Author: Kanayan Tamar

BUILT DURING THE HAMIDIAN MASSACRES, SUNK DURING THE GENOCIDE

ARMENIA, COMMUNITY, HISTORY | MARCH 20, 2013 5:25 PM

By Tigran Kalaydjian

NICOSIA, Cyprus – The fact that SS Armenian once sailed the high
seas and worked the cargo routes of the North Atlantic is news to
most people, including Armenians.

Built as a freighter, the SS Armenian was a valuable transportation
vessel in the profitable cargo service that existed between Great
Britain and North America at the turn of the 20th century. The exact
location of its final resting place remained a mystery until 2008,
when its wreck was discovered off the western coast of England and
it was seen for the first time since World War I.

For a ship born during the Hamidian massacres, it was perhaps
inevitable that it would meet its doom in that darkest of years –
1915 – at the same time as the people with whom she shared her name
were being slaughtered.

The SS Armenian was built in 1895 by Harland & Wolff, the Belfast
shipyard that would later become famous for making the legendary trio
Titanic, Olympic and Britannic. The vessel was 156 meters long and
had a displacement of 8,825 tons.

The ship was launched on November 25, 1895 as the SS Indian for
Frederick Leyland & Co, but wasn’t delivered until September of the
following year, by which time it had been renamed the SS Armenian.

With very little contact between Great Britain and a nation called
Armenia, the clue behind the sudden name change lies in the events
inundating the British press throughout 1895. During this time, the
sultan and the ruling elite of the Ottoman Empire were diligently
putting into action their final solution to the ‘Armenian Question,’
a solution which required the destruction of the empire’s Armenian
minority as a cohesive unit and its dispersal throughout the country.

This policy involved forced assimilation, the settling of Turks in
Armenian-populated regions, the incitement of Moslem fanatics and
Kurdish militias to commit atrocities against unarmed Armenians and a
plan of organized, indiscriminate killing of men, women and children
by the sultan’s military.

Starting in the late summer of 1894, the massacres of Armenians had
gradually grown in scale and reach, eventually encompassing several
large provinces in the east of the empire.

In October 1895, reports of the slaughter of hundreds of Armenian
men in the town of Erzurum provoked shock and indignation across
the world. Newspaper articles regularly depicted the sultan as a
bloodthirsty tyrant, a butcher of women and children, and sympathy for
the Armenians was widespread. Leading newspapers such as the Times,
Morning Post, Daily News, New York Times and Le Petit Parisien
published articles and editorials by prominent public figures
condemning the Turkish crimes.

Eyewitness accounts brought home the magnitude of the massacres,
filling the public both in Europe and America with disgust and anger.

One account sent by a Catholic prelate stationed in Western Armenia
described a typical scene: “Over the whole province the work of
destruction has been pursued, every town, every hamlet having been
given over to pillage and murder. The inhabitants who have been
spared have been stripped of everything of use or value. Those who
fled from the doomed districts were pursued and cut down mercilessly,
without regard to age or sex, by the barbarous Turks. The bodies of
many children and young girls lie under the charred debris of the
ruined homes.”

By 1896, close to 300,000 innocent lives had been lost throughout
the Armenian highlands.

In a speech delivered in Liverpool that year, former UK Prime Minister
William Gladstone protested vehemently against the atrocities and
called for resolute action by the European powers against the Turks.

Against this background, there is little doubt that the unremitting
suffering of the Armenians would have been ingrained in the
consciousness of the wider British public.

With the constant flow of news reports causing outrage and clamors
for justice, it is understandable why the people behind the building
of the SS Armenian would choose to rename the vessel. It may have
been a small but significant gesture, an expression of solidarity
with the Armenian people in their hour of torment and agony.

Fitted out with stables to transport horses, the SS Armenian commenced
its maiden voyage from Liverpool to Boston on September 28, 1896.

Three years later the ship was contracted by the British authorities
to serve as a transport in the Boer War, and in 1901, it was used to
transport 963 Boer prisoners of war to Bermuda.

