Category: 2020

GLENDALE—The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region and coalition partners slammed Turkish President Erdogan and his government’s renewed attempts to deny the veracity of genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Turkish government against the indigenous Christian Armenian, Greek, and Assyrian nations from 1915-1923, whereby over 3 million innocent people were massacred or deported. Republic of Turkey, the legal heir to the Ottoman Empire and its Turkic proxy Azerbaijan, are the only two countries to actively deny this crime against all of humanity.

On June 16, 2020 the Directorate of Communications of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey issued a statement sharing details from a five-hour closed-door meeting of the High Advisory Board chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, where they discussed the next steps of Ankara’s century-old genocide denial policy.

“The recent 5-hour closed door meeting chaired by President Erdogan on a new strategy to deny the Armenian Genocide firstly speaks to the overwhleming success our community and our partners have been able to achieve worldwide, with the most recent addition of the unanimous passage of genocide affirmation resolutions by both chambers of U.S. Congress,” remarked ANCA-WR Chair Nora Hovsepian, Esq. “This also highlights the importance of our work ahead aimed at rejecting denialism as well as unequivocally affirming the historical truth and seeking full justice for this crime.”

The following national organizations joined the ANCA Western Region in endorsing the statement, immediately following the reports emerging of the infamous meeting in Ankara:

1. A Demand For Action
2. American Hellenic Council
3. Assyrian American Association of Southern California
4. Assyrian Genocide and Research (SEYFO Center)
5. Genocide Watch
6. Greek Genocide Resource Center
7. Hellenic American Leadership Council
8. In Defense of Christians
9. Israeli-American Civic Action Network
10. Israeli-American Civic Education Institute
11. Jewish World Watch
12. Philos Project
13. Together We Remember

The complete text of the statement is provided below:

On June 16, 2020 the Directorate of Communications of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey issued a statement sharing details from a five-hour closed-door meeting of the High Advisory Board chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, where they discussed the next steps of Ankara’s century-old genocide denial policy.

The first modern case of genocide perpetrated against the indigenous Armenian, Greek, and Assyrian nations was a centrally planned and systematically executed deportation and murder of over 3 million innocent people by the Ottoman Turkish Government from 1915 to 1923. The Armenian Genocide is fully documented in the U.S. archives and through an overwhelming body of first-hand, governmental, and diplomatic evidence as well as thousands of real-time maintream media reports. Aside from Turkey and its Turkic ally Azerbaijan, no other country actively denies the veracity of this international crime against humanity.

Despite overwhelming documentation by historians and condemnation by over 30 countries worldwide, an unrepentant Turkey seeks to both enforce an international gag-rule against truthful affirmation of the Armenian Genocide and to obstruct a just international resolution of this still unpunished crime.

Recognizing that silence and denial of genocide creates a veil of impunity by which states avoid responsibility for not only their historic crimes, but contemporary human rights abuses, we condemn in the strongest possible terms the continued genocide denial policy by the Turkish government and its proxies, calling on all who are committed to upholding and ensuring the protection of universal human rights to fight against genocide denial and commit to exposing genocide, confronting denialism wherever it occurs, deny a public platform for hate, and empower communities that have experienced or are suffering genocide.

Understanding that denial is the final stage of genocide, enforcing the erasure of a peoples’ history and suffering, we call on people of good conscience to bring awareness to the plight of the victims of genocide both past and present, to hold accountable those who seek to distort historical truth, and ensure that never again will the world watch on in silence while genocide is perpetrated.

The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region is the largest and most influential nonpartisan Armenian-American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian-American community on a broad range of issues in pursuit of the Armenian Cause.

SANTA ANA, Calif.—A wide array of Orange County community organizations joined forces recently with the Armenian National Committee of America in hosting an online question and answer session on the ongoing Artsakh peace negotiations, the reckless Madrid Principles, and the path forward to a truly durable, democratic resolution of Artsakh-Azerbaijan status and security issues.

The June 2nd Facebook Live event, moderated by ARF Orange County ‘Armen Karo’ Chapter Chair Garo Kiledjian, featured a presentation by ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian.

“The Orange County community appreciated the opportunity to have an in-depth discussion with the ANCA about the flawed Madrid Principles which put Artsakh security and freedom in jeopardy,” explained Kiledjian. “They should be rejected immediately and replaced with a balanced plan based upon the right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh.”  Kiledjian continued, noting “it is particularly disturbing to hear of the U.S. State Department’s efforts to de-fund life-saving Artsakh demining projects, particularly when military assistance to Artsakh has increased to over $100 million.  Such decisions only serve to put U.S. impartiality as a mediator in question as we continue to seek a long-term, sustainable Artsakh solution.”

Kiledjian opened the online forum asking Hamparian to review the ANCA’s policies, priorities, and results on a broad range of issues from justice for the Armenian Genocide, to US-Armenian ties, US foreign assistance, US-Turkey ties, and the ANCA’s commitment to youth empowerment. Hamparian noted that the ANCA’s positions in each of these areas are part of a 360-degree advocacy strategy, with a single aim: the security, prosperity, and long-term viability of a free, independent, and united Armenian homeland.

