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05/04/2006
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1) Senators, Representatives Mark Armenian Genocide in Remarks at Their
Respective Chambers
2) Rescue Workers Step up Search after Armenian Plane Crash
3) NATO Parliamentary Assembly Invites Armenian And Azeri Presidents to Paris
4) Armenia to Hold Economic Forum And Conference in September
5) Requiem Mass for Plane Crash Victims to Be Held Sunday
6) US Legislators Urge President Bush to Condemn Azeri War Rhetoric,
Demolition
of Armenian Cemetery
1) Senators, Representatives Mark Armenian Genocide in Remarks at Their
Respective Chambers
WASHINGTON, DC–More than a dozen Senators and Representatives took to the
floors of their respective chambers during the week of April 24 to mark the
91st anniversary of the beginning of the Armenian genocide and share with
their
colleagues the moral imperative to enact legislation condemning this crime
against humanity, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
These remarks were in addition to the annual Capitol Hill Armenian Genocide
Observance, held on April 26, which drew forty Senators and Representatives
and
featured the presentation of the ANCA’s Voice of Justice award to Serj Tankian
and John Dolmayan of System Of A Down.
On the Senate side, speeches were delivered by Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Maria
Cantwell (D-WA), Russ Feingold (D-WI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Carl Levin
(D-MI), and Jack Reed (D-RI). The House initiative was organized by
Congressman
Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Co-Chairman of the Armenian Caucus, and featured remarks
by Chris Smith (R-NJ), the Vice-Chairman of the International Relations
Committee; Howard Berman (D-CA), Jerry Costello (D-IL), Mark Foley (R-FL),
Sander Levin (D-MI), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), James McGovern (D-MA), Michael
McNulty (D-NY), Jon C. Porter (R-NV), John J.H. “Joe” Schwarz (R-MI), Hilda
Solis (D-CA), and Henry Waxman (D-CA).
Among the most compelling Senate remarks were the following:
* Senator Russ Feingold: The international community has made the first
steps,
but it has a long way to go in punishing and, particularly, preventing
genocide. As we move forward, we must learn the lessons of Armenia’s genocide.
We cannot be misled by the rhetoric of scapegoating, denial, and obfuscation
used by murderous leaders to disguise their agenda. And we cannot respond to
evidence of methodical, brutal violence by wringing our hands and waiting for
some definitive proof that these events qualify as genocide. Enforcing a
collective, international commitment to prevent and stop genocides from
occurring is imperative. We owe the victims of the Armenian genocide this
commitment.
* Senator Barbara Boxer: The brutality of the genocide was atrocious. But the
inhumanity continues today because the Turkish Government refuses to
acknowledge the massacres as genocide. The wounds cannot heal until the
Armenian people receive recognition.
* Senator Jack Reed: So as history does not repeat itself, we must study and
remember the events of our past. In instances such as the Armenian genocide,
all nations must educate their youth in the hatred, the wrongdoing, and the
oppression to deter future atrocities against humanity. Not more that two
decades after the Armenian genocide, Hitler said to his generals on the eve of
sending his death squads into Poland, “Go, kill without mercy… who today
remembers the annihilation of the Armenians.” We remember the Armenians. “Menk
panav chenk mornar.” We will never forget.
* Senator Dianne Feinstein: The Armenian-American community knows this all
too
well and today, we stand with them in commemorating the start of the Armenian
genocide. So let us renew our commitment to support those around the world who
face persecution and even death simply because of who they are. We will never
forget the Armenian genocide, and we look to the present and future with a
newfound sense of hope and optimism so that we may have the strength to stand
up and prevent such atrocities.
Among the more compelling excerpts from the speeches in the US House are
provided below:
* Congressman Chris Smith: Unfortunately, President Bush, in his annual
message about the Genocide, did not use the word. Once again, terms like “mass
killings” and “forced exile” mask the depth of the horror that took place,
carefully avoiding the plain truth. In fact, as has been described in numerous
newspaper articles, Ambassador John Evans, who was posted in Yerevan, is being
recalled for having the courage to say publicly that what happened to the
Armenians of the Ottoman Empire was genocide. It saddens me that the US
Government would go to such lengths to deny the undeniable. I would like to
commend Ambassador Evans for his braveryas a career Foreign Service
Officer, he
must have known what the consequences might be.