After the war, in March 1903, the ship’s management was taken over
by the White Star Line – the same company that would come to operate
the RMS Titanic just a few years later – and it resumed its cargo
service between Liverpool and New York.

In 1910, it was repainted in the distinctive Leyland insignia –
a pink funnel with a black top.

The Armenian completed its peacetime assignment in March 1914, before
being briefly laid up prior to its deployment as a horse transport
during World War I. Although not fitted as a passenger vessel, it
was used to transport the Grenadier Guards, an infantry regiment of
the British armed forces, to Belgium on the October 7, 1914.

The SS Armenian began its final voyage in June 1915 with 175 men
onboard. It was chartered to carry a cargo of 1,422 mules from the
US to Bristol, England. The animals were intended as replacements
for the horses that had been lost in the fighting in France.

At around 6:30 p.m. on June 28, while heading northeast off Trevose
Head, Cornwall, a watchman on the Armenian sighted a German submarine.

In what proved to be an erroneous decision, Captain James Trickey
ordered the ship ahead full-steam in an attempt to outrun the U-boat,
which turned out to be the U-24. The captain was signaled to stop
and surrender after two shots were fired across the ship’s bow, but
he refused. The U-boat’s commander, Rudolf Schneider, then opened
fire with the deck gun, scoring several hits on the Armenian, one
shot taking out the Marconi room.

After more than a dozen men lay dead or injured on the deck, Trickey
finally agreed to surrender. Much to his surprise, he and the crew
were treated well by the Germans from that point on. With several
lifeboats damaged from the shelling, they were allowed to take the
remaining boats and make for the Cornish coast. The Armenian was then
sunk by two torpedoes fired into its stern. It went down in minutes.

The survivors were picked up the following day by the Belgian steam
trawler President Stevens. Four of the injured died before they could
be rescued.

29 men lost their lives, including 19 Americans. The Armenian needed
hands to tend to the mules, so many of the 175 men onboard were
muleteers who had been hired at Newport News, Virginia, before
sailing. Of the 29 fatalities, 12 were muleteers who refused to
abandon the animals and preferred to go down with the ship. Most of
the victims were African Americans.

Following the sinking of the RMS Lusitania 52 days earlier, in which
more than 100 Americans lost their lives, the sinking of the Armenian
caused a second crisis between Germany and the US, as the majority of
the men who died were again American. Much was made in the press of
this fact, with both the British and French papers doing their best
to fan the flames of anti-German sentiment in the US, with the hope
of drawing America into the war.

While the propaganda war raged in the newspapers, President Woodrow
Wilson considered the Armenian incident before making any official
pronouncements, preferring to wait until the investigation was over.

His procrastination proved expedient. The ship was undeniably
engaged in the transportation of contraband to England – work animals
destined for the Allied armies fighting in France – and this made it
a legitimate target according to most experts.

Even though the accepted rules of engagement regarding the sinking
of merchant ships in wartime required a ‘stop and search’ approach,
it was established that not all U-boat commanders obeyed these rules.

However, the investigation found that Rudolf Schneider had indeed
tried to stop the ship before opening fire with the deck gun. It
is likely that had Trickey complied with the order to stop, the SS
Armenian would have been spared.

The furor caused by the sinking of the Armenian eventually abated
because of the circumstances surrounding the event, and the US did
not declare war on Germany until April 1917.

In 2002, amateur divers claimed they had discovered the wreck of the
SS Armenian, but their claim was proven incorrect (the wreck was of
the auxiliary cruiser HMS Patia.)

The SS Armenian was finally located and identified by wreck hunter
and archaeologist Innes McCartney in 2008. The discovery was featured
on the History Channel in an episode of Deep Wreck Mysteries titled,
“Search for the Bone Wreck.”

