Category: News

– The Committee Against Racism and Discrimination of the Human Rights Association of Turkey, Istanbul branch, sent a letter to the Consul General of Germany in Istanbul, expressing gratitude regarding the German Parliament’s historic vote on June 2 recognizing the Armenian Genocide. The letter also denounces the racist announcements by Turkish government officials, the media, and members of society.

Below is the letter sent by the Committee Against Racism and Discrimination of the Human Rights Association of Turkey Istanbul branch:

Consulate General of the German Federal Republic İnönü Caddesi No. 10
Gümüşsuyu
Istanbul

June 8, 2016

Dear Dr. Georg Birgelen, Consul General of Germany,

As the Human Rights Association, Istanbul Branch, Committee Against Racism and Discrimination, we address you this letter to denounce and express shame for the extremely racist verbal and written attacks by the Turkish authorities, the media, and various nationalist elements of society, against Germany and the German people, following the German Parliamentary decision that recognizes the Armenian Genocide.

German Members of Parliament (MP) of Turkish origin have been labeled traitors following the vote, with some—including Cem Özdemir—receiving death threats.

As human rights defenders and activists against racism, we appreciate the fact that the German state has condemned the Holocaust by all means, created places for Holocaust memorialization in all areas of life, variously memorialized the crimes of the Nazi regime, established an educational system that insists on historical truth rather than denialist history, and made these permanent as state policy. On Dec. 7, 1970, German Chancellor Willy Brandt kneeled before the Warsaw Ghetto Memorial and apologized to the Jewish people, thereby vividly demonstrating to the world what states must do with regard to crimes against humanity. Without a doubt, Germany was able to arrive at this point as a result of the endless efforts of human rights defenders, thinkers and writers, politicians, and all influential individuals of the public sphere. For we see every single day how difficult it is both for the state and for society to rid themselves of all kinds of racism. It is moreover impossible for a crime against humanity such as genocide to be atoned for, restituted, or redressed; nevertheless, all steps in this direction are conditions of being a society, and being human.

A natural, if belated, consequence of this state policy, the German Parliamentary decision of June 2, 2016 is exemplary in showing the approach that the world must take with regard to crimes against humanity committed by states, in that in its decision to “remember and commemorate the genocide against Armenians and other Christians in the period 1915-16,” it has not only recognized the premeditated, systematic genocide perpetrated in Anatolia and Asia Minor, but also clearly stated that Germany was also responsible.

Opposed to this exemplary stance is the attitude in Turkey, which condones the crime. The insults and discourses of racial hatred directed toward Germany, German MPs, and the German people, as well as the actions in which such discourses were used, constitute crimes in the countries that enforce the standards of international law. Even more extreme racist insults and threats against German MPs of Turkish origin lay bare the dire situation in Turkey in terms of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

As human rights defenders in Turkey, we see these attacks by state authorities, the media, and nationalists as evidence that these crimes against humanity can always recur in this country. We believe that these discourses and actions are attacks on the will of elected representatives, on democracy, human rights, and universal law, not only in Germany but in all countries who have taken or will take a stance against the official view in Turkey.

We thus salute the German Parliament on the occasion of its decision and announce to the public opinion in your country that we deem the hatred and hostility against Germany and the German people to be hostility toward democracy and human rights.

Yours sincerely,

Human Rights Association, Istanbul Branch Committee Against Racism and Discrimination

The Human Rights Association (HRA) is a non-governmental and independent voluntary organization. Founded by 98 human rights activists in 1986. The Association today has 28 branches, 4 representation offices, and 10,938 members. The oldest and largest human rights association in Turkey, the HRA’s sole and explicit objective is to work for human rights and freedoms. 

AP Photo  

Dimitri Payet scored a late goal to give host France a 2-1 victory over Romania in the opening match of the European Championship, AP reports.

The West Ham winger curled a shot from outside the penalty area into the top corner in the 89th minute at the Stade de France.

Payet set up the French opener in the 58th, whipping in a cross that Olivier Giroud headed into the net. But France defender Patrice Evra tripped Nicolae Stanciu in the area and Bogdan Stancu equalized for Romania from the penalty spot in the 65th.

Both teams still have to play Albania and Switzerland in Group A.

The Spanish city of Merida officially recognized and condemned the Armenian Genocide on June 9.

All four political forces represented in the City Council unanimously approved mediation submitted by the Armenian Ararat Union.

The institutional statement labels the 1915-1923 as a crime against humanity and the first genocide of the 20th century.

Photo: AP

Singer Christina Grimmie, who had competed on the US TV programme The Voice, has died of her wounds after being shot in Florida, police say, the BBC reports.

They say a man opened fire on her when she was signing autographs after a concert in Orlando.

The assailant – who was tackled by Ms Grimmie’s brother – then shot and killed himself. The 22-year-old singer died in a local hospital.

In 2014, Ms Grimmie finished third during season six of The Voice.

In a tweet, Orlando’s police wrote: “With deep regret, we have confirmed Christina Grimmie, @TheRealGrimmie has died from her injuries.”

Today, on the occasion of the State Holiday of the Russian Federation – Russia Day, President Serzh Sargsyan visited the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Armenia. He congratulated Ambassador Ivan Volynkin and the entire staff of the Embassy and wished them all the best also the well being and prosperity to the people of Russia.

