LOST PAGE IN HISTORY, FINALLY DISCOVERED
By Rebecca John
Assyria Times, CA
May 15 2006
Tragedy, loss and prejudice are only a few words we can use to describe
what the Assyrian and Armenian Christians suffered at the hands of the
Turkish Government. Only now, ninety-one years after these murders,
violations and acts of inhumanity took place, has this dark period
in history come to light.
The Genocide of the Assyrian people has been given the cutting name
‘SEYFO’, which translates to mean ‘sword’. This name was given to
represent the brutalities the Assyrians suffered as a result of
refusing to accept the policies of the ruling government which
was seeking to ‘Turkify’ the Christian people of the land. The
self-proclaimed aim of the Empire was to create a Pan-Turkish state,
or perhaps more importantly, a state where the only religion was
Islam. To achieve this ideal, the Turkish Government created laws
with the sole intention to make life for the Christians as difficult
as possible. By law, Christians could not take part in any political
issues, Assyrians could not speak their inherited language and taxes
for the non-Muslims were more than ten times higher than those who
were Turks and Muslims. Those too scared to stay in the villages they
were born in, fled to safety by foot to neighboring countries (most
of which died on their journey from exhaustion and hunger). Assyrians
refusing to leave their homes and deny their faith became targets
for the Turkish Government, which led to the most horrific event
in Assyrian history: The Slaughter of thousands upon thousands of
Assyrians and the forced deportations of many more.
Assyrians and Armenians have taken it upon themselves to educate
people of this Genocide which is often referred to as the ‘the lost
page in history’. Firodil Institute has been spreading the word of
SEYFO with the help of Government MP’s and by organizing ‘Genocide’
events. The most recent and successful event took place on 10th May
2006 at SOAS University (School of Oriental and African Studies)
and proved to be a powerful learning experience for those who attended.
Mr. Lamassu of Firodil Institute, who is an Assyrian himself, spoke
of the disturbing effect that the Genocide aftermath had on him:
“I grew up listening to stories of an uncle who had to watch his
six-month-old child be thrown into a burning clay oven. Juxtapose
the tragic tales I grew up with, with what normal children of normal
environments grow up to; and you will realize why the crimes of 1915
must be recognized as genocide … I am an Assyrian, I am the genocide
and the genocide is me: to deny it you are killing me twice!”
Guest speakers at this event included academic researcher, Sabri
Atman and winner of the ‘Golden Palm’ award, Swedish-Assyrian
Journalist Nuri Kino. Not only did both speakers shed some light
on the Assyrian and Armenian Genocide historically, but they also
spoke of these prejudices still living on in Turkey today. Mr. Kino
explained how Assyrian Christians are still referred to as ‘pigs’,
and how the slaughtering of Assyrians are discussed with a sense
of achievement. Turkey’s attitude towards the Christian People has
raised a question mark over whether Turkey should be allowed to join
the European Union (EU). This proposal has sparked a fear of history
repeating itself for the Assyrian and Armenian people, as many fled
their homeland to escape the Genocide Turkey subjected them to. Nuri
Kino gave his opinions on this matter:
“Turkey claims, yes, Armenians, Assyrians have been killed in ‘war’.
I have evidence it was a plot, a plan to rid Turkey of Christians,
non-Muslims…Turkey must face up to the Genocide towards the Assyrians
and apologize.”
Mr. Kino himself lost various members of his family during the
Genocide with his grandmother being the sole survivor from a tribe
consisting of over three hundred people. His documentary ‘Assyriska
a National Team without a Nation’ was the winner of the prestigious
‘Golden palm’ award (awarded for the first time for a non-American
and a non-fictional film). It was however, Kino’s first documentary
‘A Cry Unheard’ that set him on the road to success, as he followed
the Genocide road, interviewing survivors and performing extensive
research. This experience he claims was both stressful and upsetting
which even took a toll on his health.
