Author: Badalian Vardan

ARMENIAN AND AZERBAIJANI MFAS TO MEET IN KRAKOW IN MAY

13:13, 25 April, 2013

YEREVAN, APRIL 25, ARMENPRESS: The next meeting between the Armenian
and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers Eduard Nalbandyan and Elmar
Mamedyarov with the participation of the co-chairs of the OSCE
Minsk Group will be held in Krakow next month. This was published
by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Eduard
Nalbandyan in his Twitter webpage, according to the Press Secretary
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Tigran Balayan. As
reported by Armenpress, the Armenian Minister considered it possible
to hold the meeting of the presidents of the two countries as well.

The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, the Ambassadors Igor Popov of
the Russian Federation, Jacques Faure of France, and Ian Kelly of the
United States of America, as well as the Personal Representative of
the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk visited
Yerevan and Stepanakert in March 2013 and travelled to Baku and
Stepanakert in the early April. They intended to organize the meeting
of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and Azerbaijan Eduard
Nalbandyan and Elmar Mamedyarov to help the sides find a peaceful
solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

POST-SCRIPTUM TO HOST RUBEN SAFRASTYAN – VIDEO

A1Plus.am
03:12 PM | APRIL 24, 2013 | POLITICS

The program “Post-Scriptum” is hosting on April 24 Ruben Safrastyan,
Director of Institute of Oriental Studies.

You can send your questions to [email protected] or call at 58 54 27.

“Post-Scriptum” will be webcast live at 3:20 pm.

TURKEY AND “ABANDONED PROPERTY” OF ARMENIANS

Armenian Genocide: Between Apology and Compensation

The 98th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was marked under
different stresses. Vahan Hovannisian, member of the ARF Bureau,
said apology and condemnation are not enough, we demand compensation.

The issue of return of stolen land and real estate was not put before
Turkey in the legal context. Necessity of compensation is not laid
down in any of the resolutions recognizing the genocide.

Meanwhile, not only were the Armenians massacred and displaced from
their homeland but also the Republic of Turkey was built on the land
and property of those people. So, the Republic of Turkey is fully
responsible for the property and historical rights of Armenians.

For the time being Turkey is doing everything to direct the recognition
down the path of recognition and apology. Most probably, Erdogan
might be preparing to apologize on the 100th anniversary if he gets
a guarantee for waiver of territorial claims.

The Czech Senate will introduce a draft resolution on recognition.

However, the Armenians must waive material and territorial claims,
the Czech senator Jaromír Å tÄ~[tina stated.

Turkey pushes the thesis that everyone is fed up with the claims of the
Armenians through the world press, and even appeals are made to Turkey
to apologize at last and save the world from nuisance. Such notes are
heard in the Russian press as well though Russia is the only country
whose resolution on the recognition of the genocide contains the term
“West Armenia”.

However, Ruben Safrastyan, head of the Institute of Oriental Studies of
the National Academy, says the developments in the Near East imply that
Armenia must declare about its territorial claims. Soon Kurdistan may
be established in the territory of Iraq, Syria and Turkey, Safrastyan
says, so Armenia must announce that it is a party of Sevres agreement.

Turks do not even mention about the territorial rights of Kurds
and Armenians. They speak about the cultural rights of Kurds though
they understand that not only cultural but also territorial rights
are concerned.

The director of the Museum and Institute of Genocide Haik Demoyan
said Armenia may apply to the International Court. Armenia may come
up with not only territorial but also financial claims.

On April 24 two Armenian religious leaders, Garegin II and Aram
I demanded that Turkey return Armenian church property stolen from
Armenia in the name of “abandoned property”. Armenians were massacred
and displaced and a state was built on “abandoned property”.

Naira Hayrumyan 13:44 25/04/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:

EVENTS ON 98TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE HELD IN BELARUS

19:35, 24 April, 2013

YEREVAN, APRIL 24, ARMENPRESS: Armenian community based organizations
of Belarus Republic and Armenian Embassy held an event dedicated to
the memory of Armenian Genocide victims, which took place near the
cross-stone installed in Minsk Central Military Cemetery.