The ship sits upright in 95 meters of water, 45 miles from the reported
location given by the British crew at the time of the sinking. A
mass of animal bones was found inside the ship, a testament to the
hundreds of animals whose deaths were but a minor statistic in a
global conflagration that claimed millions of lives and provided ideal
cover for the commission of one of mankind’s greatest ever crimes –
the Armenian Genocide.

(Tigran Kalaydjian is the author of Sentinel of Truth: Gourgen Yanikian
and the Struggle Against the Denial of the Armenian Genocide [2012.])

AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT: “ARMENIA HAS NEITHER CAPACITY, NOR HUMAN RESOURCES, NOR WILL, NOR POWER TO COMPETE WITH AZERBAIJAN”

APA
March 20 2013
Azerbaijan

We can never allow a second contrived Armenian state be created on
the native Azerbaijani lands for the second time

Baku-APA. “The most painful issue for our country – the
Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, unfortunately, can not
find a solution. The main reason for this is unconstructive position
of Armenia and somewhat indifference of intermediaries, despite the
fact that sounded fairly strong statement”, – Azerbaijani President
Ilham Aliyev said in his speech on time festivities on the occasion
of Novruz holiday.

“In fact, no action is taken. Armenia, of course, interested in
as long as possible to keep it this way – the position of neither
peace nor war. But we can not agree with it. All the steps taken to
address this issue should be based on the standards international law
“, said President Ilham Aliyev.

“Azerbaijan year by year strengthens but Armenia every year weakens.

According to their own statistics, the annual leaving from Armenia
is at least 100,000 people. Azerbaijan does not allow on their lands
contrived second Armenian state. Armenian state was founded on the
historical Azerbaijani lands. Erivan khanate, Zangezur, Goyche – all
our historical lands. While we have a preference for diplomatic ways.

At the same time, build up their strength. Armenia to hold aloof from
all regional programs. Isolated them from all projects. This policy
will continue. They do not have the capacity or the human resources
nor the will nor the power to compete with Azerbaijan. Today,
Azerbaijan – a strong state. Politically, economically, from all
points of view. Azerbaijan shows and will demonstrate its strength,
“- said the Head of State

AZERBAIJAN TURNS TO INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF RED CROSS OVER TRANSFER OF ARMENIAN CITIZENS

Trend, Azerbaijan
March 19 2013

The State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons
appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in
connection with the transfer of Armenian citizens detained while
crossing the contact line between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops,
ICRC Baku Office’s Public Relations Department head Ilaha Huseynova
told Trend on Tuesday.

She said the ICRC will fulfil its mission on the transfer of the
Armenian citizens in accordance with a mandate.

The Azerbaijani Armed Forces detained two Armenian citizens who were
crossing the border between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the
Azerbaijani Defence Ministry said earlier.

Resident of the village of Doveh in the Noyemberyan region, Karian
Durmush was detained on March 16 at 16:50 as well as resident of the
village of Aygovid, in the Ijevan region Anaid Shamazasovna on March
17 at 16:20 while crossing the border between Azerbaijani and Armenian
troops while heading towards the Azerbaijani Gazakh region.

The detainees have been handed over to the State Commission on
Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons. At present, the cause
of the incidents are being examined.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian
armed forces have occupied 20 per cent of Azerbaijan since 1992,
including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The
co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group – Russia, France and the U.S. – are
currently holding peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council’s four
resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the
surrounding regions.

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT SEES NO POINT IN RECOGNIZING NAGORNO-KARABAKH

, Turkey
March 19 2013

Sargsyan commented on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the resolution
process at a press conference on Tuesday.

World Bulletin / News Desk

The President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said on Tuesday in the
Armenian capital Yerevan, it would not bring any benefit for Armenia
to recognize occupied Nagorno-Karabakh.

Sargsyan commented on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the resolution
process at a press conference on Tuesday.

When reminded about the requests in the Armenian public opinion towards
“recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh’s independence,” Sargsyan stated that
“it would not bring any benefit for Armenians neither in Armenia nor
in Karabakh.”

Sargsyan noted that the recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh’s independence
would halt the resolution process led by the Minsk Group of the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for over
20 years.

