Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

Remembering the Holocaust, Fighting Genocide
May 2014 update from Combat Genocide Association

The month of April was “Combat Genocide Month” in Israel. Our
activities included:

A program commemorating Rwandan Genocide Remembrance Day, in Tel Aviv.
Five different events, ceremonies, and demonstrations about the
Armenian Remembrance Day, on April 24 in both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Hundreds of activists took part in an unprecedented rally in front of
the Turkish Embassy in Tel Aviv.

A series of lectures about the Holocaust for Darfurian genocide
survivors who found asylum in Israel. We also organized a trip for
Darfur refguees to visit the Holocaust museum in northern Israel.
On the occasion of Darfur Global Day, Darfurians, Jews and others
gathered in Tel Aviv to commemorate 11 years of genocide against the
indigenous people of Darfur by the barbarous Khartoum regime.

Despite the Holocaust, and other crimes committed by the Nazi regime
in World War II, the world has ever since then been exposed to repeated
cases of mass atrocities.
To mark the 20th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda and the
upcoming commemoration of the July 1995 Srebrenica genocide, an
international conference was held in Brussels on March 31-April 1 to
discuss what can be learned from those killings. We are honored to
publish on our website an important speech by our partner Prof. Yehuda
Bauer: “CAN MASS ATROCITIES BE PREVENTED?”

Rally in front of the Turkish Embassy in Tel Aviv – April 24th

Global Day for Darfur in Tel Aviv – April 30th

75 YEARS SINCE THE “VOYAGE OF THE DAMNED’:
ARE WE DOOMED TO REPEAT IT?
The eleventh national conference of The David S. Wyman Institute for
Holocaust Studies will focus on the 75th anniversary of the voyage of
the St. Louis and its implications for our own era.
Sessions will include: “Answering Revisionist Attacks on the St.
Louis” (with historian Rafael Medoff) … “Voices of the
Survivors” (with St. Louis passengers Mrs. Ronnie Breslow & Mrs. Sonja
Geismar, and longtime National Public Radio host Martin Goldsmith,
author of a new book about the St. Louis) … “The Relevance of
the St. Louis in Today’s World” (with Rwanda survivor Jacqueline
Murekatete; Armenian representative Dr. Hagop Martin Deranian, and Prof.
Thane Rosenbaum). Plus: a special screening of the short Disney film,
“Voyage of the Doomed.”
It will be held on Sunday, June 1, 2014, from 1:00 to 5:30 pm, at the
Fordham University School of Law, 140 West 62 St., New York City (right
behind Lincoln Center). Admission is free, and there is no need to
register in advance; seating is first come, first served. The
conference is cosponsored by the Combat Genocide Association. For more
information, call the Wyman Institute at 202-434-8994 or write to:
[email protected]
The conference chair is Andrew M. Kluger; emcee is Prof. Thane
Rosenbaum.

HaNoar HaOved Ve HaLomed standing with the Armenians in Jerusalem –
April 24th

Armenian remembrance ceremony in Jerusalem – April 23rd
Combat Genocide Association – A Jewish and Universal organization – NGO
Kibbutz Galuyot 120, Tel aviv 66877
Phone: 972-03-5125100 Fax: 972-03-5125105
[email protected]
Dror Israel Movment

From: Baghdasarian

Edward Sharmazanov: The key to settlement of the Karabakh conflict is
not in Washington or any other capital city but in the hands of the
people of Karabakh

by Tatevik Shahunyan

Thursday, May 8, 17:00

The key to settlement of the Karabakh conflict is not in Washington
or any other capital city but in the hands of the people of Karabakh,
vice-speaker of the Armenian parliament, press-secretary of the
Republican Party of Armenia, Edward Sharmazanov, said at today’s
meeting with students of Yerevan Pedagogical University.

Any conflict, including the Karabakh one, should be resolved through
talks, Eduard Sharmazanov said.

“In several days we will mark the 20th anniversary of ceasefire, and
the Armenian side, on behalf of Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh
Republic, proved to support peaceful settlement of the conflict. We
appreciate the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group, but we must realize
that even theoretical aspiration for military solution must be
eliminated. While Armenian side continues to support peaceful
settlement, Azerbaijan turned Armenophobia into ideology,” Sharmazanov
said.

He also added that the most important condition for settlement of the
Karabakh issue is willingness of the parties to the conflict to make
concessions, meanwhile, after the extradition of Ramil Safarov
militaristic rhetoric of the official Baku has become contrary to the
three principles of the OSCE Minsk Group – non-use of force,
territorial integrity and the right of peoples to self-determination.

