Author: Antonian Lara

Deputy minister expects tourism to grow by 5-7% this year

YEREVAN, May 15, /ARKA/. A deputy Armenian economy minister Ara
Petrosian said today the government expects the number of foreign
tourists visiting the country to grow this year by 5-7%.

Speaking at the opening of the 10-th tourism fair in Yerevan called
the Country of Talking Stones, he said last year was a sort of a trial
for all, and despite the economic downturn the tourist industry
reported a 3% growth, while across the globe it fell by 4%. In the
first quarter of this year the number of foreign tourists increased by
9.4% year-on-year. According to official figures, 93,000 foreign
tourists visited Armenia in Q1, 2010. Their number increased 12 times
since 2000 to record high 575,000 in 2009. -0-

ARMENIAN DIASPORA MINISTER MEETS WITH BELGIAN AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA

ARMENPRESS
MAY 14, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, MAY 14, ARMENPRESS: On May 13, Belgian Ambassador to Armenia
Stephane De Loecker was in the Armenian Diaspora Ministry on a
familiarizing visit.

Diaspora Ministry press service told Armenpress that at the meeting
with Diaspora Minister Hranush Hakobyan issues of bilateral interest
were discussed, the interlocutors focused their attention especially
on the issues of the Armenian community in Belgium and its activity.

An agreement was reached to support the implementation of joint
programs, especially the ones on Armenian-Belgian youth exchange.

TURKEY’S INVOLVING IN KARABAKH PEACE PROCESS DOES NOT MEET RUSSIA’S INTERESTS

ArmInfo
2010-05-14 13:21:00

ArmInfo. "Turkey’s involving in the Karabakh peace process does not
meet Russia’s interests," Ruben Safrastyan, Professor, Director of
the Oriental Studies Institute at the National Academy of Science
told media on Friday.

"Hypothetically if Turkey is directly involved in the Karabakh
peace process, it will mean for Russia that its regional rival is
involved in the process. At the given moment Russia is the only
country in the region to participate in settlement of the Karabakh
conflict and Turkey’s joining the process does not meet Moscow’s
interests," Sarfrastyan said. In addition, the expert said that the
OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs have repeatedly come out against Turkey
co-chairmanship.

CZECH PM TO VISIT ARMENIA

ARMENPRESS
MAY 14, 2010
YEREVAN

Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Jan Fischer will make a two-day
working visit to Armenia May 17-18.

Governmental press office told Armenpress that within the framework of
the visit the Czech prime minister will take part in the Armenian-Czech
business forum, will meet with the Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan,
His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, NA Chairman
Hovik Abrahamyan and Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan.

The Czech prime minister will also visit Tsitsernakaberd and put
wreath at the memorial to the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

May 14, 2010
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY AT
ST. GARABED CHURCH AND CONDUCT OPENING OF THE
NEW YOUTH CENTER

On Sunday, May 16th, 2010, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, will preside over Divine Liturgy at St. Garabed Church in Hollywood
and deliver the sermon.
Following the service, the Prelate will preside over the opening of
the newly constructed youth center adjacent to the church.
In the evening the Prelate will deliver the invocation at the A.R.S.
Centennial Gala Banquet. Executive Council members will also be in
attendance.

ACYA MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE IN 3RD ANNUAL ORTHODOX DAY OF PRAISE

On Saturday, May 15th, the third annual Orthodox Day of Praise will
take place at St. Peter and St. Paul Coptic Orthodox Church in Santa Monica,
with the participation of youth from the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox
Churches.
The gathering will begin with Divine Liturgy, followed by brunch,
after which members of each church will sing hymns in their respective
languages.
The event serves to unite members of the Orthodox faith and
celebrate and praise God through singing.
Members of the Prelacy "Lousavorich" youth choir, led by Very Rev.
Fr. Barthev Gulumian, will participate in the event.

