Author: Badalian Vardan

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

April 21, 2014

___________________

UN Ambassador Garen Nazarian Honored by Armenian-American Organizations

By Florence Avakian

It was a bittersweet occasion as more than 200 invited friends,
community leaders, and representatives of Armenian-American
organizations came together to honor Armenia’s Ambassador to the
United Nations Garen Nazarian and his wife Nana on Friday evening,
April 11.

The gathering in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium of the Diocesan
Center in New York was organized by the Armenia Fund, and sponsored
and hosted by community benefactors Nazar and Artemis Nazarian.

Ambassador Nazarian, who has served as Armenia’s Permanent
Representative to the United Nations for some five years, is scheduled
to move on to the homeland, where he will be taking up a high-level
position in government service.

His term in the New York Mission to the UN has garnered the ambassador
the utmost respect among his colleagues in the diplomatic
community. At the same time, his warmth and accessibility have made
him a warmly welcomed figure throughout the Armenian-American
community.

Among the many dignitaries in attendance at the farewell gathering
were Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan,
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, and Carnegie Foundation president
Dr. Vartan Gregorian.

>From the world of diplomacy were Dr. Movses Abelian (Armenia’s former
UN ambassador, who is currently the director of the UN Security
Council); Armenia’s military attaché Mesrob Nazarian; Nagorno-Karabagh
representative Robert Avedissian, Armenia’s former U.S. ambassador
Rouben Shugarian, and former UN ambassador Armen Baibourtian.

The evening’s Master of Ceremonies, Khoren Bandazian, chair of Armenia
Fund USA (East Coast), opened the program by relating that though the
community knows Ambassador Nazarian as a diplomat, he is also “special
to all of us for his friendship.”

“We will truly miss you,” he said, addressing the ambassador directly.
“On behalf of our community, we thank you for your unique qualities
and your great friendship. You represent the future of the Armenian
republic.”

Following an opening prayer, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian noted that
the event “is both a sad and happy occasion, because it gives us an
opportunity to thank and express appreciation to Garen and Nana for
their exemplary and noble service to Armenia. At the same time, their
warm presence and friendship will be greatly missed.”

An Ability to Connect

The Primate continued: “We are blessed to have an independent and free
homeland, which enjoys the wisdom of public servants of Ambassador
Nazarian’s caliber.”

He recalled “the blessed day when the Armenian flag was raised” at the
United Nations. “It signaled a new era in Armenia’s history, and a
great responsibility for her countrymen. Ambassador Nazarian has
served with honor, fulfilling his mission for five years; meeting with
diplomats as well as the community; displaying his warm personality,
skill, talent, and ability to connect.”

“That ability to make connections can be a solution to so many of the
world’s problems,” Archbishop Barsamian said.

The Primate also pointed out the ambassador’s great faith, and his
frequent attendance at St. Vartan Cathedral services. Speaking
directly to the honoree, he said: “You have always shown dignity and
seriousness, approachability, and concern for others. Our homeland
will grow strong with people like you.”

AGBU president Berge Setrakian noted that every Armenian-American
organization was present for the occasion. “Some people come and go,”
he said, “but we will never forget you. And we will meet again. I am
sure of that.”

Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan presented the ambassador with a gift of
the Armenian Treasures of Cilicia catalog, and emphasized in his
message that the Armenian diplomat had been “vigilant to protect
Armenia” during his distinguished and admirable service at the United
Nations. Archbishop Choloyan thanked him for his “humanity and support
of the community. With sadness we say farewell; but this is
temporary.”

On behalf of the community, Khoren Bandazian presented Ambassador
Nazarian with an inscribed crystal plaque. And art collector Andreas
Roubian presented the diplomat with a painting by celebrated Armenian
artist Bakrat – later revealing to this writer that “the ambassador
has loved Bakrat since he was a teenager.”

