Author: Hambardsumian Paul

LEBANON: ARMENIANS MARK ANNIVERSARY OF MASSACRES IN TURKEY

Ya Libnan, Lebanon
April 24 2006

Beirut- Lebanese Armenians marched on the main coastal highway in
Beirut, Lebanon today to mark the 91th anniversary of massacres in
Turkey that began in April 1915 and in which hundreds of thousands
of Armenians died.

Armenian communities around the world are marking the killing of of
Armenians, on April 24 each year with marches, vigils and rallies
to demand recognition from the world community, and reparations
from Turkey.

According to pan Armenian Network , “during the period of 1915-1923,
1.5 million of Armenians were killed. The Armenian Genocide was
recognized by Russia, France, Canada, Lebanon, Uruguay, Cyprus,
Argentina, Greece, Belgium, Sweden, Slovakia, Netherlands, Vatican,
Italy, Germany, Lithuania and Poland as well as over 30 states of
the U.S.”

Turkey claims the number of deaths is inflated and says the victims
were killed in civil unrest.

In Lebanon there is a sizable Armenian community of about 400, 000,
almost 10 % of the population . Most of the Armenians immigrated to
Lebanon from neighboring countries .

Here are some pictures of the Armenian march of April 24th in Beirut
courtesy of AP:

Photo: Lebanese Armenians wave a banner and hold Armenian flags as
they march on the main coastal highway north of Beirut

Photo: A Lebanese Armenian woman holds a banner during a march in
Antelias , north of Beirut to mark the 91st anniversary of massacres
in Turkey that began in April 1915 and in which hundreds of thousands
of Armenians died.

Photo: Lebanese Armenians hold a banner as they march on the main
coastal highway of Antelias, on the northern entrance to Beirut.

/lebanon_armenia.php

The Brockville Recorder and Times (Ontario)
April 22, 2006 Saturday
FINAL EDITION

REMEMBERING 20TH CENTURY’S FIRST GENOCIDE

BY SALIM MANSUR

In the spring of 1915 with Europe at war, the Turkish rulers of the
Ottoman Empire ordered the deportation and killing of the Armenian
population within their territory.

Between April 1915 and the end of the war in November 1918, the
organized destruction of a people identified by ethnicity and
religion was conducted by a government that ruled an empire in the
name of Islam.

The nationalist Turks who succeeded the defeated power-holders in
Istanbul continued the massacres of Armenians in eastern Anatolia and
into the Caucasus. Some 1.5 million Armenians perished during this
period between 1915 and 1923.

This destruction of the Armenian people was the first genocide of the
20th century, a prelude to what would come later under Hitler’s Third
Reich as the “final solution” for the Jews.

It took nearly 90 years for the Canadian parliament – by a vote of
153 (yeas) to 68 (nays) on April 21, 2004 – to pass a resolution
acknowledging the Armenian genocide and condemning it as a crime
against humanity.

Neither the passage of time required for such an acknowledgment nor
the number of parliamentarians voting on record against it came as a
surprise, since the mass murderers of our age well understand that
the human capacity to deny evil is far greater than our inclination
to oppose it.

A mere 24 countries around the world have acknowledged the facts of
the Armenian genocide, and with the exception of Lebanon – possessing
a sizable Christian population – there is a wall of silence on this
subject from the Muslim-majority member states of the United Nations.

On April 24 every year, Armenians remember their dead. It was on this
night in 1915 the Turkish government ordered arrests of Armenian
community leaders in Istanbul, marking the start of the genocide.

Turkey continues to dispute what occurred. It is a sensitive issue,
and Turks willing to critically examine the events relating to the
Armenian genocide face persecution from authorities for “insulting
Turkishness.”

Orhan Pamuk, the widely translated and respected Turkish writer, was
charged last year with the crime of insulting Turks when he told a
Swiss newspaper that “30,000 Kurds and one million Armenians were
killed in these lands, and nobody but me dares talk about it.” The
case was dropped in January this year under heavy pressure from the
European Union.

That the world is a cynical place is not news, however, nor is the
fact that human nature is flawed.

Even as I write this column, the systematic depredation of the
wretchedly poor in Darfur remains unabated – while the United Nations
and its grandees, led by Kofi Annan, quibble over the meaning of
“genocide.”