THE FEAST OF ASCENSION CELEBRATED WITH DIVINE LITURGY AND TRADITIONAL
LUNCHEON

On Thursday, May 13th, 2010, the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord
Jesus Christ was celebrated with Divine Liturgy followed by the traditional
luncheon. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over
Divine Liturgy at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale which was celebrated by Rev.
Fr. Avedis Torossian. Pastor of St. Gregory Church of San Francisco Very
Rev. Fr. Vaghinag Meloian delivered the sermon.
The traditional luncheon, which is organized each year by the
Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary, followed at Anoush Restaurant in Glendale, with
the participation of the Prelate, clergy members, and nearly 300 guests.
This year’s luncheon was hosted by Mrs. Taline Amroyan.
Master of Ceremonies and Ladies Auxiliary member Mrs. Hourig
Abdulian welcomed the guests then invited the Prelate to deliver the
invocation. The Prelate commended the Ladies Auxiliary members for
organizing this traditional event and expressed his thanks and appreciation
to Mrs. Amroyan for hosting the luncheon. In honor of the "Year of the
Armenian Woman", the Prelate conveyed his well wishes to all the women
present, exalting their invaluable role in our individual and collective
lives.
Very Rev. Fr. Vaghinag Meloian spoke about the meaning and
significance of the Feast of Ascension and the religious and national
traditions associated with this feast.
Guests also enjoyed a performance by singer Gagik Badalyan,
participated in the traditional casting of lots and collectively sang
traditional Hampartsoum songs.

ANNUAL PRELACY CLERGY CONFERENCE

On Wednesday, May 12th, 2010, the annual Prelacy clergy conference
which traditionally takes place on the eve of the Representatives Assembly,
was held at the Prelacy "Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall. The
conference was presided over by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, with the participation of the clergy order.
The day began with Evening and Morning Services at the "St. Dertad
and St. Ashkhen" Chapel, followed by a spiritual meditation by Very Rev. Fr.
Barthev Gulumian in which he reflected on a passage from the Gospel of
Matthew on the importance of ministering and preaching the word of God.
The conference convened at noon with opening remarks by the Prelate
who commended the service and devotion of the clergy members, and wished
success to the day’s proceedings.
The election of the officers followed, with Archbishop Tabakian
elected as the Chairman and Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian as the Secretary.
Archbishop Tabakian thanked the Prelate for the opportunity to participate
in the conference and extolled the importance of clergy members working
together as members of one family to achieve success in our service.
During the first session the Religious Council report which will be
presented at the Representatives Assembly was analyzed by the participants
and revised accordingly.
After lunch the second session convened with a lecture by Very Rev.
Fr. Muron Aznikian on the calling of clergy and the importance of properly
performing the rites and rituals of the Armenian Church.
A discussion on activities anticipated for the upcoming year then
took place, including the celebration of the "Year of the Armenian Woman",
followed by the election of religious delegates to the Representatives
Assembly and the drafting of suggestions to present to the upcoming
Assembly.
The conference closed with the Prelate’s concluding remarks and
benediction.

PRELATE AND EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEET WITH
PASTORS AND BOARDS OF TRUSTEES

In preparation for the 38th Representatives Assembly which will
convene at the Prelacy on May 14, 2010, by the invitation of H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and the Executive Council, on the evening of
Tuesday, May 11th, 2010, Pastors and Boards of Trustees of Prelacy Churches
gathered at the "Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall to discuss the
general activities as well as the concerns of their respective parishes.
Central Executive member Mr. Khajag Dikijian also participated in the
meeting.
The meeting opened with the Prelate’s invocation, after which the
Prelate and Executive Council Chair Dr. Garo Agopian welcomed the
representatives and briefed them on the purpose of the meeting.
Subsequently, one by one the Chairman or Board of Trustees
representative of each church were invited to report on the past, present,
and future activities of their churches and challenges they face.
After the presentations, the representatives had the opportunity to
discuss issues of concern to all parishes and to share their experiences and
offer suggestions to one another.
At the conclusion the Prelate commended the service of the Pastors
and Boards of Trustees and wished them success in their future endeavors.
The meeting closed with the benediction by the Prelate and the singing of
the Cilician anthem.

