you the Armenian American community's
perspective on this new and potentially significant development, and to
reaffirm our community's fundamental commitment to universal recognition
and a just resolution of the Armenian Genocide.
We are, as you can imagine, watching this matter with vigilance, mindful
of the risks that Armenia is taking for peace, hopeful that Yerevan's
diplomatic initiative will bear fruit, yet cautious regarding the
realistic prospects for progress given Ankara's long-standing and deeply
troubling track record of antagonism toward Armenia.
As you know, since Armenia's independence in 1991, successive Armenian
governments and the worldwide Armenian Diaspora have - despite the
unresolved legacy of the Armenian Genocide and Ankara's ongoing and deeply
painful denial of this crime 's consistently sought sincere and
sustainable progress toward improved Armenia- Turkey relations.
President Sarkisyan's invitation represents only the most recent such
outreach on Armenia's part, although by no means the only one. Both
of his predecessors visited Turkey in their official capacities as
president, although, sadly, neither of their visits resulted in any
moderation of Turkey's policies toward Armenia.
Armenia's invitation represents a pro-active gesture by Armenia 's a small
country populated in large part by the descendents of Armenian Genocide
survivors - to reach out to a large and heavily armed neighbor that, as
heir to the Ottoman Empire, denies this horrific crime, blockades Armenia,
and pursues a broad array of anti-Armenian policies - both at home and
abroad. President Gul has accepted the Armenian President's
invitation even as his government has made it clear that they do not plan
any changes in these policies, which, it is worthwhile noting, include:
* Turkey's continued denial of the Armenian Genocide, continued threats
against other nations that consider recognizing this crime against
humanity, and continued allocations of tens of millions of dollars
annually for lobbyists, academic mercenaries, and outright fabricators to
attempt to rewrite this profoundly important chapter in world history.
* Turkey's continued efforts to silence any recognition of the Armenian
Genocide within its own borders through Article 301 and other provisions
of its criminal code (e.g. Nobel Prize-winner Orhan Pamuk), continued
intimidation and unofficial acts of violence (e.g. Hrant Dink), and the
perpetuation of a deeply flawed educational system that indoctrinates
successive new generations of Turkish students to believe that the
Armenian Genocide is a lie and that all Armenians are inherently enemies
of Turkey.
* Turkey's continued attempts to economically weaken and isolate Armenia
through its illegal 14-year blockade; its attempts to exclude Armenia from
regional and international initiatives that provide economic benefit to
the Southern Caucasus; its continued attacks on Armenia within the United
Nations, the OSCE, and other international venues; and, its ongoing
military, economic, and political support for Azerbaijan over the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict.
* Turkey's continued mistreatment of its remaining Armenian population as
second-class citizens, continued enforcement of unfair and burdensome
restrictions on the Armenian Church, and the continuation of policies
intended to drive out the remaining Christian minorities within its
borders.
We are, given this record and Turkey's past efforts to manipulate public
opinion, profoundly concerned that President Gul's visit will be used by
Ankara to advance its short-term "public relations" interest in creating
the image of movement, at the expense of the broader and far more
meaningful interest of the United States and the international community
in actual progress toward a durable improvement in Armenia-Turkey ties.
For this initiative to succeed, Turkey's leaders need to view this as a
true opportunity for enduring peace, not simply as a photo opportunity to
help alleviate the growing international pressure it is under to recognize
the Armenian Genocide.
Recognizing that this visit cannot, by itself, substitute for real
progress in improved Armenia-Turkey relations, we do, however, remain
hopeful that Armenia's pro-active diplomacy, if matched with real movement
by Turkey, can serve as a first, cautious step toward a true
reconciliation based on truth and justice. At the same time, we remain
deeply concerned that if, as may very well be the case, Turkey treats this
visit as a superficial undertaking 's yet still garners undeserved credit
internationally for an essentially empty gesture - we may in fact witness
a tragic setback to the worthwhile cause of a real and enduring peace
between Armenia and Turkey.