Support, Devotion, Compassion

Ambassador Garen Nazarian had an honor to present as well: the
“Armenian Presidential Medallion,” which he presented on behalf of the
homeland to Khoren Bandazian, for his leadership of Armenia Fund
USA. The ambassador thanked the organization for “reaching out to so
many lives in Armenia.”

He also expressed appreciation to Nazar and Artemis Nazarian; to the
Armenian-American organizations; the staff of Armenia’s Mission to the
UN; and to his colleague diplomats from the Armenian consulates.

With visible emotion, he said: “I felt your support, devotion, and
compassion in my work. It will always be embedded in my memory.”

He also offered thanks to his wife, Nana, and their children Angelica
and Eric.

The Armenian diplomat related that at the United Nations, “Armenia has
always demonstrated our dedication and support for peace. We can’t do
this work alone. We need dedication and support from the community.”

Archbishop Barsamian and Archbishop Choloyan joined Mrs. Nana Nazarian
in cutting a ceremonial cake donated by Dr. Levon and Anoush Nazarian,
who also had contributed the lovely orchid flowers gracing each table.

The memorable evening closed with a prayer by Archbishop Choloyan,
after which the many guests surrounded the departing Ambassador
Nazarian to express their personal messages of good will.

###

ARMENIA GOVERNMENT READY TO TAKE CONCRETE STEPS TO STOP MANDATORY COMPONENT OF PENSION REFORM – ARF

April 22, 2014 | 14:07

YEREVAN. – Newly appointed PM Hovik Abrahamnyan’s meeting with
Armenia’s five National Assembly (NA) forces, and concerning the
mandatory component of the new law on funded pensions, was held
against a positive backdrop.

Opposition ARF Dashnaktsutyun Party NA Faction member Artsvik Minasyan
told the aforesaid to reporters after the talk.

“The PM presented his outlook on the mandatory [component], and
the political forces presented their positions. The [respective]
plan will be [ready within] the next two days. Once it is [ready],
we will be able to express a view,” Minasyan said.

In the ARF MP’s words, it is very important that the PM is willing
to solve the problems and provide complete answers to the issues that
are raised.

“The matter is divided into two phases. The first phase is this short
term, so that the public confidence is restored. This means that the
political elements shall be subject to changes, so that the people
participate in the [funded pension] system at their own volition.

“The second phase is the development of a new model which assumes
involvement by different layers of society. [But] this requires a
longer time.

“At this point it is very important that the government is ready to
take concrete steps to stop the compulsion of the mandatory component,”
Artsvik Minasyan concluded.

Representatives from five of Armenia’s six National Assembly factions
(ruling Republican Party, non-pro-government Prosperous Armenia, and
opposition Heritage, ARF Dashnaktsutyun, and Orinats Yerkir (Rule
of Law)) on Tuesday participated in the meeting–at the Government
building–with newly appointed Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan, and
with respect to the mandatory component of the new law on funded
pensions. Opposition Armenian National Congress Faction, however,
did not attend the talk. Acting Labor and Social Affairs Minister
Artem Asatryan also participated in the discussion.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Tel: 818.500.1918
Email: [email protected]
Web:

PRESS RELEASEd April 23, 2014
Contact: Elen Asatryan
Cell: 818.523.8389 Office: 818.500.1919

CITY OF PICO RIVERA HONORS ARTSAKH; ESTABLISHES FRIENDSHIP CITY WITH
TOWN OF KARVACHAR

PICO RIVERA, CA – On April 22, 2014, the Pico Rivera City Council
unanimously passed a resolution honoring the Republic of Artsakh
(Nagorno Karabagh) and its citizens, announcing the town of Karvachar,
Artsakh and the City of Pico Rivera as “Friendship Cities”, reported
the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR).
The resolution goes on to recognize the sacrifices, dedication and
resolve shown by the residents of Karvachar and the Republic of
Artsakh in the face of extreme adversity.