Historians and philosophers struggle to find lessons from the tales
of human wickedness, and teach future generations to do better.

It is in vain, for the collective ears of humanity remain stuffed
with wax. Prophets have admonished, as Amos of the Old Testament did:
“They drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the finest
oils; but they are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph.”

The lesson of history is that, to paraphrase Santayana, there is no
lesson.

Each generation gets tested by the evil of its time and, in learning
nothing from the past, fashions its denial of crimes witnessed.

The present generation, not to be outdone in ingenuity, incessantly
speaks of being history’s victim and denies bearing any
responsibility or accountability for the ruin of Joseph.

Salim Mansur is a columnist with the Toronto Sun.

The lesson of history is that, to paraphrase Santayana, there is no
lesson. Each generation gets tested by the evil of its time and, in
learning nothing from the past, fashions its denial of crimes
witnessed.

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:  Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:  Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:  (374 10) 517 163
Fax:  (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail:  [email protected]
Website: 
April 21, 2006

International Live Broadcast of April 24 Divine Liturgy

On April 24, 2006, the worldwide Armenian nation will solemnly commemorate
the 91st Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.  In the Republic of Armenia,
the commemorative events include the procession of hundreds of thousands of
people to the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial of the Armenian Genocide in Yerevan
and a special Divine Liturgy which is celebrated in the Mother Cathedral of
Holy Etchmiadzin.

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Shoghakat TV Company, working in
conjunction with the “First Channel” of Armenian television (“H1”), are
pleased to announce the live global telecast of this special Divine
Liturgy.  The Liturgy will be followed by a Requiem Service in memory of the
1.5 million victims of the first genocide of the 20th century.

Armenian communities throughout the world will be able to watch this special
Divine Liturgy broadcast live from the Mother Cathedral on Monday, April 24,
2006, on the Armenian H1 “First Channel” available through satellite
providers. 

Live coverage of the day’s events begins at 10:00 AM, (Armenia Daylight
Time).  Please refer to the list below for times and dates of the live
broadcast in your community:

Republic of Armenia – Monday, April 24 at 10:00 AM
Republic of Nagorno Karabagh – Monday, April 24 at 10:00 AM

Middle East
Lebanon – Monday, April 24 at 8:00 AM
Syria – Monday, April 24 at 8:00 AM
Israel – Monday, April 24 at 8:00 AM
United Arab Emirates – Monday, April 24 at 8:00 AM
Kuwait – Monday, April 24 at 8:00 AM
Jordan – Monday, April 24 at 8:00 AM
Iran – Monday, April 24 at 8:30 AM
Iraq – Monday, April 24 at 9:00 AM

North America
United States (Eastern Daylight Time) – Monday, April 24 at 1:00 AM
United States (Central Daylight Time) – Monday, April 24 at 12:00 AM
United States (Mountain Daylight Time) – Sunday, April 23 at 11:00 PM
United States (Pacific Daylight Time) – Sunday, April 23 at 10:00 PM
Canada (Montreal) – Monday, April 24 at 1:00 AM
Canada (Toronto) – Monday, April 24 at 1:00 AM
Mexico (Mexico City) – Monday, April 24 at 12:00 AM

Europe
United Kingdom – Monday, April 24 at 6:00 AM
France – Monday, April 24 at 7:00 AM
Germany – Monday, April 24 at 7:00 AM
Austria – Monday, April 24 at 7:00 AM
Italy – Monday, April 24  at 7:00 AM
Switzerland – Monday, April 24 at 7:00 AM
Spain – Monday, April 24 at 7:00 AM
Netherlands – Monday, April 24 at 7:00 AM
Belgium – Monday, April 24 at 7:00 AM
Sweden – Monday, April 24 at 7:00 AM
Czech Republic – Monday, April 24 at 7:00 AM
Hungary – Monday, April 24 at 7:00 AM
Baltic States – Monday, April 24 at 8:00 AM
Romania – Monday, April 24 at 8:00 AM
Ukraine – Monday, April 24 at 8:00 AM
Greece – Monday, April 24 at 8:00 AM
Cyprus – Monday, April 24 at 8:00 AM
Russian Federation (Moscow) – Monday, April 24 at 9:00 AM
Russian Federation (St. Petersburg) – Monday, April 24 at 9:00 AM
Russian Federation (Krasnodar) – Monday, April 24 at 9:00 AM