ST. MARY’S CHURCH CELEBRATES ITS 35TH ANNIVERSARY

On Sunday, May 9th, 2010, St. Mary’s Church in Glendale
ceremoniously celebrated its 35th anniversary with Episcopal Divine Liturgy,
ordination of acolytes and stole bearers, and a gala banquet in the evening.
The day began with Divine Liturgy celebrated by H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. During the service, the Prelate ordained
acolytes stole bearers, and advised them of the responsibilities and
obligations they now bear as acolytes. After placing a stole on their left
shoulders, the Prelate blessed them, thus ending the ordination ceremony.
His Eminence then delivered the sermon, in which he referenced the
invaluable service the church has been providing to the community over the
past 35 years, and turning to the newly ordained acolytes, urged them to
carry out their new responsibilities and obligations faithfully and serve
their fellow man with love and devotion. In honor of Mother’s Day, the
Prelate congratulated all the mothers in attendance, commending them for
their role and contribution in our individual and collective lives.
In the evening the Prelate attended the 35th anniversary banquet
which was organized by the Pastors and Board of Trustees. The banquet,
which was held at Palladio banquet hall, was hosted by the hall’s owner Mr.
and Mrs. Avedis and Hasmig Keshishian.
Pastors Reverend Fathers Vazken Atmajian, Ardak Demirjian, and
Gomidas Torossian collectively delivered the invocation and blessed the
tables, after which Master of Ceremonies Mr. Larry Zarian welcomed the
guests and invited Mrs. Rima Boghossian to give a brief background on the
history of the church.
Singer Gagik Badalyan then entertained the guests with a set of
traditional and popular songs.
Following the cultural program, Chairman of the 35th anniversary
committee Mr. Garo Eshgian delivered remarks on behalf of the committee,
thanking sponsors and guests for their encouragement, participation, and
contributions to the realization of the church’s mission. A video of the
history of the church and its achievements in the past 35 years followed.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Chairman Mr. Zareh Markarian also
addressed the guests, thanking all those who volunteer their time and
resources for the advancement of the church.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Zareh Markarian then
presented church secretaries Mrs. Anoush Garabedian and Mrs. Houri
Babahekian with plaques for their years-long service, and the pastors with
mementos in appreciation of their leadership and service to their flock.
In his remarks, Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian highlighted the church’s
role in the community and congratulate them on their 35th anniversary.
Prior to the lighting of the ceremonious candles, Rev. Fr. Vazken
Atmajian conveyed his well wishes to all the mothers in honor of Mother’s
Day, after which bouquets of flowers were presented to the grand benefactor
of the church Mrs. Hilda Der Minassian, Tufenkian School benefactor Mrs.
Savey Tufenkian, and Palladio banquet hall owner Mrs. Hasmig Keshishian.
Fr. Vazken then called the banquet sponsors to gather for the candle
lighting ceremony. The symbolic 36th candle was lit by Mrs. Hilda Der
Minassian.
To conclude the program, the MC invited the Prelate to convey his
blessings and remarks on this joyous occasion. His Eminence first and
foremost congratulated the St. Mary’s Church family on this joyous occasion.
He exalted the vision and dedication of the founding members, commending all
the volunteers of the church who have followed in the footsteps and example
of the founders, and wishing them new successes as they labor for the
splendor of the church. The Prelate then awarded letters of commendation to
Mr. Zareh Markarian, Mr. Sahak Kazangian, Mr. Hrair Balian, Dr. Khatchig
Rechdouni, Mr. Vaghinag Babaian, Mr. Ruben Gourjian, and Dr. Hagop Der
Megerdichian for their years-long service and commitment to the progress of
the church.
The celebration came to a close with the cutting of the 35th
anniversary cake.

RUSSIAN PRESIDENT’S STATEMENT FOLLOWING TALKS WITH TURKISH COUNTERPART

President of the Russian Federation website
May 12 2010

Press Statement following Russian-Turkish Talks May 12, 2010 Ankara

PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA DMITRIY MEDVEDEV: President of Turkey Abdullah
Gul,ladies and gentlemen,

Today is indeed a special day in Russian-Turkish relations, and
it continues the large amount of work accomplished recently, the
meetings we have held, and the visit that Mr President made to
Russia last year. Mr President, I want to start by thanking you
for the reception accorded the Russian delegation and myself here,
on hospitable Turkish soil.

