Author: Maghakian Mike

ERDOGAN FINALLY ADMITS TURKEY PRACTICED ETHNIC CLEANSING
By Harut Sassounian

/27/erdogan-finally-admits-turkey-practiced-ethnic -cleansing/
May 27, 2009

In a daring statement, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
admitted for the first time that the expulsion from Turkey of tens
of thousands of ethnic Greeks in the last century was a "fascist"
act, Reuters reported.

Some commentators viewed Erdogan’s remarks as a reference to the
expulsion of 1.5 million ethnic Greeks from Turkey to Greece in
1923. The large-scale population exchange between the two countries
also included the transfer of more than 500,000 ethnic Turks from
Greece to Turkey.

Other observers thought that Erdogan was referring to the pillaging
of thousands of Greek shops and houses by Turkish mobs in Istanbul on
Sept. 6-7, 1955, following the spread of false reports that Ataturk’s
house in Thessaloniki, Greece had been burned down.

Beyond the expulsion of Greeks, Erdogan made an indirect reference
to the tragic fate of other ethnic groups, such as Armenians, in
Turkey. "For years, those of different identities have been kicked
out of our country. … This was not done with common sense. This
was done with a fascist approach," Erdogan said on May 23, during
the annual congress of the Justice and Development Party, held in
the western province of Duzce.

"For many years," Erdogan continued, "various facts took place in this
country to the detriment of ethnic minorities who lived here. They
were ethnically cleansed because they had a different ethnic cultural
identity. The time has arrived for us to question ourselves about
why this happened and what we have learned from all of this. There
has been no analysis of this right up until now. In reality, this
behavior is the result of a fascist conception. We have also fallen
into this grave error."

The Turkish prime minister’s candid remarks were harshly criticized by
opposition parties. Onur Oymen, vice president of the main opposition
Republican People’s Party (CHP), said that associating Turkey’s history
with terms like fascism based on hearsay was not right. He also said
that no Turkish citizen had ever been expelled because of his or her
ethnic background. Oktay Vural of the opposition MHP party added:
"Erdogan’s words are an insult to the Turkish nation."

In sharp contrast, liberal Turkish commentators praised Erdogan
for his conciliatory remarks: "For the first time you have a prime
minister who wants to admit that mistakes were made in the treatment
of religious minorities. This is historic," wrote journalist Sami
Kohen in Milliyet. "But whether this rhetoric will be followed with
deeds remains to be seen."

Hurriyet Daily News added: "Erdogan’s speech was historic; it was the
first time that a high official accepted there have been unlawful and
undemocratic practices against minorities in the past. This sentiment
was echoed by Professor Halil Berktay in Vatan newspaper: ‘That
statement was the most courageous thing ever said by Erdogan.’ Baskin
Oran, another academic well-known for his liberal views, told Star
newspaper that he was ‘proud of a prime minister who denounces ethnic
and religious cleansing.’"

CNN-Turk news director Ridvan Akar was more skeptical about Erdogan’s
true intentions. He wrote in Vatan: "Minority rights as well as
those of religious foundations are a structural problem within the
Turkish state. Of course, Erdogan has taken a step forward with this
declaration. But the sincerity of his words will depend on facts to
back them up, such as the restitution of rights to those who have
been expelled, the return of confiscated properties, or compensation."

The prime minister’s statement is encouraging, if it is an indication
that Turkey’s leaders have finally decided to face the ugly chapters
of their country’s past.

However, it would be wrong to draw overly optimistic conclusions from
this single statement. Erdogan has made similar comments about the
Kurds in Turkey, only to have their hopes dashed by taking unexpected
repressive measures against them.

The fact is that Erdogan is not the master of his political domain. The
"fascists" he attacks are not buried in an Ottoman historical grave,
but are alive and well in Turkish society and occupy the highest
echelons of the military and judiciary.

Yet, Erdogan is politically shrewd enough to realize that his
condemnation of fascism will resonate at home and in the West, and
win him accolades and support against his powerful domestic opponents.

Erdogan’s battle against the ghosts of the Turkish past is in fact a
fight for his political survival against those in today’s Turkey who
view him and his Islamic party with deep suspicion, and are determined
to counter his every move, ultimately seeking his downfall from power.

ARAM SARGSYAN SAYS SELF DETERMINATION RIGHT OF NAGORNO-KARABAKG IS SET

Panorama.am
14:18 26/05/2009

"I think that Armenian diplomacy has finally got that the so called
Madrid principles are not for us. And most probably that’s why they
became so rough and the Azeri understood that the Armenians don’t
want to discuss those principles in that format," Aram Sargsyan,
the head of Democratic Party said in a press conference.

