PRESENTATION OF KATIA PELTEKIAN’S BOOK “THE TIMES OF THE GENOCIDE” IN BEIRUT
February 3, 2014
Under the auspices of the Armenian Genocide Centenary Central
Committee (AGCCC) of Lebanon, the Hamazkayin Vahe Sethian Publishing
House organized an evening on January 31, 2014 to present the newly
published two-volume book, “The Times of the Armenian Genocide:
Reports in the British Press (1914-1923)” by Katia M. Peltekian.
The event was attended by distinguished guests that included the
Ambassadors of Armenia, the Vatican, the Argentine, Uruguay and
Russia, as well as the Primate of Lebanon, Bishop Panossian, clergy,
and representatives from the Armenian community and organizations.
Mr. Missak Terzian, representing the Hamazkayin Printing House and
the Lucy Tutunjian Art Gallery, opened the event by welcoming the
audience in both Armenian & English. Presenting the author, he said,
“What Katia Peltekian has accomplished is an academic research that she
uniquely contributes to study of the Armenian Genocide.” He introduced
Peltekian, who is a graduate of the American University of Beirut
(Lebanon) & Dalhousie University (Canada), and has taught English at
AUB & Haigazian Universities. Terzian also hoped that “this two-volume
work by Peltekian will become beneficial and a stimulus for the friends
of the Armenian people in their pursuit of justice and human rights
Katia Peltekian then spoke and briefly introduced her book, admitting
that the work was the result of 12 years of research which she had
begun as an amateur in history. Speaking in English, she stated that
the general impression that most Armenians had was that Europe did not
help the Armenian people during their suffering; however, in reality,
she stressed the fact that Europe, and in this case Britain (the
focus of the book) did put some effort to help the Armenians, thanks
to a kind of lobbying in the parliament by Lord James Bryce and a few
other members of the Parliament; it is noteworthy, she said, that the
Armenian massacres, deportations, refugees and future were discussed
and debated in the British Parliament over 70 times during the 10
years that the book covers. Peltekian also conveyed her heartfelt
gratitude to the organizers and supporters of the evening’s event.
Mrs. Anita Libiar then spoke in English on behalf of the AGCCC
of Lebanon and greeted Katia Peltekian’s work, emphasizing its
message and goals. Libiar referred to Peltekian’s book that compiles
archival material from Britain, putting under the spotlight the public
and official reaction of Britain towards the ongoing massacres and
events as they occurred. Libiar then thanked Peltekian for her work,
commending her highly.
Finally, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the
Republic of Armenia Ashot Kocharyan, speaking in both Armenian &
English, stressed the importance of Katia Peltekian’s work. “99 years
after the Genocide, this valuable book again confirms the undeniable
fact of the Genocide,” said Amb. Kocharyan. He added that despite all
the evidence, Turkey still denies that a Genocide happened against the
Armenians. He said, “On May 24, 1915, three states – Britain, Russia
and France – jointly sent Turkey a warning to halt the massacres not
only because it was perpetrated against the Armenians, but because
it was against humanity.” Amb. Kocharyan also restated the President
of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan’s position: “We, as a state
and a nation, in all corners of the world, will continue our struggle,
to fight against injustice, apathy and silence.” Amb. Kocharyan then
praised the AGCCC of Lebanon and wished them solidarity and success.
The Ambassador ended his speech by wishing Katia Peltekian further
success in future endeavors.
It is to be noted that Katia Peltekian’s book was published in October
2013 in two-volumes: the first volume of the book covers 1914 through
1919 and compiles over 450 reports and articles printed in the British
Press pertaining to Armenia and Armenians, especially from The Guardian
(formerly The Manchester Guardian ) , and The Times and Sunday Times
of London; the second volume compiles over 570 articles.
The book was first presented at Hye Doon (Armenian House) in London
on November 22 , 2013
Katia Peltekian then autographed her book.