AGHJAYAN: EMBRACING THE GLOBAL REPARATIONS MOVEMENT
George Aghjayan
Tue, Jun 22 2010
The nature of the pursuit for justice for the genocide committed
against the Armenian people has changed at an ever-increasing pace. As
we look back over the years since the horrific crime was committed,
there have been many successes and some failures, but the altered
environment is unmistakable. As we approach the 100th anniversary
in 5 years, we must be prepared for further acceleration and remain
vigilant in defending our rights.
Unfortunately, a number of slogans, often repeated by our adversaries,
have become accepted as truths even within the Armenian community.
These misconceptions often sound reasonable on the surface but actually
are nonsense and, worse, convey a dangerous cynicism.
For instance, particularly offensive is the notion that use of the
term genocide is a barrier to dialogue between victim and perpetrator.
In the halls of the United States capitol and repeated mechanically
in the media, this justification has been used to scuttle legislative
recognition of the Armenian Genocide. The offensiveness of this becomes
even more apparent when one realizes that the current “dialogue”
between Turkey and Armenia has been manufactured with the sole purpose
of delaying the inevitable just resolution.
Logic demands recognition as a prerequisite to the process of healing.
The demise of the misnamed Turkish Armenian Reconciliation Commission
(TARC) and the recent protocols between the governments of Armenia
and Turkey, as well as other such initiatives over the past decade,
are proof of that. Sincere dialogue can only begin with proper
acknowledgment of the crime.
Even our own rhetoric can be harmful. United States recognition of the
genocide, which should more appropriately be termed reaffirmation,
has been elevated to the point of being considered a cure for
various ills. It is often stated that recognition will help prevent
future genocide or end the denial of the genocide. Yet we know that
recognition of the Jewish Holocaust, which is one of the most widely
written about events in history, has not stopped the occurrence of
genocide nor even stopped its denial by those with malicious agendas.
By misrepresenting the purpose of genocide recognition, we run the
risk of disillusioning our supporters. Viewing recognition as the
objective, as opposed to the first step in a process, also leads to
inappropriate strategies for success.
The purpose of the original crime was to end any possibility of an
Armenian nation being formed on our ancestral lands. It is undeniable
that this objective has not changed in 95 years. The current illegal
and immoral blockade of Armenia, the aggressive denial of the Armenian
Genocide around the world and the devious disruption of community
solidarity continue to victimize us to this day.
Restorative justice is clearly not possible given the extent of
the crime. Any just resolution, however imperfect, must begin with
ensuring the security and perpetuation of the Republic of Armenia.
Reparations and restitution of land are necessary, but not sufficient
to cure the scourge of genocide. One can point out that, again,
the conviction of those responsible for the Holocaust and subsequent
reparations paid to the victims have not stopped genocide. But that
can be attributed to the Holocaust being an exception rather than
the rule. What is needed is consistent treatment of all perpetrators
of genocide. While progress has been made, there is still a long way
to go.
Thus, the call for reparations for the Armenian Genocide is part of
a global reparations movement and we can leverage greatly from what
is at its core a human rights movement.
Yet this is not our sole objective. While the issue is surely much more
complex than what I have described, nonetheless Turkey and Armenia,
Turks and Armenians can not move forward without the necessary
progression of recognition, reparations, and restitution.
The state sponsored denial of the Armenian Genocide by the government
of Turkey has largely been responsible for increasing public awareness
of the crime to the point of near universal acceptance. Again, there
will always be those with the motivation to deny known genocides,
but their existence is not evidence of any controversy over the facts
of history.
Interestingly, the tactics employed by the Turkish government have
led to Armenian Genocide recognition being used by various nations to
extract political concessions from Turkey. The vicious cycle has led
to the current environment where the threat of genocide recognition
has been diluted by having already been achieved. Thus, we see a
diminished ability to extract concessions from Turkey and greater
independence of its foreign policy from United States interests.
Without doubt, the current environment is fluid and so complex as to
make analysis difficult, if not impossible. Each player has interests
and objectives that must be accounted for, but it is a mistake to
simplistically view it as a conflict between moral concerns and cold
hard politics. It is critically important to not allow our cause to
be so limited.
The reality is that the solution for Turkey is easily achieved and
insignificant when compared to its desired economic future. Make no
mistake; much of Turkey’s foreign policy initiatives can be traced to
a desire for regional economic supremacy. Turkey desires to expand its
role as a regional energy hub, as well as supplier of goods to both
Europe and the Middle East. These objectives can only be enhanced,
if not achieved, along with greater democracy in Turkey, by a just
resolution to the Armenian Genocide that goes beyond hollow and
insincere acknowledgment.
This is not based simply on idealism, but the lessons of history have
taught us what is achievable when willed by enough people.
On April 24 and 25, a conference took place in Ankara where some
participants discussed reparations for the Armenian Genocide. A
Turkish participant spoke clearly and bravely about the need for
reparations. It will be the final insult to the memory of the victims
if we, their descendants, in the comfort of our lives, simply beg for
acknowledgment while the number of those in Turkey risk much more to
demand justice be served.
We must expect more, we must do our part for the global reparations
movement. That is our obligation for those that died, those that
survived, and those that continue to strive for justice.
From: A. Papazian
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2010/06/22/aghjayan-embracing-the-global-reparations-movement/