“Azerbaijanis are guided only by the principle of territorial
integrity. However, for the settlement of the conflict, the Nagorno
-Karabakh Republic should become a full participant in the
negotiations. It is impossible to reach a final positive outcome
without this. And definite is one thing: NKR can not be a part of
Azerbaijan”, he said. To recall, on 8 May The U.S. Co-chairman of
the OSCE Minsk Group, James Warlick, made a speech at the Carnegie
Endowment in Washington, and unveiled proposals from international
mediators to resolve the Karabakh conflict. He called on the parties
to take decisive steps and actions to achieve peace. According to him
proposals for settlement are at the negotiating table, and the
parties should be guided by them.

At the heart of a deal are the UN Charter and relevant documents and
the core principles of the Helsinki Final Act. In particular, we focus
on those principles and commitments that pertain to 4 the non-use or
threat of force, territorial integrity, and equal rights and
self-determination of peoples.

Building on that foundation, there are six elements that will have to
be part of any peace agreement if it is to endure. While the
sequencing and details of these elements remains the subject of
negotiations, they must be seen as an integrated whole. Any attempt to
select some elements over others will make it impossible to achieve a
balanced solution.

In no particular order, these elements are:

First, in light of Nagorno-Karabakh’s complex history, the sides
should commit to determining its final legal status through a mutually
agreed and legally binding expression of will in the future. This is
not optional. Interim status will be temporary.

Second, the area within the boundaries of the former Nagorno-Karabakh
Autonomous Region that is not controlled by Baku should be granted an
interim status that, at a minimum, provides guarantees for security
and self-governance.
Third, the occupied territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh should be
returned to Azerbaijani control. There can be no settlement without
respect for

Azerbaijan’s sovereignty, and the recognition that its sovereignty
over these territories must be restored.
Fourth , there should be a corridor linking Armenia to
Nagorno-Karabakh. It must be wide enough to provide secure passage,
but it cannot encompass the whole of Lachin district.

Fifth, an enduring settlement will have to recognize the right of all
IDPs and refugees to return to their former places of residence.
Sixth and finally, a settlement must include international security
guarantees that would include a peacekeeping operation.
We intend to continue working through the Minsk Group as the primary
channel for resolving this conflict, Warlick said.

From: Baghdasarian

New Government program to be realistic: PM

16:46 08.05.2014

The newly formed government held the first Cabinet meeting, chaired by
Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan, government’s press office reported.

Opening the meeting, the Prime Minister addressed the audience, `The
government is fully formed, for which I congratulate all of us. We are
working on the new government program, which is to be submitted to the
National Assembly within twenty days. The program must be as realistic
as much as possible, and the proposed changes should not be an end in
itself. I am aware of the outcome of the ongoing discussions, which
are regularly reported back by Mr. Gevorgyan. I believe that the new
program will be truly realistic and each government member shall be
responsible for its implementation. Our ways will be separated with
any such member of government who may fail to fulfill the program, no
matter how long we have worked together.’

Then the Cabinet proceeded to the agenda. Based on Article 70 of the
Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, the Government proposed to
the National Assembly to hold an extraordinary session this May 12 at
12:00 pm in order to discuss some three dozen issues. Under the first
agenda item, the meeting will continue to discuss the bill on
amendments to the funded pension law.

The Government approved the 2014 estimate for extra-budgetary spending
under the financial support program developed in accordance with the
subcontracts signed between Armenia’s State Migration Service and the
Armenia Office of UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

Over 41 million drams will be transferred to that account to cover
remuneration costs, reconstruction of buildings and premises,
professional services, etc. The legal act is expected to improve the
welfare status of asylum seekers and refugees in our country. The
meeting approved the proposal to sign a cooperation agreement in the
field of navigation and geo-location of CIS-member States’ armed
forces. The Government-approved five bills were harmonized with the
relevant legislation of the Customs Union.

The following draft laws were next approved at the meeting: `On
Phytosanitary,’ `On Veterinary Medicine,’ `On Food Safety,’ `Animal
Food,’ and `On State Food Safety Control.’ The draft laws will be
submitted to the National Assembly in the manner established by law.

The cabinet passed a decision on funding the preparation and
implementation costs of June 8, 2014 local elections for 56 community
heads and aldermen council members. The meeting decided to grant a
deferment on mandatory military service until the 2015 summer draft to
laureate of international competitions, cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan.

Kovalenko Shahgaldyan was relieved of the office of Kotayk Marz
Governor in accordance with his resignation request. With the next
decisions passed at the meeting, the Executive appointed Aram
Haroutunyan to be Kotayk Marz Governor and Rubik Abrahamyan to serve
as Ararat Marz Governor.

Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan congratulated the newly appointed
governors and wished them fruitful work

From: Baghdasarian

Elmar Mammadyarov: Territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is not a topic
for discussion

Thursday, May 8, 16:55

The territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is not a topic for discussion
and withdrawal of Armenian forces from the “occupied territories” was
the main condition for settlement of the conflict, Azerbaijan’s
Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said at today’s press-conference
when commenting on the six principles offered by the American co-chair
of the OSCE Minsk Group, James Warlick, as Azerbaijani mass media
reported.

He also added that “these 6 principles have been previously
announced.He said that the Azerbaijani side supports the development
of a peace agreement: “The status quo is unacceptable. The status quo
is unacceptable for the Armenians as well, the country is not
developing and it faces demographic challenges. We call on the
Armenian side to solve this issue.”

On 8 May The U.S. Co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group, James Warlick,
made a speech at the Carnegie Endowment in Washington, and unveiled
proposals from international mediators to resolve the Karabakh
conflict. He called on the parties to take decisive steps and actions
to achieve peace. According to him proposals for settlement are at
the negotiating table, and the parties should be guided by them.

At the heart of a deal are the UN Charter and relevant documents and
the core principles of the Helsinki Final Act. In particular, we focus
on those principles and commitments that pertain to 4 the non-use or
threat of force, territorial integrity, and equal rights and
self-determination of peoples.
Building on that foundation, there are six elements that will have to
be part of any peace agreement if it is to endure. While the
sequencing and details of these elements remains the subject of
negotiations, they must be seen as an integrated whole. Any attempt to
select some elements over others will make it impossible to achieve a
balanced solution.

In no particular order, these elements are:
First, in light of Nagorno-Karabakh’s complex history, the sides
should commit to determining its final legal status through a mutually
agreed and legally binding expression of will in the future. This is
not optional. Interim status will be temporary.

Second, the area within the boundaries of the former Nagorno-Karabakh
Autonomous Region that is not controlled by Baku should be granted an
interim status that, at a minimum, provides guarantees for security
and self-governance.

Third, the occupied territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh should be
returned to Azerbaijani control. There can be no settlement without
respect for Azerbaijan’s sovereignty, and the recognition that its
sovereignty over these territories must be restored.
Fourth , there should be a corridor linking Armenia to
Nagorno-Karabakh. It must be wide enough to provide secure passage,
but it cannot encompass the whole of Lachin district.

Fifth, an enduring settlement will have to recognize the right of all
IDPs and refugees to return to their former places of residence.

Sixth and finally, a settlement must include international security
guarantees that would include a peacekeeping operation.

We intend to continue working through the Minsk Group as the primary
channel for resolving this conflict, Warlick said.

From: Baghdasarian

Russian MFA suggests NATO Secretary General `blind’

May 8, 2014 – 13:31 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Russia’s Foreign Ministry suggested on Thursday, May
8, that NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen was “blind” after
he wrote he had seen no signs Russia was withdrawing troops from
Ukraine’s border, Reuters reported.

Rasmussen’s statement, posted on his Twitter microblog, directly
contradicted the words of President Vladimir Putin who called on
Wednesday on rebels in eastern Ukraine to delay a secession vote and
said that Moscow had withdrawn troops.

“For those with a blind eye we suggest to follow President Putin’s
statement of May 7,” the ministry tweeted in English in response to
the Rasmussen post.

NATO, the Pentagon and the White House have all said they have seen no
evidence of Russian troops being withdrawn from the border with
Ukraine.

Relations between Russia and the West are at their lowest ebb since
the Cold War over Ukraine. Putin had previously proclaimed the right
to send troops into the east of the country to defend Russian speakers
there.

From: Baghdasarian

CE MATIN, HOMMAGE AUX HEROS DE LA LIBERATION DU KARABAGH AU CIMETIERE YERAPLOUR A EREVAN

ARMENIE- 8 MAI, FETE DE LA VICTOIRE

En cette Journée de la Victoire, les combattants volontaires
Arméniens ” Yergrabah ” emmenés par le général Manvel Grigorian
(président de l’Union des Yergrabahs) se sont réunis au cimetière
des héros au Yéraplour a Erévan. Dès 8 heures du matin, des
centaines de volontaires qui ont participé a guerre de libération
du Karabagh s’étaient donné rendez-vous pour un hommage a leurs
camarades tombés au champ d’honneur. Manvel Grigorian était
entouré du ministre de la Défense Seyran Ohanian, du Premier
ministre Hovig Abrahamian, du maire d’Erévan Taron Margarian, du
général Seyran Saroyan, du gouverneur de la région du Siyunik
Sourig Khatchatrian. Des Ŕillets furent déposés sur la tombe de
” Sparabed ” Vazken Sarkissian l’ex-Premier ministre assassiné
au Parlement en octobre 1999, héros de la guerre de libération du
Haut Karabagh ainsi que sur la tombe du héros national, le général
Antranik. Photos News.am