According to him all the documents and principles can not satisfy the
Armenian party because the self determination right of Nagorno-Karabakh
is solved. "If this is not the position to defend we can not regulate
any problem. If after some years we agree to make a poll to find out
whether Nagorno-Karabakh can be self determined then we put under
question all the way we have passed," A. Sargsyan said.

The politician says that the participation of Nagorno-Karabakh to
the negotiations is a must, otherwise the conflict will not be set.

TURKISH ARMENIAN RELATIONS: BREAKING THE VICIOUS CIRCLE

Journal of Turkish Weekly
May 26 2009

Sabanci University, Communication Center, Bankalar Cad, No.2, Karakoy,
Istanbul

On May 29th, 2009, Friday, the Turkish Economic and Social Studies
Foundation (TESEV) will organize a press conference and a panel on the
TESEV Foreign Policy Programme Publication entitled "Turkish-Armenian
Relations: Breaking the Vicious Circle".

The report that was prepared jointly by TESEV and the Caucasus
Institute has been published from TESEV publications and analyzes
the recent rapprochement process between Turkey and Armenia by
touching upon the latest regional developments and offers some policy
recommendations to both sides.

The report aims to contribute to the latest debates on Turkish-Armenian
relations which is one of the most important foreign policy issues
facing Turkey and Armenia.

The panel to follow the welcoming remarks will be moderated by Mensur
Akgun, Advisor to TESEV Foreign Policy Program.

The speakers of the panel will be Aybars Gorgulu, PhD student at
Sabanci University and Assistant Program Officer at TESEV, Alexander
Iskandaryan, the Director of Caucasus Institute and Richard Giragosian,
the Director of Armenian Center for National and International Studies.

Transeuro Energy Corp.: Management Request Trading Halt

Last Update: 5/26/2009 12:15:05 AM

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, May 26, 2009 (Marketwire via COMTEX) —
Transeuro Energy Corp. ("Transeuro" or the "Company") (TSU)(OSLO:TSU)
announces that it has requested the Oslo Bors Stock Exchange to
suspend trading of its shares today as the Company is in the final
stages of a debt restructuring process. Parties related to the
restructuring now possess information that is currently not available
to the public and the Company cannot control information that may be
considered price sensitive.
The Company will release further information on the restructuring as
soon as the various parties have finalized their response to proposals
made by the Company so that normal trading can resume as soon as
possible.

Transeuro Energy Corp. is involved in the acquisition of petroleum and
natural gas rights, the exploration for, and development and
production of crude oil, condensate and natural gas. The Company’s
properties are located in Canada, Armenia and Ukraine.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

David Worrall, CEO

The statements contained in this release that are not historical facts
are forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties
that could cause actual results to differ materially from the targeted
results. The Company relies upon litigation protection for forward
looking statements.

ARMENIA, NORWAY INTERESTED IN DEEPENING BILATERAL RELATIONS

armradio.am
26.05.2009 10:49

The newly appointed Ambassador of Norway to Armenia, Mr. Knut Houg
(seat in Moscow), presented the copies of his credentials to the
Foreign Minister of Armenia, Mr. Edward Nalbandian.

Greeting the guest, Minister Nalbandian wished success to the
Ambassador in his diplomatic mission, expressing hope that his
appointment would contribute to the expansion of cooperation between
Armenia and Norway in bilateral and multilateral formats. The Minister
noted that Armenia was interested in the development and deepening
of political and economic relations with Norway.

The interlocutors attached importance to the intensification of
cooperation between the two countries and the further development of
trade-economic, educational and cultural relations.

Minister Nalbandian and Ambassador Houg referred to a number of
regional and international issues.

CYPRUS CITIZEN AWARDED "ANDRANIK OZANYAN" MEDAL

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
25.05.2009 15:43 GMT+04:00

RA Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan has today received Vahram Kazhoyan,
RA Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in Cyprus. Parties
discussed current stage of Armenian-Greek and Armenian-Cyprus relations
and considered prospects for cooperation.

During the meeting, Mr. Kazhoyan told Defense Minister that Harutyun
Anmahuni, an Armenian Maecenas living in Cyprus, expressed willingness
to provide annual financial support to RA Armed Forces. Besides,
Anmahuni has allocated additional sum to Armenia on the occasion of
the 17th anniversary of its independence. At the Maecenas’ request,
Ambassador handed the sum to RA Defense Ministry.

Considering Kazhoyan’s investments in patriotic initiatives,
RA Defense Minister awarded him with "Andranik Ozanyan" medal, RA
Defense Ministry’s press-service reports.

EVGENI KISIN AND VLADIMIR SPIVAKOV AWARDED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ARMENIAN-RUSSIAN TIES

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
25.05.2009 16:56 GMT+04:00

On May 24 in Moscow State Conservatory, famous violinist and conductor
Vladimir Spivakov and world acknowledged pianist, Evgeni Kisin were
awarded gold medals for significant contribution to Russian-Armenian
cultural and humanitarian ties.