In this spirit, we respectfully ask that you look beyond Ankara's rhetoric
concerning this visit, and focus instead on the substance of the Turkish
government's real-world policies toward Armenia. The best--and most
immediate --test of President Gul's sincerity will be his willingness to
walk the mile from Armenia's national soccer stadium to the "Dzidzernagapert"
Armenian Genocide Memorial, a tradition long honored by foreign
dignitaries visiting Yerevan. In the days and weeks following his
departure, we urge you to track Turkey's movement toward:
* Lifting domestic restrictions on the study, discussion, and recognition
of the Armenian Genocide, and abandoning opposition to international
recognition and commemoration of this crime against humanity including by
the White House and the U.S. Congress.
* Lifting its blockade of Armenia, allowing free Armenian access to its
traditional transportation routes, ending its opposition to the
incorporation of Armenia in regional and international initiatives
impacting the Southern Caucasus, and removing restrictions on Armenian
stewardship of cultural and religious heritage sites within Turkey.
* Publicly and in practice adopting a truly neutral position as a member
of the OSCE Minsk Group charged with mediating a peaceful resolution of
the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, ending military support for Azerbaijan's
armed forces, and openly calling on all parties to reject any non-peaceful
resolution to this conflict.
* Lifting all restrictions on the collective rights of the Armenian
community in Turkey.
* Accepting Armenia's offer to negotiate the establishment of normal
diplomatic relations without any preconditions, and agreeing to resolve
all outstanding bilateral issues in a peaceful, non-violent manner.
Progress in each of these vitally important areas - not the level of skill
of Turkey's public relations firms in spinning this visit - will represent
the true benchmarks of progress toward improved Armenia-Turkey relations.
Thank you for your consideration of the points we have raised in this
letter. We would, of course, welcome the opportunity to meet with you to
discuss this matter in greater detail.
Sincerely,
Kenneth V. Hachikian
Chairman
ARF Announces
Position on Armenia-Turkey Relations
YEREVAN (ARF Press Service)--The
Armenian Revolutionary Federation's governing Bureau held a special
plenary session in Yerevan from September 9 to 10, where it
discussed the complicated military and political situation created
in the region due to the continuing showdown between Russia and
Georgia. The ARF Bureau also discussed the latest developments in
Armenian-Turkish relations.
After thoroughly discussing the internal and external challenges
facing Armenia, the ARF Bureau thought it important to draw the
public's attention to several of the ARF's fundamental positions
regarding Armenian-Turkish relations.
- Armenia and Turkey, as neighboring states, must work toward
the normalization of bilateral relations. However, we are
convinced that good neighborly relations can only be established
after the recognition by Turkey of the Armenian Genocide and the
restoration of the rights of the Armenian people. The
unconditional lifting of the blockade and the establishment of
diplomatic relations can only serve as first steps on this path.
- The initiative of the President of the Republic of Armenia
and the subsequent meetings of the Presidents and Ministers of
Foreign Affairs must be followed by concrete positive steps by
Turkey. The ARF will actively strive to ensure that official
meetings do not become merely propaganda opportunities for
Turkey.
- It is totally unacceptable for the ARF that Armenian-Turkish
relations be normalized at the expense of Armenia's sovereignty,
viability of its existence or the national and state rights of
future Armenian generations.
- Turkey can aspire to promote regional initiatives if it
radically changes its "Armenian policy." Turkey must not be
party in the to the Karabakh conflict resolution process; it
should not talk to Armenia with preconditions, and must
relinquish its policy of deepening the divisions in the South
Caucasus, of blockading and isolating Armenia.
- Since 1998 Armenia is pursuing a foreign policy based on
national-state ideology, one strategic direction of which is the
universal recognition and condemnation, including by Turkey, of
the Armenian Genocide. Armenia views this not only as a
restoration of historical justice, but also as a way to improve
the overall situation and mutual trust in the region, thus
preventing similar crimes in the future.
The ARF has considered and considers the continuation of this
direction one of its fundamental tasks.
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| Wednesday, September 10, 2008 |
9-07-2008
Protests
greet Turkish president in Armenia
YEREVAN, Armenia
(AP) — Thousands of Armenians lined the streets of the capital Saturday
to protest the first-ever visit by a Turkish leader and to demand that
Turkey acknowledge the World War I massacres of Armenian civilians as
genocide.