Krikor Amirzayan

jeudi 8 mai 2014, Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

From: Baghdasarian

ATTRITION: SENDING IN THE COSSACKS

Strategy Page
May 7 2014

May 7, 2014: Russia is suffering a major ethnic shift in the Caucasus.

Russians and other people not native to the Caucasus are being driven
out of the region by terrorism, corruption, and a bad attitude towards
outsiders. It’s been worse in Chechnya, where Russians comprised 25
percent of the population in 1989, but only two percent today. The
decline has not been as great in the rest of the Caucasus, but it has
been massive, with more than half the Russian residents having left in
the last twenty years. That’s over half a million Russians. Actually,
this trend began in the 1950s, right after tyrant Josef Stalin died in
1953 and Russia began to trim the power of the secret police to keep
the peace in the Caucasus. The departure of ethnic Russians from the
Caucasus simply accelerated after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.

Russia had, over the last two centuries, encouraged ethnic Russians to
settle in the Caucasus in order to help maintain Russian control of
an often-hostile native population. With the collapse of the empire
(the Soviet Union) in 1991 there was no money left to subsidize the
ethnic Russians in the Caucasus. That, as much as the anti-Russian
attitudes of the natives, prompted most Russians to leave. Now the
Russian government is using an old solution to get more ethnic Russians
back into the Caucasus; it’s sending in the Cossacks.

The Cossack people are ethnic Russians with a distinct language and
culture (not Russian) and strong ties to the Russian Orthodox Church.

There are about seven million Cossacks in Russia, Ukraine, and other
portions of the former Soviet Union. Their involvement in Russian
wars goes back centuries. During Tsarist times, Cossacks formed
special cavalry units in the Imperial Russian Army, as well serving
as instruments of state repression. The Russian Empire had a special
arrangement with the Cossacks whereby, in exchange for frontier land,
greater political autonomy, and special social status, Cossacks
contributed military forces to the Tsar, providing their own horses,
weapons, and equipment. Unique, exclusively Cossack military formations
have been a staple of Russian history in one way or another for many,
many centuries. Cossacks were notorious for their willingness to do
the czar’s dirty work, especially in the Caucasus.

Opinions on the actual military value of Cossack units is widely
divided, as are opinions of the Cossacks themselves. At many points
in Russian military history, the Cossacks have proven themselves to
be determined and fierce, sometimes to the point of recklessness,
warriors, and there are examples of entire Cossack units fighting
to the death against impossible odds. During the Napoleonic Wars
and the French invasion of Russia in 1812, Cossack units, mostly
light cavalry, operated extremely effectively as scouts and raiders,
harassing the retreating French army mercilessly. Their performance
against regular troops in open battle was less than great, but then
that wasn’t their role anyway.

On the other hand, Cossack units, from the days of Peter the Great
until modern time, have a well-deserved reputation for brutality,
anti-Semitism, and looting. They have always been notoriously difficult
to control, with Russian officers in past wars becoming frustrated
and enraged with drunken, mutinous Cossack soldiers. During the
Russian Civil War, Cossacks fought for both sides, especially for the
anti-Communist White forces, but they were often divisive, unreliable,
and preoccupied with looting and general destruction.

Also, many Russians regarded them as potential rebels, given their
unruly history, large numbers, and independent-minded spirit, and
those familiar with history know that for a two century period, every
major rebellion against the Russian Empire was led by Cossack troops.

During the Soviet period, Cossacks were among the many ill-treated
minorities, having their distinct culture and language suppressed by
the Communist authorities.

Since the 1990s Cossacks are once again involved in Russian conflicts.

In an effort to bolster national pride and recover some of the distinct
Russian heritage that was suppressed during 70 years of Soviet rule
Russia has officially brought back the formation of exclusively
Cossack military units, and in a big way. This has accompanied a
general explosion of Cossack culture in recent years.

Cossack military schools have been established, where student ages
10 to 17 attend classes in army fatigues and learn military tactics
alongside regular academic subjects. An entire Kuban Cossack Army,
headquartered in Krasnodar, has been established and is incorporated
as a unique, but fully integrated, part of the Russian Army. The
Russian Minister for Cossack Affairs, Gen. Gennady Troshev (until
his death in 2009) was a Cossack himself and had been instrumental
in the remilitarization of the Cossack society.

