Category: News

ArmenPress
May 6 2004
PACE RESOLUTION ON ARMENIA CAN BE APPLIED TO ANY COE MEMBER, SENIOR
REPUBLICAN PARTY MEMBER SAYS
YEREVAN, MAY 6, ARMENPRESS: A senior member of the governing
Republican party has called on the opposition today to give up its
“destructive” policy and sit around a table with the authorities to
seek ways out of the political crisis.
“The Republican party (the senior member in the ruling coalition)
will not allow any action that would jeopardize Armenia’s
independence,” Galust Sahakian, the head of Republican parliamentary
faction told reporters. He was participating in public debates
organized by the National Civic Initiative on the reasons behind the
standoff between the authorities and the opposition.
Sahakian said that the opposition must stop all its
anti-government actions and engage in dialogue with the authorities
to seek for a formula that would enable to improve the election code
and amend the Constitution.
He also reverted to April 13 crackdown of the law-enforcement
bodies on the opposition rally, accusing the opposition leaders of
making people “the target of the law.” “All existing problems are
solved either by the authorities or within the political field in a
civilized manner,” he noted.
In a reference to the PACE resolution on Armenia that denounced
the government crackdown on the opposition, demanding an end to the
mass `administrative detentions’ of participants of protests marches
and the immediate release of those of them who remain in custody,
Sahakian argued that the resolution, which he claimed “was based on
theoretical information, not backed up by a thorough investigation”
could be applied to any Council of Europe member.
He then downplayed opposition’s allegations that its arrested
activists are political prisons. “A man arrested for attacking a
policeman cannot be called political prisoner,” he said.
Also a recurrent call for dialogue was made on Wednesday by
parliament speaker Arthur Baghdasarian, who invited in a statement
all parliamentary factions to attend `political consultations’ today,
which he said is also necessitated by the Council of Europe’s calls
for a `dialogue without preconditions’ between the authorities and
the opposition.

ArmenPress
May 6 2004
ARMENIA WELCOMES END OF STANDOFF BETWEEN TBILISI AND AJARIA
YEREVAN, MAY 6, ARMENPRESS: Armenia welcomed today the end of the
standoff between the central authorities in neighboring Georgia and
its autonomous region of Ajaria. Hamlet Gasparian, a spokesman for
Armenian foreign ministry, told Armenpress that “Armenia is satisfied
that the confrontation between the central authorities of Georgia and
Ajaria ended without bloodshed and mainly peacefully.”
Gasparian said the end of the conflict is very important for
Georgia and therefore, for the entire South Caucasus on the way of
establishing stability and peace in the region. “Armenia welcomes the
consistent and decisive policy of the Georgian authorities that has
helped to overcome that serious obstacle,” Gasparian said.
Georgia’s standoff with Ajaria ended as Aslan Abashidze, the
leader of the defiant region, resigned Wednesday night and left the
country for Moscow. “Aslan has run away, Ajaria is free,”‘ Georgian
president Mikhail Saakashvili said in a broadcast early today from
the capital Tbilisi. “A new era has begun in Georgia’s history,” he
said. Before flying to Moscow Abashidze ordered his paramilitary
forces to lay down their arms.
Saakashvili later arrived in Ajaria’s capital, Batumi, where he
was greeted by crowds of supporters. Saakashvili who had given
Abashidze until May 12 to disarm local militias or have his
government dissolved, imposed direct presidential rule only hours
before Abashidze left. The end of the standoff was also welcomed by
the US State Department.
Abashidze had run Ajaria independently from the central government
in Tbilisi since the early 1990s.
“Georgian government will not persecute former supporters of Aslan
Abashidze. We have come here for love and not to separate the
nation,” Georgian prime minister Zurab Zhvania said in a televised
address.