The discussion then focused on the central theme of the evening, US policy on Artsakh, during which time Hamparian and Kiledjian took a deep dive into U.S. aid to Artsakh and the ongoing peace negotiations, including the unjust Madrid principles, highlights of which are provided below.

The Madrid Principles:  Unfair, Fake, and Unenforceable

Hamparian offered an overview of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group supported “Madrid Principles,” first referenced by the Artsakh peace mediators some 13 years ago.  The flawed proposal calls for a phased Artsakh settlement in which the Armenian side would cede six or more territories liberated during the 1988-1994 war with Azerbaijan in return for an “_expression_ of will,” to be held at an undetermined time in the future, which purportedly would ensure security and determine its long-term status.

The deal is “land now, status later; you might say, land now, for peace later; or land now, for status later; or land now, for a piece of paper that talks about status and peace later,” explained Hamparian. “Those terms are so ridiculously unfair that I don’t think there is more that needs to be said.  Would anyone of the [OSCE] mediators – the Russians, the French, the Americans – take a deal like that for their own house? Would they accept a deal where they sign over the title to their home in return for an agreement to talk about compensation down the road.”

Hamparian described the Madrid Principles as a “fake deal”,  noting that even-before being negotiated and agreed upon, Azerbaijani government officials are walking away from the agreement, arguing that upon Armenian ‘return’ of lands,  the people of Artsakh should rely on Azerbaijani government security guarantees extended to Artsakh’s Armenian and Azerbaijani communities.

“So you give up all your land, you give up all your security, you put at risk the rest of Armenia, and in return, you get a deal worse than what we had under the Soviets.  A deal worse than before Azerbaijan lost a war against Artsakh,” explained Hamparian.  “Having established an independent Artsakh, having built a free and open society, having held free and fair elections for more than a generation, why would we cede all of that in order to go back to where we were under the Soviets, in the process trusting Azerbaijan that Aliyev won’t take advantage of the process and just press for more concessions?”

Hamparian also argued that the Madrid Principles are totally unenforceable, noting “all the concessions the Armenian side is expected to make are made on day one. After that first stage, Azerbaijan will control this historic Armenian homeland, will control the strategic territories and heights, and the Armenian side will be left with a piece of paper. What is that piece of paper worth?  If Azerbaijan responds in good faith to an Armenian good faith surrender of territory, then possibly down the road, you could have peace. But does anyone believe, for even a second, that Azerbaijan responds in good faith? Isn’t it much more likely, in fact certain, that Azerbaijan would leverage those concessions to then take the next steps against Zangezur, and the rest of Armenia?  It’s hard to believe that Armenian concessions lead to a less aggressive Azerbaijan.”

Hamparian continued that the other part of the deal’s unenforceability is the international community’s response to future Azerbaijani aggression.  “Let’s say Azerbaijan doesn’t honor its commitments, and the Armenians find themselves under attack.  Does anyone think that international peacekeepers from wherever – do we think those countries will send their young men and women to fight and die to protect the citizens of Artsakh? You might, but I wouldn’t bet my life on it.”

The ANCA has set up a community action alert – anca.org/rejectmadrid – sharing concerns about the reckless Madrid Principles with Members of Congress.

On U.S. State Department Efforts to End Artsakh Demining Assistance to “Prepare Populations for Peace”
Kiledjian asked the ANCA’s Hamparian for an update on recent U.S. Embassy to Armenia announcements that the life-saving U.S. funding for Artsakh demining would be replaced by programs to “prepare populations for peace” as part of ongoing efforts for an Artsakh settlement.

“If preparing populations for peace requires killing a humanitarian demining program, that’s very bad preparation,” said Hamparian.  “In fact, that’s the opposite of preparing populations for peace.  Every landmine accident – in Artsakh, Azerbaijan, or Armenia – are tragedies, with the victims often farmers, and many times children.  So the concept that our government – the U.S. government – believes that preparing populations for peace means leaving landmines in the ground that will kill people – is just terrible.”

Hamparian went on to state, “ You can’t throw out a clever phrase like ‘preparing populations for peace,’ and expect us not to scrutinize it. On the surface, who could conceivably be against that?  Well, if it’s just a matter of arm-twisting Yerevan, pressuring Stepanakert, with no similar pressure on the Azerbaijani side – then we reject that.  That’s just a game.”

The ANCA is working with Appropriations Committee members in the U.S. Senate and House to ensure continued funds for Artsakh de-mining and rehabilitation services like those provided by the Lady Cox Rehabilitation Center are included in the Fiscal Year 2021 foreign aid bill.  A nationwide call to action is available at anca.org/aid.