South America
Venezuela – Monday, April 24 at 1:00 AM
Argentina – Monday, April 24 at 2:00 AM
Brazil – Monday, April 24 at 2:00 AM
Uruguay – Monday, April 24 at 2:00 AM

Africa
Egypt – Monday, April 24 at 7:00 AM
South Africa – Monday, April 24 at 7:00 AM
Ethiopia – Monday, April 24 at 8:00 AM
Sudan – Monday, April 24 at 8:00 AM

Asia
Turkey – Monday, April 24 at 8:00 AM
Georgia – Monday, April 24 at 10:00 AM
India – Monday, April 24 at 10:30 AM
Thailand – Monday, April 24 at 12:00 PM
Singapore – Monday, April 24 at 1:00 PM

Australia & Pacific
Australia (Sydney) – Monday, April 24 at 3:00 PM
Australia (Melbourne) – Monday, April 24 at 3:00 PM
New Zealand – Monday, April 24 at 5:00 PM

##

–Boundary_(ID_1y4lqvGPEY1B23NKybTyWg)–

RA POLICE DELEGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN SITTING OF CIS COUNTRIES’
INTERIOR MINISTERS’ COUNCIL TO BE HELD IN DUSHANBE

YEREVAN, APRIL 21, NOYAN TAPAN. The Armenian delegation headed by RA
Police Chief Officer Haik Haroutiunian will also participate in the
regular sitting of the Interior Ministers’ Council of the CIS
countries to take place in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, on
April 21-22. Issues relating to development of future cooperation of
the Interior Ministries of the CIS states will be discussed during the
sitting. At the same time, the “Antiterror-2006” anti-terrorism
military exercises are held in Dushanbe, in which servicemen of
special detachments of the RA Police participate as well. During the
same days, the meeting of the Chairmen of Veterans’ Councils of
Interior Ministries of the CIS member states will take place in
Dushanbe for participating in which R.Babayan, the Chairman of the RA
Police Veterans Council left for Dushanbe in the staff of the RA
Police delegation. The RA Police delegation left for Dushanbe on April
20.

Today, Azerbaijan
April 20 2006

Nagorno Karabakh issue to be discussed at PACE’s summer session

20 April 2006 [19:18] – Today.Az

Nagorno Karabakh issue may be discussed at summer session of PACE,
said MP Eldar Ibrahimov, member of Azeri delegation to PACE.

PACE’s summer session will be held in Brussels on July 3 through 7.

MP said the delegation aims at putting on agenda the issue on
recognition of Armenia as an occupier country by OSCE.

“Still, we don’t have an idea on issues to be discussed at summer
session,” Mr Ibrahimov said.

Representatives of parliaments of 2-3 states shall sign up to put
this issue on agenda of summer session of PACE.

Turkey, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Central Asian countries are
going to support Azerbaijan’s cause.

“Last year we tried to raise Nagorno Karabakh issue at session in
Washington, but failed. Goran Lenmarker, PACE~R’ speaker on Nagorno
Karabakh, was also unwilling to raise this issue. This time we will
succeed,” Mr Ibrahimov told Trend.

URL:

Recording Artist Daniel Decker to Sing at Genocide Memorial

Emediawire (press release), WA
April 20 2006

International Recording Artist, Daniel Decker, to sing in Times
Square, Sunday April 23, 2006, 2-4 p.m. In commemoration of the 91st
Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Daniel is the lyricist for the
song ADANA.

Syracuse, NY (PRWEB) April 25, 2006 — Adolf Hitler is quoted as
saying, eight days before invading Poland in 1939, “Who today, after
all, speaks of the annihilation of the Armenians?” He was speaking
of being inspired by the 1915 genocide of 1.5 million Armenians
by the Ottoman Empire as he began his own systematic campaign of
destruction. Today, the Armenian genocide remains fresh and relevant
in the minds of Armenians around the world. American composer and
singer, DANIEL DECKER, seeks to help remind the world in an effort
to heal a nation, as well as build a bridge spanning time, history
and geography. His epic song “ADANA”, a collaboration with noted
Armenian composer Ara Gevorgian, recounts the tragic story of the
Armenian genocide, pairing Decker’s critically acclaimed lyrics with
Gevorgian’s rich musical landscape.

