Author: George Mamian

Russian air strikes in Syria’s Latakia province killed a top rebel commander from a group armed by President Bashar al-Assad’s foreign enemies, a monitoring group said on Tuesday, Reuters reports.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 45 people – both rebel fighters and civilians – were killed in the air strikes on Monday evening in the Jabal Akrad area, which is held by the First Coastal Division rebel group.

The group, which fights under the banner of a loose alliance of factions known as the “Free Syrian Army”, confirmed the death of its chief of staff, Basil Zamo, formerly a captain in the Syrian military.

The First Coastal Division is one of several groups that have received foreign military support under a program supported by the United States, including U.S.-made anti-tank missiles, the most potent weapon in the rebels’ arsenal.

 

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

I just became aware of an important interview Pres. Serzh Sargsyan had given to Turkish journalist Cansu Camlibel of Hurriyet newspaper on April 24, 2015 in Yerevan. The article was buried under the avalanche of media coverage during the commemorations of the Armenian Genocide Centennial.

Here are key excerpts from Pres. Sargsyan’s lengthy interview as published in the Turkish Daily News, the English edition of Hurriyet:

— The President rightly pointed out that “the emotional and non-diplomatic reaction of the Turkish leadership [to Pope Francis’s acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide in The Vatican on April 12] was yet another proof that Turkey continued its policy of evident denial pursued at a state level, thus taking upon it the burden of the responsibility for the crime perpetrated by the authorities of the Ottoman Empire.”

— “As a mighty power and champion of democratic values, the United States has on numerous occasions stated its position regarding the Armenian Genocide. Out of 51 U.S. constituent states 44 recognized and condemned the Armenian Genocide. Throughout history various American presidents, such as Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, described the atrocities against the Armenian people as genocide. Even those U.S. presidents, that had not used the word ‘genocide’ during their tenure, had used that term while campaigning. It means that they never questioned the veracity of what had happened, and only due to certain political considerations refrained from uttering the word ‘genocide.’” While Pres. Sargsyan correctly characterized U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide, there were a couple of inaccuracies in his answer: The United States has 50, not 51 states; and Gerald Ford acknowledged the Armenian Genocide as a Congressman, before becoming President.

— “The Turkish proposal of establishing the so-called commission of historians has only one goal, which is to delay the process of the Armenian Genocide recognition, and divert the attention of international community from that crime. That is not only our view but also the view of the international community that goes on recognizing and condemning the Armenian Genocide. The protocols contain no clause of establishing any commission on historical studies. The respective paragraph in the protocol envisages a dialogue aimed at restoring mutual confidence between the two nations, which entailed the establishment of a sub-commission. Throughout the negotiations, the Armenian side has stressed on numerous occasions at various levels also to the Turkish side that the veracity of the genocide cannot be questioned under any circumstances.” Armenians who opposed to the Protocols, including this writer, had made similar objections.

— “It is already the sixth year since the protocols have been signed: when is the expedient time? …The years past have demonstrated that Turkey is looking forward not to some convenient moment, but instead is trying to prevent the manifestation of the unambiguous position of the international community on the Armenian Genocide by imitating a process of the Armenian-Turkish rapprochement, claiming that recognitions were something that hindered the reconciliation. The process of the Armenian-Turkish reconciliation was launched upon my initiative, and pursued a very simple goal — to establish diplomatic relations without any preconditions, and unseal the last closed border in Europe, safeguarding peaceful and neighborly coexistence of our nations. Unfortunately, the lack of political will on the part of the Turkish authorities, distortion of the letter and spirit of the protocols, fresh manifestations of denial, and continuously brought up preconditions intended to feed groundless demands of Azerbaijan thwarted the implementation of the protocols…. After six years of unfulfilled expectations, I have decided to recall the protocols from the parliament. On one occasion I said the Armenians are not going to wait indefinitely for the Turkish authorities to be able to find a convenient moment to finally ratify those protocols.” In my opinion, the Armenian Foreign Minister should immediately withdraw his signature from the Protocols and declare them obsolete.