* Congressman Frank Pallone: Last week I was joined by my Co-Chair of the
Armenia Caucus and many of my colleagues in Congress on a bipartisan basis in
sending yet another bipartisan congressional letter to President Bush urging
him to use the word “genocide” in his April 24th commemorative statement. With
over 178 signatures, the message in that letter is loud and clear: 90 years is
too long to wait for justice to be served and proper recognition to be made.
The US owes it to the Armenian American community, to the 1.5 million that
were massacred in the Genocide, and to its own history to reaffirm what is
fact. As we have seen time and time again, the United States has a proud
history of action and response to the Armenian genocide. During a time when
hundreds of thousands were left orphaned and starving, a time when a nation
was
on the verge of complete extermination, the US took the lead and proudly
helped
end these atrocities. In fact, Americans helped launch an unprecedented US
diplomatic, political, and humanitarian campaign to end the carnage and
protect
the survivors.
Regardless of President Bush’s inaction, I call on Speaker Hastert to bring
the resolution to officially recognize the Armenian genocide to the House
floor. The resolution that passed in committee last September, again on a
bipartisan basis by an overwhelming majority, has over 148 cosponsors. Now is
the time to allow Members to reaffirm the United States’ record on the
Armenian
genocide. The US Government needs to stop playing politics with this tragic
time in history and take a firm stance for the truth. Genocide must not be
tolerated.
* Congressman James McGovern: Luckily, such leadership and courage is not
lacking among the Armenian American community. Not only do they continue their
historic work on the recognition and documentation of the Armenian genocide,
but they are genuine leaders and partners in efforts to educate Americans
about
the other genocides of the 20th and 21st Centuriesthe Holocaust of World War
II, Cambodia, Rwanda and Bosnia, to note some of the most prominent.
* Congressman Howard Berman: The debate on this historical issue has been
settled. The distinguished International Association of Genocide Scholars,
among others, has concluded that it is undeniable. Others, including some who
accept the historical facts, say Congress should not pass a resolution
recognizing the Armenian genocide because it will irreparably damage our
relationship with Turkey. This is a phony argument.
* Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney: The tragic events that began on April 24,
1915, which are well known to all of us, should be part of the history
curriculum in every Turkish and American school. On that dark April day, more
than 200 of Armenia’s religious, political and intellectual leaders were
arrested in Constantinople and killed. Ultimately, more than 1.5 million
Armenians were systematically murdered at the hands of the Young Turks, and
more than 500,000 more were exiled from their native land.
* Congressman Jerry Costello: Despite the effort of some to minimize the
scope
and deny its occurrence, the Armenian genocide is a historical fact. In the
years since, descendants of Armenian immigrants have clung to their identity
and have prospered across this nation and throughout the world. In my
district,
there is a significant population of Armenian survivors and their families
that
showed heroic bravery and a will to survive. With faith and courage,
generations of Armenians have overcome great suffering and proudly preserved
their culture, traditions, and religion by sharing their story of the
Genocide.
It is through their unforgettable tragedy that we are able to share in their
history and strong heritage.
The full text of all the Senate and House remarks is available on the ANCA
website at:
< eleases.php?prid=942>
/press_releas es/press_releases.php?prid=942.
2) Rescue Workers Step up Search after Armenian Plane Crash
(AFP/Armenpress)–Anguished relatives faced the grim task Thursday of
identifying their loved ones as rescue workers stepped up the search for
bodies, debris, and the data recorders of an Armenian plane that plunged into
the Black Sea, killing all 113 on board.
Russian rescue teams continued searching the area where the Airbus A320
plunged into the sea near the Russian resort of Sochi on Wednesday,
investigating the depths with special equipment, including sonars.
An official with Russia’s emergency situations ministry, Andrei Pakulov, told
AFP that a signal had been picked up from what might be one of the Airbus
A320’s black box flight recorders. Officials said that the signal was detected
at a depth of 680 meters where the rescuers found a great number of debris of
the plane.
Once the black boxes are found, they can be compared to the recorded
conversations between the pilots of the plane and the air traffic controllers,
providing a better understanding of what went wrong.