Irregular Cossack paramilitary units fought on the Russian/separatist
side in the 2008 Russo-Georgian War, which saw South Ossetia taken
from Georgia and made a de facto part of Russia. Cossack volunteers
by the hundreds mobilized during the Georgian attack of South Ossetia
and crossed the border to engage Georgian forces. Cossacks in nearby
North Ossetia apparently organized a relatively efficient and rapid
system for clothing, equipping and transporting their paramilitaries
into the breakaway province to feed them into combat. Cossack fighters
entered South Ossetia by bus, having been issued combat uniforms and
gear on the way to the border, and were issued small arms and light
weapons once they arrived at the border. Cossack volunteers formed
the second major paramilitary force in the war, the first being the
South Ossetian militias. According to reports, the Cossack forces
fought with dogged determination.

Paramilitary forces and semi-standing armies of “volunteers”,
of various ethnic and political lines, are a major part of armed
conflict in Russia and the former Soviet Union, particularly among
Slavic ethnicities. Such forces exist in disputed territories between
Armenia and Azerbaijan, where a majority of ethnic Armenians live in
the unrecognized Republic of Nogorno-Karabakh. The Nogorno-Karabakh
Defense Army is the formal defense force of the Nogorno-Karabakh
Republic. Similar forces exist in both breakaway republics of South
Ossetia and Azkaban.

The new Russian policy is to encourage, with cash investments and
monthly payments to adult Cossacks willing to undergo military
training, the establishment of Cossack communities in the Caucasus.

These towns and villages would be in touch with the surrounding
non-Cossack population and able, if there were problems with the
natives, to defend themselves until Russian reinforcements showed up.

That’s a strategy that is centuries old and Russia sees it as
succeeding again. The Caucasus natives have a long-standing dislike for
the Cossacks, but at the same time fear and respect them, especially
when the Cossacks are acting as paramilitary forces.

From: Baghdasarian

IS REPATRIATION ESSENTIAL FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR NATION?

Haytoug Magazine
May 6 2014

by Serob Abrahamian

We all know that about a century ago when the Armenian Genocide
was taking place, Armenians fled around the world. Some escaped to
the Middle East, some to Europe, some to the Americas, and others
elsewhere. Today there are around three times as many Armenians living
outside of Armenia than there are inside. We don’t need a history
lesson on the Armenian Genocide but some of those Armenians that fled
Western Armenia during the time of Genocide have assimilated into
the culture of their respective countries. Others still have their
Armenian last names and few still thrive and remain Armenian to its
full capacity.

Armenian parents in the diaspora struggle to keep their children
Armenian. Whether it is by sending them to Armenian school, Armenian
church, Armenian youth groups, Armenian sport organizations, or just
by speaking Armenian at home. In rare instances these avenues are
successful, unfortunately in most cases especially in this new era and
with this upcoming generation these outlets do not work as they once
did to counter assimilation. We see assimilation first hand every day,
we see the “White Genocide” unfolding in front of our eyes and yet,
there is not much we can do to counter it.

What if there was a way to keep your kids Armenian and help Armenia at
the same time. If keeping your future generations Armenian and ensuring
that Armenia is becoming a stronger, self-reliant, and developed nation
is important to you, then repatriating is the only long term solution.

Some might say that repatriation is a sacrifice, that your quality of
life might diminish, that certain luxuries and even some necessities
might not be available anymore. Others that have already repatriated
or have spent an extended stay, more than a summer trip in Armenia
know that this is not the case. Most repatriates and Armenians who
have stayed in Armenia for over a month will be the first to tell
you that the living standards and the overall quality of life is
actually the same as Western Europe and the United States. Some
might even argue that the standards are better. We can argue about
overall happiness, crime rates and so on but at the end of the day
it is mostly a subjective question where only you can answer after
visiting the country.

Various industries and start-ups are booming in Armenia and are
headed by recent repatriates. These repatriates are not only serving
themselves in order to live a happy and comfortable life inside of
Armenia but are also creating jobs in Armenia. They are paving the
way of our countries future, they are ensuring that Armenia becomes
a strong nation, they are each playing a role and doing their duties
as Armenians.