— “The Republic of Armenia has never declared any territorial claims either on Turkey or any other country since our independence. There has never been such an issue on the foreign policy agenda of our country, and there is none today. That is a clear-cut position.”

If not read carefully, Pres. Sargsyan’s last answer could easily be misunderstood. He is neither saying that Armenia has territorial claims from Turkey nor that it does not! Armenia simply has not raised this issue officially because doing so could have serious national security implications given its powerful and hostile neighbor on the Western Front. Political parties, organizations, and individuals like this writer have frequently made territorial claims from Turkey, but it is understandable that Armenia’s Head of State has to be much more circumspect in his public pronouncements.

Pres. Sargsyan stated several years ago that he leaves the pursuit of Armenian territorial claims to a future generation, which implies that Armenia does indeed have territorial demands from Turkey!

Asbarez – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA-WR) has confirmed the attendance of three highly-respected international experts on free speech, human rights, and minority rights, Aris Nalci, Baris Allen, and George Aghjayan, at the 2015 ANCA-WR Grassroots Conference. The guest speakers will join hundreds of attendees from around the world to participate in the “Western Armenia and Hidden Armenians” panel, which will take place on October 24at 9 a.m at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza. Matthew Karanian, Esq. author of the best-selling English language books Armenia and Karabakh: The Stone Guardian Travel Guide and Historic Armenia: 100 Years Later, will moderate the panel.

With more than 7 million Armenians living outside of Armenia and Artsakh, in addition to the estimated 2 million forcibly Islamized or “Hidden Armenians” living in present-day Eastern Turkey as a result of the 1915 Armenian Genocide, the dynamic panel will engage audiences in identity politics and issues interfering with cultural preservation for Armenians everywhere. There will be a question and answer session at the end of the panel.

Aris Nalci, an author and filmmaker noted for his coverage of Armenian and minority issues, as well as freedom of speech, will join geographical and demographic researcher of Western Armenia (present-day Eastern Turkey), George Aghjayan, and Kurdish human rights activist Baris Alen.

Aris Nalci graduated from Feriköy Merametçian Primary Armenian School, Getronagan Armenian High School in Istanbul and the Yildiz Technical University, where he served on the Mechanical Engineering Faculty. Between 1997 and 2011, Nalci worked as a writer and editor for the Istanbul-Armenian newspaper, Agos. He has also written for the daily newspaper Birgun and Radikal, the weekly newspaper Beyoğlu, and several Armenian and Turkish journals. He is currently a producer and editor at IMC TV in Turkey.

In 2011, Nalci created the first TV show about minorities in Turkey called Gamurç (Bridge), which is still on air. He has also filmed documentaries on Armenian issues, minority rights, and free speech, including Avtobus (2012), 23-and-a-Half (2013), January Nineteen (2013), Grandma’s Receipt (2013), and Turkish Presidents’ Exam with Armenians (2014). In 2014, he co-wrote “1965-50 years after Armenian Genocide, 50 years before 100″ with Serdar Korucu. Nalci also contributes weekly blogs to T24.com.tr.

Baris Alen, born in Diyarbakir, Turkey, studied International Relations at Istanbul Dogus University. He received an M.A. of Global Studies at Lund University in Sweden and launched his professional career in the NGO sector, working for the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey in Ankara and the Federation of Southeast Anatolian Businessman Association in Diyarbakir. More recently, Alen worked for the Diyarbakir Metropolitan Municipality as the Mayor’s Foreign Relations advisor until the 2014 elections. Since then, he has been working for the International Humanitarian organization on the Syrian border to provide basic hygiene, food, and other essentials to refugees out of official camps.

George Aghjayan graduated from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute with honors in 1988, acquiring his bachelor’s of science degree in Actuarial Mathematics. He achieved his Fellowship in the Society of Actuaries in 1996. After a career in both insurance and structured finance, Aghjayan retired in 2014 to focus his efforts on Armenian related research and projects. His primary area of interest is the demographic and geography of Western Armenia, but he also researches hidden Armenians living there today.

