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 Since
August 31, 2009, the Armenian people have been focused on the
mutually agreed protocols for the establishment and development
of relations between Turkey and Armenia.We realize that
Armenians and Turks are bound to live as neighbors, but we also
believe that peaceful coexistence between the peoples of any
neighboring countries should be based on the premises of justice
and mutual respect for each other’s rights in an atmosphere of
trust and sincerity.
Based on this belief, we conclude that the Armenia-Turkey
protocols, drafted with mediation by Switzerland, to be a
document that, once again, tramples upon the dignity and rights
of the Armenian people, and instead of establishing peace
between the peoples of Armenia and Turkey, they pave the way for
renewed tensions and crises.
We were expecting that during this period of public
discussion announced by the President of Armenia, it would be
possible to amend and improve this document with the input of
Armenians from Armenia and the Diaspora, basing it on principles
of justice and human rights. These principles envision Turkey to
assume responsibility for the Genocide and agree to reparations.
However, to our great disappointment, we learned that the
protocols cannot be amended and are to be accepted, or rejected,
as they stand.
Under these circumstances, the Armenian Relief Society finds
the protocols, which clearly counter the national interests of
the Armenian people and pose a threat to the national security
of Armenia, totally unacceptable. We reject the protocols in the
name of chapters and members of the organization, which is
active in 26 countries around the world. This organization,
whose scattered presence around the globe is the direct result
of the Genocide itself and for decades since 1915, has been
gathering the orphaned and widowed survivors of the Genocide
under its humanitarian umbrella, and has spared no effort to
keep the torch of Armenian cause alive in the hearts of
generations of Armenians.
In the name of all Armenian women widowed by the Turkish
scythe and their orphaned children, we ask the Armenian
Government to take a step back from the edge of the precipice,
and to realize the grave consequences, and to join the protest
raised globally against these dubious protocols, and to
reinstate the unity of the people and the state.
ARS CENTRAL EXECUTIVE BOARD
September 25, 2009
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