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04/14/2005
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1) Conference on Armenians in Turkey Held at European Parliament
2) Students Honor Mkrtchian’s Accomplishments for Karabagh
3) Moscow Conference Addresses Armenian Genocide
4) Greek Armenians Doubt Turkey’s EU Mentality
5) US Secretary of State to Visit South Caucasus
6) Marchers Conquer 150 Mile Mark Despite Sore Muscles, Aching Joints
1) Conference on Armenians in Turkey Held at European Parliament
Speakers Ambiguous about Turkey’s Present Responsibility for 1915 Genocide
STRASBURG–A conference focusing on the plight of the Armenian community in
Turkey was held in the European Parliament on Tuesday April 12. Held under the
auspices of the Green Party, and through the assistance of the Turkish
diplomatic corps, the conference was organized by European Parliament member
Cem Ozdemir (Green, Germany).
Speaking at the conference were historian and Turkish dissident Taner Akcam,
Turkish-Armenian journalist for Zaman Daily Etyen Mahcupyan, and editor of the
Armenian weekly Agos, Hrant Dink.
Confirming the European Armenian Federation’s fear that the government of
Turkey had pressured some of the panelists into stepping over the genocide
issue, and suggesting that Turkey’s entry to the European Union will help
solve
the problems faced by its minority population, Ozdemir, in his opening
remarks,
avoided using the term “genocide” in describing the events of 1915, and told
the attendees that the conference was designed simply for the purpose of
“historical interpretation.”
During his presentation, Akcam spoke about the myriad of problems researchers
face when accessing Turkish archives, which he said had been cleansed in an
effort to erase all traces of documentation linking the Ottoman-Turkish
government to the events that transpired during the first World War. Akcam
rejected the alleged discrepancies that exist between official Turkish
documents and Western archival sources, arguing that in addition to its
censorship, the Turkish government in some instances has resorted to
fabricating documents, and harassing those researchers who attempt to create a
narrative through the use of the archives that counter the state’s “official
history.”
The use of the term “genocide,” Mahcupyan argued during his presentation, is
detrimental to the process of reconciliation, because of the legal
ramifications associated with it. He stressed that, to this day, the concepts
of duty and submission still define the relationship between the Turkish state
and its citizenry, and that a clear ideological connection existed between
those who planned and executed the genocide, and the Kemalist state that
replaced it. However, Mahcupian went on to blame both Turks and Armenians for
the tragedy, arguing that today, the “defense of identity has become identity”
of many Armenians.
Dink told his audience that it was “too much to ask a state to define and
qualify what took place 90 years ago,” and that a more appropriate alternative
would be to ask whether “the State denies what it knows to be true.” He
continued by praising recent calls for the establishment of a committee of
historians commissioned for the purpose of evaluating the facts of the
genocide, arguing that it will allow for open discussion on the topic. Dink
stressed, however, that Armenia-Turkish relations should not be limited to
historical issues. Today’s political reality, he noted, must take precedence
over history. Absolving the Republic of Turkey of responsibility for the
Genocide, Dink urged European nations and institutions to help rebuild and
strengthen Armenia-Turkey relations.
“The presentations of both the Armenian minority representatives from Turkey
were full of ambiguities and incoherence. It was clear that these individuals,
muted by fear, censored themselves both through the language they utilized and
the ideas they promoted,” said Laurent Leylekian, Executive Director of the
European Armenian Federation. “Their speeches dealt with everything except the
genocide,” he added. “In reality, the purpose of the conference was not to
discuss recognition of the Armenian genocide by Ankara nor was it to alleviate
the plight of Armenians living in Turkey. Rather, its purpose was more, as
described in the invitation, to avoid or smooth over obstacles to Turkeys
admission into the EU.”
“This conference fist perfectly into Turkey’s strategy to exclude this
question from the international arena, reducing it to a minor quarrel between
the Turkish and Armenian societies,” claimed Leylekian. “The new approach
lies
in pitting the so-called “bad” Armenians from the Diaspora against the “good”
Armenians from Turkey, by making the latter an instrument in its denialist
policy. Nevertheless, the forced self-censorship and the limits imposed on
such
‘hostages’ fool no one.”