“This step could hit the co-chair countries in the Minsk group like
a slap in the face. If a war breaks out, we cannot fight against the
whole world. Such a decision would ruin our weight in the international
area. Our citizens would not probably benefit from it,” said Sargsyan.

Sargsyan added that recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh’s independence
is possible only if Azerbaijan starts a war.

ARMENIAN EX-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE SPEAKS OF SUPPORTERS’ ‘GOOD PROPOSALS’

TERT.AM
20:53 ~U 20.03.13

Garegin Chugaszyan and Zhirair Sefilyan are presenting good proposals,
Heritage party Chairman Raffi Hovannisian stated at the 4th meeting
of the civil council in Freedom Square.

He intends to elaborate on the issue at a rally after the council’s
10th meeting, scheduled for next weekend.

Mr Hovannisian is unaware of the Armenian authorities’ official
statements. “I responded to Mr Sargsyan’s statements yesterday, and
there is no need for any comments now. I am going to say everything
at the Friday rally,” Mr Hovannisian said.

“For many years President Sargsyan has mixed himself with the state,
the population, Garegin Nzhdeh and he must be held responsible for
this. The population won the February 18 presidential election,
and we must translate this victory into reality. Let them have the
dignity to come of Freedom Square and see the people’s qualities,”
Mr Hovannisian said.

He, his supporters and Armenia’s people are one force. “The authorities
will turn into minority because the people will come to power,”
Mr Hovannisian said.

The civil council is to hold its 5th meeting in Freedom Square,
with Heritage Vice-Chairman Armen Martirosyan and party member David
Sanasaryan to conduct the meeting.

THE ONLY RESPONSIBLE PARTY FOR LACK OF PROGRESS IN NEGOTIATION PROCESS OF NAGORNO- KARABAKH CONFLICT IS AZERBAIJAN. EDWARD NALBANDIAN

19:35, 20 March, 2013

YEREVAN, MARCH 20, ARMENPRESS: Azerbaijan is the only responsible
party for lack of progress in the Karabakh negotiation process and
for maintenance of the status quo. The international community and
Co-Chairs are well aware of this, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward
Nalbandian said. As reports Armenpress, Minister Nalbandian responded
to the Armenian News-NEWS.am question regarding Azerbaijani officials’
claims that Armenia is responsible for the status quo and Yerevan
must make unilateral concessions.

“If Azerbaijan is in fact interested in changes in status quo, they
should have given consent to the proposals of the Co-Chairs instead
of rejecting them over the last few years.

Of course, Armenia and Azerbaijan cannot be rivals in the fields
of democracy, tolerance, human rights, economic freedom, freedom
of expression and media as well as other fundamental aspects of our
society. The logic and orientation of our states and societies are
oppositely different,” he said.

The Minister noted that Azerbaijan is strengthening authoritarian
regime, while Armenia is strengthening democracy. It is clearly seen
in the assessments and rankings issued by the international agencies.

“There is a huge difference between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” he said.

Azerbaijani officials believe they can buy reputation, friends, and
erect monuments, push forward questionable resolutions and present
this to the Azerbaijani society as an achievement and as proof of
high reputation.

“It is not the money and caviar that helps to build international
reputation. We have recently witnessed what happened with not less
rich and self-confident authoritarian regimes,” Nalbandian added.

ENP COUNTRY PROGRESS REPORT 2012 – ARMENIA

11:31, March 21, 2013

The European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for
Foreign Affairs and Security Policy published on 20 March 2013 the
annual “neighbourhood package”, consisting of a joint communication
(“Towards a Stronger Partnership”) making an assessment of the ENP
implementation in 2012, a report on the “Partnership for Democracy and
Shared prosperity” with Southern Mediterranean, an Eastern Partnership
progress report, 12 country reports (on developments in 2012 and with
a set of recommendations for the future), including one on Armenia,
and a statistical annex.

There was intensified EU-Armenia political dialogue in 2012.