Artsakh Must Be an Equal Party in the Peace Process
“It is a generally accepted principle of international law that agreements shouldn’t be made about parties; agreements should be made with parties,” explained Hamparian, when asked about the absence of the Republic of Artsakh at the OSCE-mediated peace talks.  “Azerbaijan is obviously against this because they feel it will prejudice the outcome.  They didn’t feel that way in 1994, when they were losing on the battlefield.  They were eager to sign an agreement with Armenia and Artsakh that established a cease-fire. […] Now, that the ceasefire is in effect, they want to push Artsakh as far away as possible.  That’s wrong on moral grounds, because you can’t make decisions for people.  It’s wrong on legal grounds because it’s against every principle of international law to sign accord about people, without the participation of the party in question.  It’s also not sustainable. If Azerbaijan is in fact interested in a sustainable solution to Artsakh, it needs to sit at the table with the leaders of Artsakh.  That’s ultimately where this issue gets resolved,” concluded Hamparian.

The ANCA is leading efforts to secure passage of Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) Artsakh Travel and Communication Act (H.Res.190), which calls for more open U.S.-Artsakh dialogue and for the Republic of Artsakh to join Armenia and Azerbaijan as an equal partner in the negotiating process.  To encourage Congressional support for the initiative, visit anca.org/USArtsakh.

The Facebook Live event was sponsored by the Orange County ARF Armen Karo Chapter, ANCA Orange County Chapter, Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School, AYF Ashod Yergat Chapter, AYF Aghpiur Serop Juniors, ARS Sevan Chapter, ARS Karni Chapter, Homenetmen Sartarabad Chapter, and Hamazkayin Siamanto Chapter.  The organizers thanked the ANCA for their continuous efforts in advocacy, community education, and for a successful informational event.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan convened a session of the two countries’ security councils in Yerevan on Friday, with the participation of the speakers of the Armenia and Artsakh parliaments, Ararat Mirzoyan and Artur Tovmasyan.

The joint session, a third such meeting to take place in the last two years, is designed to discuss the security challenges facing Armenia and Artsakh and formulate succinct responses to external threats. In that context, the military and aggressive rhetoric by Azerbaijan and its leader, Ilham Aliyev, became a focus of Pashinyan’s remarks, who condemned him destabilizing regional security by continuing its military threats at the time of a global pandemic.

“Azerbaijan’s use of force will not remain without its consequence and will always receive more than an adequate response both in the military and political realms,” said Pashinyan who added that Aliyev has placed himself in a deadlock by his continued war mongering.

“For more than 15 years he [Aliev] has promised his own people that the Karabakh conflict will be resolved through military means. Billions of dollars have been spent under this effort, which quite often result in money laundering, with those sums winding up in the accounts of famous peoples in offshore deals,” said Pashinyan.

“And now he [Aliyev] is unable to explain to his own people why the reality is as it is. He understands that his approaches will bring irreversible damages not only to Azerbaijan, but also will destroy his anti-national power. And in order to divert the people’s attention, he raises the tenor of his statements in order to get out of this deadlock, by trying to compensate for the failures of the past with new and more absurd promises about the future,” added Pashinyan.

The prime minister pointed to recent remarks by Aliyev who said that Azerbaijan will “liberate” Armenia, which in his view is Azerbaijani territory. Pashinyan said that Aliyev’s “recidiculous” policy of liberating “western Azerbaijan”—Armenia—seeks to destabilize the entire region.

“But I want to state in this regard that when we talk about the stability, security of the Karabakh conflict zone, in fact, we are talking about the stability and the security of our entire region, and in this sense Armenia is becoming the security guarantor of not only the Karabakh conflict zone, but also our entire region,” said Pashinyan.

“I think here we should demonstrate a special responsibility toward this regional role and be strong, and firm, and not to give in to meaningless and absurd provocations. Especially now when our societies are fighting against a global challenge—the novel coronavirus pandemic—we should call on [Baku] to refrain from such propaganda of hostility,” explained Pashinyan.

“Whether we want it or not, history and geography have made us neighbors. We should derive from the simple truth that our populations are equal and cannot be under one another’s rule. They should be able to determine their fate based on their will, their right to self-determination. The acceptance of this equality will greatly contribute to preparing our populations to peace and will provide reliable basis for the long-term and stable development of our region,” said Pashinyan.

Pashinyan also discussed the recent parliamentary and presidential elections in Artsakh, which he said allowed the people of Artsakh to exercise their fundamental rights of electing a leadership that will maintain and strengthen the security of the country, develop the country’s economic, political and civic life. More important, however, Pashinyan said, the elections have given a mandate to the newly-elected authorities to represent Artsakh at the negotiation table.

As a result of competitive and democratic elections Artsakh has a leadership who expresses its people’s aspirations to political reforms, economic and infrastructure development, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said in his remarks at the joint session of the Security Councils of Armenia and Artsakh in Yerevan.

“As a result of competitive and democratic elections Artsakh has a leadership who expresses its people’s aspirations to political reforms, economic and infrastructure development,” said Pashinyan who said the election highlighted the responsible role of the people of Artsakh in the peaceful conflict settlement process.

“It’s obvious that without the complete engagement of the Artsakh authorities there cannot be major progress in the negotiation process as each progress needs capacity for reaching and implementing key agreements, and it’s here that the democratic mandate received by the Artsakh authorities is irreplaceable,” said Pashinyan.