ArmenPress
May 6 2004
CONFLICT MAY BE RESOLVED IN 1-2 YEARS, KARABAGH LEADER FORECASTS
YEREVAN, MAY 6, ARMENPRESS: Nagorno Karabagh leader Arkady
Ghukasian has revived today the recently floated idea that the
Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Karabagh cannot be resolved unless
Stepanakert joins the talks as a full party. “Sooner or later Azeri
leaders will have to agree to negotiating with Karabagh and I am
confident that the international community shares this very
viewpoint,” Ghukasian said, citing a resolution of the OSCE Budapest
summit which said that the conflicting sides are Azerbaijan, Armenia
and Nagorno Karabagh.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting of Board of Trustees of
Hayastan pan-Armenian Fund, Ghukasian argued that the conflict cannot
be solved through application of the so-called step-by-step option
because of the “distrust, enmity and Azerbaijan’s war rhetoric.”
According to Karabagh leader’s forecasts, “we have enough
resources to resolve the conflict in 1-2 years, but we should also
realize that a resolution or peace contain some risks, which is also
realized by Azerbaijan’s leaders who are not ready today to take the
risk and shoulder the responsibility.”
In a reversal of previous opinion on the effectiveness of the
Minsk Group, which spearheads the Organization for Security and
Co-Operation in Europe’s (OSCE) efforts to find a political solution
to this conflict, Azeri president Ilham Aliyev said earlier this week
that the Group’s activity is apparent, and that “the co-chairmen are
determined to deal with the problem.”

ArmenPress
May 6 2004
SIX ARMENIANS GO TO TURKEY FOR CHESS MEDALS
YEREVAN, MAY 6, ARMENPRESS: The Armenian Chess Federation said
today that six Armenian chess-players will go to Turkish Antalya to
compete for the medals of Europe’s individual championship that kicks
of May 14.
The championship is open with no restrictions to the number of
participants for a single country. The Federation said more Armenian
chess players may decide later to go.

Armenian National Committee of America
888 17th St., NW, Suite 904
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:
PRESS RELEASE
May 6, 2004
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
NEW HAMPSHIRE SENATORS COSPONSOR GENOCIDE RESOLUTION
— Support for S.Res.164 Reaches 39 in the Senate
WASHINGTON, DC – New Hampshire Senators Judd Gregg (R) and John
Sununu (R) agreed to cosponsor the Genocide Resolution, S.Res.164,
bringing the total number of cosponsors to thirty-nine, reported
the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
Both senators heard regularly from their New Hampshire constituents
on this matter over the past several months, reflecting the growing
activism of the Armenian American community in northern New
England. Rhode Island Senator Lincoln Chafee (R) is the only New
England area Senator yet to cosponsor the legislation. Most
recently, a New Hampshire delegation of activists including Mike
Manoian, Harry Alexanian and Jeannette John spoke with
representatives of both Senators, at meetings coinciding with the
ANCA Armenian Genocide Observance on Capitol Hill, held on April
28th. Dr. Peter Balakian, whose recently published book, “The
Burning Tigris” extensively documents U.S. humanitarian response to
the Armenian Genocide, detailed the importance of supporting
Genocide prevention legislation during the meeting with Sen.
Gregg’s office.
“We join with the Armenian community of New Hampshire in welcoming
the support of Senators Gregg and Sununu for the Genocide
Resolution” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “With the
89th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide commemorated just a few
weeks ago, and the prospect of yet another genocide developing in
the Sudan as we speak, support for legislation like S.Res.164 has
never been more vital. We must, as a nation, reaffirm our
commitment to the aims of the Genocide Convention and ensure that
the lessons of past genocides are applied in the prevention of
future crimes against humanity.”
A two-term Member of the Senate, Sen. Gregg is Chairman of the
Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and serves on the
Appropriations and Budget Committees. Sen. John Sununu, now in his
first term, serves on the Foreign Relations, Banking, Governmental
Affairs and Joint Economic committees.
The Genocide resolution was introduced in the Senate in June, 2003
by Senators John Ensign (R-NV) and Jon Corzine (D-NJ). Its
companion House measure, H.Res.193, led by Representatives George
Radanovich (R-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Congressional Armenian
Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI),
was adopted unanimously by the House Judiciary Committee last May
and has 111 cosponsors. The resolution cites the importance of
remembering past crimes against humanity, including the Armenian
Genocide, Holocaust, Cambodian and Rwandan genocides, in an effort
to stop future atrocities. Support for the measure has been
widespread, with a diverse coalition of over 100 ethnic, religious,
civil and human rights organizations calling for its passage,
including American Values, National Organization of Women, Sons of
Italy, NAACP, Union of Orthodox Rabbis, and the National Council of
La Raza.
#####

Kurt Chesko of the HALO USA (Humanitarian Landmine Clearance) will speak at
10:30 AM on Saturday, May 15th at The Glendale Public Library’s Central
Auditorium (222 East Harvard Street, Glendale, CA
91205).