Significant progress was registered in negotiations of an EU-Armenia
Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade
Area. Armenia continued to implement sound macro-economic policies
and structural reforms. It further progressed also towards meeting
the objectives of the Action Plan in the area of poverty reduction
and social cohesion. While 2012 Parliamentary election and February
2013 Presidential election was generally transparent and there
was a serious effort to address issues related to human rights and
fundamental freedoms, further work needs to be done, especially in
the implementation and enforcement of legislation.

Armenia addressed some of the key recommendations contained in the
last year’s ENP progress report. It prepared a roadmap to improve
the electoral process, adopted a National Human Rights Strategy and
took some measures to fight corruption, to reform the judiciary and
public administration, and to advance sectoral reforms and regulatory
approximation to the EU acquis. Progress is needed also on other
key recommendations. On the basis of this year’s report and with a
view to sustained implementation of the ENP Action Plan in 2013,[1]
Armenia is invited to:

Further address the shortcomings identified by the OSCE/ODIHR
concerning the May 2012 parliamentary elections and February 2013
presidential elections, by implementing all OSCE/ODIHR recommendations,
including changes to the legislative framework after the presidential
elections.

Fully investigate the deaths that occurred during clashes following the
March 2008 presidential elections and the allegations of ill-treatment
in police custody and violation of due process.

Step up efforts with Azerbaijan to reach agreement on the Madrid
Principles, in accordance with the commitments made by the Presidents
of Armenia and Azerbaijan within the Minsk Group.

Ensure unimpeded access to representatives of the EU to Nagorno
Karabakh and surrounding regions in support of conflict transformation
activities in full complementarity with the Minsk Group activities.

Promote an environment conducive to progress in conflict settlement,
encourage and support related peace-building activities.

Ensure implementation of the National Human Rights Strategy, formulate,
adopt and implement the related Action Plan.

Adopt amendments to the legislation on broadcasting in compliance
with the recommendations of the OSCE and the Council of Europe,
and ensure pluralism in the broadcasting media.

Finalize the draft law on Conscience and Religious Freedoms, in
line with international standards, as well as the legislation on
alternative civilian service, in conformity with Venice Commission
and OSCE recommendations.

Adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, including further
steps leading to the harmonization of legislation with the EU acquis
in the areas of gender equality and non-discrimination.

Intensify the prevention of and the fight against corruption, including
implementation of laws adopted in 2012 and reinforcement of capacities,
independence and transparency of the State Commission on the Ethics
of High-Ranking Officials.

Strengthen the implementation of governance reforms, including measures
to reform the law enforcement and judicial sectors (especially to
increase public trust in and the independence of the judiciary, improve
the training of judges and review the code of criminal procedure).

Continue the reform of public administration, in particular through
strengthening merit-based career and pay paths in the civil service,
strengthening institutional capacity of local governments and
continuing with reform of the public finance management sphere.

Continue to advance sectoral reforms and regulatory approximation
to the EU acquis in trade and trade-related areas, in parallel to
the ongoing negotiations on a DCFTA, in particular in the areas of
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, Technical Barriers to Trade,
Intellectual Property Rights and Customs.

Enhance efforts to provide for a competitive economic environment,
including through improvements in contract enforcement, ease of paying
taxes and trading across borders.

Work towards the earliest possible closure of the Medzamor nuclear
power plant and adopt a detailed decommissioning plan for this plant,
taking into account the result of the 2012 stress tests report.

Reforms initiated, carried out successfully, or delayed during
2012 in the different areas of cooperation between the EU and
Armenia are described in the annual country report. Some of the
issues reported deserve special attention. The Armenian authorities
delivered relatively transparent parliamentary elections in May
2012 and presidential elections in February 2013. Freedoms of
assembly, expression, and assembly were generally respected but media
independence remained insufficient. There was limited action against
high-level corruption. The current framework of cooperation between
government and civil society remains insufficient.

Negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan to resolve the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict regrettably slowed down in 2012. Three
negotiation rounds on a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area
(DCFTA) were concluded. The Visa Facilitation Agreement was signed
in December. Armenia adopted a decree that lifts the visa obligation
for EU Citizens as of January 2013. An increasing number of Armenian
students and researchers benefited from different European programmes
in the education area.

EU-Armenia – BACKGROUND

THE POLICY

The European Neighbourhood Policy governs the relations between the
EU and Armenia. Since 2009 the EU implements the Eastern Partnership,
the Eastern dimension of the ENP framework, aiming at substantially
upgrading engagement with the six Eastern neighbours via:

a Bilateral track, whose objectives include the establishing of
Association Agreements with Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas,
once conditions have been met, as well as progress on visa and mobility
issues, and a Multilateral track (i.e. intergovernmental platforms
and Flagship Initiatives).

This approach allows for gradual political association and deeper
economic integration.

FACTS AND FIGURES

1999: Entry into force of the EU-Armenia Partnership and Cooperation
Agreement.

2006: Approval of the EU-Armenia Action Plan.

2009: EU Advisory Group to Armenia (financed by the EU) started its
activities with the aim of supporting the Armenian authorities in
the implementation of the key areas of the ENP Action Plan

2009: Neighbourhood Investment Facility committed EUR 14.6 million in
grants and technical assistance for two projects in the transport
sector. Armenia is also eligible for three regional projects,
committing EUR 24 million in the energy and financial sectors

2007-2010: The ENPI[2] envelope for Armenia stands at EUR 98.4 million

2010: Launch of the Association Agreement negotiations with the EU

2011-2013: The new National Indicative Programme (NIP) 2011-13 for
Armenia was adopted in March 2010 and has a budget of EUR 157.3
million. The programme is geared towards supporting the achievement
of key policy objectives as outlined in the EU-Armenia Action Plan
and pursues three priorities: (1) democratic structures and good
governance, (2) trade and investment; regulatory alignment and reform,
and (3) socio-economic reform and sustainable development.

2011: Establishment of the EU-Armenia Mobility Partnership.

2011: Armenia became observer of the Energy Community.

2012: Launch of negotiations on a Deep and Comprehensive Trade Area
(DCFTA)

2012: The EU and Armenia signed the Protocol to the Partnership and
Cooperation Agreement on the general principles for the participation
of Armenia in EU programmes.

2012: The EU and Armenia signed the Visa Facilitation Agreement.

More info at:

[1] The Action Plan should be replaced by the Association Agenda in
the course of 2013.

[2] the European Neighbourhood Partnership Instrument

HAS SERZH SARGSYAN FORGOTTEN THAT DEPUTY MINISTER ASRYAN INSULTED THE AZERI PRESIDENT?

March 20 2013

President Serzh Sargsyan stated during a meeting with journalists
on March 18: “People in power cannot insult anyone, even the Azeri
President. It is not allowed, it is impermissible. What does personally
insulting the American, Russian, and French Presidents mean? How can
one do that?” Yet Khachik Asryan, a member of the Republican Party of
Armenia (RPA), the leader of the Armenian Eagles patriotic NGO, and a
Deputy Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, made offensive statements
about Azerbaijan. For example, with regard to the extradition of
murderer Ramil Safarov, he called Aliyev “bastard” and condemned his
decision to pardon Safarov. K. Asryan stated: “Realizing quite well the
hatred of little Ilhams and Safarovs toward Armenians, realizing at the
same time their frightened actions, defeatist and dead specimens, the
leadership of the Armenian Eagles patriotic NGO states that despite the
show made of today’s pardon, the Armenian Eagles is always consistent
in destroying the actions of the rogues who damage the dignity of the
Armenian people, their development, and the security of the Armenian
statehood’s borders.” In response to the insults hurled by Azerbaijan
at the Republic of Armenia at the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly,
K. Asryan called Aliyev “defective Aliyev” and gave him 5 days’ time
to apologize to the victorious Armenian people of Aryan ancestry
for calling them Fascists and occupants. K. Asryan wrote: “If Ilham
Aliyev doesn’t satisfy the Armenian Eagles’ demand in 5 days’ time,
then the fuehrer of the pack of Azeri wolves will have to declare war
on Armenia in the following 5 days, otherwise, Sultan Ilham Aliyev will
be not only the most cowardly and disgusting president of Azerbaijan,
but also the most desired dancer of the Azeri harems to not only us,
but also to different peoples of the planet Earth.”
inquired of Mr.

