Author: Hunanian Jack

August 22, 2007

Bombing in Boston

Abe Foxman’s Genocide Denial Road Show

By JOHN WALSH

It seemed innocuous enough at first. Watertown, a suburb of Boston,
sported a sign on the Town Hall, proclaiming the town a participant in
an anti-bigotry program "No Place for Hate." But one of the good
citizens of Watertown with libertarian inclinations objected that the
sign seemed like some kind of PC thought control. His objections set
in motion investigations by the town mothers and fathers into the
program. Lo and behold, it was sponsored by Abe Foman’s Jewish
Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

In itself this sponsorship might not be a problem, unless you are a
Muslim, an Arab or a Palestinian and know full well the ADL’s
positions on bigotry. But there are over 8000 Armenian-Americans in
Watertown, and the ADL has long denied that the Turkish massacre of
1.5 million Armenians from 1915 to 1923 amounted to genocide. Turkey
is of course an ally and arms purchaser of Israel’s, but the denial
antedates this alliance. A good friend of mine, an Israeli expatriate,
tells me that when he went to school in Israel, mention of the
Armenian genocide was verboten so as not to detract from the
"uniqueness" of the Jewish genocide under the Nazis and to maintain a
"monopoly on suffering," as he puts it. Shoah business does not like
the competition.

The whole matter in Watertown was given added urgency by a resolution
now pending in Congress calling on Turkey to recognize the Armenian
genocide. This resolution is supported by the Armenian community and
opposed by the national ADL.

Anger began to mount in Watertown and the citizens called on the city
mothers and fathers to withdraw from the ADL-sponsored program. (ADL
Dollars and awards flow to participating towns.) The Watertown Town
Council called a meeting which was packed with a lot of angry
Armenians. Regional ADL director Andrew Tarsey came to the meeting to
defend the ADL genocide denial, (as had the ADL’s national director,
Abe Foxman, in an interview with the Boston Globe,) and to call on the
town to stick with the "No Place for Hate" program. Tarsey was booed
out of the hall with hisses and catcalls. At that the town mothers and
fathers voted unanimously to quit the program, and at the cost of
overtime for two city workers the sign was gone before dawn.

Tarsey was unable to prevail with his genocide denial and couldn’t
move Foxman and the national ADL to reverse course. Tarsey then
reversed his position and agreed that Armenians had indeed endured a
genocide.They then cut through the Gordian Knot by firing Tarsey. Two
local ADL board members duly resigned in protest. The rest stood by
their man, Foxman. Tarsey is now hailed repeatedly as a "hero" by
local Jewish leaders. If armies were composed of such heroes, every
battle would culminate in mutual mass retreat. Notably and unusually,
the city of Watertown and its council were not labeled anti-semitic by
the ADL and its assorted acolytes. Even Alan Dershowitz did not raise
a peep. This seems to be a kind of sea change, and it may have
something to do with the Lobby’s weaker position now that it is more
widely seen. post Mearsheimer and Walt, as a principal instigator of
the disastrous war on Iraq.

At this point the Boston Jewish community was divided. Foxman was
under pressure, and Armenian-Americans from across the country were
getting involved. How to respond? With a big expensive newspaper ad of
course. And how did Foxman’s ad make his case? By blaming it on the
Jews! Specificially the Jews of Turkey whom Foxman and company claim
would be endangered by a change in the ADL position. But there have
been many reports of the tolerance shown to Jews in Turkey, as one
letter writer to the Boston Globe noted. The Foxman ad also let the
Israeli cat out of the bag, saying, "We are also aware that Turkey is
a key strategic ally and friend of the United States and a staunch
friend of Israel." (Some staunch friend if it were true that Turkey
was persecuting Turkish Jews. What a tangled web has been woven by
ADL.) But of course the ADL was only stating its long-time position
that Israel comes first ? way before any consideration of human
rights.

Two days ago, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston
(JCRC) known for its pro-Iraq war stance, its Iran bashing and its
opposition to Palestinian rights joined the fray. It sent out a letter
repudiating Foxmam’s genocide denial ? and claiming it recognized the
Armenian genocide long long ago ? in fact in 2005, although this
received scant notice until now. Let’s see; the genocide happened in
1915 and the JCRC recognized it in 2005 ? after the passage of 90
years. By that logic Holocaust denial should be OK for another 13
years.