“The Europeans should not fall into this trap as they had with the
attempts at
reconciliation without prior genocide recognition. The situation is clear:
Turkey committed a crime that does not have a statute of limitations–the
Armenian genocide–and it must assume responsibility, through full
recognition,
in order to uphold European values. Genocide denial, today, like the act of
genocide 90 years ago, demonstrates a lack of understanding of European
values,” continued Leylekian.
Leylekian concluded by stating that “Once again, this attempt by the Greens,
who have for many years now been fighting against the European Parliament’s
attempts to urge Turkey to recognize this genocide, appears to be clearly
inspired by diversion tactics initiated by the Turkish state.”
2) Students Honor Mkrtchian’s Accomplishments for Karabagh
YEREVAN (Armenpress)–The first President of Mountainous Karabagh Republic
(MKR) Arthur Mkrtchian was honored on Thursday during a ceremony marking the
13th anniversary of his untimely death.
Organized by the ARF Nigol Aghbalian student organization, the commemoration
took place at Yerevan State University, and included a book presentation by
Ashot Poghosian, who has written on the life and activities of the beloved
president.
Recalling Mkrtchian’s dedication, General Arkadi Ter-Tadevosian, a decorated
field commander during the Karabagh war, said the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation joined Mkrtchian and other devoted people during the war of
liberation. “We were not defeated then, and will never be defeated because
there still exist people such as Arthur Mkrtchian.”
The head of MKR Parliament’s Foreign Relations Commission Levon Melik
spoke in
details about Mkrtchian’s patriotic, political direction, and struggle for the
survival of Karabagh and the entire Armenian nation.
Mkrtchian, an ARF member, was elected president of the MKR’s first Supreme
Council on Jan. 7, 1992 at the age of 33.
He played a crucial role in creating the independent state of Karabagh, used
his superior diplomatic skills, along with the support of a strong army and
the
unwavering dedication of the people, to assist Karabagh’s struggle for
self-determination and self-rule.
He died on April 14, 1992.
3) Moscow Conference Addresses Armenian Genocide
YEREVAN (Yerkir)–A conference dedicated to 90th anniversary of the Armenian
genocide took place on April 13 at the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow.
Addressing the theme “Genocide is a Crime Against Humanity,” speakers
categorically stressed that the Armenian genocide, perpetrated by the Turks in
1915, must be recognized by present day Turkey.
They included Professor Yuri Pivovarov of the Russian Academy of Sciences,
Professor Yuri Barseghov, Director of the Armenian Institute for International
Law and Political Science, Vasil Manich of Serbian Science Association, and
Italian historian Giovanni Guaita.
Serbians, Kurds, and Greeks also spoke of respective genocides against their
nations by the Turks.
Armenian National Assembly Vice Speaker and Armenian Revolutionary Federation
(ARF) Bureau member Vahan Hovhannisian addressed the conference and delivered
Prime Minister Andranik Margarian’s message.
A resolution adopted at the end of the conference states that the Armenian
genocide has not been recognized by the international community and Turkish
government due to political reasons.
The event was organized by the Russian-Armenian Cooperation Organization,
Russian and Armenian scholars, and sponsored by the Union of Russian
Armenians.
4) Greek Armenians Doubt Turkey’s EU Mentality
(Reuters)–Armenians in Greece said on Thursday that EU hopeful Turkey is
still
a long way away from becoming a true European nation.
Greece has one of the largest and oldest Armenian communities in Europe
numbering more than 55,000 people. The Armenian National Committee of Greece
says some 1.5 million Armenians died between 1915 and 1923 and wants Turkey to
recognize it as genocide before it joins the European Union.
Turkey is due to start entry talks with the bloc on Oct. 3, but rejects the
claim saying Armenians were victims of a World War One partisan conflict in
which Christian Armenians also killed many Muslim Turks.
“Imagine if Germany persistently denied ever having committed the holocaust
against the Jews, but still wanted to be a member of the EU. What kind of
respectability would Germany have in Europe then?” committee chairman Kasbar
Karabetian told Reuters in an interview.
“We have doubts that Turkey is determined to implement European reforms
because a modern European nation first reconciles itself with its past.
That is
the true essence of a democratic European state,” Karabetian said.