“We stand proud with the City of Pico Rivera for the unanimous passage
of this critical resolution spotlighting the shared values with the
people of Karvajar and thank the councilmembers and the community
organizations who worked hard to bring it to fruition,” stated ANCA WR
Executive Director, Elen Asatryan. “We are confident that this will
be the beginning of a long, prosperous partnership between the two
cities and look forward to working with them in fostering that
relationship for years to come,” added Asatryan.

Prior to the unanimous vote, representatives of the Armenian community
comprised of the ANCA San Gabriel Valley, the Armenian Cultural
Foundation and Armenian Mesrobian School, addressed the City Council
thanking the City of Pico Rivera for the many years of support,
hospitality, and service to the Armenian community and more
particularly to the Armenian Mesrobian School, the first Armenian
elementary school established in the United States. The community
spokespeople went on to present the historical importance of the town
of Karvachar and its contribution to the development of Christianity
in that area of the world. Montebello Councilmember Jack Hadjian
joined the community organizations and also spoke in support of the
resolution.

One after another, community members educated the crowd as they shared
how during the brutal era of the Soviet Union, under the dictatorship
of Josef Stalin, Artsakh was dismembered from its homeland of Armenia
and transferred to the Soviet Socialist Republic of Azerbaijan without
any regard for the fact that the region had been an integral part of
Armenia for thousands of years and that over 80% of the population of
the area was inhabited by Armenians.

The speakers also spoke about the suffering and tragedies of the
Armenian people under Azerbaijani dictatorial rule. The oppressive
policies of the Azarbaijani rulers culminated in the targeted
massacres of Armenians in Sumgait, Kirovabad and Bakue from 1988-1990,
the displacement of over 300,000 Armenians living in Azerbaijan and
the declaration of war against the people of Armenia and Artsakh. The
people of Artsakh having no other choice defended their homeland in
the face of incredible odds requiring the selfless sacrifice of
volunteer soldiers and their families.

After the vote, all councilmembers echoed how proud they were to have
passed this long overdue resolution, which they saw as a continuation
of the strong partnership the city shares with the Armenian community.

This year the town of Karvachar marks the 21st anniversary of its
liberation. Karvachar is a key strategic point for the Republic of
Artsakh because it provides a strong link between Armenia and the
Artsakh Republic. Its liberation was vitally important because it
secures the Northern and the Northeastern borders of Armenia and
Artsakh.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the
largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy
organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination
with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the
Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country,
the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community
on a broad range of issues.

###

Photo Caption 1: ANCA San Gabriel Board Member Levon Kirakosian
Addresses Pico Rivera City Council in Support of the Friendship City
Resolution.

Photo Caption 2: Pico Rivera City Councilmembers Discussing the Pico
Rivera Karvachar Friendship City Resolution

Photo Caption 3: Karvachar, Artsakh Map

PRESS RELEASE
April 23, 2014

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA
Contact: Taniel Koushakjian
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434
Web:

NEW YORK CITY RADIO INTERVIEWS MARK MOMJIAN ABOUT THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Washington, D.C. – Earlier this month, former Armenian Assembly of
America (Assembly) board member Mark Momjian, Esq. discussed the Armenian
Genocide on WBAI/NYC 99.5 FM Radio, reported the Assembly. On Sunday, April
13, Momjian appeared on the show “Beyond the Pale,” which explores cutting
edge Jewish culture and offers local, national, and international political
debate and analysis from a Jewish perspective.

A native of Philadelphia, Mark Momjian is a lawyer in private practice for
over 25 years. An advocate for social justice and civil rights on behalf of
numerous communities, including the indigent and homeless, Mr. Momjian is
the current Chair of the Armenian Center at his alma mater, Columbia
University. He previously served on the Board of Directors of the Armenian
Assembly of America.