We had the opportunity yesterday to discuss a wide range of issues
in an informal setting. We discussed international issues above all,
but also spoke about our bilateral economic ties and discussed the
development of our political systems. We went through practically
everything on the very wide-ranging agenda of Russian-Turkish
cooperation.

Our relations have undergone radical change over these last
years, and today we really can say that we now have strategic and
very diverse ties that reflect practically every aspect of our
lives. Several significant agreements were signed here just now,
laying good foundations for cooperation in the transport sector,
and in law enforcement, which is very important too, given that both
of our countries face all manner of threats, including terrorism. We
signed agreements that expand opportunities for higher education. A
whole series of other important agreements were signed during the
first meeting of the High-Level Cooperation Council, which has been
established specially to support the dialogue between our countries.

We really do have excellent opportunities for developing our economic
cooperation. Our trade relations are recovering quite fast from
the effects of last year’s crisis. I have already cited the figures
today. Over the first two months of this year our bilateral trade
increased by more than a third. If this pace continues, by the end
of the year we should reach the level we had in 2008. The ambitious
goal of tripling our bilateral trade that my colleague, President Gul,
spoke about is looking more and more realistic. Perhaps this figure
of $100 billion per annum still seems rather hard to attain at the
moment, but I think that, overall, this is a goal we can achieve. If
we reach this level it will serve as an example for all of Europe.

I remind you that the Russian Federation’s bilateral trade with the
European Union currently comes to around $200 billion. It stood at
$250 billion before the crisis. Comparing these figures and the goals
we have set, this is good reason for us to work hard and good reason
too for the European Union to reflect on developing its relations
with Russia and Turkey.

We discussed a wide range of issues today. We examined individual
aspects of our economic cooperation, and these discussions will
continue with the Prime Minister. But I want to say that no matter
which field we look at, we have taken our cooperation to a new level,
whether in the energy sector, including oil and gas and nuclear
energy, the transport sector (we just signed agreements here), and
tourism, in which we will take a big step forward today, opening
up new opportunities for developing tourism through our decision to
abolish visas for each other’s citizens. This is really a historic
event. Then we also have a great number of cultural and humanitarian
projects that also add to this visit’s results.

Yesterday and today, the President and I concentrated on international
issues. Russia and Turkey are working together to maintain global
and regional stability. Sitting in the President’s office just now
we spoke about the fact that the Black Sea countries themselves, and
above all the region’s two biggest countries, Russia and Turkey, bear
direct responsibility for the situation in the region. In this regard
I want to say once again that we are ready to keep working in this
direction. We must observe in full the international laws in place,
including the well-known Montreux Convention, and take a friendly
line on intra-regional ties, but as I said, the main responsibility
lies with our countries, with the countries of the Black Sea region.

We discussed efforts to counter threats and prevent extremism
and terrorism, and we will do everything we can to improve
cooperation between our law enforcement agencies, military agencies
and intelligence services, because these threats are not abstract
issues for our countries but, sadly, are absolutely real, and we find
ourselves at times having to take tough measures to deal with these
dangers, and will continue this combat.

We share very close views on the Middle East peace process. I arrived
in Ankara from Damascus. We spoke about how to perhaps make this
process more active, make some innovative moves, and I made a number of
proposals to the President. I think that we all need to keep working
in this direction because there has been something of a slowdown in
the process of late, and this is having an impact on the situation in
the Middle East and on living standards there. The situation in Gaza
is in such a state now that it is close to humanitarian disaster,
and even if we cannot solve all of the problems right away, we at
least need to make every effort to get the various countries that
share a sense of responsibility for the development of events in the
region to work on these issues more effectively, so as to bring us
closer to actual solutions and decisions.