Turkish President Abdullah Gul was invited to Yerevan to watch the World Cup
qualifying soccer match between his nation and Armenia alongside Armenian
President Serge Sarkisian. Turkey won the game 2-0 with two second-half
goals.
Many hoped the so-called soccer diplomacy would help the two neighbors
overcome decades of antagonism rooted in the WWI-era atrocities that began
in 1915.
"We have put forward our determination to create the climate to overcome
problems that exist between Turkey and Armenia," Turkey's state-run Anatolia
news agency quoted Gul as saying after the two leaders met.
"We will solve our problems and not leave it to the generations to come,"
Sarkisian said, according to Anatolia.
Gul saluted Sarkisian's "brave" invitation to watch the game and invited
Sarkisian to attend the return game in Istanbul on Oct. 14, 2009.
Gul is the first Turkish leader to visit Armenia since the ex-Soviet nation
declared independence in 1991. The two neighbors have no diplomatic ties,
and their border has been closed since 1993, when Turkey protested Armenia's
occupation of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, a close Turkish
ally.
Historians estimate that, in the last days of the Ottoman Empire, up to 1.5
million Armenians were killed by Ottoman Turks in what is widely regarded as
the first genocide of the 20th Century. Turkey denies any genocide, saying
the death toll has been inflated and the dead were victims of civil war and
unrest.
Gul's motorcade from Yerevan airport traveled along streets lined with
thousands of people holding placards reading, in English and Armenian, "We
want justice," "Turkey admit your guilt," and "1915 never again."
Others held up the names of places in eastern Turkey from where they said
their ancestors had been forced to leave under an Ottoman policy of
uprooting Armenian communities.
"I am from Van," said one placard, printed in white letters on black like a
funeral notice.
Gul and Sarkisian watched the game behind a bulletproof glass at the
stadium, which is only 500 meters (yards) from a memorial dedicated to the
massacred Armenians.
Armenian fans whistled when the Turkish national anthem was played.
Gul told journalists on the plane back to Ankara: "I return home greatly
pleased."
The meeting with Sarkisian "allows us to look to the future with hope," he
said.
Asked what steps were taken to overcome problems, he said he had left
Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan in Yerevan to work with his Armenian
counterpart to "fill in the details of the framework set out by the two
presidents."
Commenting on the protests, Gul said: "those who were opposed to my visit
made their position clear, without getting carried away."
Turkey opposes Yerevan's support for Armenian secessionists in the
Nagorno-Karabakh enclave of Azerbaijan. And Turkey's closure of the border
has hurt the economy of tiny, landlocked Armenia.
The strain in relations has contributed to Armenia's being excluded from
strategic energy pipelines that connect the oil and gas fields of the
Caspian Sea to terminals on Turkey's Mediterranean coast.
Turkey, a NATO member, has increasingly shown its desire to become a
regional peacemaker. It is currently mediating indirect talks between Syria
and Israel, and is seeking to contribute to peace between Russia and
Georgia, an eastern neighbor of Turkey.
Turkey was alarmed last month when Russia invaded Georgia and then
recognized Georgia's breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as
independent nations. Ankara fears such secessions might inspire its own
separatist Kurds, or provoke Armenia to boost support for
separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Improved ties with Armenia could help ameliorate Turkey's strained relations
with about 20 countries whose legislatures have declared the WWI-era
massacres to be genocide.
Armenians claim the Ottoman government carried out a plan of genocide
against its Armenian population, and want Turkey to acknowledge the
atrocity.
Turkey has proposed that Armenia join it in establishing a committee of
historians to investigate the issue. Armenia has declined until diplomatic
relations are forged.
Hundreds protest against Gul visit to Armenia
 Several hundred
demonstrators lined the road from Yerevan's airport on Saturday to protest
against the imminent arrival of Turkish President Abdullah Gul. (UPDATED)
The hundred of protesters carried Armenian flags and signs reading:
"Recognize the Genocide" and "Open the Border Without Preconditions."
The protesters lined the road from the airport as Gul's convoy headed to
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan's office for talks.