Ninety-one years later, news of this haunting Genocide is finally
being spoken of, not with fear, but with sheer will and determination
to force the Turkish Government to admit and apologize for what
happened to the Christians in their country. After almost a century
of lost lives, tragedy and grief, the Assyrians feel they deserve
recognition and an apology, not for the sake of a “lost” nation,
but for the justice of a nation that was stolen.
For more information on upcoming events or on any issues raised
contact Rebecca at [email protected] or Firodil Institute
at [email protected].
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PARISHIONERS SUPPORT ACCUSED PRIEST
WFSB, CT
May 15 2006
NEW BRITAIN — Parishioners in New Britain are standing behind their
priest even though he has been accused of molesting a 12-year-old girl.
The members of St. Stephen’s Armenian Church say they believe their
priest of 12 years, Grigoris Keshishian, was wrongly accused.
“I think the people who are giving the wrong accusation should be
punished themselves,” said parishioner Marinisa Sahakyam.
Keshishian led a prayer service on Sunday morning to a packed room
of parishioners. His supporters say the child who has accused him of
abuse was playing on a table during a church event when she slipped
and fell. They say Keshishian then attempted to catch her and that is
when the little girl says the touching happened. It is an accusation
no one at Sunday’s service seemed to believe.
“My daughter is 8 years old,” said Sahakyam. “Last year as a priest
he took her to Armenia and that was a 30-hour trip and I trusted him
to take my daughter with him.”
“I call him if I need a babysitter or if I’m not home I would call
him,” said another parishioner Sophia Hovhannisyan.
Ani Hovhannisyan, 15, also went to Armenia with Keshishian and knows
the victim.
“I was friends with her, but obviously not right now,” said Ani.
Keshishian thanked his supporters today from the pulpit and
parishioners admitted he looked distraught. They believe he will be
proven innocent, but fear by then it will be too late.

ARMENIANS IN MOSCOW SELL TICKETS FOR GROUP TOUR TO SHUSHA
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
May 15 2006
Members of the Coordination Council of Russian Azerbaijani Youths
(CCRA), post-graduate of the Moscow State University Rufet Azizov
and fifth-year student of tourism economy faculty of the University
Orkhan Akbarov visited APA Information Agency.
They talked about the activity of the CCRA in Moscow, their activity
for restoration of the broken sovereignty of our country as well as
their political struggle with Armenians in Russia. The students said
they are facing difficulties in this work alone complaining of lack
of support from the Azerbaijan’s Embassy.
“The map of Azerbaijan’s province Garabagh is sold in a shop called
“Armenia” in the center of Moscow. The students cannot stage any
unsanctioned actions. The Embassy has not responded positively to
their appeal,” the CCRA members said.
The CCRA 15 members prevented the opening of the exposition of the
alleged “Nagorno Garabagh Republic” in a tourism exhibition in Moscow
in a protest action several days ago. They were taken to police by
the exhibition organizers and were set free. The protesters wearing
clothes written the words “End Armenian aggression!” on and wrapping
themselves with Azerbaijani flags shouted slogans-“Nagorno Garabagh
is Azerbaijan’s territory!”, “Don’t believe in lies of Armenians,
the exhibits demonstrated in the exhibition belong to Azerbaijan!” ,
“Welcome to the military zone!”, “Nagorno Garabagh is in the hands
of separatist , aggressive and terrorist regime!”.
The tourism exhibition was opened in Moscow on May 11. Though
the alleged “Nagorno Garabagh Republic” was not in the list of
participants, it was announced that on 13 May there would be a stand
on tourism potential in the alleged republic. The CCRA members
informed the Azerbaijan Embassy about it on May 12. Though the
Embassy officers Shamil Garayev and Javanshir Akhundov talked to the
exhibition center representatives, it gave no results. The exhibition
organizers said they would remove awareness-raising materials but
not the stand. So, the Azerbaijani students decided to prevent the
opening of the exposition, and they achieved their aim. The opening was
broken but the stand was displayed in the exhibition till the end-14
May. The students say that by demonstrating tourism opportunities in
Azerbaijan’s region of Shuha, which has been occupied by Armenians,
the invaders sell tickets for group tour to the city for lovers of
summer and winter tourism.