We discussed the situation in Iraq yesterday and spoke too about
the situation in Iran. We share the view that international efforts
are required in this region. Our position on Iran is clear. On this
matter we share a similar view to that of Turkey. We discussed the
need to undertake all necessary efforts to stabilise the situation
and incite Iran to take a constructive line, while at the same time
emphasising the need to resolve this problem through peaceful means.

Russia and Turkey share an interest in consolidating stability in
the Caucasus region, including by settling the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict. The Russian Federation will continue to work on advancing
this process, using its influence and every possibility available
to it. Of course, we will consult on these issues with our Turkish
partners too.

We discussed issues in the Balkans and also spoke about the problem
of a settlement in Cyprus. We agreed to continue our contacts and
cooperation on these European matters, including with regard to the
Russian Federation’s initiative on the European Security Treaty. The
President sent me his comments on the draft treaty proposed by Russia,
and I am very grateful to President Gul for the attention he has shown.

Once more, I want to thank the President for this trusting, friendly
and constructive dialogue that began with our informal meeting and
continued during our talks today. I stress the fact that partnership
between our countries is fully in keeping with our peoples’ interests
and is an important stabilising factor in our region and on the
international stage in general.

MODERNIZATION OF RAILWAY SUBSTATION IN TOWN OF SPITAK COMPLETED

ArmInfo
2010-05-13 11:18:00

ArmInfo. Modernization of the railway substation in the town of Spitak
has been completed, the South Caucasus Railway (SCR) CJSC Service of
Electrification and Power Supply, told ArmInfo.

The railway substation did not operate after the disastrous earthquake
in 1988. Modernization was launched in Dec 2009 and completed in
Apr 2010. SCR CJSC acquired and installed the following equipment to
modernize the substation: potential transformer, high-speed breakers,
isolated switches, interrupter unit, and various relays.

Communications have been modernized as well. A total of 4.2 million
rubles were invested in modernization of the substation.

South Caucasian Railway CJSC is the subsidiary (100%) of the Russian
Railways CJSC. The contract of concession of the Armenian Railroad
CJSC for 30 years with a 10-year renewable period was signed in
Yerevan on February 13 2008.

REOPENING OF FOREIGN-LANGUAGE SCHOOLS IS DIVERSION ON ARMENIAN LANGUAGE, SAY CIVIL ACTIVISTS

Tert.am
13.05.10

On May 12 members of We are Against the Reopening of Foreign-Language
Schools public initiative convened their first meeting and discussed a
recent initiative by the Ministry of Education and Science of Armenia
over reopening foreign-language schools.

They also released a statement which says that the Ministry’s move
is a diversion on the Armenian language and the independent state.

"Should the bill proposed by the Ministry be adopted, Armenian will
become a language of everyday use, while the Armenian language must
be used in all aspects of life for its overall development," reads
the statement.

Further it says that Minister Armen Ashotyan’s assertion that the
would-be foreign-language schools will provide a high-quality education
is just a racist approach towards the Armenian mindset.

"The language that has a literary history lasting for millenniums is
capable to meet all the requirements of modern educational system. The
quality of education depends not upon the language of teaching but
rather on the programs, the principles of teaching, the qualification
of the specialists and the organizational order."

The initiative that has already one thousand members was created just
a fortnight ago on the famous social network Facebook and is available
at: !/group.php?gid=112426852 127161&ref

CYPRUS’ SILENT OCCUPATION: AMBASSADOR SHEDS LIGHT ON LITTLE-KNOWN CONFLICT
James Sprague

The News Record – Student Newspaper
lent-occupation-1.2264876
May 12 2010

His Excellency Andreas Kakouris, the Republic of Cyprus’ ambassador
to the United States, visited the University of Cincinnati campus to
remind Americans that human injustices are still occurring outside
U.S. borders.

The 36-year occupation by Turkey of a portion of Cyprus was the focus
of a lecture given by the ambassador Tuesday, May 11 at the Max Kade
German Cultural Center.

Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and once
belonged to the Roman, Ottoman and British empires before becoming
an independent republic in 1960. The republic was admitted to the
European Union in 2004.