Asryan whether he didn’t fear that his insulting statements about
Azerbaijan would be considered as deviation from the Armenian
President’s political line. K. Asryan replied: “Being a state official,
a deputy minister, for around 6 years, being a statesman, adhering
to patriotic ideas, I have never taken any action against President
Serzh Sargsyan’s political line. Let me surely state also that being
the founding chairman of the Armenian Eagles patriotic NGO, I myself
have always responded on behalf of the Armenian Eagles’ leadership to
the offensive, false, impudent, and aggressive statements of people,
including the made-up president of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, which were
against the Armenian, the Armenian people, and the Armenian statehood
and offended the dignity of every one of us.” Tatev HARUTYUNYAN

Read more at:

© 1998 – 2013 Aravot – News from Armenia

SECRET WITNESS SPEAKS ABOUT GENDARMERIE’S INVOLVEMENT IN HRANT DINK’S MURDER

TERT.AM
21.03.13

The secret witness in the Agos editor-in-chief Hrant Dink’s murder
case with codename Baris has given testimonies.

The Turkish-Armenian Agos paper based in Istanbul says the witness has
claimed that the murderer Ogun Samast had links with the leadership
of Istanbul gendarmerie which assisted him in the murder.

He also claimed that Giresun Gendarmerie Regional Commander Gen.

Dursun Ali Karaduman played a role in the assassination. He claimed
that the initial plan was to take Samast to Azerbaijan through Artvin’s
Hopa district after the murder. The secret witness claimed that
gendarmerie intelligence units had been monitoring Dink since 2003.

The secret witness claimed that Samast was accompanied by an officer
from the Trabzon Gendarmerie Command on his way to Istanbul, where
his accommodation needs were met by another officer. The officer from
Trabzon also surveyed the Agos office. He said a Gendarmerie officer
bought a bus ticket to Artvin.

Samast also had two GSM cards on him that day, but these were
later destroyed. He claimed that the two cards were seized by the
gendarmerie shortly after Samast was captured and put in prison. “The
murder weapon was also changed. The gun they found on Samast and the
one that was used in the murder aren’t the same guns,” Baris said.

According to the secret witness, retired Gen. Veli Kucuk, a prime
suspect in the trial regarding the clandestine coup-plotting gang
Ergenekon and retired Col. Ali Oz, formerly head of the Trabzon
Gendarmerie Command, as well as Giresun Regional Gendarmerie Commander
Karaduman also played a role in the murder. Oz is already a suspect
in the Dink investigation. Other secret witnesses have indicated that
he warned gendarmerie officers who had to testify in the trial to
“not talk.” Secret witness BarıÅ~_ said Kucuk and Karaduman often
had meetings.

PRESIDENT SARGSYAN CONGRATULATES THE KURDISH COMMUNITY OF ARMENIA ON NAVROZ

12:14 21.03.2013

Dear representatives of the Kurdish community of Armenia,

I cordially congratulate you on the occasion of Navroz.

Let this beautiful spring holiday bring happiness to our entire
Kurdish community. I wish you success in your work, cultural and
other achievements.

We are proud with the Kurd citizens of our country and their success.

We are also aware of the problems which are present in your as well
as many other citizens’ lives. Be assured that they will be solved
in the context of our country’s social and economic advancement and
that the state is attentive toward and interested in the development
of all communities residing in Armenia.

I once again congratulate you on the occasion of Navroz and wish you
peaceful skies and success.