The NKR Office encourages participation of the general public and
representatives of the LA-based Armenian-American organizations.

Vardan Barseghian
Representative of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic

Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United States
122 C Street, NW, Suite 360
Washington, DC 20001
Tel: (202) 347-5166
Fax: (202) 347-5168

For additional information, please contact:

Kurt Chesko
Program Officer

HALO USA
Humanitarian Landmine Clearance
850 Seventh Avenue, Suite 506
New York, NY 10019
212 581 0099 (tel)
212 581 2029 (fax)
<; Info from <; : In Nagorno Karabakh defensive minefields were laid by both Azeri and pro-Karabakhi forces. Moves in the front lines resulted in minefields and significant quantities of UXO being left in peaceful areas needed for agriculture. In many areas access to prime land is denied and the steady stream of casualties indicates the requirement for widespread mineclearance ahead of cultivation. Aid organizations in the region have had to restrict their operations due to fears of landmines on or just beside roads and the presence of unexploded ordnance in and around many villages. In 1995 and 1996 HALO conducted an 18-month long program in Karabakh that established a mineclearance capacity for the local authorities. This included a survey of the region and the equipping and training of deminers. The teams operated without assistance for three years and whilst they successfully cleared hundreds of mines, their equipment had degraded and accurate records of clearance had not been kept for some time. HALO returned to Karabakh in 2000 with a view to reinforcing capacity through a project of re-equipment, providing additional training and by establishing a mine action centre (MAC). The MAC collates information concerning mines, UXO and safe routes, and disseminates it to all who require it, in particular other NGOs and international humanitarian bodies operating in Karabakh. In addition to landmines, unexploded ordnance is as great a problem in Nagorno Karabakh. In response, HALO deploys three mobile explosive ordnance disposal teams that clear hundreds of hazardous items every month.