Kakouris described the history of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, which
occurred in July 1974 as an effort by Turkey to restore constitutional
order to the island. It resulted instead in the occupation of nearly
37 percent of the island’s territory and is still ongoing.

Kakouris also shared his feelings on the lack of attention given to
the Turkish occupation, which is currently non-violent.

"[The occupation] is morally, ethically and legally wrong," Kakouris
said. "Unfortunately, we live in a society that, unless one sees
blood spilled, it is not news."

In 1983, Turkey declared a "unilateral declaration of independence"
in the area occupied by its military. The declaration was condemned
as illegal by the United Nations, which called for the withdrawal of
Turkish troops.

Approximately 5,000 Greek Cypriots (Cyprus citizens) were killed,
200,000 were forced from their homes and 1,619 were reported missing
during the invasion. Among those missing were five American citizens.

Kakouris compared the Turkish occupation to a political ethnic
cleansing.

"Turkey brings illegal settlers to the island to change the
demographics of the island," Kakouris said.

Kakouris expressed hope for continued negotiations with Turkey and
how Cyprus is determined to do it without outside influences.

"If this doesn’t work out, we will regroup and try again," Kakouris
said.

Previous negotiation efforts aided by other countries failed, due in
part to those countries doing what they though was in Cyprus’s best
interest, Kakouris said.

Kakouris finished his lecture outlining the goal of the Cyprus
government.

"All we want in Cyprus is those values and principles that you hold
dear here in the United States," Kakouris said.

The lecture was enjoyable, said Zoe Desalle, a third-year history
student.

"There was a certain bias but that is to be expected," Desalle said.

Kakouris expressed his pleasure with the visit to UC and being able
to discuss world affairs with students and faculty.

"I’m very appreciative," Kakouris said.

Other stops Kakouris made while in Cincinnati included Children’s
Hospital, where he met staff that will be treating a Cypriot child
this summer.

Kakouris acknowledged UC’s archaeological reputation during the
lecture.

"UC is rather prolific in digging and Cyprus is an archaeological
playground," Kakouris said.

The ambassador also met with UC Provost Anthony Perzigian, who is of
Armenian descent. Armenians are among the population of Cyprus.

"They had a connection," said Lia Seremetis, a fourth-year
communication student who spent the past two months organizing the
ambassador’s visit.

Seremetis felt the audience was impacted by Kakouris’s lecture.

"It was amazing," Seremetis said. "You could tell the audience was
interested."

The UC political science, European studies and UC international
departments sponsored the lecture.

TURKISH SCHOLAR TANER AKCAM ADVOCATES CHANGE IN POLICY OF GENOCIDE DENIAL
By Harut Sassounian Publisher, The California Courier

Panorama.am
13:45 11/05/2010

Politics

Dr. Taner Akcam, one of the first Turkish scholars to acknowledge
the Armenian Genocide, delivered two important lectures in Southern
California last week. Based on historical research, he analyzed the
underpinnings of Turkey’s denial of the Armenian Genocide and proposed
solutions for its official acknowledgment.

Prof. Akcam made his first presentation at Valley Beth Shalom in
Encino on May 6, before the screening of Dr. J. Michael Hagopian’s
Genocide documentary "The River Ran Red." Rabbis Harold Schulweis and
Edward Feinstein, Jewish World Watch President Janice Kamenir-Reznik,
Dr. Hagopian, 96, a genocide survivor, and Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
made brief remarks.

Dr. Akcam, Associate Professor of History and Chair of Armenian
Genocide Studies at Clark University, explained that the "continuity"
of the "military and civilian bureaucracy," which has been ruling
Turkey ever since the inception of the Republic in 1923, is a key
reason for denial of the Armenian Genocide. "The founders perceived
the ethnic-cultural plurality of society at that time to constitute
a problem for the continuity and security of the state."