Adam Sacks, host of `Beyond the Pale,’ provided a compelling introduction
of the Armenian Genocide before welcoming Momjian. He began with a
compilation of audio testimony from then-presidential candidate Barack
Obama, Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Robert Menendez (D-NJ), former
U.S. Ambassadors, Holocaust scholars and academics attesting to the
Armenian Genocide, alongside Ankara’s genocide denialism. Sacks also drew
parallels between the Armenian and Jewish experiences of the last century.
`The 1.5 million Armenian victims of World War One constituted the
same
percentage of casualties of that conflict as did the Jewish victims in the
Second World War, between 10-15 percent. Furthermore, one-third of the
worldwide Armenian population was murdered, the same percentage as the
worldwide Jewish population during the Holocaust,’ Sacks said. =80=9CAnd what
was unique, what one can claim as similar to the Holocaust, is that it was
the culmination of centuries-long persecution.’

Adam Sacks told the Assembly: `Perhaps no two peoples mirror each other as
Jews and Armenians. Claimed poetically both as people of dreams long with
imagination, faithful to their distinct religious traditions in which they
were brave pioneers. They faced the challenge of living as minorities in a
20th Century where their great gifts in many endeavors enriched their
surrounding worlds. Rather than inaugurating an unprecedented period of
prosperity, the greatest calamity in their long histories of suffering:
planned, systematic genocide befell both groups leaving the surviving
communities and the world as a whole racked with incomprehension, trauma
and sadness. It is my sincere belief that whatever sway temporary
geostrategic realities hold, the deeper truths and affinities of the
Armenian and Jewish experience will fully persevere and reveal themselves
in both history and memory.’

A recording of the radio broadcast is available here:

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and
awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt
membership organization.

###

NR: # 2014-022
Available online:

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

“Do not be afraid ..He is risen from the dead”

Antelias – 20 April 2014. On Easter Sunday, Armenian members of the
Lebanese parliament, ministers civil society representatives and more than a
thousand faithful attended the Holy Liturgy at St. Gregory the Illuminator
Cathedral in Antelias. His Holiness Aram I based his Easter sermon on the
message of the angel at the empty tomb of Jesus (Mathew 28:5-7). The
Catholicos said that the cross and the resurrection of Jesus were at the
core of Christian faith and the pattern of Christian history, including
Armenian history. He then added, “In spite of all their suffering, Armenians
continue their journey of faith, upholding the Christian principles of
justice, peace and freedom.”

His Holiness then addressed the current situation of Christians in the
Middle East, Syria and Lebanon. He said that the Middle East is the home of
Christianity and that Christians have remained attached to their land
despite persecutions and sufferings, contributing profoundly to the
flourishing of the region. He then concluded, “Our roots are here and so is
our future.” Addressing the situation in Syria, he said that it was
unacceptable that the Aramaic-speaking population were evicted from the
historical Christian village of Ma’aloula and that the Armenians in Kessab
were attacked by rebels supported by Turkey. The Catholicos asserted that
Christians and Muslims have lived together in these regions for centuries
and will again build their lives together. In the last part of his message,
the Catholicos expressed his hope that the presidential elections in Lebanon
will be held on schedule and that the new president will lead the country
out of the turmoil so that Armenians may contribute fully to strengthening
the unity of the population and rebuilding the country.

Members of the Brotherhood of the Catholicosate of Cilicia assist in Holy
Week Services in all Dioceses

Antelias – This year again His Holiness Aram I assigned the priests
serving at the Catholicosate to assist in the services at the dioceses and
parishes in Lebanon, Latakia (Syria), Cyprus, Tehran, Montreal (Canada) and
Jerusalem.

Commemoration of the Parable of the Ten Maidens in Antelias

Antelias – 15 April 2014. On Great and Holy Tuesday during the evening
service, the Armenian Orthodox Church commemorated the parable of the Ten
Maidens in Antelias. After prayers and hymns on the theme, reminding the
faithful to be prepared for the Day of Judgment, the priest read the parable
(Mathew 25:14-30). As is the tradition, during the Gospel reading, ten young
students from “Yeghisheé Manoukian school presented themselves in front of
the Altar holding candles; the five ‘wise’ women were prepared to wait for
the ‘bridegroom’ with their candles until he arrived, while the other five
‘foolish’ women were unprepared.