Aghjayan has also written and lectured on a wide array of topics, including Armenian genealogy and genocide denial. He has served on the Central Committee of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Eastern United States and the National Board of the Armenian National Committee of America.

“Our featured panelists provide invaluable insight into the occupied ancestral homeland of Armenians. The panel will serve as a mini-course in issues faced by Armenians and non-Armenians living in modern Western Armenia,” said ANCA-WR Grassroots committee co-chairman Ayk Dikijian, Esq.

The moderator of the panel, Matthew Karanian, Esq. is a second-generation Armenian American lawyer who wrote the first self-published guidebook on Armenia. Karanian served as the Associate Dean of the American University of Armenia’s law program and as the Director of the University’ Legal Research Center. Karanian also founded the Armenian Law Review in 2003 with his students.

Since 1995, Karanian has embarked on journeys to Eastern and Western Armenia, Artsakh, Javakhk, Ani, and Cilicia. His book, “Armenia and Karabakh” is based on over a dozen visits to Armenia. His writings about Armenia have been published in numerous periodicals in the United States and Canada, and his recent book “Historic Armenia: 100 Years Later” is an impressive encyclopedia and pictorial record of the present-day status of Western Armenia, its monuments, churches, villages, and people.

“We are so proud to present this esteemed panel to our community and the hundreds of Grassroots participants who are sure to gain a new and unique knowledge about how past and current events in Turkey directly affect the pursuit of our Cause,” remarked ANCA-WR Chair Nora Hovsepian, Esq.

The ANCA-WR Grassroots conference will take place on October 23 and 24 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel. General admission to the conference is $85 and $50 for students. Visit www.ANCAWRGrassroots.org to register online or to learn about sponsorship and booth display opportunities.

This year’s ANCA-WR Gala Banquet will be one of the largest the organization has hosted. The event, which has become one of the most anticipated events of the calendar year, will be held on Sunday, October 25 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel. For information about purchasing tickets, and corporate and tribute message sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.ANCAWRGala.org or call 818.839.1918.

Asbarez – Having now represented the Los Angeles community of Little Armenia in the Legislature for a decade, Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León said it is only natural that he becomes the first Senator to join the California Armenian Legislative Caucus.

“It has been a great honor to serve thousands of Armenian-Americans living in my district,” said Senator De León (D-Los Angeles). “It is only fitting that I become a member of Armenian Caucus where I feel right at home.”

Senator De León said his membership in the Caucus, comprised until now of only Assemblymembers, will help him identify key issues to develop and further empower California’s Armenian-American community. “This is why I am excited about joining the Caucus,” Senator De León said, “because it provides an official platform to better serve these valuable constituents.”

Officially recognized in 2000, Little Armenia is a culturally-rich, thriving community in East Hollywood populated with Armenian bakeries, restaurants, churches, public art, and one of the oldest Armenian schools in the region – the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School and Social Service Centers.

Senator De León announced his Caucus membership on the eve of the 24th anniversary of Armenian Independence Day, marking the birth of the Republic of Armenia in 1991. Last year, he was named by the Armenian National Committee as its Legislator of the Year.

“The California Armenian Legislative Caucus is a non-partisan Caucus that encourages California Armenian Americans to advocate and participate in cultural, educational, legislative, and community efforts in California. Through advocacy, the Caucus strives to ensure that California Armenian American’s voices are heard and given a platform. Founding members of the Caucus include Assemblymember Katcho Achadjian, Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, and Assemblymember Scott Wilk,” said Natalie Bruton-Yenovkian, chief executive officer and board member of the Caucus.

Formed in March by Assemblymembers Katcho Achadjian (R), Adrin Nazarian (D), and Scott Wilk (R), the California Armenian Legislative Caucus is a bi-partisan, non-political Caucus that encourages California Armenian-Americans to advocate and participate in cultural, educational, legislative, governmental, and community efforts in California.

The Caucus introduced Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR 2), designating this year as California’s Year of Commemoration of the Centennial Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. In an unprecedented show of support from previous resolutions, AJR 2 was jointly-authored by a majority of the 80-member Assembly and unanimously approved by the Legislature.

