Author: Hambardsumian Paul

Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan attended today the conference on “European Business Perspectives, obstacles and opportunities in Armenia” organized by the European Business Association.

Addressing the conference, the Prime Minister said “the government implements a continuous policy of making Armenia a more attractive country in terms of business environment. We have announced and are consistently implementing an “open doors” policy, applying almost no restriction on investment opportunities.”

He said the steps toward improvement of the business climate have been highly assessed by renowned international organizations. “We’re implementing a policy targeted at ensuring equal conditions for all. Foreign companies should feel comfortable and safe in Armenia,” the Prime Minister said.

According to him, Armenia can serve a bridge between the Eurasian Economic Union and the EU member states. “Another opportunity is the Framework Agreement on Trade and Investment signed between the Republic of Armenia and the United States, which creates favorable conditions for investments and promotion of commodity turnover between the two countries,” the PM added.

“We attach great importance to investment programs with a view of creating new jobs and attracting new investments by offering a broad framework of privileges to entrepreneurs,” Hovik Abrahamyan stated.

Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Piotr Switalski said “EU wants to work more closely with businesses and propose concrete steps to improve the business and investment climate.

German public broadcaster ZDF said Wednesday that a Turkish television channel has ended a partnership with it over Germany‘s decision to officially designate the Ottoman killings of Armenians during World War I as genocide, e reports.

Turkey‘s Kanal D will no longer show the ZDF children‘s news segment “logo!” due to numerous complaints from viewers about last month‘s Bundestag decision, which at the time prompted Turkey to recall its ambassador to Berlin and summon the German envoy to Ankara.

Starting from July 15, 2016 Ukraine International Airlines will be operating 14 flights a week instead of current 7 on the direction Kyiv-Yerevan-Kyiv, Press Service of the Armenia International Airports CJSC reports.

This destination has recently started to become more popular especially for passengers, who have chosen Europe as their final destination.

– The Committee Against Racism and Discrimination of the Human Rights Association of Turkey, Istanbul branch, sent a letter to the Consul General of Germany in Istanbul, expressing gratitude regarding the German Parliament’s historic vote on June 2 recognizing the Armenian Genocide. The letter also denounces the racist announcements by Turkish government officials, the media, and members of society.

Below is the letter sent by the Committee Against Racism and Discrimination of the Human Rights Association of Turkey Istanbul branch:

Consulate General of the German Federal Republic İnönü Caddesi No. 10
Gümüşsuyu
Istanbul

June 8, 2016

Dear Dr. Georg Birgelen, Consul General of Germany,

As the Human Rights Association, Istanbul Branch, Committee Against Racism and Discrimination, we address you this letter to denounce and express shame for the extremely racist verbal and written attacks by the Turkish authorities, the media, and various nationalist elements of society, against Germany and the German people, following the German Parliamentary decision that recognizes the Armenian Genocide.

German Members of Parliament (MP) of Turkish origin have been labeled traitors following the vote, with some—including Cem Özdemir—receiving death threats.

As human rights defenders and activists against racism, we appreciate the fact that the German state has condemned the Holocaust by all means, created places for Holocaust memorialization in all areas of life, variously memorialized the crimes of the Nazi regime, established an educational system that insists on historical truth rather than denialist history, and made these permanent as state policy. On Dec. 7, 1970, German Chancellor Willy Brandt kneeled before the Warsaw Ghetto Memorial and apologized to the Jewish people, thereby vividly demonstrating to the world what states must do with regard to crimes against humanity. Without a doubt, Germany was able to arrive at this point as a result of the endless efforts of human rights defenders, thinkers and writers, politicians, and all influential individuals of the public sphere. For we see every single day how difficult it is both for the state and for society to rid themselves of all kinds of racism. It is moreover impossible for a crime against humanity such as genocide to be atoned for, restituted, or redressed; nevertheless, all steps in this direction are conditions of being a society, and being human.

A natural, if belated, consequence of this state policy, the German Parliamentary decision of June 2, 2016 is exemplary in showing the approach that the world must take with regard to crimes against humanity committed by states, in that in its decision to “remember and commemorate the genocide against Armenians and other Christians in the period 1915-16,” it has not only recognized the premeditated, systematic genocide perpetrated in Anatolia and Asia Minor, but also clearly stated that Germany was also responsible.

Opposed to this exemplary stance is the attitude in Turkey, which condones the crime. The insults and discourses of racial hatred directed toward Germany, German MPs, and the German people, as well as the actions in which such discourses were used, constitute crimes in the countries that enforce the standards of international law. Even more extreme racist insults and threats against German MPs of Turkish origin lay bare the dire situation in Turkey in terms of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

As human rights defenders in Turkey, we see these attacks by state authorities, the media, and nationalists as evidence that these crimes against humanity can always recur in this country. We believe that these discourses and actions are attacks on the will of elected representatives, on democracy, human rights, and universal law, not only in Germany but in all countries who have taken or will take a stance against the official view in Turkey.