After the service, His Holiness Aram I received the ten young women, and
encouraged them to continue to safeguard their faith through the teachings
of the Armenian Church. He also encouraged them to shape their lives around
the Armenian Church, the family, the school and the cultural values. At the
end he blessed them and gave them symbolic gifts.

His Holiness Aram I receives the Chairman of the Higher Judicial Council
of Lebanon

Antelias – 16 April 2014. On Wednesday evening Judge Jean Fahed met with
His Holiness Aram I in Antelias. They discussed the situation in Lebanon and
problems related to the judiciary and the confessional courts. In relation
to the confessional courts, His Holiness emphasized the importance of family
laws for the community.
##

San Francisco Gate, CA
April 19 2014

Golden Gate Park Band – Armenian Independance Day Concert

Sunday, May 11 1:00p to 3:00p
Music Concourse Bandshell San Francisco, CA

The Golden Gate Park Band, under the direction of Michael L. Wirgler
will present a concert on Sunday, May 11, in Golden Gate Park at the
music concourse, located at Ninth Ave. and Lincoln Way, San Francisco
. The concert will begin at 1:00pm.

This program will celebrate Armenian Independence Day and will feature
Armenian music, dance and singing. A wonderful ethnic event in the
great setting of Golden Gate Park.

The program is FREE and open to the public.

Phone (510) 530-0814
Price FREE
Age Suitability All Ages
Categories Music Ethnic & Cultural

Event Website:

Christians limit Easter celebrations to masses in honor of martyrs

Apr 20, 2014

Damascus, (SANA) For the fourth year now, Easter celebrations in Syria
were limited to holding prayers and masses as the country has been
burdened with terrorist acts that ravaged Muslim and Christian places
alike.

The examples of the historic Christian town of Maaloula in Damascus
Countryside and the Armenian-populated Kassab town on Syria’s northern
border with Lattakia, where terrorists wreaked havoc and desecrated
Christian symbols and sanctities, are not too far.

Like the previous years since the outset of the crisis in Syria, the
Christian denominations once again refrained from showing any
manifestations of celebrations other than those of prayers that were
performed at the various cathedrals and churches.

They did so out of honor for the homeland’s martyrs who fell for the
sake of defending Syria’s dignity and preserving its national unity.

A mass was held at the Greek Melkite Catholic Patriarchate in Damascus
that was led by Greek Catholic Patriarch Gregory III Laham of Antioch
and All the East.

While glorifying the sublime meanings of Easter, Patriarch Laham
stressed in his sermon that `reconciliation among the Syrians is the
only salvation for Syria’.

He called upon the countries of the Arab and Western worlds `to leave
Syria for the Syrians to determine their own affairs by themselves’
and stop sending weapons and takfiri terrorists to it.

He reiterated that the only solution in Syria is the peaceful one,
calling upon the Syrians to remain as they have always been `the
people of resurrection and not the people of death’.

Patriarch Laham said peace is Syria means peace in the entire region,
urging the world to `take their hands off Syria’ and work together for
maintaining peace.

Patriarch Laham also presided upon a mass at St. Thecla Church in
Maaloula, in which he thanked President Bashar al-Assad for visiting
the town earlier on Sunday.

`We came here to rejoice with the people of Maaloula and bless their
return to it,’ he said, asserting that solidarity among Syrians is the
best image to present to the world, asserting commitment to serving
reconciliation, dialogue, solidarity and compassion among all Syrians.

In his Easter sermon following mass at St. George Church in Maaloula,
Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All East, John X Yazigi,
expressed appreciation for President Bashar al-Assad for the visit he
paid to Maaoula.

The Patriarch also thanked the Syrian Arab army `which hoisted the
Syrian flag on this plateau and the land that is dear to all our
hearts.’