As Armenpress was informed from press service of Armenian Foreign
Ministry, representatives of Polish, Jewish, Russian, Yezidi
communities participated in the event. After laying wreaths for the
memory of the victims Armenian Ambassador Armen Khachatryan and head
of “Armenia” community based organization delivered speeches.

RESILIENCE ECHOES THROUGHOUT TIMES SQUARE FOR 98TH COMMEMORATION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Updated: April 22, 2013

By Taleen Babayan

Among the thousands of tourists and native New Yorkers who crisscrossed
through the bustling and overflowing streets of Times Square on Sunday
afternoon, April 21, there were only three individuals whose universal
message of human suffering and injustice mattered most.

Surrounded by dazzling billboards, scores of people and looming
skyscrapers, Perouz Kaloustian, Arshalouis Dadir and Charlotte
Kechejian stood out as the survivors of one of the most catastrophic
events in world history. The three women, a century old, sat in
the front row of the 98th Armenian Genocide Commemoration, huddled
underneath blankets and braving the cold so they could be present in
Times Square as living proof to the assembled crowd that numbered in
the several thousands.

Armenian Genocide survivors (l-r) Perouz Kaloustian, Arshalouis Dadir
and Charlotte Kechejian, present at the Times Square Commemoration

But the survivors were also there to inspire. Standing just a few feet
away were the disciplined and earnest Homenetmen Scouts, standing
at attention in their crisp uniforms and taking turns holding the
flags of the United States, Armenia and Nagorno Karapagh throughout
the program. The close proximity of these two generations – those who
survived to tell the story – and those who will continue the memory –
culminated in a silent promise of never forgetting, which emerged as
the theme of the afternoon as politicians and guest speakers promised
the survivors that their struggles and stories will continue to
live on.

A staunch supporter of Armenians and one of the earliest and most
consistent backers of the Armenian Genocide Resolution in the U.S.

Congress, Chuck Schumer (D-NY) once again exhibited his unwavering
commitment to the Armenians and to the recognition of the Armenian
Genocide.

“We promise that even when the last survivor is gone, we’ll keep the
memory of the Armenian Genocide alive because it’s our duty,” said
Schumer as his voice reverberated through Times Square to thunderous
applause. “We come here to tell the world, to tell Turkey, to tell
everyone, that you cannot deny the genocide.”

NY Senator Chuck Schumer

Schumer reiterated his commitment to the Armenian Genocide Resolution
in Congress and to the significance of its passing.

“Every time a genocide occurs we say never again, but if we cannot
remember those in the past, we might not be able to prevent those in
the future.”

“The candle of truth always burns brighter than lies,” he concluded,
adding Armenian spirit to his words by proclaiming “Getze hayasdan!”

(long live Armenia).

New York City Comptroller John Liu, who has consistently appeared at
the Armenian Genocide Commemoration in Times Square since his days as
a New York City Councilman, has been a strong advocate for recognition
of the Armenian Genocide.

NYC Comptroller John Liu

“This is a fact of history that has to be accounted for and confessed
to,” said Liu. “Only then can we move forward.”

Drawing on his own background as an Asian-American who immigrated to
the U.S. at the age of five, Liu spoke of his long-time contact with
the Armenian community in Flushing, Queens, where he and his family
settled. Growing up in Flushing, he said he learned of the Armenians
and became involved in the community there, which included visits
to the New York Armenian Home, which has served as a residence for
survivors of the Armenian Genocide.

“I’m hoping action is taken by sending a strong message here in New
York City and around world that the Armenian Genocide will not be
forgotten,” said Liu.

Sheriff of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, Peter Koutoujian

Peter Koutoujian, Sheriff of Middlesex County, Massachusetts and a
former member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, delivered
meaningful remarks tinged with emotion as he reflected on those killed
and injured during the recent bombing of the Boston Marathon, in which
he was an instrumental figure in the capture of the perpetrators. He
tied in the innocence that was lost in the senseless tragedy to the
innocence lost during the Armenian Genocide almost one hundred years
ago. He referred to the difficult journey of his own grandparents,
Abraham and Zarouhi Koutoujian, who fled their home in Marash during
the genocide.

Koutoujian noted that he learned of patriotism for his country and his
people from his family, who sought refuge from religious persecution
in the U.S.