The Caucus also opened a special exhibit this year at the California Museum in Sacramento, the “Armenian Journey: From Shattered Past to Prosperity.” The exhibit explored the historical and cultural contributions of Armenians to California, home to the nation’s largest population of Armenian Americans.

On September 10 Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian had a meeting with UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport John Whittingdale.

Minister Nalbanidn hailed Mr. Whittingdale’s past activity in the House of Commons as the head of the British-Armenian All-Party Parliamentary Group, underlining that the Armenian-British parliamentary ties actively developed under his leadership.

Minister Nalbandian expressed gratitude to John Whittingdale for his participation in April 24 events in Yerevan dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

During the meeting reference was made to the perspectives of expansion of Armenian-British relations in the field of culture and discussed the implementation of joint programs with a view of presenting the Armenian cultural heritage in the UK.

Edward Nalbandian visited the British Parliament, where he met with members of the House of Lords Caroline Cox and Henry Harrison. Issues related to Armenian-British parliamentary cooperation were discussed.

The same day Minister Nalbandian met with members of the commission coordinating the Armenian Genocide centennial events in the United Kingdom.

The interlocutors exchanged views on the events organized in Armenia and the world, dedicated to the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

During the meeting reference was made to the preparations for the ecumenical service to be held at the Westminster Abbey in October to commemorate the Armenian Genocide centennial.

The Armenian St. Giragos Church in Diyarbekir was damaged as a homemade bomb exploded in Sur district, Ermenihaber.am reports, quoting the Turkish sources.

The windows of the church were broken, bullet traces were discovered on the walls, the source says.

Dear Compatriots!
I congratulate you on the occasion of the Independence Day of Nagorno Karabakh.

The Independence Day of Artsakh is a festivity for Armenians in all over the world, but first of all it is the festivity for the people from Artsakh. On this very historic day in 1991 due to the declaration of independence a suffering but at the same time heroic segment of Armenians was saved from the clutches of violence and totalitarian regime, national and religious discrimination, persecution and pogroms, lie, falsehood and anti-Armenian racist propaganda. And it was you who did it.

And our struggle was not over with that heroic deed; on the contrary, it entered a new stage of fight for the right to live in our own house with dignity, for the human and national rights. On the battlefield the Artskhian defended his and his children’s life, saved his and his children’s future.

In 2015 that marks the 100th anniversary of Meds Yeghern, when we commemorate the canonized martyrs, independent and proud-spirited Artsakh gains deeper significance and value for all of us.

Dear compatriots,

Day by the number of friends of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and its people is growing. Day by day the international reputation of Artsakh, steadily walking along the path of independence and democracy, is growing. It is the result of both your just and creative efforts and your achievements in the statehood- and army-building.

Once again I congratulate you on the occasion of this glorious day, recalling the longstanding and wise motto “Freedom does not have an alternative”.

Armenian Amalya Margaryan stunned the jury and audience at Ukraine’s X-Factor.

Amalya performed “Rise like a phoenix,” the song that brought victory to Austria’s Conchita Wurst at Eurovision Song Contest 2014.

All four members of the jury gave her a berth to the next round.

Russia will contribute $6mln to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization to help Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan develop agriculture, TASS reports.

An order published on the government website says that from 2015 to 2017, Russia will grant $2bn annually to finance technical issues of securing farm output and agriculture’s sustainable development.

As part of the events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the City Hall of the Bouc Bel Air, France, decided to name a square after Henri Verneuil (born Ashot Malakian).

The square was solemnly unveiled on June 27. The ceremony was attended by Mayor Richard Mallié, Henri Verneuil’s wife, their two children and their families, religious leaders, representatives of the local Armenian community and journalists.

Richard Mallié noted in his opening remarks that “although 100 years have passed since the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Turkey and the larger international community is still to recognize this tragedy. “However, there a number of reasonable people, especially artists, trying to condemn Turkey and urge to recognize the genocide perpetrated against the Armenian people. Among them was film director Henri Verneuil, who used the feature film to convey something that would not be possible through speeches and documentaries.”