Gayane Manukian, a spokeswoman for the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation (Dashnaktsutiun) which organised the protest, said
protesters would extend a human chain all along the road from the
airport to the centre of Yerevan.
She said the action would be calm and peaceful.
"There will be no shouting or chanting of slogans," she said.
|
YEREVAN (Reuters)
- President Abdullah Gul, making the first visit to Armenia by a Turkish
leader, joined Armenia's president on Saturday at a soccer match which both
men said could help end almost a century of hostility.
The neighbors have no diplomatic ties but a relationship haunted by whether
ethnic Armenians killed by Ottoman Turks during World War One were victims
of systematic genocide.
Security for Gul's trip was tight. Attack helicopters escorted his jet on
arrival and hundreds of demonstrators lined the streets of the Armenian
capital, Yerevan.
But the two presidents expressed hope their meeting at the World Cup
qualifier, the first match between the two national sides, would herald a
new beginning.
The initiative has gained new impetus since Russia's war with Georgia last
month, which raised fears for the security of energy supplies from the
Caspian Sea to western Europe.
"We hope we will be able to demonstrate goodwill to solve the problems
between our countries and not transfer them to future generations," Armenian
President Serzh Sarksyan told a news conference after receiving Gul.
Gul, alongside Sarksyan, said he was "leaving optimistic".
"If we create a good atmosphere and climate for this process, this will be a
great achievement, and will also benefit stability and cooperation in the
Caucasus," he told reporters after the game, which Turkey won 2-0.
Sarksyan said he would attend the return match in October 2009, and that the
invitation to do so suggested Gul "also has some expectations that there
will be some movement between these two meetings".
Turkey has never opened an embassy in Armenia and in 1993 Ankara closed its
land border in a show of solidarity with Azerbaijan, a Turkic-speaking ally
which was fighting Armenian-backed separatists over the Nagorno-Karabakh
region.
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ROUTE
But even as the two presidents took their seats together behind bullet-proof
glass in a VIP box in the Hrazdan stadium, the challenges were obvious.
Armenian fans booed the Turkish national anthem, and dozens of demonstrators
held torches and flowers in silent vigil at an imposing monument to the
World War One killings on a hillside behind the stadium.
Protesters in the streets held banners that read: "1915 - Never Again", and
"We Demand Justice". But not all Armenians were hostile.
"It's good Gul is here because we have to improve relations with Turkey,"
said student Garik Tumanyan, 20. "It's good for our country, but Turkey must
recognize that genocide happened."
Armenia says 1.5 million Armenians died at the hands of Ottoman Turks, and
Yerevan insists Ankara should recognize the killings as genocide. Turkey
says Turks and Armenians alike were killed in partisan warfare.
But Russia's decision last month to send its forces into Georgia, an
ex-Soviet state which borders both Armenia and Turkey, has convinced many
that it is time for Ankara and Yerevan to put their differences aside.
Establishment of normal relations could have huge significance for Turkey's
role as a regional power,
for energy flows from the Caspian Sea and for Western influence in the South
Caucasus.
Landlocked Armenia, a Soviet republic until 1991, could also derive enormous
benefits from the opening of the frontier with its large neighbor and the
restoration of a key rail link.
Western-backed pipelines shipping oil and gas from the Caspian Sea to
Turkey's Mediterranean coast bypass Armenia and bend north instead to go
through Georgia.
With that route looking vulnerable after the Russian intervention, Armenia
could be an attractive alternative.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan remained in Yerevan for further talks
with his Armenian counterpart, Gul said.
Armenians protest Gul visit
Source: Al Jazeera and agencies
Abdullah Gul, the
Turkish president, has been greeted by protests after arriving in Armenia to
attend a football match in an attempt to improve relations between the two
countries.
Gul's arrival on Saturday in Yerevan, the Armenian capital, marked the first
visit to the country by a Turkish head of state since Armenian independence
in 1991.
The two countries have long argued over Armenia's attempt to have recognized
as genocide a massacre of hundreds of thousands of Armenians by Ottoman
Turks during the First World War.
Hundreds of Armenians lined the route of Gul's motorcade to protest against
Ankara's refusal to consider the 1915-1917 atrocities as crimes against
humanity.