Repatriates are in need in Armenia. Today with globalization playing
such a crucial role in the world economy, companies in Armenia need
repatriates from all over the world in order to help fulfill growing
demands. Armenia is in need of the expertise that professionals from
the diaspora can bring to the table. Repatriates with native tongues
in foreign languages or knowledge in a wide array of fields can help
Armenia by using their expertise and to further develop the economy
and the market of Armenia. Repatriates should and will have a major
role in the future of Armenia. They will help shape our nation and
make it stronger and better in every aspect.

We always act patriotic here in the diaspora. We sing Armenian songs,
learn about freedom fighters of the past, and learn about Armenian
history with great pride. We say that we want what’s best for Armenia
and that we are ready to do whatever it might take to achieve this
goal. But what would we really do for Armenia? What would we truly
sacrifice? Would we really go and do what Monte Melkonian or Garo
Kahkedjian did? Do we even have to do what they did? Would we do a
fraction of what some people have done in the past? Would we even do
something that is so miniscule compared to what others have done?

WOULD WE MOVE TO ARMENIA?

We have successfully convinced ourselves that we can help Armenia
more from the outside than we would be able to from within. We say
that sending our children to Armenian school and volunteering for the
local organizations is enough, because it has helped us stay Armenian
for years and will continue to do so.

We need to stop lying to ourselves. The existence of the diaspora is
temporary. It was never meant to be a permanent existence but simply
a provisional solution until Armenia had their own sovereign nation.

Armenians from the diaspora as they have done in the past, will move
from city to city, country to country searching for comfort and a
better life. Along with gaining superficial comfort, they will slowly
lose their language, culture, traditions and identity, as they already
have. We can hope that some will stay Armenian and try to contribute
to the homeland in one way or another. We can hope that their kids
remain Armenian and cherish the language, culture and traditions,
but then what? Who cares if someone has all of those characteristics,
what good would it do if they’re just going to assimilate during the
next generation?

All in all, the diaspora is a major force that our homeland has at
its use. But all of us in the diaspora should understand that if we
want our future generations to be Armenian then we need to take a step
towards the homeland. Armenia has her hand out and is going to help
you while you help her, are you going to reach out and take her hand
and let her guide you, or get drowned by the waters of assimilation?

Repatriation is important and will play a big role for the future of
Armenia, but repatriation is essential for the future of our children
and our grandchildren to remain Armenian.

Is Repatriation Essential for the Future of Our Nation?

May 6, 2014 by Haytoug Filed under Featured, Homeland

Print This Post |

Leave a Comment

by Serob Abrahamian

We all know that about a century ago when the Armenian Genocide
was taking place, Armenians fled around the world. Some escaped to
the Middle East, some to Europe, some to the Americas, and others
elsewhere. Today there are around three times as many Armenians living
outside of Armenia than there are inside. We don’t need a history
lesson on the Armenian Genocide but some of those Armenians that fled
Western Armenia during the time of Genocide have assimilated into
the culture of their respective countries. Others still have their
Armenian last names and few still thrive and remain Armenian to its
full capacity.

Armenian parents in the diaspora struggle to keep their children
Armenian. Whether it is by sending them to Armenian school, Armenian
church, Armenian youth groups, Armenian sport organizations, or just
by speaking Armenian at home. In rare instances these avenues are
successful, unfortunately in most cases especially in this new era and
with this upcoming generation these outlets do not work as they once
did to counter assimilation. We see assimilation first hand every day,
we see the “White Genocide” unfolding in front of our eyes and yet,
there is not much we can do to counter it.

What if there was a way to keep your kids Armenian and help Armenia at
the same time. If keeping your future generations Armenian and ensuring
that Armenia is becoming a stronger, self-reliant, and developed nation
is important to you, then repatriating is the only long term solution.

Some might say that repatriation is a sacrifice, that your quality of
life might diminish, that certain luxuries and even some necessities
might not be available anymore. Others that have already repatriated
or have spent an extended stay, more than a summer trip in Armenia
know that this is not the case. Most repatriates and Armenians who
have stayed in Armenia for over a month will be the first to tell
you that the living standards and the overall quality of life is
actually the same as Western Europe and the United States. Some
might even argue that the standards are better. We can argue about
overall happiness, crime rates and so on but at the end of the day
it is mostly a subjective question where only you can answer after
visiting the country.

Various industries and start-ups are booming in Armenia and are
headed by recent repatriates. These repatriates are not only serving
themselves in order to live a happy and comfortable life inside of
Armenia but are also creating jobs in Armenia. They are paving the
way of our countries future, they are ensuring that Armenia becomes
a strong nation, they are each playing a role and doing their duties
as Armenians.