The awards were granted right after completion of jubilee contest
dedicated to Moscow’s Virtuosi State Chamber Orchestra 30th anniversary
in front of vast audience and representatives of the city of Spitak.

News on the earthquake of 1988 found Evgeni Kisin and Vladimir
Spivakov in Italy where they were performing at the time. They’ve
given a number of charity concerts since. Concert proceeds were sent
to Children of Armenia Fund and Spitak orphans. Evgeni Kisin is an
honorable citizen of Spitak, Vladimir Spivakov was rewarded with the
order of St. Mesrop Mashtots.

PARONYAN THEATRE HOSTED EXHIBITION OF FUTURE FASHION DESIGNERS

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
25.05.2009 18:48 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today, Paronyan State Theatre hosted fashion
exhibition, displaying works of students from Yerevan State College
of Light Industry. There were over 1000 students participating in the
exhibition both as designers and models. They displayed 130 works in
styles vanguard and cocktail (party, everyday and ball dresses).

Giving way to their fantasy, they designed unusual suits in various
styles. Despite their extraordinary character, all the models
represented some features of ancient Armenian clothes. Virtuosity
and unusual design astonished on-lookers. Even though the students
had used their own means, their works reflected professionalism.

The Globe and Mail

BOOKS

A witness in the killing fields of Turkey

A descendant of Grigoris Balakian translates the author’s seminal and
wrenching account of the Armenian genocide

Reviewed by Keith Garebian
Friday, May. 22, 2009

More than one million Armenians were exterminated by the Ottoman Turks
in the first genocide of the 20th century, in what Raphael Lemkin (a
Polish Jew and legal scholar who invented the term after the Second
World War to describe race-murder) regarded as the template for
genocide in the modern era, and what we can now see as the paradigm
for the Jewish Holocaust and for genocides in Ukraine, Cambodia,
Rwanda, the Balkans and Darfur.

My father was Armenian, and one of a multitude of orphaned victims of
the Ottoman scourge. He was not yet five-and-a-half when pan-Turkic
ideology flamed into race-murder on April 24, 1915. He barely
remembered his own father’s face. He certainly did not remember any of
his grandparents or their names. What he remembered of his mother was
a woman dying as much of a broken heart as from starvation and thirst
in the desert leading to Der Zor (widely known as `the Auschwitz of
the Armenian genocide’).

My father had an older sister who survived with him, but their
youngest sister was given to a Kurdish farmer and his barren wife, and
their other sister, a girl also younger than my father, was abandoned
to her fate during the nightmarish trek. He could not remember her
name when he recounted the tale to me near the end of his
life. Children themselves, he and his eldest sister had had no
alternative but to abandon this little girl whom they could not feed
or care for while they were forced to eat grass or animal
excrement. His final image was of a little starving girl, with curly
hair, crying by herself beside an inhospitable tree, where she was
probably soon taken as prey by scavenging dogs or wolves.

There is irony in the fact that my father was named Adam, though I
believe he had his own views on Original Sin. For him, the fall of man
was dated April 24, 1915, when hundreds of thousands of Armenians were
forced from their homes to be tortured and slaughtered by Turks. My
father survived, but his survival, like those of other Armenians who
after the First World War dispersed to other countries – defeating the
Ottoman plan to exterminate their race – carried burdens of
traumatized hearts.

The Ottoman plan for ethnic cleansing was brilliantly evil. The Turks
eliminated the intelligentsia so that Armenians would have no active
leaders. They eliminated able-bodied men so that Armenians would have
no militia. They eliminated the old so that Armenians would have no
memory. They eliminated the young so Armenians would have no future.

They were wrong in the final calculation. Memory and hope for the
future live in seminal texts such as Grigoris Balakian’s Armenian
Golgotha, a massive memoir first published in Armenian in 1922 and now
making its debut in English via the graces of Balakian’s distinguished
great-nephew, author Peter Balakian.

The long narrative starts in August, 1914, at the outbreak of the
First World War. Born in 1876 in Tokat (a small, multicultural Turkish
city), Balakian, whose father was a merchant and whose mother was a
writer, is in Constantinople after having studied engineering in
Saxony and theology in Berlin, making him fluent in German. Russia has
declared war on the Ottoman Empire, and the Muslims have proclaimed
jihad against Christians to incite religious war against the Allies,
but also inflaming anger toward Armenians, who are resented for their
skills and crafts and regarded the way Jews would be in Nazi Germany:
as despicable vermin contaminating the nation.

Draconian laws go into effect, radically curtailing Armenian civil
liberties and rights. In February, 1915, interior minister Mehmet
Talat informs German ambassador Hans Freiherr von Wangenheim that he
is going to resolve the Armenian Question by eliminating the
Armenians. As the Germans observe developments, Balakian, along with
about 250 other cultural leaders, is arrested and deported to a prison
in central Turkey.