PRESS RELEASE
The National Citizens’ Initiative
75 Yerznkian Street
Yerevan 375033, Armenia
Tel: (+374 – 1) 27.16.00, 27.00.03
Fax: (+374 – 1) 52.48.46
E-mail: [email protected]
May 6, 2004
National Citizens’ Initiative Examines Political Confrontation in Armenia
Yerevan?The National Citizens’ Initiative (NCI) resumed today its series of
specialized policy seminars on vital issues of concern for both the Republic
of Armenia and Armenians worldwide.
Raffi Hovannisian, founder of NCI and the Armenian Center for National and
International Studies (ACNIS), greeted the capacity audience with opening
remarks on the “Political Confrontation in Armenia: Causes, Effects, and
Solutions.” “Even a cursory analysis of the past few years demonstrates why
we have so frequently lost in the course of our history. In our heart of
hearts and in our inner consciousness, each of us knows that the situation
in the country, as it stands now, is not durable. Whether we consider last
year’s elections a cause or an effect, they evidenced the commission of a
big national mistake, the correction of which is crucial. We welcome the
ongoing dialogue on various levels-its very invitation, attempt, and
realization-yet we also know that it is the incumbent president’s
responsibility to initiate the corrective change in the state of affairs.
Otherwise, the opposite, however unpredictable, is inevitable. It is at this
level that we need an expedited and comprehensive resolution forged by
consensus. This is neither a prediction nor a threat, nor advice of any
kind. This simply is a public imperative,” he said.
ACNIS analyst Hovsep Khurshudian delivered a paper on the current state of
political culture in Armenia. “Since 1988 and 1991 political culture in
Armenia has faced a perilous retreat, and accountability for this lies first
and foremost with the authorities,” he opined, calling on the governing
coalition to join the opposition in fulfilling the obligations set forth in
the recent resolution of the Council of Europe. To this end he suggested
establishment of a parliamentary committee composed equally of coalition and
opposition members.
In his address entitled “Constitutional Procedures and ‘Legal’
Arbitrariness,” law professor Hrair Tovmasian noted: “It is manifest that
both the current and the draft Constitutions presented last year for
referendum, with their internal contradictions, incomplete checks and
balances, unclear accountability mechanisms, and powerful prerogatives
granted to the president, are not only useless in solving domestic
confrontations but also serve as their main cause. By means of systemic
change, the application of a parliamentary form of government in the
Republic of Armenia is the best way, in our opinion, to eliminate such
internal conflicts and to avoid them in the future,” he said.
Good governance analyst Karen Hakobian offered remarks on “Transfer of
Authority as a Mirror of Democracy: The Crises of Regime Change in Armenia
and in the Region.” “Armenia faces a crisis of authority and a governance
dilemma in general; hence, regime change becomes a necessity. But if there
are no established long-term socioeconomic and political objectives, if
there are no clear-cut and formulated models of good governance, one is
likely to encounter similar crises later on, this time during the reign of
the next administration. A change of regime should serve only as a means for
securing clearly defined public interests and the country’s development,” he
said.
During the second session of the seminar, representatives of Armenia’s
political parties took the floor, Alexander Butaev and Albert Baghdasarian
representing the National Democratic Union, Albert Bazeyan of the Republic
Party, Hovhannes Hovhannisian of the Liberal Progressive Party, Gagik
Tadevosian of the National Unity Party, and Grigor Harutiunian of the People
‘s Party of Armenia. Of the invited coalition representatives only Galust
Sahakian and Mushegh Lalayan of the Republican Party attended the
roundtable. Mkrtich Minasian of the “People’s Deputy” parliamentary group
also took part in the discussion.
The interventions of the politicians and public figures were followed by
formal deliberations on possible ways out of the present situation.
Noteworthy were contributions by Armenian Intellectuals’ Forum chairman
General Edward Simoniants; economist Edward Aghajanov; Anahit Bakhshian,
principal of Derenik Demirchian High School in Yerevan; Davit Petrosian of
the Noyan Tapan News agency; Avetik Ishkhanian, chairman of Armenia’s
Helsinki Committee; Gayane Markosian of the “Harmonious World” NGO; Manuk
Haroutiunian, senior research fellow of the Institute of Philosophy and Law
at the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia; Yerevan State University
lecturer Aram Haroutiunian; political analyst Artsrun Pepanian; and many
others.
In particular, General Simoniants noted that “this meeting proves that it is
groundless to claim the lack of highly intelligent specialists in the search
for solutions to overcoming the crisis in the country. Unfortunately,
however, the bearers of this political benchmark are not united and
coordinated in academic and policy greenhouses such as this.” He regretted
the discontinuation of the opposition-coalition dialogue recently hosted by
ACNIS, and called for its resumption.
The National Citizens’ Initiative is a public non-profit association founded
in December 2001 by Raffi K. Hovannisian, his colleagues, and fellow
citizens with the purpose of realizing the rule of law and overall
improvements in the state of the state, society, and public institutions.
The National Citizens’ Initiative is guided by a Coordinating Council, which
includes individual citizens and representatives of various public,
scientific, and educational establishments. Five commissions on Law and
State Administration, Socioeconomic Issues, Foreign Policy, Spiritual and
Cultural Challenges, and the Youth constitute the vehicles for the
Initiative’s work and outreach.
For further information, please call (3741) 27-16-00 or 27-00-03; fax (3741)
52-48-46; e-mail [email protected]; or visit