`We would like to send a message to the whole world that we want
peace, safety, security and coexistence for all citizens in this
country,” he said.

Yazigi urged the international community to stop the flow of weapons
`that are sent to destroy our country, mosques, and churches, and to
displace our families.’

`The compatriots in this country, Christians and Muslims alike, will
live together in this land¦Reaching out to the other and coexistence
is the solution.’

Similar celebrations were held in other cathedrals and churches in
which patriarchs and clergymen asked God to protect the homeland and
its leader, people.

At Syriac Orthodox St. George Cathedral, a similar celebration was
held with the participation of Archbishop Paul al-Souqi and the
bishops Jean Qwaq and Matthews al-Khouri.

The National Angelic Church in Damascus also held a religious mass on
the occasion chaired by Priest Peter Zaour.

The Orthodox Armenian denomination also celebrated the Easter, where a
mass, chaired by Bishop Armash Nalbandian,was held at St. Sarkis
Church in Damascus.

Bishop Armash affirmed in his sermon the indications of this holy
occasion embodying amity, fraternity and tolerance, pointing out that
the unity of the Syrians strengthens Syria’s stance in facing
pressures.

Celebrations were also limited to religious prayers and masses were
performed in the southern province of Sweida.

In the coastal province of Tartous, Archbishop of Lattakia and Tartous
Maronite Diocese Elias Suleiman highlighted the importance of
pondering the meanings of the Easter as it symbolized victory of
humanity over death.

Masses and prayers were also held in the churches of Lattakia, during
which virtues of Jesus Christ’s resurrection were hailed.

In Idleb, the Christian communities in the province held prayers and
masses on this occasion at several churches.

In his sermon, Father Ibrahim Farah of the Greek Orthodox Church of
Virgin Mary said that all Christian communities have prayed for peace
and tolerance to prevail in Syria.

The Greek Melkite Catholic Archdiocese of Bosra and Horan and Jabal
al-Arab in Daraa also held a mass to mourn Syria’s martyrs.

In Homs, another mass was held at the Greek Orthodox Church of St.
Ephraim in al-Adwiyeh neighborhood, withFather John Skaimi affirming
that Syria’s wounds will heal, praying to God to fill the Syrian
hearts with amity and tolerance.

In Aleppo, Easter masses and prayers were held, with the heads of
Christian denominations in the province praying in their sermons for
God to preserve Syria and restore peace, security, and safety to it,
asserting that the forces of peace, good and compassion will remain
stronger than the forces of evil and darkness.

B. Mousa/ H. Said / H. Sabbagh

Communists leader slams ministers who left Orinats Yerkir party

April 19, 2014 | 12:16

YEREVAN. ` Politicians are joining political parties to get a seat and
then withdraw from party to preserve the seat, leader of Communist
party said.

Tachat Sargsyan’s comments came as three ministers Armen Yeritsyan,
Sergo Karapetyan and Samvel Tadevosyan resigned as Orinats Yerkir
party members.

`They betrayed their ideology to become members of the ruling
Republican Party of Armenia or any other party,’ he told reporters on
Saturday.

Orinats Yerkir party decided to withdraw from ruling coalition because
of lack of influence on political decisions. The ministers resigned as
party members hoping to preserve their seats in the new Cabinet. Armen
Yeritsyan was re-appointed as Minister of Emergency Situations.

REVUE DE PRESSE
La tension monte autour de la résolution américaine sur le génocide
(journal Zaman)

Le ministre turc des Affaires étrangères, Ahmet Davutoglu, a affirmé
que la Turquie suivait de près la situation concernant la résolution
sur le « génocide » arménien, votée à la Commission des relations
étrangères du Sénat américain la semaine dernière. Il a ajouté qu’il
ne permettrait pas l’existence d’une « exploitation politique » sur la
question.