Bardasar Akhpar, a
demonstrator, said: "We are here because we want to tell the entire world
that we do not forget the genocide of 1915.
"We will not welcome Gul nor any other Turk until they have recognised the
genocide."
Breakthrough 'unlikely' Gul was taken to meet Serzh Sakisian, the Armenian
president, after being invited by him to attend a world Cup football
qualifier between Armenia and Turkey at Yerevan's Hrazdan stadium.
The invitation was extended despite the fact the two countries do not share
diplomatic relations.
On meeting Sarkisian, Gul offered the Armenian leader the opportunity to
watch a return football match between the two countries in Turkey next
month.
"I hope that this visit will create the possibility to improve bilateral
relations," said Gul at a joint press conference with Sarkisian in Yerevan.
Sarkisian said the visit there is a "political will to decide the questions
between our countries, so that these problems are not passed on to the next
generation".
Armenians say that up to 1.5 million of their people were slaughtered by
Ottoman Turks as their empire fell apart at the height of the First World
War.
Yerevan's claim has won support from several other countries.
Turkey rejects the accusation and says that 300,000-500,000 Armenians and at
least as many Turks died in civil strife after Armenians took up arms for
independence in eastern Anatolia.
Nadim Baba, Al Jazeera's correspondent in Yerevan, said Armenians appear to
be holding out for improved relations with their country's westward
neighbor.
"From the people that we have spoken to on the streets of Yerevan, I would
say that the majority are longing for better relations with Turkey, while
being very much concerned that their government do not give away too many
concessions to Ankara," he said.
"They do not want to let go of the hope that one day the world will
recognize what happened almost a hundred years ago as a genocide.
"They also want to see their economy improve through better relations with
Turkey and other countries in the region."
'Lifting barriers'
Ali Babacan,
Turkey's foreign minister, said diplomatic ties between Ankara and Yerevan
would be discussed between during talks between Gul and Sarkisian but he a
major breakthrough was unlikely.
"I do not think we should raise expectations that high … But on the other
hand, when we open the doors for dialogue, that means we are ready to talk
about the problems," Babacan said.
"It is my wish that this match will help lift the barriers dividing two
people who share a common history and will contribute to regional friendship
and peace," Gul said ahead of his visit.
Turkey has refused to establish diplomatic ties with Armenia since the
former Soviet republic gained independence.
Turkey also shut its border with Armenia in 1993 in a show of solidarity
with its close ally Azerbaijan, then at war with Armenia over Nagorny
Karabakh, a secessionist Armenian-majority region in Azerbaijan.
Armenia and Turkey to improve ties
Several hundred angry protesters lined Turkey, Armenia vow to end
traditional enmity after Gul's visit
YEREVAN (AFP) —
Armenia and Turkey pledged to overcome decades of
enmity over the massacre of Armenians by Ottoman forces after Turkish
President Abdullah Gul's pathbreaking visit to Yerevan for a football match.
Gul, the first Turkish president to visit Armenia, Saturday held talks with
counterpart Serzh Sarkisian after which the two agreed there was the
"political will" to improve ties frozen for decades over the
1915-1917 massacres by Turkish troops.
The visit was hailed by French and EU President Nicolas Sarkozy as
"courageous and historic."
"I believe that my visit was fruitful and that it promises hope for the
future," Gul said after returning to Ankara, adding that he had a
constructive and sincere" meeting with Sarkisian.
He said he had won Yerevan's support for a new regional grouping in the
Caucasus following last month's conflict between Georgia and Russia.
"I was happy to see that we were unanimous with the Armenian side on the
need for mutual dialogue to remove barriers to improving bilateral ties.
"I underlined that there is no problem that dialogue cannot solve ..."
But in a sign of the uphill task ahead, Gul's arrival at Yerevan's Hrazdan
stadium was greeted by loud boos and hisses by Armenian fans.
Amid tight security, Gul took his seat behind a special bullet-proof area.
The far stronger Turkish side ended up winning the match 2-0.
Sarkisian declared there was a "political will to decide the questions
between our countries, so that these problems are not passed on to the next
generation."