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Communications Officer
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
May 6, 2004
___________________
Week of April 30 to May 6, 2004
* * *
DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY A SUCCESS
This past weekend (4/29-5/02), almost 150 representatives from local
parishes throughout the Eastern Diocese worked through a heavy agenda
during the Diocesan Assembly, hosted by the St. Gregory the Enlightener
Church of White Plains, NY. One of the major items on the agenda was
passage of next year’s Diocesan budget. The delegates also spent a lot
of time discussing the idea of stewardship and brainstorming ways to
build stewardship programs within their parishes. For more on the
actions of the delegates and to see pictures from the Assembly, click to
our Assembly blog:
(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 5/5/04)
* * *
SERVICES THIS WEEKEND FOR FR. KABARADJIAN
The V. Rev. Fr. Varoujan Kabaradjian, long-time pastor for Evanston, IL,
passed away last Friday (4/30) after a prolonged illness. Funeral
services, officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian,
former Pontifical Legate and Primate of the Armenian Church of Great
Britain, will be held this weekend. For more on the life and service of
Fr. Kabaradjian and for details on the funeral service and viewing,
visit our website:
;selmonth=5&sel
year=2004
(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 5/4/04)
* * *
PRIMATE TO BE IN BINGHAMTON THIS WEEKEND
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, will pay a
pastoral visit to the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Binghamton,
NY, this weekend. The parish will hold a dinner to honor the Primate on
Saturday at the church, and the Primate will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy on Sunday, during which he will ordain Hagop Injajigian, a
dedicated memver of the parish, as a deacon. Sunday’s service will be
followed by a reception at 1:30 p.m. at the Regency Hotel. For more
information on this parish, click to our website:
(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 5/6/04)
* * *
PRIMATE PRESENTS HONOR IN FAIR LAWN, NJ
On Sunday (5/2), Archbishop Barsamian was in Fair Lawn, NJ, where he
joined the parishioners of the St. Leon Church for the parish’s
appreciation day celebration. During the festivities, the Primate
presented S. Rex Kachigian with the prestigious St. Nersess Shnorhali
Medal and a Pontifical Encyclical on behalf of His Holiness Karekin II,
Catholicos of All Armenians. The St. Nersess medal — the Armenian
Church’s highest lay honor — is awarded to individuals who demonstrate
outstanding commitment and service to the Armenian Church. To learn
more, click to the Eastern Diocese’s website:
;selmonth=5&sel
year=2004
(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 5/3/04)
* * *
ETCHMIADZIN ORDAINS NEW PRIESTS
On Sunday (5/2), during a Divine Liturgy presided over by His Holiness
Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, His Grace
Bishop Abraham Mkrtichian, Primate of the Diocese of Syunik in Armenia,
ordained six new priests. Three of the new priests are celibate
priests.
(Source: Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, 5/2/04)
* * *
CATHOLICOS VISITS SOUTH AMERICA
On Monday (5/3), Catholicos Karekin II headed to South America, where he
will travel throughout the month. His agenda includes stops in Sao
Paolo and Osasco, Brazil; Montevideo, Uruguay; and Buenos Aires and
Cordoba, Argentina. During the trip, the Catholicos will celebrate the
Divine Liturgy in many communities, meet with officials, and hold
discussions with local ecumenical meetings.
(Source: Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, 5/3/04)
* * *
REQUEST A PRAYER
When you feel as though you need a little more spiritual support, you
can request a prayer be said for you at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in
New York City. Simply click to our website, and your prayer will be
said during Sunday services:
(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 5/5/04)
* * *
ASP TRIP FILLED
This year’s Armenian Service Program (ASP) trip is filled; 26 young
people will take part in it. The trip — organized by the Armenian
Church Youth Organization of America (ACYOA) — is an opportunity for
young people to visit Armenia while also helping the Republic’s
children. Participants will spend part of their summer trip serving as
counselors for a summer camp for children. If you would like more
information on future ASP trip contact the ACYOA by e-mailing
[email protected].
(Source: ACYOA, 4/30/04)
* * *
TRAVEL TO ARMENIA THIS YEAR
Traveling to Armenia strengthens your faith and dedication. If you
haven’t gone yet, there are four opportunities this year.
In June:
* Young Professionals Trip — June 12 to 26 / $2,250. THREE SPOTS ARE
LEFT, SIGN UP TODAY! Specifically designed for travelers between the
ages of 23 and 40, this trip offers a chance to see the sights of
Armenia and build life-long friendships with other Armenian American
professionals. Call the Fund for Armenian Relief (212) 889-5150.
* Diocesan Pilgrimage to Historic Armenia and the Republic of Armenia —
June 17 to July 7 / $3,450. Travel to Istanbul, historic Armenian
locations in modern day Turkey such as Musa Dagh, Cappadocia, Mt.
Ararat, and Ani. Continue to Armenia to tour important historical and
cultural sites. For more information call Armen Aroyan (626) 359-9510.
In September:
* Women’s Guild Pilgrimage to Armenia — September 16 to 27 / $2,400.
Tour Etchmiadzin, Yerevan, ancient holy sites, and current cultural
activities. For more information call Ann Devejian (203) 838-5758.
* Pilgrimage to Armenia — September 18 to October 3 / $2,350. A
Diocesan-sponsored trip to all the highlights of Armenia. For more
information call Sidon Travel at (818) 553-0777.
To get more information on any of these travel opportunities, e-mail
[email protected].
And don’t forget — you can also help fund the trip of a young person in
your parish, who will return more eager to be involved in parish life.
(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 5/5/04)
# # #