En visite à Mexico, où il participait à des pourparlers informels avec
ses homologues mexicain, indonésien, coréen et australien, Davutoglu a
déclaré qu’au stade actuel, la résolution ne produirait aucun effet
négatif sur les relations entre Ankara et Washington. Il a néanmoins
souligné que la Turquie ne resterait pas silencieuse si la résolution
finissait par être adoptée au Sénat.

« Les relations entre les Etats-Unis et la Turquie ne doivent pas être
entravées par les activités d’un lobby », a-t-il dit. « Nous
[Davutoglu et le secrétaire d’Etat américain John Kerry] ne nous
sommes pas entretenus car la situation n’a pas évolué. Mais notre
position est claire. En aucun cas, la Turquie ne permettra qu’il y ait
une exploitation politique de cette nature », a averti le ministre
turc, selon l’agence de presse Anadolu.

Davutoglu a indiqué que la Turquie ne « s’attendait pas » Ã ce que la
résolution soit soumise au Sénat et qu’elle ne prévoyait pas « la
potentielle adoption de la résolution ». Il a ajouté que Kerry lui
avait dit qu’il ne pensait pas que la résolution passerait à l’étape
supérieure.

« Si la résolution est soumise au Sénat ou à la session plénière de la
Chambre des représentants ou si une déclaration est prononcée par le
gouvernement, nous réitérerons notre position et en cas de vote, il
est très peu probable que la Turquie reste silencieuse », a dit
Davutoglu.

Une résolution qui appelle la Turquie à reconnaître le « génocide »

La Commission des relations étrangères du Sénat américain a voté une
résolution la semaine dernière commémorant le « génocide arménien » et
ouvrant ainsi la voie à son adoption par le Sénat en séance publique.
Les sénateurs Robert Menendez, président de la Commission et Mark Kirk
avaient présenté la résolution le 3 avril.

« Le génocide arménien est une réalité factuelle terrifiante qui ne
peut être niée », avait déclaré Menendez. « Cette résolution réaffirme
avec la plus grande fermeté que nous nous rappellerons toujours cette
tragédie et que nous honorerons toujours la mémoire des hommes, femmes
et enfants arméniens innocents qui ont été tués et expulsés de leur
terre natale.

Le génocide arménien doit être enseigné, reconnu et commémoré afin
d’empêcher la répétition d’atrocités similaires », avait-il ajouté. La
résolution appelle à commémorer l’anniversaire du « génocide arménien
» le 24 avril prochain et recommande fortement au président Obama de
travailler à la mise en Å`uvre de relations turco-arméniennes
équitables et durables, comprenant la pleine reconnaissance par le
gouvernement turc des faits du « génocide arménien ».

Il n’incombe pas au Congrès américain de réécrire l’histoire

Ce mardi 15 avril, le président de la Chambre des représentants, John
Boehner, s’est rendu à Ankara pour s’entretenir avec le président turc
Abdullah Gül, le Premier ministre Erdogan et le président du Parlement
turc, Cemil Çiçek.

Boehner les a informés que le Congrès américain ne sera certainement
pas impliqué dans la question du « génocide arménien » et que la
Turquie n’avait aucune raison de s’inquiéter étant donné qu’il
n’incombe pas au Congrès de réécrire l’histoire. Le leader de la
majorité au Sénat, Harry Reid, doit maintenant décider s’il soumettra
la résolution au Sénat. Celui-ci doit se réunir de nouveau le 28 avril
prochain.

samedi 19 avril 2014,
Stéphane ©armenews.com

Armenian Genocide Museum- Institute calls to provide family photos of
Western Armenians

11:40, 19 April, 2014

YEREVAN, APRIL 19, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute
made a call to the 99th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide. Armenpress reports that the Museum-Institute calls
everybody to provide family photos and documents of the Western
Armenians, memoirs of the survivors and recordings of oral stories,
family relics for the recruitment of the scientific funds and new
exhibition of the Museum by the order of donation to the Museum or the
condition of copying.