For now, investigators have said bad weather was most likely the cause of the
crash, which occurred as the aircraft was approaching the landing strip,
awkwardly located between the sea and the Caucasus Mountains.
The RIA news agency, quoting an official in the search operation, said a
major
section of the plane had been located with the help of a submersible search
vessel. “All our deep water special equipment will be assembled at that point
in the coming hours,” RIA quoted the official as saying.
At a nearby Armenian school a memorial ceremony took place for two former
students of the school. Afterwards, students and teachers went to the seashore
and placed 113 carnations and roses into the water.
Russian Transport Minister Igor Levitin addressed over 200 relatives of the
victims desperate to find the bodies of their loved ones. Investigators will
work “for as long as it takes to recover all the bodies and body parts,”
Levitin said, adding that it was too early to say for sure what had caused the
crash.
“Do everything you can to recover the bodies–I implore you,” urged one young
man, in tears. “How will the bodies be identified? Let us enter the morgue and
see the personal belongings,” urged another relative.
By Thursday morning 53 bodies had been fished out of the water and 22 had
been
identified, news agencies said. The remains of the aircraft were submerged in
more than 400 meters (1,300 feet) of water, but Levitin said a team of French
specialists brought in to search for the jet’s black boxes had “all the
technical means needed” to locate them.
Relatives of the victims were to visit the crash site by boat on Friday to
drop commemorative wreaths into the water. Both Armenia and Russia have
declared Friday an official day of mourning.
On Wednesday, relatives began identifying their loved ones from photographs
taken of the bodies recovered so far, including that of a child. On Thursday,
Tamara Mkrtchian, 36, said she had lost her husband Markar, their 17 year old
daughter Flora, and two other relativeswho were returning from a wedding in
Yerevanbut had yet to recognize any of their bodies.
“The photos are horrible. Imagine what they suffered. My daughter had
forebodings. She had been afraid to take the plane, afraid it would fall into
the sea. I suggested she change the ticket but she didn’t want to,” said
Mkrtchian.
3) NATO Parliamentary Assembly Invites Armenian And Azeri Presidents to Paris
BAKU (Armenpress)President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (PA) Pierre
Lellouche invited Armenian and Azeri Presidents Robert Kocharian and Ilham
Aliyev to Paris in late May. Aliyev has agreed to the visit.
Regarding the Karabagh conflict, Lellouche said that the NATO PA is making an
effort to help the parties reach a resolution to the conflict. He said during
his meeting with the two Presidents, they will discuss the regulation of the
conflict.
“This conflict is very destructive and results in the exhaustion of resources
and causes human losses,” said Lellouche. “The Caucasus needs stability.”
Lellouche also said that a military solution to conflict is not the right
one.
4) Armenia to Hold Economic Forum And Conference in September
In order to promote increased economic cooperation between Armenia and the
diaspora, Armenia will hold the Second Armenia-Diaspora Economic Forum in
Yerevan on September 20, 2006. Marking the 15th anniversary of Armenia’s
independence, the third Armenia-Diaspora economic conference will be held
later
that week, from September 18-19, also in Yerevan, followed by the
“Pan-Armenian
EXPO-2006” exhibit on September 22.
The First Economic Forum, which was held in 2003, resulted in increased
investment from the diaspora, better export quality, and sustainable economic
development.
The Second Forum will build on these achievements, strengthening the economic
development of Armenia and cooperation between Armenia and the diaspora. It
also reflects increased interest from diasporan Armenians in investing in
Armenia.
To participate in the conference or for more information, call (310) 657-6102
or visit the Consulate General of Armenia at 50 N. La Cienega Blvd., #210,
Beverly Hills, CA 90211.
5) Requiem Mass for Plane Crash Victims to Be Held Sunday
The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America and the Western
Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America released separate
statements Thursday announcing that on Sunday, May 7, all churches of the
Diocese and Prelacy will hold requiem mass services in honor of the Armavia
airplane crash victims.
The Prelacy also stated that Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian will preside
over the requiem service at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino to give his message
on this somber occasion.