The committee has organized rallies, speeches and exhibitions on April 24 to
mark the 90th anniversary of the deaths and draw attention to Turkey’s EU bid.
More protests are planned in September ahead of Ankara’s accession talks.
Turkey fears an outburst of anti-Turkish feeling that could damage to its EU
bid.
Armenians have settled in Greece since the mid-18th century and enjoy close
ties to Greeks. Annual April 24 Armenian commemorations are enshrined in Greek
law.
“The Greeks, who have had a similar fate with us, understand our plight
better
than anyone,” Karabetian said. “We are very lucky in that sense.”
Karabetian said if Turkey joined the 25-nation bloc it would benefit both
Greece, which has backed Ankara’s EU bid, and Armenia, which has no diplomatic
ties with Turkey. Turkey closed its border with Armenia in 1993 in protest at
Armenian occupation of part of Ankara’s ally, Azerbaijan.
“First we want Turkey to stop being the Turkey of today as we know it and
become a Turkey with a true European mentality,” Karabetian said.
The European Parliament and France, home to Europe’s largest Armenian
community, have both urged Ankara to recognize the killings as genocide.
5) US Secretary of State to Visit South Caucasus
BAKU (Armenpress)–According to an Azeri news source, US State Secretary
Condoleezza Rice will most likely pay a visit to the South Caucasus in early
May to meet with Armenian, Azeri, and Georgian leaders.
Day.az reported on Thursday that Rice will refer to military and political
cooperation with the US, regulation of regional conflicts, and the
democratization processes in the region. The source also revealed the US
official will discuss details of the Mountainous Karabagh conflict regulation
process with Armenian and Azeri officials.
6) Marchers Conquer 150 Mile Mark Despite Sore Muscles, Aching Joints
STOCKTON–Marking the eleventh day of their 19-day trek towards Sacramento,
those participating in the March For Humanity, passed the 150-mile point of
their 215 mile march, arriving in Stockton on Wednesday.
Revitalized by expert alternative medicine, the marchers, ranging in age from
16 to 63, eat from a mobile lunch truck, shower in an RV, and sleep in church
halls.
“When I first heard about the March For Humanity, I knew that I wanted to
walk
the full distance,” said Sanan Shirinian, a 16-year-old high school junior. “I
was often questioned about my ability to walk the full 215 miles, but I knew
that this was the least I can do to seek recognition for the murder of my
ancestors 90 years ago.”
Beginning each day by telling a story of a family member who survived the
genocide, the self-sacrificing youth walk an average of 12 to 15 miles each
day, at times braving heavy rain and forceful winds.
The walkers have experienced serious aches and sores in their feet and legs.
Inspired by the huge task undertaken by the dedicated group, Dr. Shahe
Jierian,
an expert in holistic and natural medicine, provided the walkers with massage
utilizing acupressure to relax and heal pulled muscles and strained feet.
“I believe in the cause of the marchers…I myself lost family members to the
Genocide,” said Jierian. “I have a God given talent and this is the least I
can
do for those who volunteered to sacrifice a part of themselves. After all,
holistic medicine and the well being of human beings, humanity, go hand in
hand.”
Jierian, whose grandmother is a 97-year-old survivor of the Genocide, also
walked more than 40 miles with the marchers to show his solidarity with the
victims of the Armenian genocide.
Defying sore muscles, blistered feet, and aching legs, the marchers will
continue to walk an additional 70 miles–rain or shine–until they arrive at
the California State Capitol on April 21 and join a mass rally to thank the
California State Legislature and those of 36 other state legislatures for
officially recognizing the Armenian genocide.
In honor of Pope John Paul II, the marchers held a candle light vigil on the
ninth day and 130th mile of their walk. “Pope John Paul II was a peace-loving
man. He visited Armenia and condemned act of genocide committed against the
Armenian people,” said Vicken Sosikian, March For Humanity director. “His
virtues and ideals guided millions across the world and helps guide us in our
quest for justice.”
Commending the marchers’ genuine efforts and determination to bring Genocide
recognition to a new level, Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western Region
Central Committee Representative, Hovig Saliba, concluded the vigil by
reassuring them that their efforts will reinforce Armenian communities’
worldwide to continuously pursue the goal until it is achieved.
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