The visitors to APA also reported that Armenian Year in Russia is
celebrated and Armenians are organizing different political events as
well as publicizing information on alleged destruction of Armenian
graveyards in Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan. Our students regret that only
concerts were organized in the framework of the Azerbaijani Year in
Russia last year, there was no political action on the invasion of
Nagorno Garabagh.
The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Russia told APA that the Embassy is
closely cooperating with the CCRA, however, it is not allowed to hold
any action as it has not been registered officially.

AZERI POLITICAL SCIENTISTS ABOUT RESIGNATION OF ARMENIAN SPEAKER
Author: S.Ilhamgizi
TREND Info, Azerbaijan
May 15 2006
The key reason for the Armenian speaker’s leaving from the government
coalition is his intention to take an active part in the parliamentary
and presidential elections, the chairman of Democratic Reforms
Party, MP Asim Mollazade, said. He was commenting on the resignation
of Armenian Speaker Artur Bagdasarian, and a crisis arisen in the
Armenian government, Trend reports.
He noted that the last developments in the Armenian government are
preparations for the parliamentary and presidential elections. The
forces striving for participation in the elections have been determined
and even Kocharian intends to nominate his candidacy. “A struggle
of political parties for presidency will start. One of reasons
for Bagdasarian’s resignation is linked with his intention of as an
oppositionist to take an active part in presidential and parliamentary
elections,” he said.
He noted that the reason for absence of progress in the resolution
of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was linked with activities of
Kocharian’s activities.
In his turn Rasim Musabayov, a political scientist said that when
the pint reaches the adoption of an unfavorable resolution in the
resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Armenians are used
to win time through internal fictions. He did not exclude that the
similar developments in the current Armenian government.
Meanwhile, Musabayov said that collapse of Kocharian’s power does not
seem real for the time being, as the force bodies of the country are
under the control of Kocharian-Sarkisian tandem. He did not rule a
serious chaos within the country.
“This is a bilateral process. On the one hand the people in Armenia
are sick and tired of the current situation in Armenia, which makes
the authorities elected through democratic way to search other ways.
It crosses through the settlement of the problem with Azerbaijan,”
Musabayov stressed.
He does not expect tension in Armenia to cause changes in the
government soon. “Using his capacities Kocharian will try to collapse
the party led by ex speaker and maintain the parliamentary majority.
It testifies for weakening of Kocharian’s regime,” he underlined.
According to Zardust Alizade, a political scientist, the Armenian
did not resign on his own will. “I suppose there was an agreement. It
is a manifestation of Russia’s pressure. It can be caused by a rise
in Russian gas prices. Armenian wants to show that the number of
anti-Russian forces might grow in Armenia if Moscow continues economic
pressures. This is a game,” Alizade underlined.
He also noted that the ongoing political developments in Armenian
will not affect the negotiation process on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
resolution, as Armenia does not take a unilateral position.

THE FRENCH ATTITUDE TOWARDS ARMENIAN CLAIMS
Recep Guvelioglu
The New Anatolian, Turkey
May 15 2006
The French Parliament is set this Thursday to debate a bill to
criminalize denial of the so-called Armenian genocide. The one-article
bill aims to impose prison terms of up to one year and a 45,000 euro
fine for deniers of the so-called genocide claims. In France it’s
already an offense to deny the Holocaust of World War II.
France has been a haven for the Armenian diaspora for almost a
century. That’s why almost every French government, whether leftist
or rightist, has tried to be sympathetic to the diaspora to get
their votes. As a result, the French public has been influenced by
Armenian propaganda without questioning the case. In 1920, when Aram
Andonian published the so-called “Official Documents on the Armenian
Massacres” (Documents Officiels Concernant les Massacres Armeniens,
Imprimerie H. Turabian, Boulevard Raspall, 1920, Paris), the French
public accepted them as real evidence of an Armenian “genocide.” But
in the 1980s it was proven that the letters which are the basis of
the book’s claims were false and mere fabrication.