YEREVAN TO RESPOND TO PACE RESOLUTION ON SITUATION IN COUNTRY
06.05.2004 16:50
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian President Robert Kocharian does not agree with
some formulas in the descriptive part of the PACE resolution on the domestic
situation in the country, the state leader told journalists in Yerevan
today. In his words, such definitions, as e.g. “political oppression” are
especially displeasing. R. Kocharian reported that one of these days
official Yerevan will prepare its response on the descriptive part of the
resolution and the special opinion will be presented to the Council of
Europe before July, as the document requires. In the President’s words,
Armenia is a Council of Europe member and “is fully entitled to protect its
official point of view regarding the PACE resolution.” “The Council of
Europe is not a place where unilateral decisions can be made,” he
emphasized. It should be reminded that the resolution the PACE passed last
week calls on the authorities and opposition of Armenia to refrain from
violence and to sit at the bargaining table.

Anadolu Agency
may 6 2004
Allegations On Armenian Genocide Refuted With A Scientific Study

ANKARA – Turkish History Institution Chairman Prof. Dr. Yusuf
Halacoglu has said that Armenians’ allegations on genocide were
nothing but political propaganda, adding scientific facts refuted the
allegations.
Holding a press conference to promote a book entitled ”Armenians:
Exile and Migration” of historians Hikmet Ozdemir, Kemal Cicek, Omer
Turan and Ramazan Calik, Prof. Dr. Halacoglu said on Thursday, ”the
book was prepared examining nearly 15 thousand documents in archives
of the western countries. The study lasted for about one an half
years. These documents in the book will completely refute allegations
put forward by Armenians so far.”
”Under the light of data in western sources, Armenian population in
1914 was 1 million 400 thousand. Despite disease, losses stemming
from wars and all other factors, Armenian population rose to 1
million 700 thousand in 1918. These figures unveil wrongfulness of
allegations saying that 1.5 million Armenians were exposed to
genocide,” he stressed.
Prof. Dr. Halacoglu emphasized that those allegations would be
discussed with Armenians in a scientific platform in Austrian capital
Vienna in 2005 for the first time.
”A preparatory meeting will take place in Vienna on July 25, 2004 to
this end. Actually, I do not know whether Armenians could dare to
attend the meeting after all these data obtained from the western
sources. We will attend the meeting with documents from archives of
Russia, the United States, Britain, Germany, France and Iran besides
Ottoman era archives. Participants will be obliged to show original
documents. Our archives are open while Armenian archives are still
closed. We will stipulate Armenians existence of original
documents,” he said.
Prof. Dr. Halacoglu added, ”efforts to refute baseless allegations
of Armenians are as important as the Cyprus issue.”
Since 1965, the Armenians have been accusing the Turks of an alleged
genocide. Armenian enmity against the Turks began with the voluntary
Armenian troops in the Russian Army, and at last Armenian thuggery
reached its peak in the beginning of the 20th century. Many Turkish
people were killed by Armenian thuggery.
April 24, 1915 was the day in which the Ottoman Empire began to
arrest the Armenian thuggery. On this date, the Armenian Committee
centers were closed, their documents were confiscated, and the
leaders were arrested. The Ottoman Empire tried to prevent the events
by sending instructions to many cities. As a result of these
instructions, 2 thousand 345 people were arrested. The Armenians
exploits this date since the leaders of the revolutionists were
arrested on the date.
The so-called Armenian genocide allegations caused assassinations of
many Turkish officials. Between 1973 and 1985, Armenian terrorist
organization of ASALA staged several act of terrorism against Turkish
diplomats abroad. 34 people lost their lives in these heinous acts in
19 separate countries.