Decker will make a special appearance in Times Square, New York
City, April 23, 2006, 2 p.m. at the 21st Annual Armenian Genocide
Commemorative Program. Immediately following the performance, he will
leave for Sydney, Australia to perform in a special concert on April
29, 2006 with Ara Gevorgian and his 100 piece orchestra. “ADANA”
was first presented on April 23, 2005 in Yerevan, Armenia at the
official invitation of the Armenian Government to commemorate the
90th anniversary of the genocide at the Armenian genocide memorial
and was covered by news organizations around the world.

Said Decker, “I stand with the Armenian people are around the world on
this day to remember those whose lives were taken during the genocide
in the hopes that by telling the story, there will never be another
genocide.”

Armenian president wants “clearer” cooperation with EU

Mediamax news agency
20 Apr 06

Yerevan, 20 April: Armenian President Robert Kocharyan received a
delegation of the EU troika led by Austrian Secretary of State for
Foreign Affairs Hans Winkler in Yerevan today.

Kocharyan gave a positive assessment to the EU’s growing interest
in the South Caucasus and spoke about the importance of the final
adoption of Armenia’s Action Plan within the framework of the European
Neighbourhood Policy, the presidential press service told Mediamax
today.

The president said that this document will make future cooperation
between Armenia and the EU “clearer and more understandable”.

“We consider the Action Plan to be a clear reference point in our
relations, which will make it possible to implement more coordinated
and purposeful reforms,” Kocharyan said.

The Armenian president briefed the delegation of the EU troika on the
latest developments in the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict settlement and
Yerevan’s approaches to the development of regional cooperation and
energy security.

DELEGATION OF EU TROYKA TO ARRIVE IN YEREVAN ON APRIL 20

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 19 2006

YEREVAN, APRIL 19, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On April 20, the
delegation of the European Union Troyka led by State Secretary of
Austrian Foreign Ministry Hans Winkler will arrive in Yerevan within
the framework of the regional visit. As Noyan Tapan was informed from
RA Foreign Ministry Press and Information Department, Ambassadors of
Austria and Finland to Armenia, EU Special Representative to the South
Caucasus, representatives of the European Commission and EU Council
are included in the delegation as its members. During the stay in
Armenia the EU Troyka will meet with RA President, National Assembly
Speaker and Chairman of the Constitutional Court. The delegation’s
meeting with RA Foreign Minister V.Oskanian will take place in the
morning of April 20. Immediately after the meeting the joint press
conference of RA Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian and State Secretary
of Austrian Foreign Ministry Hans Winkler will be held at RA Foreign
Ministry press hall.

HIGH-RANKING RUSSIAN OFFICIAL VISITS ARMENIA

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
April 19 2006

Baku, April 18, AssA-Irada
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigori Karasin started his unexpected
visit to Yerevan on Tuesday. He is to hold talks with Armenian
officials as well as meet with the Russian ambassadors to Azerbaijan,
Georgia, Armenia and Turkey, Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency reported.

The gist of the discussions is not elaborated, but the
Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh will
undoubtedly be in spotlight.

The French co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group mediating settlement to
the long-standing dispute, Bernard Fassier, who has recently completed
his visit to the region, informed Karasin in Moscow of the outcome
of his talks in Baku and Yerevan.

EMBASSY OF ARGENTINA TO BE OPENED IN YEREVAN

A1+
[01:29 pm] 19 April, 2006

Vladimir Karmirshalyan, the Armenian Ambassador extraordinary and
plenipotentiary to Argentina has handed the copies of his credentials
to Jorge Tayano, the Minister of Foreign Relations, International
Trade and Religion of Argentina, and officially taken up his duties.

After the official ceremony the private conversation of the Minister
and the Ambassador took place.

The Minister congratulated the Ambassador on the appointment and
wished him success in his mission.

During the conversation the sides underlined the importance of
enhancing the relations between the countries. A reference was made
to a number of international and regional issues of mutual interest.

At the Minister’s request the Ambassador represented the relations
between Armenia and the countries of the region, and the process of
democratic reforms in the country.

During the meeting the sides also discussed issues about the opening
of the Embassy of Argentina in Yerevan.