Even though French soldiers were eyewitnesses to the Mt. Musa incident,
exaggerations in the book “The Forty Days of Musa Dagh” (Werfel
Franz; Die vierzig Tage des Musa Dagh, Paul Zsolnay Verlag A.G.,
1933, Berlin) were disregarded by the French. French administrations
have been proud of themselves for erecting genocide monuments. French
governments sometimes went too far, even supporting terrorists. They
supported the Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia
(ASALA). But after an ASALA bomb blast in front of a Turkish Airlines
(THY) office at Orly Airport which claimed eight lives (four of them
French) and wounded 60 on July 15, 1983, and their occupation of the
Turkish Consulate General in which they murdered the security officer
and wounded the consul general, the French government realized that
supporting terrorism doesn’t help anything. There were many reasons
at the root of all this, but I would like to address four of them.
The first reason is classic Christian solidarity. The second was
quite interesting: The French government, during World War I,
like the Russians and British, provoked the Armenian quest for an
independent state just to dissolve the Ottoman Empire. But the French
didn’t help the Armenians after their revolt. To a certain extent the
French betrayed the Armenians. This isn’t my own idea; it’s found in
pro-Armenian books. Armenian villagers died not for their own cause,
but for the realization of the Alliance’s plans. They squeezed the
juice out of the orange and then threw it away. After the massive
Armenian immigration to France, the French government started
supporting them just to save face.
The third reason behind the French governments’ stance was and is to
gain leverage against Turkey. The fourth is to seek Armenian votes as
a part of domestic politics. I would like to make some comments on
the last reason. Many people think that the Armenian lobby is solid
and powerful in France. But it’s not. There are many French citizens
of Armenian origin who think that there have been falsifications in
the thesis of the “genocide” story. Because of oppression from the
diaspora’s leaders, these poor people haven’t been able to say anything
or reject some claims. Some of them think that a continuation of the
genocide claims won’t help anyone, especially the Armenian state,
where economic conditions are bad and the population is falling
rapidly. Some of them believe that the diaspora’s leaders are working
for some Armenian families which for the most part live in the U.S.,
and that their main cause is compensation from U.S. insurance companies
if Turkey accepts the “genocide.”
Now I’d like to ask the French legislators some questions. Do you
really believe that you’re going to secure all the Armenian votes if
you approve the bill?
How will you implement the bill? Are you considering creating a
sort of examination at the border gates to check at passport control
whether Turkish citizens above all believe in the Armenian “genocide”
or not? Do you believe that anti-Semitism is over because it’s a
crime to deny it in your law?
Which massacre would be the next to criminalize? That of the
Algerians? I’d like to take this opportunity to like to express my
humble gratitude to the Bulgarian Parliament for last week rejecting
a bill on “genocide” claims.

FIRST TRAIN WITH MILITARY HARDWARE FROM AKHALKALAKI LEAVES GEORGIA
ITAR-TASS, Azerbaijan
May 15 2006
TBILISI, May 15 (Itar-Tass) – The first train with military hardware
and munitions from the Russian military base deployed in Akhalkalaki,
southern Georgia, has left the district of Tsalka, 50 kilometers away
from Akhalkalaki, for Russia, an official at the Russian army group
in the Caucasus told Itar-Tass on Monday.
The Georgian Railways-owned 19-carriage train will bring to Russia
seven T-72 tanks, eight reconnaissance vehicles, four infantry combat
vehicles, four communication vans and 340 boxes with rockets for
GRAD launchers.
A group of Georgian military will accompany the train to the
Azerbaijani border.
Under the agreements reached between Russia and Georgia, the withdrawal
of Russian bases from Akhalkalaki should be completed in 2007.
This year, 19 trainloads are expected to bring back to Russia all
hardware. The departures of other trains are scheduled for May 23,
25 and 30.
Part of the hardware and munitions will be redeployed to the Russian
base of Gyumri, in Armenia. The first truck convoy will leave for
Gyumri on May 18.
When all personnel, munitions and material supplies have been pulled
out of Akhalkalaki by late 2007, the base will be closed.