He also said he had been asked by Gul to attend a return football fixture in
Turkey on October 14, but did not say whether or not he had accepted.
The two countries -- which have no diplomatic relations -- have waged a
diplomatic battle over Yerevan's efforts to have the 1915-1917 massacre of
hundreds of thousands of Armenians recognized as genocide.
Several hundred angry protestors lined the route of Gul's motorcade, holding
aloft the Armenian flag and nationalist emblems.
At the start of the match about 80 young protesters gathered at a monument
to victims of the killings in central Yerevan, laying flowers and lighting
torches.
"We want to draw (Gul's) attention to this monument, so he knows it is not
standing empty and that people have gathered here to show that the young
generation remembers everything," said organizer Airapet Babaian.
Armenians say up to
1.5 million of their people were killed between 1915 and 1917 in
orchestrated massacres during World War I as the Ottoman Empire fell apart
-- a claim supported by several other countries.
Turkey rejects the genocide label and argues that 300,000-500,000
Armenians and at least as many Turks died in civil strife when Armenians
took up arms for independence in eastern Anatolia and sided with invading
Russian troops.
Turkey's footballers were supported by only about 200 forlorn followers in a
seating area that could have held 10 times more and was ringed by Armenian
police.
Some fans were prepared to embrace the conciliatory message the Turkish and
Armenian leaders were trying to put across.
"I'm not interested in football at all," said Ahmet Turkana, a Turkish
activist from a pro-democracy group called Young Civilians over for the
game, saying the game evoked nationalist passions.
"But today it's different. Football is here to unite, not to divide."
Sevak Sahakian, a Yerevan hotel worker, said: "Everyone knows about it and
people are happy because they hope better ties with Turkey will improve
daily life. But people aren't enthusiastic because they don't trust the
Turks."
Turkey has refused to establish diplomatic ties with Armenia since the
former Soviet republic gained independence in 1991.
Source: Al Jazeera and agencies
Armenia and Turkey
have pledged to overcome decades of enmity and disagreement over the
massacre of Armenians by Ottoman forces.
Abdullah Gul became the first Turkish president to visit Armenia on
Saturday, attending a football match in Yerevan and meeting Serzh Sarkisian,
his Armenian counterpart.
The two agreed there was the "political will" to improve ties frozen for
decades over the 1915-1917 massacres carried out by Turkish troops.
"I believe that my visit was fruitful and that it promises hope for the
future," Gul said after returning to Ankara.
"I was happy to see that we were unanimous with the Armenian side on the
need for mutual dialogue to remove barriers to improving bilateral ties."
Sarkisian said earlier there was a "political will to decide the questions
between our countries, so that these problems are not passed on to the next
generation".
Protests
But tensions remain
between the two countries and security was tight during Gul's visit.
Several hundred angry protesters lined the route of Gul's motorcade, holding
aloft the Armenian flag and nationalist emblems.
At the start of the match about 80 young protesters gathered at a monument
to victims of the killings in central Yerevan, laying flowers and lighting
torches.
"We want to draw [Gul's] attention to this monument, so he knows it is not
standing empty and that people have gathered here to show that the young
generation remembers everything," said Airapet Babaian, the protest
organizer.
The Turkish president's arrival at Yerevan's Hrazdan stadium was greeted by
boos and hisses by Armenian fans and Gul watched the match from behind a
special bullet-proof area.
The far stronger Turkish side ended up winning the match 2-0.
Troubled relations
Turkey and Armenia
have no diplomatic relations and have waged a diplomatic battle over
Yerevan's efforts to have the 1915-1917 massacre of hundreds of thousands of
Armenians recognized as genocide.
Armenians say up to 1.5 million of their people were killed between 1915 and
1917 in orchestrated massacres during the First World War as the Ottoman
Empire collapsed, a claim supported by several other countries.
Turkey rejects the label of "genocide", arguing that 300,000-500,000
Armenians and at least as many Turks died in civil strife when Armenians
took up arms for independence in eastern Anatolia and sided with invading
Russian troops.
Turkey's footballers were supported by only about 200 fans in a seating area
that could have held 10 times more and was ringed by Armenian police.