Today Foxman and his national ADL, hastily joining the local ADL in
full retreat, have pronounced the Armenian slaughter is a genocide
after all. Upon reflection and with the help of that great
humanitarian, Elie Wiesel, who seems to be acting as a kind of Jewish
Billy Graham and who has never acknowledged the injustice done the
Palestinians, Foxman thinks that it was a genocide after all. (Of
course according to their newspaper ad of several days back this means
that the national ADL is now abandoning Turkish Jewry to a horrible
fate.) ADL was in fact founded in 1913 just before the onset of the
Armenian genocide, so ADL’s acknowledgement is not overly
hasty. Perhaps the ADL’s new slogan could be "Building on 100 years of
Genocide Denial."

But Foxman and company have not given up yet. National ADL still
refuses to support the Congressional resolution put forward by
Rep. Adam Schiff of California to recognize the Armenian
genocide. (ADL in fact has lobbied against the resolution.) But the
Armenian community is not buying it. Schiff wants ADL to support the
resolution. And Watertown Councilor Marilyn Pettito Devaney said that
she and others will accept nothing less than full ADL support for the
resolution. Meanwhile she said that she and others will lobby other
towns to pull out of the ADL’s bigoted, "anti-bigotry" No Place for
Hate" program. (You may want to look at that site to see whether you
can find any statement about the slow genocide being wrought on the
Palestinians.) This program is found in cities and towns all over the
United States. Do you have one in your town?

John V. Walsh can be reached at [email protected]. This story
continues to develop with Foxman making a personal visit to Beantown
today. CounterPunch will keep an eye on the situation as it unwinds.

7.html

PRESS RELEASE
Mashdots College
411 E. Acacia Avenue
Glendale, CA 91205
Contact Person: Sofi Boyle
Telephone: (818) 548-9345
Fax: (818) 548-9342
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: mashdotscollege.org

JOHNNY DER-YEGHIAYAN, ARMENIAN WORLD’S FASTEST RUNNER AND DOUBLE GOLD-MEDALIST

Johnny Der-Yeghiayan of La Verne, California, captured the hearts?of
thousands of Armenians gathered this week?in Yerevan from 94 cities of
the world to witness the 4th Pan Armenian Games. Not only his superb
athletic talents?captivated their attention, but he also won two gold
medals for the 100-meter and 200-meter track and field competition
edging well-known champions.?He represented Homenetmen’s Ararat
chapter.

Der-Yeghiayan was a premiere sprinter on the Point Loma Nazarene
University’s track and field team during his undergraduate years. As
the team’s MVP, he set personal records in the 100m, 200m and his
4x400m relay split earning bids to the NAIA Track and Field
Championships. He has participated in numerous national and
international competitions winning numerous gold medals.

Born in La Verne, California, Der-Yeghiayan says he grew up
skateboarding. From age five until he hit 13, he competed in numerous
competitions until rollerblading caught his interest. Der-Yeghiayan
was offered a sponsorship which he declined, and as high school
started, wrestling took over as his new love. In his weight class,
Der-Yeghiayan was undefeated for two seasons, but torn ligaments in
his ankle and the constant demands of making weight led him to look at
track for his next and final athletic endeavor.

Der-Yeghiayan, a devout Christian,?holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Youth Ministry and Church Music from Point Loma Nazarene University
and a Master’s degree in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary in
Pasadena. During his television?interviews in Armenia, he credited God
for his successes praising His name as the sole source for his
accomplishments.?Currently, he serves the Armenian Church of the
Nazarene in Pasadena as Youth Pastor. He is the son of Dr. Garbis and
Angela Der-Yeghiayan.

Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel. (202) 775-1918
Fax. (202) 775-5648
Email [email protected]
Internet

PRESS RELEASE
August 21, 2007
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918

ADL RECOGNIZES ARMENIAN GENOCIDE; REMAINS
OPPOSED TO ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION

— Sharp Reversal Comes in Wake of Nation-wide Protests

WASHINGTON, DC – The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), under pressure
from a national campaign of protests initiated by the Armenian
National Committee of Eastern Massachusetts, backed nationally by
the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), and supported by
leading voices in the Jewish American community, today reversed its
longstanding policy of complicity in Turkey’s denial of the
Armenian Genocide.

In a statement issued today, ADL National Director Abraham Foxman
formally recognized the Armenian Genocide but – in what appeared to
be a gesture intended to appease the Turkish government – voiced
the organization’s continued opposition to legislation before
Congress (H.Res.106 / S.Res.106) marking this crime against
humanity.