Specifically, the Professor identified Hasan Fehmi Bey, a leader of
the Union and Progress party that implemented the Armenian Genocide,
who had confessed in a speech to Parliament in 1920 that his group
knew the international community would call them "murderers" for
eliminating the Armenians. However, he indicated that his party’s
leaders were prepared to accept being called "murderers," as their
aim was securing "the future of the fatherland."

In his second presentation on May 7, organized by the Armenian Rights
Council of America in Altadena, Dr. Akcam disclosed that "Ergenekon,"
the recently exposed criminal group that enjoyed support of the
Turkish military, had prepared a hit list of five individuals,
including journalist Hrant Dink, Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk, and
Akcam himself, all targeted for assassination because they spoke out
on the Armenian Genocide. They were condemned to death as "Traitors
to National Security."

In Akcam’s view, this mindset was not simply the perverted view of
an isolated terror group, but that of Turkey’s legal establishment.

During the sentencing of two Turkish-Armenian journalists in 2007 for
using the term genocide, a Judge ruled that: "Talk about genocide, both
in Turkey and in other countries, unfavorably affects national security
and the national interest. The claim of genocide… has become part
of and the means of special plans aiming to change the geographic,
political boundaries of Turkey… and a campaign to demolish its
physical and legal structure." The ruling further stated that the
Republic of Turkey is under "a hostile diplomatic siege consisting
of genocide resolutions…. The acceptance of this claim may lead
in future centuries to a questioning of the sovereignty rights of
the Republic of Turkey over the lands on which it is claimed these
events occurred."

According to Akcam, the United States is avoiding the official
recognition of the Armenian Genocide out of a similar misguided
concern for national security in the Middle East. He stated that
"Morality is a very real issue, and for realpolitik to be successful
in the region; moral values, in this instance, the specific one of
acknowledging historic wrongdoings, must be integrated into a policy
of national security…. Failure to confront history honestly is one
of the major reasons for insecurity and instability in the region."

Akcam revealed that after World War I, Turkey’s leaders, including
Mustafa Kemal, acknowledged the Armenian massacres and favored the
prosecution of their perpetrators in order to gain support of the
Allies for the preservation of the territorial integrity of Ottoman
Turkey.

However, the hopes of Turkey’s leaders were dashed on both counts. The
Treaty of Sèvres in 1920 called for dismemberment of the Ottoman
Empire, while the Istanbul Court Martial sentenced to death in absentia
the Turkish national leadership, including Mustafa Kemal.

Akcam indicated that the Turkish mindset to this day views
"democratization, freedom of thought and speech, open and frank debate
about history, [and] acknowledgment of one’s past historical misdeeds,
as a threat to national security. Those who invite society to engage in
an open examination of the past are therefore labeled ‘traitors’ and
made targets of smear campaigns — dragged into courts and prosecuted
under Turkish Criminal Code Article 301 for ‘insulting Turkishness.’"

Akcam warned the United States that any policy "that ignores morality
and forgets the addressing of historic wrongdoings is doomed to fail
in the end." He suggested that Turkey should be made to understand
that "bullying and threatening others is not the behavior of an
international actor. Turkey cannot continue with the same repressive
domestic policies towards its own history and minorities under the
guise of national security and cannot threaten other countries in
expressing their thoughts on 1915, and at the same time pretend to
be a member of democratic countries in the world. An open, official
acknowledgment by the US government might force Turkey to understand
that blackmailing and threatening other states and suppressing and
persecuting its own intellectuals do not offer solutions for historical
problems and for security."

At a small gathering, after the May 7 lecture, Akcam disclosed for
the first time an alarming incident that had taken place in 1995,
following a talk he had delivered on the Armenian Genocide in Yerevan.

At the last minute, he had cautiously decided to give a milder
version of his prepared remarks. Upon his return to Istanbul, he
was shocked when confronted at the airport by Turkish police who had
in their possession the harsher version of his talk. He had handed
that original version to Armenian officials — the organizers of the
Genocide conference. Someone in Armenia must have leaked his text to
the Turkish authorities. Dr. Akcam was able to save his neck from
Turkish intelligence agents by showing them the copy of the milder
speech that he had actually delivered!