“We have to pass on the lessons of patriotism and perseverance,” he
said. “It’s been my life’s work to bring recognition to the Armenian
Genocide.” Koutoujian’s patriotism and perseverance served as the
impetus for the resolution he had passed 12 years ago that brought
the Armenian Heritage Park into existence in the heart of Boston.

“Together we can stand Boston strong, New York strong and Armenian
strong,” Koutoujian concluded, enlivening the audience with his
engaging and compassionate words.

In his remarks, Dr. Dennis Papazian, Professor Emeritus of History at
the University of Michigan-Dearborn and former Grand Commander of the
Knights of Vartan, said that there had been no need for recognition
of the Armenian Genocide in the past because survivors and diplomats,
such as U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, Henry Morgenthau, Sr.

served as witnesses to the atrocities of the genocide.

Dr. Papazian spoke of the compelling amount of published evidence
on the Armenian Genocide, including one documenting a collection of
news reporting by the New York Times during that time and a book
citing the numeration of Armenians expelled from each town, city,
and village in the Ottoman Empire. He noted that aside from factual
evidence, prominent people have been stepping forward to recognize
the Armenian Genocide.

“Times have changed and there’s reason for hope,” said Dr. Papazian.

“There have been acknowledgments of the Armenian Genocide by Turkish
scholars and public figures.” One influential individual who has not
only accepted the reality of the Armenian Genocide, but also published
a book about it is journalist Hasan Cemal, the grandson of Cemal Pasha,
who was one of the architects of the genocide.

“We are winning the battle and we will continue to win,” said
Dr. Papazian.

The positivism of Dr. Papazian’s words rang true in Times Square as
thousands gathered in solidarity, in particular the Armenian youth,
who were a strong presence this year. Wearing black tee shirts with
red and white print that stated, “Our Wounds Are Still Open, 1915,”
draping themselves in the Armenian flag and holding signs demanding
Turkey and U.S. recognize the Armenian Genocide, they proved to
the survivors – and to the world – that they will not falter in the
responsibility they have inherited for worldwide recognition.

Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of Armenian Church of America
(Eastern), gave the invocation and the Very Rev. Vazken Karayan,
pastor of the Holy Cross Armenian Church in New Jersey, representing
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America (Eastern), delivered the benediction. Other clergy
in attendance included Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General
of the Eastern Prelacy and Fr. Thomas Garabedian representing Bishop
Mikael Mouradian of the Armenian Catholic Eparchy of the United States
and Canada.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the co-sponsors of the commemoration
were Natalie Gabrielian (AGBU), Alex Karapetian (Armenian Assembly),
Dr. Vagheenag Tarpinian (ADL) and Gary Sinanian (Armenian Council
of America). Arpi Candan spoke on behalf of the Grand District
Representatives of the Daughters of Vartan.

The winners of this year’s Knights of Vartan essay contest were
announced at the program: Artur Minasyan, 1st place (University
of North Carolina, Charlotte NC resident), Ariana Ferraro, 2nd
place (Mount Saint Charles Academy, Franklin, MA resident), and
Christopher Markosian, 3rd place (Bergen County Academies, Ridgefield,
NJ resident).

Ms. Ania Avsharian and Nairi Kaprielian, under the direction of
Maestro Vagharshag Ohanyan, sang the national anthems of the United
States and Armenia, as well as “God Bless America.”

The Armenian Radio Hour of New Jersey, under the direction of Dr.

Vartan Abdo, streamed the event live in video format worldwide,
reaching over 20,000 people, with the assistance of his dedicated
volunteer staff.

The 98th Armenian Genocide commemoration in Times Square was organized
by the Mid-Atlantic chapters of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan,
and was co-sponsored by the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the
Armenian Assembly of America, the Armenian National Committee of
America, the ADL-Ramgavars, and the Armenian Council of America.

Participating organizations included the Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America (Eastern), Prelacy of the Armenian Church, Armenian
Missionary Association of America, Armenian Presbyterian Church,
the Armenian Evangelical Church, the Armenian Catholic Eparchy for US
and Canada and numerous Armenian youth organizations, including the
Armenian Church Youth Organization of America, the Armenian Youth
Federation, the Tekeyan Cultural Association, Homenetmen Scouts,
Hamazkayin Cultural Association, Noyan Tapan of Brooklyn, NY, Rutgers
University Armenian Club, Columbia University Armenian Club and the
Armenian Students Association.