"The ANCA welcomes the Anti-Defamation’s League’s decision to
finally end its longstanding complicity in Turkey’s international
denial campaign by properly recognizing the Armenian Genocide. We
remain deeply troubled, however, that elements of its national
leadership seek to prevent the United States from taking this very
same principled step by adopting the Armenian Genocide Resolution
currently before Congress," said ANCA Executive Director Aram
Hamparian. "Much work remains, both in bringing the ADL fully to
the right side of this issue and on the broader challenge of
achieving proper U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide. But we
are, today, gratified by this step forward, and want to offer our
thanks to all the many Armenians and Jews who cooperated together
on this issue on the basis of our shared values of tolerance, truth
and justice."

The ADL’s actions come in the wake of a growing controversy
stemming from the decision last week by the Watertown,
Massachusetts Town Council to end its association with the ADL’s
"No Place for Hate" program due to the ADL’s denial of the Armenian
Genocide. This decision led to sharp divisions within the ADL,
with Foxman firing New England Regional Director Andrew Tarsy for
his public recognition of the Genocide, a move that precipitated
the resignations of two regional board members.

The ADL National’s heavy-handed response was greeted by a
groundswell of support by the Jewish American community for Tarsy
and for ADL National recognition of the Armenian Genocide and its
reaffirmation by Congress. The Boston Globe reported today that
"Nancy K. Kaufman, executive director of the Jewish Community
Relations Council of Greater Boston, e-mailed a letter yesterday to
some 40 prominent Jewish leaders in Massachusetts, asking them to
support the ousted director [Tarsy] and to recognize the genocide
against Armenians. . . Within hours of sending the letter, Kaufman
said that 11 groups had signed and that more were expected to do so
shortly."

Members of Congress also added their concerns about the ADL’s
Genocide denial and its effects on its credibility as a civil
rights organization. In a statement issued yesterday,
Congressional Armenian Genocide Resolution lead sponsor Adam Schiff
(D-CA) condemned Tarsy’s firing, stating that "this decision does
not reflect well on the organization and compound’s the error of
failing to speak candidly about the past with firing someone who
did." Rep. Schiff compared the move to the State Department’s
decision to fire former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans for
properly characterizing the Armenian Genocide."

Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) stated that "The Armenian Genocide is not an
historic dispute or a rhetorical argument over semantics. The
failure of the international community to deter and, if necessary,
stop genocide by use of force, has only served to embolden those
who seek to do evil. . . As a friend of the ADL, I encourage the
national organization to reconsider its position and recognize the
Armenian Genocide, and I also commend the New England region for
its principled decision on this important issue."

For a full listing of the press coverage this issue has received,
visit:

The Armenian Genocide resolution (H.Res.106), introduced on January
30th by Rep. Adam Schiff and spearheaded by Rep. George Radanovich
(R-CA), Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-
NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Rep. Brad
Sherman (D-CA) and Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), calls upon the
President to ensure that the foreign policy of the United States
reflects appropriate understanding and sensitivity concerning
issues related to human rights, ethnic cleansing, and genocide
documented in the United States record relating to the Armenian
Genocide. The measure currently has over 220 cosponsors, more
than 50% of the membership of the U.S. House. A similar resolution
in the Senate (S.Res.106), introduced by Assistant Majority Leader
Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) currently has 31
cosponsors, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and
presidential candidate Hillary Clinton (D-NY).

The complete text of the Abraham Foxman’s statement is provided
below.

#####

ADL Statement on the Armenian Genocide

New York, NY, August 21, 2007 … Abraham H. Foxman, National
Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today issued the
following statement:

In light of the heated controversy that has surrounded the Turkish-
Armenian issue in recent weeks, and because of our concern for the
unity of the Jewish community at a time of increased threats
against the Jewish people, ADL has decided to revisit the tragedy
that befell the Armenians.

We have never negated but have always described the painful events
of 1915-1918 perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire against the
Armenians as massacres and atrocities. On reflection, we have come
to share the view of Henry Morgenthau, Sr. that the consequences of
those actions were indeed tantamount to genocide. If the word
genocide had existed then, they would have called it genocide.

I have consulted with my friend and mentor Nobel Laureate Elie
Wiesel and other respected historians who acknowledge this
consensus. I hope that Turkey will understand that it is Turkey’s
friends who urge that nation to confront its past and work to
reconcile with Armenians over this dark chapter in history.

Having said that, we continue to firmly believe that a
Congressional resolution on such matters is a counterproductive
diversion and will not foster reconciliation between Turks and
Armenians and may put at risk the Turkish Jewish community and the
important multilateral relationship between Turkey, Israel and the
United States.

#####

Germany has no intention to co-chair OSCE Minsk Group on settlement

arminfo
2007-08-18 09:25:00

Germany has no intention to co-chair OSCE Minsk Group on settlement of
Karavbakh conflict, German Ambassador to Azerbaijan Per Stankina says
in an interview with APA.