9/5/2008
A.R.F. Bureau Statement on Armenia-Turkey relations
The Bureau of
the Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutyun held a special
plenary session in Yerevan on September 9-10.
The main
issues on the agenda were the complicated military and political situation
created in the region and Armenian-Turkish relations.
After
thoroughly discussing the internal and external challenges facing Armenia,
the plenary session of the ARF-Dashnaktsutyun Bureau considered it
necessary to draw the public's attention to several of the ARF's
fundamental positions regarding Armenian-Turkish interstate relations.
-
Armenia and
Turkey, as neighboring states, must work toward the normalization of
bilateral relations. However, we are convinced that good neighborly
relations can only be established after the recognition by Turkey of the
Armenian Genocide and the restoration of the rights of the Armenian
people. The unconditional lifting of the blockade and the establishment
of diplomatic relations can only serve as first steps on this path.
-
The
initiative of the President of the Republic of Armenia and the
subsequent meetings of the Presidents and Ministers of Foreign Affairs
must be followed by concrete positive steps by Turkey. The
ARF-Dashnaktsutyun will actively strive to ensure that official meetings
do not become merely propaganda opportunities for Turkey.
-
It is
totally unacceptable for the ARF-Dashnaktsutyun that Armenian-Turkish
relations be normalized at the expense of Armenia's sovereignty,
viability of its existence, or the national and state rights of future
Armenian generations.
-
Turkey can
aspire to promote regional initiatives if it radically changes its
"Armenian policy." Turkey must not be party in the Artsakh conflict; it
should not talk to Armenia with preconditions, and must relinquish its
policy of deepening the divisions in the South Caucasus, of blockading
and isolating Armenia.
-
Since 1998
Armenia is pursuing a foreign policy based on national-state ideology,
one strategic direction of which is the universal recognition and
condemnation, including by Turkey, of the Armenian Genocide. Armenia
views this not only as a restoration of historical justice, but also as
a way to improve the overall situation and mutual trust in the region,
thus preventing similar crimes in the future.
The
ARF-Dashnaktsutyun has considered and considers the continuation of this
direction one of its fundamental tasks.
Yerevan, 10
September 2008
9-02-2008
Public
Rally to Mark the 17th Anniversary
of the
Republic of Mountainous Karabakh
Azerbaijan should sign a legal document not to use force or the threat
of force
YEREVAN, 2 Sept. 2008, ARF Press Office
-- The Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutyun rallied
several thousand supporters in Yerevan on today to mark the 17th
anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Mountainous
Karabakh.
The MC was Hrayr Karapetyan, member of
the ARF-Dashnaktsutyun Supreme Body of Armenia and Deputy Speaker of
the National Assembly of Armenia.
The first speaker was Arthur Aghabekyan,
Chairman of the parliament’s Standing Committee on Defense, National
Security and Internal Affairs.
ARF-Dashnaktsutyun Bureau member and
Leader of the ARF Parliamentary Faction Vahan Hovhannesyan spoke next.
He was followed by ARF-Dashnaktsutyun
Bureau members Levon Mkrtchyan and Aghvan Vardanyan.
The concluding remarks were delivered
by Armen Rustamyan, ARF-Dashnaktsutyun Supreme Body of Armenia
Representative and Chairman of the parliament’s Standing Committee on
Foreign Relations.
With the backdrop of the recent war and
subsequent events in the South Caucasus, the speakers focused on the
regional developments, Artsakh’s right to self-determination,
Turkish-Armenian relations and Armenia’s internal situation.
At the end, the rally adopted a
declaration (see below).
The rally was held at the footsteps of Yerevan’s
Matenadaran (museum of ancient Armenian manuscripts), in scorching
weather.
DECLARATION
On the occasion of the 20th
annive, we, the participants of the public rally organized by the
ARF-Dashnaktsutyun and held in Yerevan on 2 September 2008, assert:
·
The recent war and
developments in the South Caucasus have created a new situation in our
region;
·
It is evident that if from
now on the international community is not able to prevent the use of
force, then the unforeseen developments could be calamitous. What happened
also demonstrated that how dangerous it is to apply double standards.