EVENT ON AZERI-ISRAEL RELATIONS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES
Today, Azerbaijan
May 15 2006
An event entitled “Role of Israel in International Relations,
Azerbaijan-Israel Relations” was held at the Azerbaijan University
of Languages.
Ambassador of Israel to Azerbaijan Arthur Lenk told of the historic
ties between the two peoples and countries, saying bilateral friendly
relations have been further strengthened for the recent years. He
spoke of the history of the state of Israel and efforts international
organizations make to find a peaceful solution to the Middle East
conflicts.
As to the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict, ambassador
said Israel recognizes territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and supports
peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Ambassador found a need to expand scientific and educational ties
and then, responded to students’ questions.
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“GENOCIDE” LOOMS OVER TURKEY-FRANCE TRADE
The Media Line, NY
May 15 2006
French companies are pressuring lawmakers to vote against a bill they
fear will cause major commercial losses from future embargoes imposed
by Turkey.
The bill, if passed, will criminalize denial of the Armenian
genocide. It will carry a five year jail term and fine of $57,000.
Turkey denies killing 1.5 million Armenians between 1915-1917 during
the Ottoman Empire.
Instead, Turkish officials blame inter-ethnic strife and hardships
following World War One.
Helicopter manufacturer, EuroCopter, sent a strong warning to the
French government.
The company fears losing a contract to supply attack helicopters to
the Turkish military, according to the journal, Turkish Weekly.
Turkey recently recalled its ambassadors to France and Canada for
“consultations” over references to the issue.
Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, referred to the massacres as
“genocide,” further troubling Turkish officials.
Turkey has entered accession talks with the European Union. However,
continued denial of Armenian-genocide claims has generated much
criticism. This may become an obstacle during the talks and in
obtaining future EU membership.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened France
with trade sanctions should it adopt the bill, according to Turkish
newspaper Hurriyet.
The Turkish premier warned French members of parliament to be
“particularly sensitive” to possible sanctions, since France is
Turkey’s primary investor.
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KORKMAZCAN: ALL PROPAGANDISTIC STEPS REGARDING ARMENIAN GENOCIDE ARE NOTHING BUT INHUMAN ACTS FOR AIDING AND ABETTING TERROR
Anatolian Times, Turkey
May 15 2006
ANKARA – “All propagandistic steps regarding the so-called Armenian
genocide are nothing but inhuman acts for aiding and abetting terror,”
said Turkish Parliamentarians’ Union Chairman Hasan Korkmazcan
on Monday.
Holding a news conference about the draft law which will be debated by
the French parliament on May 18th and considers denial of the so-called
genocide a crime, Korkmazcan said, “Turkish-French friendly relations
will be put to test on May 18th. The Armenian lobby, which has limited
political impact in France, has launched a dirty campaign to defame
Turkey. Those who are behind this campaign, are, in fact, international
underground powers which directed the terrorist organization ASALA.”
“A number of western countries have committed such crimes against
humanity since 1974. The draft is an assassination of the humanity’s
struggle throughout the history for freedom of scientific research
and expression. We call on French parliamentarians not to ignore a
500-year history for the sake of 3-5 thousand bloody votes,” he said.
Korkmazcan added, “if our warnings are ignored, the Turkish parliament
will make several arrangements about ‘active response’ and make
several decisions.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

FRENCH GOVERNMENT OPPOSES TO VOTING IN FRENCH PARLIAMENT, POUDADE
Anatolian Times, Turkey
May 15 2006
TOKAT – “French government opposes to the voting that will take
place in the French parliament pertaining to the draft resolution
on so-called Armenian genocide,” French Ambassador in Ankara Paul
Poudade said on Monday.
Speaking after his meeting with Erdogan Gurbuz, governor of Black Sea
city of Tokat, Poudade said, “we hope this resolution would not harm
Turkish-French relations. French parliament opposes to the voting.
The sensitivity of this issue was earlier disclosed by French President
Jacques Chirac and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.”
French Socialist Party submitted a resolution to the French parliament
which makes any denial of the so-called Armenian genocide a crime.