Hirant Gulian was chairman of the organizing committee, and co-chair
was Dr. Dennis R. Papazian, academic advisor. Dr. Mary Papazian,
President of Southern Connecticut State University and Armen McOmber,
New Jersey attorney, served as MCs.

ARMENIAN GENOCIDE PANHUMAN PROBLEM – MP

16:49 ~U 24.04.13

The Armenian Genocide was really an inhuman act, which should not be
accounted for by political processes alone. Rather, it is a panhuman
problem, and the international community must sooner or later show
a proper attitude to it, Artak Zakaryan, Chairman of the Standing
Committee on Foreign Relations, Parliament of Armenia, told Tert.am.

Any time limits in the case of recognition of the Armenian Genocide
are unacceptable, he said.

“I believe we must continue the work that has to date been carried
out. The problem of recognition of the Armenian Genocide is not only
that of the state, but also one of the priorities of all the Armenian
organizations,” Zakaryan said.

The Armenian people has been raising the problem since 1960s. As a
result, more than 20 states have officially recognized the Armenian
Genocide, and discussions have been held in many other countries.

With response to the centennial of the Armenian Genocide to be marked
in 2015, Zakaryan said that “the international community must give
the most forceful response. Some crimes must not be forgotten even
100 years later.”

ARMENIAN GENOCIDE OF 1915: AN OVERVIEW

19:27, 24 April, 2013

YEREVAN, 24 APRIL, ARMENPRESS. On the eve of World War I, there were
two million Armenians in the declining Ottoman Empire. By 1922, there
were fewer than 400,000. The others – some 1.5 million – were killed
in what historians consider a genocide.

But to Turks, what happened in 1915 was, at most, just one more messy
piece of a very messy war that spelled the end of a once-powerful
empire. They reject the conclusions of historians and the term
genocide, saying there was no premeditation in the deaths, no
systematic attempt to destroy a people. Indeed, in Turkey today it
remains a crime – “insulting Turkishness” – to even raise the issue
of what happened to the Armenians. In the United States, a powerful
Armenian community centered in Los Angeles has been pressing for
years for Congress to condemn the Armenian genocide. Turkey, which cut
military ties to France over a similar action, has reacted with angry
threats. A bill to that effect nearly passed in the fall of 2007,
gaining a majority of co-sponsors and passing a committee vote. But
the Bush administration, noting that Turkey is a critical ally – more
than 70 per cent of the military air supplies for Iraq go through
the Incirlik airbase there – pressed for the bill to be withdrawn,
and it was.

In March of 1914, the Young Turks entered World War I on the side
of Germany. They attacked to the east, hoping to capture the city of
Baku in what would be a disastrous campaign against Russian forces in
the Caucuses. They were soundly defeated at the battle of Sarikemish.

Armenians in the area were blamed for siding with the Russians and
the Young Turks began a campaign to portray the Armenians as a kind
of fifth column, a threat to the state. Indeed, there were Armenian
nationalists who acted as guerrillas and cooperated with the Russians.

They briefly seized the city of Van in the spring of 1915.

Armenians mark the date April 24, 1915, when several hundred Armenian
intellectuals were rounded up, arrested and later executed as the start
of the Armenian genocide and it is generally said to have extended
to 1917. However, there were also massacres of Armenians in 1894,
1895, 1896, 1909, and a reprise between 1920 and 1923.

Following the surrender of the Ottoman Empire in 1918, the Three
Pashas fled to Germany, where they were given protection. But the
Armenian underground formed a group called Operation Nemesis to hunt
them down. On March 15, 1921, one of the pashas was shot dead on a
street in Berlin in broad daylight in front of witnesses. The gunman
pled temporary insanity brought on by the mass killings and a jury
took only a little over an hour to acquit him. It was the defense
evidence at this trial that drew the interest of Mr. Lemkin, the
coiner of “genocide.”