Repatriates are in need in Armenia. Today with globalization playing
such a crucial role in the world economy, companies in Armenia need
repatriates from all over the world in order to help fulfill growing
demands. Armenia is in need of the expertise that professionals from
the diaspora can bring to the table. Repatriates with native tongues
in foreign languages or knowledge in a wide array of fields can help
Armenia by using their expertise and to further develop the economy
and the market of Armenia. Repatriates should and will have a major
role in the future of Armenia. They will help shape our nation and
make it stronger and better in every aspect.

We always act patriotic here in the diaspora. We sing Armenian songs,
learn about freedom fighters of the past, and learn about Armenian
history with great pride. We say that we want what’s best for Armenia
and that we are ready to do whatever it might take to achieve this
goal. But what would we really do for Armenia? What would we truly
sacrifice? Would we really go and do what Monte Melkonian or Garo
Kahkedjian did? Do we even have to do what they did? Would we do a
fraction of what some people have done in the past? Would we even do
something that is so miniscule compared to what others have done?

WOULD WE MOVE TO ARMENIA?

We have successfully convinced ourselves that we can help Armenia
more from the outside than we would be able to from within. We say
that sending our children to Armenian school and volunteering for the
local organizations is enough, because it has helped us stay Armenian
for years and will continue to do so.

We need to stop lying to ourselves. The existence of the diaspora is
temporary. It was never meant to be a permanent existence but simply
a provisional solution until Armenia had their own sovereign nation.

Armenians from the diaspora as they have done in the past, will move
from city to city, country to country searching for comfort and a
better life. Along with gaining superficial comfort, they will slowly
lose their language, culture, traditions and identity, as they already
have. We can hope that some will stay Armenian and try to contribute
to the homeland in one way or another. We can hope that their kids
remain Armenian and cherish the language, culture and traditions,
but then what? Who cares if someone has all of those characteristics,
what good would it do if they’re just going to assimilate during the
next generation?

All in all, the diaspora is a major force that our homeland has at
its use. But all of us in the diaspora should understand that if we
want our future generations to be Armenian then we need to take a step
towards the homeland. Armenia has her hand out and is going to help
you while you help her, are you going to reach out and take her hand
and let her guide you, or get drowned by the waters of assimilation?

Repatriation is important and will play a big role for the future of
Armenia, but repatriation is essential for the future of our children
and our grandchildren to remain Armenian.

From: Baghdasarian

AMERICAN CHRISTIANS PLEDGE SOLIDARITY WITH PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS IN EGYPT, IRAQ AND SYRIA

Assyrian International News Agency AINA
May 7 2014

By Nina Shea
Fox News
Posted 2014-05-07 18:05 GMT

Orthodox Christian worshippers hold crosses as they take part in the
Eastern and Orthodox Church’s Good Friday procession along the Via
Dolorosa in Jerusalem’s Old City (photo: Reuters).On Wednesday, May 7,
history is being made. On behalf of the suffering churches of Egypt,
Iraq and Syria, a broad array of American Christians, with a degree
of unity rarely seen since the Council of Nicaea in 325, have joined
together in a “pledge of solidarity and call to action.”

In the “We the People” tradition, the pledge is a grass roots
effort, with input from many sources. It is being released publicly
on Wednesday morning by Reps. Frank Wolf (R-Va.) and Anna Eshoo
(D-Calif.), but it does not have any particular institutional sponsor
nor a political leader spearheading it.

Over 100 Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox leaders have signed on —
from Catholic Cardinal Wuerl, to National Association of Evangelicals’
chair Leith Anderson, to Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori of
the Episcopal Church, to Secretary General Rev. Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe
of the United Methodists, to Armenian Orthodox Archbishop Oshagan
Cholayan.

They include many lay civic society leaders, including Robert George
of Princeton University, Jim Wallis of Sojourners, George Weigel
of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, journalist Kirsten Powers,
George Marlin, chair of Aid to the Church in Need-USA, and Lynne
Hybels of Global Engagement of the Willow Creek Church.

These Christian leaders have come together across faith traditions and
political affiliations in response to the increasingly dire appeals
from Middle Eastern Christians. As Baghdad’s Catholic Chaldean
Patriarch Louis Sako recently cried out: “We feel forgotten and
isolated. We sometimes wonder, if they kill us all, what would be
the reaction of Christians in the West? Would they do something then?”

As the pledge recounts:

“While Christians have been leaving the Middle East for many years,
and, in these three countries, members of all communities–including
smaller religious communities and Muslims–suffer from violence
and political turmoil, the Egyptian, Iraqi and Syrian Christian
communities, under the additional scourge of intensifying religious
extremism, are experiencing a sudden, massive exodus of their members
from the region.”