6) US Legislators Urge President Bush to Condemn Azeri War Rhetoric,
Demolition
of Armenian Cemetery
–Representatives Knollenberg, Pallone, Radanovich, and Schiff Registered
Concerns on Eve of Bush-Aliyev Meeting
WASHINGTON, DC–The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) has
expressed its appreciation to four leading legislators–Armenian Caucus
Co-Chairmen Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and
Representatives
George Radanovich (R-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA)–for urging President Bush to
personally encourage Azeri President Ilham Aliyev to stop his government’s
threats against Armenia and Karabagh.
The two leaders met at the White House last week in a meeting, which was
reported to have covered, among other items, energy security issues, Iran’s
nuclear program, and democratic reform in Azerbaijan. It was not immediately
clear, based on media accounts, if President Bush addressed the issues raised
in the Congressional letter.
In their letter, the four legislators voiced their concern that, “in the
years
since the 1994 cease-fire agreement in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict,
Azerbaijani government officials have consistently threatened war and fostered
anti-Armenian intolerance. Ignoring international criticism, President Aliyev
has repeatedly declared that Azerbaijan could launch a new military offensive
against Karabakh, and that he is waging a ‘cold war’ against Armenia where the
ongoing negotiations are only a way to achieve unilateral Armenian
concessions.”
Furthermore, the letter condemned Azerbaijan’s demolition of an over
1,000-year-old Armenian cemetery in Julfa, Nakhichevan, noting that
“[k]nowingly expunging traces of Armenian presence also raises serious
questions about Azerbaijan’s commitment to engage in the peace process.” The
legislators credit the Administration for its assurances that “US
opposition to
such tactics has been officially conveyed. However, the United States will be
unable to advance its policy objectives and the OSCE Minsk process will
achieve
nothing if Azerbaijan is allowed to risk war with impunity. These
counterproductive strategies are undermining the stability of the South
Caucasus region.”
The full text of the Congressional letter is provided below.
#####
Congress of the United States
Washington, DC 20515
April 27, 2006
The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President,
It is our understanding that you will be meeting with President of Azerbaijan
Ilham Aliyev later this week. We urge you to take this opportunity to condemn
the Azerbaijani war rhetoric and other actions taken against the Republic of
Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh which undermine U.S. objectives in the region.
In the years since the 1994 cease-fire agreement in the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict, Azerbaijani government officials have consistently threatened war
and
fostered anti-Armenian intolerance. Ignoring international criticism,
President Aliyev has repeatedly declared that Azerbaijan could launch a new
military offensive against Karabakh, and that he is waging a “cold war”
against
Armenia where the ongoing negotiations are only a way to achieve unilateral
Armenian concessions.
As part of this campaign, this year Azerbaijan has increased its military
spending by 100% over the previous year to more than $600 million. It has
also
tightened the seventeen year economic blockade against Armenia and Nagorno
Karabakh. Moreover, President Aliyev has indicated he would not engage in any
confidence-building measures with Armenia and he had “no desire” to tone down
his country’s war-mongering and anti-Armenian propaganda.
Under the backdrop of the peace talks last December, eyewitnesses captured on
film Azerbaijani soldiers destroying historical Armenian monuments in the
medieval cemetery of Julfa, Nakhichevan of Azerbaijani Republic. Condemned by
the European Parliament, this incident is not isolated. A Scottish expert on
Armenian architecture, who traveled though Nakhichevan in the summer of 2005,
found that a number of Armenian monuments that were intact as late as the
1980’s were razed to the ground. Knowingly expunging traces of Armenian
presence also raises serious questions about Azerbaijan’s commitment to engage
in the peace process.
We acknowledge and appreciate the assurances of the Administration that U.S.
opposition to such tactics has been officially conveyed. However, the United
States will be unable to advance its policy objectives and the OSCE Minsk
process will achieve nothing if Azerbaijan is allowed to risk war with
impunity. These counterproductive strategies are undermining the stability of
the South Caucasus region.
We urge you to condemn these actions and call upon President Aliyev and
Azerbaijan to desist from making any further threats against its Christian
neighbors Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.
We look forward to working with you on this issue and look forward to your
response.
Sincerely,
JOE KNOLLENBERG
Member of Congress
GEORGE RADONOVICH
Member of Congress
FRANK PALLONE, JR
Member of Congress
ADAM SCHIFF
Member of Congress
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