We thus salute the German Parliament on the occasion of its decision and announce to the public opinion in your country that we deem the hatred and hostility against Germany and the German people to be hostility toward democracy and human rights.

Yours sincerely,

Human Rights Association, Istanbul Branch Committee Against Racism and Discrimination

The Human Rights Association (HRA) is a non-governmental and independent voluntary organization. Founded by 98 human rights activists in 1986. The Association today has 28 branches, 4 representation offices, and 10,938 members. The oldest and largest human rights association in Turkey, the HRA’s sole and explicit objective is to work for human rights and freedoms. 

Turkey has no levers to exert pressure on Germany, and the threats to take measures over Bundestag’s vote on Armenian Genocide are not serious, Director of the Oriental Studies Institute of the Armenian National Academy of Sciences Ruben Safrastyan said in an interview with .

He said Turkey itself depends on Germany economically and militarily, and the only thing Ankara can do is to use the migrants deal as a tool for “blackmail.”  He said, however, it cannot be a serious threat, either, considering that Turkey also depends on the EU, as it’s expected to get billions for the deal.

Speaking about the Bundestag resolution on Armenian Genocide, Safrastyan said “it’s of great importance for Armenia,” but added that the Armenian side should be able to make correct use of it.”

“The Bundestag vote has resulted in an establishment of a new atmosphere in Europe as regards the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide. “It’s no coincidence that the Czech President has pledged to do his best reach Armenian Genocide recognition in his country,” the political scientist said. He’s confident many European countries will follow Bundestag’s example. Besides, he said, the Armenian Genocide will be included in school programs across Europe.

Ruben Safrastayn excluded any link between the Bundestag vote on Armenian Genocide and Turkey’s actions in Syria.

“Turkey pursues concrete goals in Syria – to get rid of Assad’s administration, strengthen its influence in the country by supporting certain terrorist groups and strike a blow to Kurds and create an atmosphere of fear among the Armenian population. The recent escalatioin in Aleppo is connected with the fact that the Al-Nusra Front, which is said to have close ties with the special services in Turkey, has recently received a huge amount of weapons from that country. There are even reports on representatives of Turkish special forces fighting in the ranks of the terrorist group,” Safrastyan added.

The political scientist called attention to the fact that Al-Nusra is targeting not only Syrian Army positions, but also Armenian-populated neighborhoods in Aleppo.

Referring to today’s blast that killed at least 11 in Istanbul, Safrastyan said “Turkey is getting what it deserves.”

Ruben Melikyan, Ombudsperson of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (Artsakh Republic) has sent a letter to Kersten Steinke Parliamentary Ombudsperson, Head of Bundestag Petitions Committee. The letter reads:
“Dear Ms. Steinke,

As the ombudsperson of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), I would like to express my gratitude for Germany’s decision to recognize the Armenian Genocide.
The decision of the Bundestag means very much to us. We realize that the only reason behind this decision is Germany’s faith in justice and commitment to universal values. For many years, we had the impression that the Turkish lobby in Germany was so strong that they would always be able to block such recognition. However, your nation proved in the best possible way that no one is able to conceal grave crimes or silence the truth in Germany. And that Human Rights have no borders – neither in time nor in space.

Back in 1915, Germany was in alliance with the Ottoman Empire, and many eyewitnesses of the horrible atrocities against Armenians were German nationals that happened to be assigned for duty in Turkey. Consequently, a significant part of the historical data proving the fact of the Armenian Genocide is kept in the German archives.

Dear Madam,

Unfortunately, during the recent years, the world is undergoing through another phase of turbulence and instability. I believe that six years ago, no one would predict the variety of conflicts and crises that we are facing now, and some currently predict more challenges for democracy ahead, inter alia because of the slow economic growth around the world. Nowadays, our duty is to put a maximum effort for strengthening human rights protection in our counties. I myself serve a young democracy that is committed to the European values. We deem our duty to uphold the European standards of human rights and democracy. For that reason, I would very much appreciate your cooperation in bringing the best practices of human rights protection to Nagorno-Karabakh.

Because of the conflict with Azerbaijan, we lack the presence of international NGOs and human rights watchdogs in our country. But we firmly believe that the presence of NGOs and third party observers in Nagorno-Karabakh would not only strengthen our democracy, but also facilitate the resolution of the conflict. We keep alarming the international community about the violations of the ceasefire by Azerbaijan. Less than two months ago, we even witnessed an all-out armed aggression by the Azerbaijani forces, which, if succeeded, would definitely result in another genocide or ethnic cleansing of the Armenians. We even had a number of ISIS-style war crimes committed by Azerbaijani soldiers during the war (see ).

However, there is no third party present here to confirm independently these crimes, which leaves room for speculations and uncertainty. If we had international non-governmental observers, none of these crimes and belligerent actions would remain unconfirmed, and none of the conflict parties would seek a military solution to the conflict, and this would considerably foster the peace process.

Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to you, as a member of Bundestag and the parliamentary ombudsperson, for your historic resolution. Danke, Deutschland!”