The President of Armenia watched the festive cultural program prepared by the employees of the Embassy.

On the occasion of the holiday, President Serzh Sargsyan sent congratulatory messages to the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and Chairman of the RF Government Dmitry Medvedev.

In the congratulatory message addressed to the President of the Russian Federation, President Sargsyan noted with satisfaction that the strategic nature of the Armenian-Russian cooperation, which is based on the friendly and brotherly relations of the two peoples, constantly reveals itself on the bilateral interstate level, as well as in the cooperation in the framework of international and regional settings.

“I am confident that through the joint efforts we will be able to promote future development of the entire complex of our bilateral relations and implement reached agreements which are aimed at maintaining development in the atmosphere of stability and security,” reads the congratulatory message of the President of Armenia.

In the congratulatory message addressed to the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, President Sargsyan noted that this remarkable holiday is inseparably tied to the profound transformation in Russia’s vital activities and is aimed at the prosperity of the citizens and strengthening of Russia’s role on the international arena.

France has identified Saturday’s match between England and Russia in Marseille as one of the Euro 2016 soccer games most likely to lead to violence involving fans, and is determined to avoid more trouble after scuffles on Thursday and Friday, according to Reuters.

“This is one of the five risky matches of the tournament … British and Russians with the heat, that can be explosive,” Sports Minister Patrick Kanner told i-Television on Saturday. “Everything will be done to secure that match tonight” he added.

French police stepped in to break up small groups of English and Russian fans who squared up and hurled taunts at one another in Marseille, southern France, on Friday.

Late Thursday, about 100 England fans and 50 local residents were involved in another fracas around the Vieux Port (Old Port) area, where several English and Irish bars are located.

In the 1998 World Cup, England fans were involved in serious disorder over several days in Marseille before and after a match against Tunisia.

About 1,000 police will be deployed in the Mediterranean city as up to 70,000 England fans and 20,000 Russians arrive ahead of the match between the two countries.

Photo: AFP

Libyan forces say they have re-taken control of the port in the city of Sirte, after fierce fighting against militants from so-called Islamic State, the BBC reports.

Sirte is the most significant IS stronghold outside Iraq and Syria.

Earlier this week warplanes bombed IS positions in Sirte while naval forces fired missiles into the port, officials said. The offensive continues.

The forces, aligned to the UN-backed unity government in Tripoli, began the battle to re-take the city last month.

Their spokesman, General Muhammad al-Ghusri, said senior IS leaders had fled into the desert to the south, but that many militants were still under siege in the city centre.

Manchester United have entered the fray for Dortmund’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan, according to the Daily Mail. The report says that the Armenian is set to leave Dortmund, as he is refusing to sign a new contract and any transfer fee would be worth £25 million.

Arsenal and Juventus have been in long discussions for Mkhitaryan, while it’s also believed that Chelsea and Liverpool have shown interest in the 27-year-old.

Dortmund are probably overjoyed, as that £25 million fee is set to explode now Man United have joined a range of other elite clubs wanting to sign Mkhitaryan. We’re two weeks into this transfer saga, and no closer to learning where he wants to go.

Champions League matches may put Arsenal and Juventus in the box seat, but United and Chelsea can pay top dollar to soothe the wait for top level European action.

Leading members of the Armenian diaspora and those interested in technology companies and startups in Armenia convene today at the at Synopsys in Mountain View, according to

The daylong gathering provides an opportunity to network, share ideas and identify investment opportunities in Armenia with CEOs, venture capitalists, academics, and entrepreneurs. The Forum is organized within the framework of the ArmTech Congress and held under the high patronage of the Prime Minister of Armenia.

Between 2008 and 2013 Armenia saw 22% growth in its technology sector year-over-year, and continues to foster startups and talent through education initiatives as well as recently adopted legislation designed to make launching and growing a startup, incubator, accelerator, or research organization much easier.

Sponsors of the event include Microsoft, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, IBM, the Union of Information and Technology Enterprises, the Union of Employers of Information and Communication Technologies, and PicsArt, a photo app company with 65 million active users founded by two Armenian entrepreneurs. Organizers include the Government of the Republic of Armenia, ArmTech Congress, CEED, World Bank Group, Synopsys, and the Enterprise Incubator Foundation (EIF).

The four panel discussions at the Forum will address critical issues including:

• The IT Industry in Armenia Recent Developments and Success Stories
• Building an Ecosystem for Global Startups and Connecting to Global Markets
• Challenges and Opportunities of Investing in Armenia
• The Role of Education in Unlocking Startup Talent

“This year the forum will focus on the progress and successes of our organizations and startups, especially in the U.S. market,” said Bagrat Yengibaryan Ph.D., Director of the EIF. “We’re going to discuss the importance of education and explore the challenges for the further development of the IT sector in Armenia,” he continued.

“The goal of the Forum is to let the world know Armenia is open for business,” said Peter Righi, CEED Global Director. “Armenia is no longer just an outsourcing market. It’s a growing hub of innovation with world-class IT talent and it’s critical to show what the Armenian government and private sector has done to grow the sector and prepare companies to plug in to the global marketplace. Today gives us the venue to showcase some of the talented people at the forefront of this trend.”