·
The OSCE Minsk Group
co-chair countries by recognizing, together or alone, the independence of
Kosovo, Abkhazia and South Ossetia have underlined the primacy of the
principle of peoples’
right to self-determination in international law;
·
The international
community’s respect of the right of the people of Artsakh to
self-determination and freedom has no alternative. The people of Artsakh
have repeatedly expressed their will to live independent of Azerbaijan.
The people of Artsakh have exercised their right to self-determination
based on the principles of international law and the Constitution of the
Soviet Union. Mountainous Karabakh has never been part of independent
Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani domination over Mountainous Karabakh ended with
the collapse of the Soviet Union.
·
In the Karabakh-Azerbaijan
war, Azerbaijan was the aggressor. Artsakh defended its right to live
securely and was successful; Azerbaijan is responsible for launching the
war and for its consequences;
·
For seventeen years, the
Republic of Mountainous Karabakh exists as a democratic state, with its
relevant state structures and local self-government bodies;
·
Azerbaijani ambitions to
re-conquer Artsakh by force are doomed to failure and will lead the region
to more unforeseen upheavals;
·
Escalation of EU-RF-USA
relations to a confrontational level can not be beneficial for the region;
it is imperative to find ways to resolve all outstanding problems through
dialogue. Armenia can and should contribute to these efforts.
Furthermore, we
assert that:
1)
The negotiations to
resolve the Artsakh conflict can bear results and promote peace only when
Azerbaijan signs a legal document with the Republics of Armenia and
Mountainous Karabakh not to use force or the threat of force;
2)
The Republic of Armenia
should sign a treaty with the Republic of Mountainous Karabakh undertaking
to act as the guarantor of the independence and security of the Republic
of Mountainous Karabakh;
3)
The authorities of the
Republic of Armenia should anticipate the official recognition of the
Republic of Mountainous Karabakh if Azerbaijan continues to consider the
military route as an acceptable means to resolve the issue, or if through
its actions endangers the negotiation process.
We declare:
a)
Armenia and Artsakh shall
not relinquish their security guarantees;
b)
Regarding the security of
Armenia and Artsakh, the Armenian people is unified and united; no
internal political issue should threaten the existence and security of our
statehood;
c)
The best guaranty to
consolidate the Armenians and to be defended from external dangers is the
irreversibility of internal reforms, the advancement of democracy and the
establishment of justice.
Participants of the Rally of
2 September 2008
Yerevan, Armenia
Hamazkayin Educational and Cultural Society
Dear Friends,
Hamazkayin, the oldest Armenian cultural non profit organization, will
hold its first Festival of Arts and Culture on September 14, 2008 on the
Mesrobian Elementary and High School campus in Pico Rivera. We are
enthused to be bringing together such an expansive showcase of talented
musicians, dancers, poets, authentic art and cuisine for the very first
time.
We
request your sponsorship of this special event to provide fun and
interactive activities for the hundreds of families that will attend our
festival.
All
sponsors’ logos will be printed in the program booklets of our upcoming
events: Dinner Banquet on October 26, 2008 at the Holy Cross Armenian
Apostolic Cathedral and a concert by violinist Ara Malikian of the Spanish
Philharmonic on November 6, 2008 at Zipper Concert Hall.
By
sponsoring the Festival of Arts and Culture, you will be supporting an
80-year-old non profit organization that serves the higher needs of its
community.
Lectures, seminars, after-school workshops, commemorative
events, exhibitions, concerts, recitals, traditional dance ensembles,
dramatic arts troupes and choirs all testify to Hamazkayin's worldwide
contribution to the advancement of culture.
Your support contributes to the success of these cultural
events and continues to provide resources and venues for innovative
artists. By supporting ethnic music, arts, and tradition we hope to
release our echoes into the multiplicity of sounds and voices in our
diverse society.
We will
be grateful and thankful for your valuable support. It is thanks to such
community support that Hamazkayin is able to achieve its cultural and
educational goals and reach a large audience of diverse cultural
backgrounds.
Please confirm your sponsorship
at (818)935-3555 or by email at
info@hamazkayin.net.
Sincerely,
Hamazkayin Educational and Cultural Society
Western USA Regional Executive
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