Today, President Serzh Sargsyan together with His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II visited the Victory Park in Yerevan and accompanied by the veterans, the highest commanding staff of the RA Armed Forces, high level state officials, representatives of the Freedom Fighters NGOs, representatives of the diplomatic corps laid a wreath at the tribute of the Unknown Warrior. On the occasion of the victory in WWII and anniversary of the liberation of Shushi, the President of Armenia paid tribute to the memory of the heroes who fell defending their Fatherland in the name of peace.

Together with the participants of the event, Serzh Sargsyan viewed the march with the participation of the units of the RA Armed Forces, RF border control units, regiments of the ceremonial troops, cadets of the V. Sarkissian Military Institute and students of the M. Melkonian Sport and Military School.

Later, the President of Armenia visited the field kitchen traditionally opened at Victory Park on the occasion of May 9 Holiday. He congratulated the veterans gathered at the tent around the dinner table and conversed with them on the issues of their interest.

By Frank J. Perez

Denying acts of genocide is morally irresponsible and dangerous, especially when it becomes entrenched in a country’s fabric. This is the case with Turkey. For over a century it has buried the truth about the Armenian Genocide, while attempting to persuade the world that a charnel house was never built nor occupied on its land.

An ad in last week’s Mercury News was an effort to perpetuate the falsehoods and dissuade inquiry into Turkey’s dark history. But indisputable facts underscore what scholars have declared was the 20th century’s first genocide.

The Armenian experience within the Ottoman Empire, as Turkey was formerly called, was one of marginalization, persecution and violence.

A Christian minority living in a Muslim country, Armenians historically lacked political clout and protection. Extortion by corrupt tax collectors, land theft and government-sanctioned kidnapping of young Armenian boys for military service and of young girls for satisfying war-weary soldiers was common.

Far removed from Istanbul — then the seat of power — Armenian enclaves formed in eastern Anatolia. Angry over their status as second-class citizens, dissident voices called for rebellion in the 1890s. The short-lived revolt was silenced by Kurdish mercenaries hired by the empire’s leader, Sultan Abdul Hamid II. The killings, known as the Hamidian Massacres, resulted in over 200,000 deaths.

In 1908, the sultan’s rule ended with the arrival of the Committee on Union and Progress, or Young Turks, a political party that proclaimed, “A Turkey for Turks.” Nationalism was to eclipse ethnic divisions and religious differences. For once it seemed, Armenians would stand as equals on Turkish soil.

But when World War I erupted along the Eastern Front, inclusion gave way to exclusion, and later genocide.

The Young Turks blamed the country’s loses in battle on the Armenian soldiers within the ranks. Consorting with the enemy – Russia – was the charge. Stripped of weapons, the dishonored troops were assigned to work battalions. The government then extended condemnation to all Armenians, paving the way for a bloodbath.

On April 24, 1915, more than 200 Armenian intellectuals were rounded up and hanged. Sunday marked the anniversary, and for the 101 years since, Turkey has tried to stop the bleeding that pours from historically accepted versions of the truth.

The hangings led to systematic executions of Armenian community leaders and able-bodied men. Towns and villages were then liquidated, as their inhabitants were led on death marches. Ripped away from parents, children were “adopted” by Turkish families that changed their identities and often forced them into servitude. Indiscriminate rape was wielded as a weapon.

Nearly 60 percent of the Armenian population — 1.5 million — perished at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. While the United Nations’ Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the accepted definition of genocide, didn’t exist in 1915, the historical record is clear that the Turkish government was complicit in genocidal acts.

Unlike Germany, Turkey has never acknowledged its blood-stained past. Denial is championed, while voicing culpability is criminalized.

Sadly, President Obama bolstered Turkey’s impunity once again, omitting the word genocide from a recent statement commemorating the events of 1915. Voters could change that by urging their representatives to pass House Resolution 154, a proposal calling upon the president to make Turkey finally own up.

The final destination for Armenians who survived the death marches was the Syrian desert, where their perpetrators forced them into a circular pattern. Walking aimlessly, thousands died.

Their sun-bleached bones dot the arid terrain still today — a reminder of lives lost and an exclamation point on the truth.

Frank J. Perez of Hollister is a world history teacher at San Benito High School who teaches about the Armenian Genocide and has developed an entire unit on genocide.

The Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute (AGMI) has acquired an exceptional original photo of the heroic battle of Van, AGMI Director Hayk Demoyan informs in a Facebook post.

The photo presents the participants of the battle of April 2015 and the cannons confiscated from the Turkish regular army on these days 101 years ago.

The photo taken by an American missionary doctor in Van was once published in the American press, but the original photo had long been considered lost.

 

The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs will arrive in Nagorno Karabakh by the end of the day to contribute to the de-escalation of violence, TASS reports, quoting a source in the OSCE.

The visit aims to “establish dialogue with the political leadership of Armenia and Azerbaijan with a view of ensuring the return of all parties to the conflict to the negotiating table.”