Asked if Germany wants to become a co-chair, the Ambassador said:
`Certainly not. The Minsk Group is very active. But it can’t make the
policy. Politics have to be done by the residents of Azerbaijan and
Armenia. The Minsk group can only facilitate the process; can make
proposals, talk to both sides. But the decision must be made by the
governments of the two countries. And both countries are not yet ready
to take the decision.

The position of Germany on the issue is still the same. We respect the
borders of Azerbaijan.’

VARDAN OSGANYAN CONGRATULATES ARMENIAN OLYMPICS COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Panorama.am
20:25 17/08/2007

Today Vardan Osganyan presented a medal to Armenian Olympic Committee
members at a ceremony at the Foreign Ministry.

As informed by the ministry’s press service, those who have worked to
make the Fourth Armenian International Olympics a reality were honored,
including sports and youth minister Armen Grigoryan, the committee’s
vice-president Roland Sharoyan, Hrand Bardakchian (Montreal, Canada),
Stepan Der Bedrosian (Beirut, Lebanon), working committee member
Alfred Havan (Tehran, Iran), and Gary Balayan (Stepanakert, Karabakh).

AZERBAIJANI EXPERTS FOR NKR’S INVOLVEMENT INTO NEGOTIATIONS FOR SETTLEMENT OF KARABAKH CONFLICT

arminfo
2007-08-17 11:59:00

Azerbaijani experts are for involving Nagorny Karabakh into the
negotiation process.

Azerbaijani newspaper Zerkalo reports that South Caucasus Research
Center and Analitika.az website have recently organized another
closed Roundtable of experts devoted to Karabakh conflict. The
experts discussed the "Prospects of involving the Armenian community
of Nagorny Karabakh into the peace process and the role of popular
diplomacy in the settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict." The
source reports that the greatest part of the experts came out against
direct participation of Nagorny Karabakh representatives in the present
stage of peaceful negotiations as a conflicting party. However, all of
them, actually, allowed the ‘participation of the Armenian community
of Nagorny Karabakh in the peaceful negotiations after a political
agreement is signed on the interstate settlement of the conflict,
withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from the territory of Azerbaijan,
and release of all the occupied territories around NK.’

Most of the experts believe that Azerbaijan must discuss the future
final status of this territory only with representatives of the
Armenian community of Nagorny Karabakh. Discussion of the issue
with official Yerevan would mean recognition of Armenia’s right to
interfere into the domestic affairs of Azerbaijan. The experts think
that OSCE Minsk Group format and the stage-by-stage settlement-scheme
allow the participation of Nagorny Karabakh representatives in the
following stages of negotiations. The newspaper reports a transitional
status of Nagorny Karabakh is likely to be established to involve
the Armenian community representatives into the implementation of the
Great Political Agreement. Afterwards, if Nagorny Karabakh fulfills
the terms of the Great Political Agreement, official Baku may start
direct negotiations with leaders of the Armenian community of NK.

Some experts say that recognition of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity
must be the major condition for direct negotiations with the Armenian
community for determination of the final status of NK. Before this,
Azerbaijan can maintain the relations with the Armenian community
through the Interior Ministry or militaries to settle the cease-fire
and security-related issues.

At the same time, some experts propose taking advantage of Georgia’s
experience of the stick and the carrot policy, for instance, to restore
the NK Autonomous Region. This will allow granting an official status
of the Azerbaijani community of NK. Alongside with this, Azerbaijan
could express readiness to issue pensions and other benefits to the
Armenians citizens of Azerbaijan residing in the territory of Nagorny
Karabakh. As regards the use of popular diplomacy in the settlement
of such conflicts, the experts called it insufficient. In addition,
they came out for continuation of visits to NK and Armenia. Among
the participants in the Roundtable were such well-known politicians
as Rasim Musabekov, Zardusht Alizade, Arif Unusov, Alekper Mamedov
as others. The permanent spokesman of the Roundtable is political
observer of Zerkalo Rauf Mirkadirov.

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT CAUTIOUS ABOUT KARABAKH SETTLEMENT PROSPECTS – AIDE

Mediamax news agency
13 Aug 07

Yerevan, 13 August: Armenian president’s spokesman Viktor Soghomonyan
said today in the interview with Mediamax that "Armenian president’s
optimism regarding the perspectives of Karabakh settlement has become
even more cautious".

The president’s spokesman said this commenting at Mediamax’s request
on the current stage of the settlement and the statements of official
Baku that the process has reached a deadlock.