Deportation was, of course, a code word, just as the phrase `take care
of the Armenians’ was a euphemism. By the end of 1915, three-quarters
of the Ottoman Armenians were wiped out, and in many villages and
towns, entire Armenian populations were massacred. Balakian does not
censor the horrors: children forcibly Islamized; political leaders
hanged; death squads, armed with axes, cleavers, knives and rocks,
cutting and hacking away at arms, legs and necks, then throwing the
bodies into ditches and covering them with lime; young girls beheaded
like sheep when they do not submit to sexual advances; suckling
infants dismembered; faint screams of children being eaten alive by
wild animals after having been abandoned. The sequence of atrocities
is the Armenian Passion in the religious sense of suffering, and Der
Zor (where the killings exceeded 400,000) is the ultimate place of
skulls, or Golgotha.

Balakian’s prose is hot, unlike Primo Levi’s (in Survival in
Auschwitz), which is as cool as a scientist observing laboratory test
tubes and chemicals. It recreates wrenching moments: a scene of
schoolboys pleading with him to be rescued from Turkish mobs; a train
ride generating tormented anxiety and melancholy; a German nurse who
embraces the decapitated body of a six-month-old infant; Armenians
kissing skulls of the dead; four elderly Armenian women uttering a
vehement curse worthy of a tragic Greek chorus. The prose is not
overheated, however, except when Balakian is pious (quoting from the
Scriptures) or sentimental (indulging in purple prose or paeans to
nature).

Weighted with eyewitness accounts and distinguished by Balakian’s
prodigiously sharp memory, this book is not a scholar’s history, of
course, but an educated prelate’s, with an enviable grasp of Ottoman
and European history. It explains German and European imperialist
designs on Turkey and Turkish resentment, and how Turkey exploited the
chaos of war (as Peter Balakian shows in his introduction).

But the author points his finger as well at his own people, condemning
a minority of Armenian traitors, but also revealing how the Armenians’
openness of mind and heart victimized them. Many Armenians found it
hard to believe that they could be so viciously hated. There were a
few brave uprisings – in Zeytoun, Musa Dagh, Van and Sardarabad, for
instance – but the Ottomans used these isolated cases as a pretext for
their atrocities.

Despite times of utter despair and pessimism, Balakian survives after
living like a wild animal for almost four years in mud, rain and
snow. Three things help him: his patriotism, of course; his role as
unofficial leader of the deportees; and his knowledge of German. In
the course of his adventure, he poses as a German worker on the
Berlin-Baghdad railway, a German Jew, a German engineer, a German
soldier and a Greek vineyard worker.

But there are also good-hearted, sympathetic Turks who come to his
rescue and to that of some other fortunate Armenians. So his book is
not a wholesale condemnation of Turks, though it probably won’t be
read by most Turks, who still can’t accept responsibility for one of
history’s greatest crimes against humanity. It should be, of course,
for how could a people be expected to understand and atone for a story
they have never been officially permitted to know?

Keith Garebian is completing Children of Ararat, a poetry manuscript
on his father and the Armenian genocide.

witness-in-the-killing-fields-of-turkey/article114 9084/

PS

Balakian will be in Canada next weekend for two events in Toronto and
Montreal.

Toronto
Friday May 29, 2009
7:00pm
the Armenian Youth Centre
50 Hallcrown Place

Montreal
Sunday May 31, 2009
7:30pm
Armenian Community Centre
3401 Olivar-Asselin

SPEAKER OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF ARMENIA SENDS LETTER TO PRESIDENT OF PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF OSCE

ArmInfo
2009-05-22 20:46:00

ArmInfo. Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia Hovik Abrahamyan
has sent a letter to President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the
OSCE Joao Soares.

The press service of the National Assembly of Armenia reports that
Vice Speaker of the Milli Mejlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan, the head
of the Azeri delegation to PA OSCE Bahar Muradova spoke on behalf
of PA OSCE during the opening of the 32nd plenary session of the
Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the CIS.

The Speaker of the Armenian parliament says in the letter that during
the opening of the CIS Inter- Parliamentary Assembly, the head
of the Azeri delegation to OSCE PA made an inexplicable statement
on behalf of the OSCE PA instead of an opening speech and tried to
present distorted facts on the Karabakh conflict. It is inadmissible
that the MP representing one of the parties to the Karabakh conflict
uses the OSCE PA opening speech to spread a lie about Armenia and
Nagorno-Karabakh. The OSCE PA has always contributed to the Karabakh
peace process. It is proved by the balanced activity of Special
Representative of OSCE PA Chairman for Nagorno-Karabakh Goran
Lennmarker. "I consider such step of the OSCE PA representative
inadmissible and I hope that the Parliamentary Assembly will not
change its direction", he says.