OBAMA AGAIN CALLS THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE “MEDS YEGHERN”

17:57, 24 April, 2013

YEREVAN, APRIL 24, ARMENPRESS: On April 24 U.S. President Barack Obama
has issued a statement on the occasion of 98th anniversary of Armenian
Genocide. As Armenpress was informed from Armenian National Committee
of America (ANCA), U.S. President again called the Armenian Genocide
“Meds Yeghern”, refraining from the terms of Genocide.

Armenpress presents the statement by the U.S. President on Armenian
Remembrance Day:

“Today we commemorate the Meds Yeghern and honor those who perished
in one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century. Ninety-eight years
ago, 1.5 million Armenians were massacred or marched to their deaths in
the final days of the Ottoman Empire. We pause to reflect on the lives
extinguished and remember the unspeakable suffering that occurred. In
so doing, we are joined by millions across the world and in the United
States, where it is solemnly commemorated by our states, institutions,
communities, and families. We also remind ourselves of our commitment
to ensure that such dark chapters of history are not repeated.

I have consistently stated my own view of what occurred in 1915,
and my view has not changed. A full, frank, and just acknowledgement
of the facts is in all of our interests. Nations grow stronger
by acknowledging and reckoning with painful elements of the past,
thereby building a foundation for a more just and tolerant future. We
appreciate this lesson in the United States, as we strive to reconcile
some of the darkest moments in our own history. We recognize those
courageous Armenians and Turks who have already taken this path,
and encourage more to do so, with the backing of their governments,
and mine.

The history and legacy of the Armenian people is marked by
an indomitable spirit, and a great resiliency in the face of
tremendous adversity and suffering. The United States is stronger
for the contributions Armenian-Americans have made to our society,
our culture, and our communities. In small measure we return that
contribution by supporting the Armenian people as they work toward
building a nation that would make their ancestors proud: one that
cherishes democracy and respect for human liberty and dignity.

Today we stand with Armenians everywhere in recalling the horror of
the Meds Yeghern, honoring the memory of those lost, and affirming
our enduring commitment to the people of Armenia.”

ANCA responded to President Obama’s refusal to honor this pledge to
recognize the Armenian Genocide:

“Sadly, President Obama chose today not to lead, but rather to
follow Ankara’s gag-rule on his Administration’s condemnation and
commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. His public retreat, under
Turkish pressure, comes despite his own pledges to acknowledge
this crime and our government’s record, dating back more than half
a century, of having recognized the Armenian Genocide as a clear
case of genocide,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “Our
President’s complicity in Turkey’s denial of truth and its ongoing
obstruction of justice will not derail our progress toward a truthful,
fair, and comprehensive international resolution of Turkey’s still
unpunished crime against the Armenian nation.”

RAFFI HOVANNISIAN: TURKEY TO FACE TOUGH CHOICE IN 2 YEARS

April 24, 2013 – 16:23 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Heritage party leader Raffi Hovannisian led a
procession to Tsitsernakaberd Memorial to Genocide Victims.

“On the threshold of the 100th anniversary of the Genocide, our nation
must take every effort to create a constitutional state and change
the world’s perception of Armenia.

The new Armenia must be capable of standing up for its national
interests so that in 2 years Turkey is left with no choice but to open
the border without preconditions, or, if the denial policy continues,
to be able to pose demands,” he said.

Hovannisian announced April 24 as the day of national unity, noting
that “April 25 will be a new day for a new Armenia.”

“ZHOGHOVURD”: MEMBERS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY JOINED THE “UNDERGROUND” RACE

24/04/2013 13:40:00
Oratert News

Young representatives and “traditional” members of the Republican
Party joined the “underground” race in RPA. According to the newspaper
“Zhoghovurd”, this situation was created especially after the election
when the coordination of the Council of Elders, and more specifically,
campaign of Taron Margaryan’s headquarters has been entrusted to
the vice-Chairman of the National Assembly Eduard Sharmazanov, and
implementation of PR-Minister of Education and Science Armen Ashotyan.

Experienced organizers of elections walked away, as a result of which
the young almost failed the pre-election process. Serzh Sargsyan,
anticipating the possibility of defeat, the other day met with a
deputy from the Republican Party Mher Sedrakian (he is Tokhmah’s
Mher) and said that the young would provide the political section
of the election, he would organize the real process. However, the
vice-Chairman of the Republican Party Galust Sahakyan denied this
information