With the rise of Islamist extremists, this situation has become so
acute that, regarding the Christians, it is not only individuals who
are threatened. The presence of the entire Christian community in
the region of its birth is at stake. The pledge emphasizes:

“Since these communities account for most of the indigenous Christians
in today’s Middle East, the continued presence of Christians in the
region where Christianity originated 2,000 years ago is threatened.”

The pledge states that Egypt, Iraq and Syria have seen “scores of
churches deliberately destroyed, many clergy and laypeople targeted
for death, kidnapping, intimidation and forcible conversion, and
hundreds of thousands of believers driven from their countries.”

Specific patterns of attacks detailed in the pledge include:

Christians, including some clergy, after being identified as such by
their names, identity cards, or some other means, have been beheaded,
shot execution-style or otherwise brutally murdered. Clergy have
also been killed for their peace-making efforts or simply as
personifications of the Christian faith.

Untold numbers of Christians, including bishops, priests, pastors,
and nuns, have been kidnapped and held for ransom.

Young women have been abducted and forced to convert to Islam and
marry their captors.

In some instances, Christians have been told to convert to Islam or
be killed; some have been forced to pay protection money.

Muslim apostasy and blasphemy codes and standards for dress,
occupation and social behavior are being enforced for Christians,
as well as for Muslims, in some communities.

The assaults continue despite rejection by the majority of Muslims
and condemnation by prominent Muslim voices, such as Jordan’s Prince
Ghazi bin Mohammed and Iraq’s Grand Ayatollah Sistani, as the pledge
is clear in emphasizing.

The American Christian leaders who signed the pledge commit to work
within their congregations and communities to pray, educate and engage
in foreign policy on behalf of these endangered fellow Christians
and the other small religious groups who are similarly vulnerable.

Asking “all people of good will” to join this effort, they also call
on America’s elected leaders to act to adopt three specific diplomatic
and foreign and humanitarian aid steps.

While promoting religious freedom is already a key objective of U.S.

foreign policy, as the pledge concludes, “now, new action is
desperately needed by our churches, our government and our civil
society institutions here in the United States, and by all people of
good will to make that objective a reality.”

Nina Shea is director of the Hudson Institute’s Center for Religious
Freedom. She is co-author of “Persecuted: The Global Assault on
Christians” (Thomas Nelson 2013).

From: Baghdasarian

RADIO YEREVAN PRESENTS: ARAM MP3

Deutsche Welle, Germany
May 7 2014

At home in Armenia, all-round talent Aram Mp3 has a big cult
following. Now, he wants to show the whole continent what he’s made
of. The singer and comedian has arguably the best shot at a win.

If he hadn’t coughed so much as a kid, he wouldn’t be the most
recognizable face on Armenian TV today. A doctor told Aram’s parents
they should let their son sing often in order to reduce his symptoms.

As a member of a school choir, he didn’t just ease his respiratory
troubles, he also found his calling.

30-year-old Aram Sargsyan, alias Aram Mp3, is more than just a famous
singer. He’s a comedian, actor, host, entertainer, husband, father
and even a pharmacist. In Copenhagen, however, the world is going to
get to know him as the soulful voice behind a ballad. “Not Alone”
is the song that Eurovision fans and bookies alike are saying has
the best chance at a win.

With some gentle piano playing and a velvet voice, Aram Mp3 eases
himself into the song – that then escalates into a bombastic power
ballad with some surprising dubstep stylings to boot.

Soul over parody

“It’s a huge responsibility to perform for Armenia and to show how
wonderful my country is at the ESC. Nonetheless, my song is universal,”
said the son’gs singer and co-author. “I’m singing in English, and it’s
not just about customs or topics only Armenians would understand. Music
should capture each individual right from the first moment.”

At home, Aram Mp3 loves to parody well-known performers and old
Eurovision numbers in his long-running music comedy show “Vitamin
Club.” But at this year’s contest, he’s showing his more serious side.

“In real life, comedians are almost always very serious people,” he
notes.”‘Not Alone’ is a song that speaks to me from my soul. I’m not
just the comedian but also a singer who makes this kind of music. It’s
important for people to know that.”

Fit for the finale

Armenia has already proven that it has ESC potential, even though
the country hasn’t quite climbed to the top spot. The Balkan state
has participated in the contest since 2006 and already made it to the
finale six times. The best result came by way of performer Sirusho,
who placed fourth in 2008. Armenians are hoping to compensate for the
country’s disappointing finish last year in Malmo, when they landed
in 18th. And if the bookies are to be believed, 2014 will probably
be their chance to shine.

From: Baghdasarian