"It is difficult to give a definite assessment of the current stage
of talks. I would refrain from sharp definitions, especially as
the assessments of the negotiating sides regarding the process are,
as a rule, subjective.

At the same time, the facts show that the talks have not given any
results yet. For the Armenian side the reasons of such situation are
clear. It is the nonconstructive position of the Azerbaijani side
carried away by the illusion that it is possible to turn time back,
rewrite the history and return to the situation of 1988. The existence
of the Nagornyy Karabakh republic is a fait accompli, and it can’t
be a matter of haggling.

"That’s why, taking into account the nonconstructivity of the
Azerbaijani side, the Armenian president has repeatedly stated that his
optimism concerning the success of the talks was rather cautious. I
am afraid that today this optimism has become even more cautious,"
Viktor Soghomonyan said.

Commenting at Mediamax’s request on the Azerbaijani president’s recent
statements that the "Armenian side is insincere, tries to drag on
time and deceives the mediators" and "if the Armenian side gives up
the policy of occupation, the relations between Yerevan and Baku will
normalize, and Armenia will get more cooperating with Azerbaijan than
from foreign pittance," Viktor Soghomonyan said:

"Unfortunately, Mr. Aliyev had enough political will and courage
only to make another tactless statement. I will not comment on these
opuses in particular, I will only say that there are people who
think about Armenians and the future of Armenia and Nagornyy Karabakh
republic. Mr. Aliyev has better think about his own concerns".

DANIEL FRIED: WAR WILL DESTROY AZERBAIJAN’S FUTURE

armradio.am
09.08.2007 20:28

War will become a catastrophe for Azerbaijan’s future, US Assistant
Secretary Daniel Fried stated to the Azeri service of RFE/RL.

In response to the question whether the hope for the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict settlement has become less and whether the Presidents of
Armenia and Azerbaijan have missed such an opportunity, taking into
account the fact that soon in both countries presidential campaigns
will launch, Daniel Fried said, "I do not want to criticize, but I
think we all are disappointed.

The last meeting of Presidents did not produce any results that we
were expecting. There were good talks, I would even say a good dialog,
a certain progress was fixed." He expressed hope that "in a certain
stage the Presidents would find a common way to move forward."

"After all, it proceeds from the interests of all parties.

Azerbaijan’s future is vague until this problem is resolved," the
American diplomat underlined. He expressed assurance that the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict can be resolved exceptionally in a peaceful way. War
will destroy Azerbaijan’s future. Peaceful solution of the Karabakh
issue is the way to go through. We have passed such a way and I hope
we will reach the solution of the problem," Daniel Fried concluded.

ARMENIAN-IRANIAN COOPERATION IS COMPREHENSIVE – OSKANYAN

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Aug 9 2007

YEREVAN, August 9. /ARKA/. Armenian-Iranian cooperation is
comprehensive, Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan said Wednesday
in an interview with Huys (Hope) Iranian newspaper.

He said that cooperation between the two countries embraces transport,
trade, agriculture, science, education and culture areas, not only
energy sector.

The minister said that Armenia and Iran has established strong
friendly relations, which lay favorable ground for joint projects
implementation.

As an example of these projects, Oskanyan pointed out Iran-Armenia
gas pipeline construction.

The gas pipeline was opened on March 19, 2007. Both countries’
presidents were present at the opening ceremony.

"On the same day, the two countries’ energy ministers signed a
cooperation agreement on hydro electric plant construction on Arax
River. Other programs are under discussion now", Armenian foreign
minister said in his interview.

He stressed the importance of Armenian-Iranian intergovernmental
commission’s work.

Besides, Oskanyan expressed appreciation of the activity of Armenian
community in Iran and newly established Iran-Armenia friendship
union.

AN ARMENIAN SOLIDER DEFECTED TO THE AZERBAIJANI SIDE

Agency WPS
Defense And Security (Russia)
Source: Turan news agency (Baku), August 06, 2007
August 8, 2007 Wednesday

Private of the Armenian army, Ambartsum Asaturyan, crossed the
frontline and surrendered to the Azerbaijani party voluntarily,
reported an informed military source. The Baku office of the
international Red Cross committee confirmed this information adding
that it forwarded the relevant information to the state commission
for prisoners of war, hostages and missed in action. According to the
same source, the Red Cross is holding the relevant negotiations with
Azerbaijani authorities in the framework of its mandate. The accurate
place and time of the frontline crossing by the Armenian soldier is
not reported. The motives of the defection are also unknown.