Showing posts with label ARMENIAN GENOCIDE-. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ARMENIAN GENOCIDE-. Show all posts

Belgian Parliamentarian: International recognition of the Armenian Genocide seriously progressed

Posted by Vartan at 9:40 PM

Belgian Parliamentarian:

International recognition of the

Armenian Genocide seriously

progressed



December 26, 2010 02:07
Honorary member of the Parlament of the Kingdom of Belgium François Rola Du Vivle believes that over the past 15 years, the international recognition of Armenian Genocide has seriously progressed.
“Of course, recognition is not worldwide, but you have to look at what was achieved in the past 10-15 years. Significant progress” he said in an interview with Radio Liberty. “Of course, the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Western European countries is important and, hopefully, one day the United States will follow. But more important is, the recognition by Armenia’s neighbor Turkey. This is the essential question of the future, but in this context, I cherish some hope. Because, for example, in Belgium, we already have a third generation of Turks who were born here, this is the third generation that goes to university and is instilled by critical thinking in universities, they teach that history, which they did not hear from Armenians. I think that this is a great hope for the future.”
Talking about what, in his opinion, will continue the process of recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey and the international community, du Vivle, in particular, said: “I am from that generation which thought that the Berlin Wall will never collapse, and suddenly it happened. Since this was preceded by an intelligent network for 20-30 years, which eventually yielded results. The same thing I think about the Armenian Genocide - I am sure the day will come when Turkey recognizes it.”
“I can tell you about my conversation with Abdullah Gul, when he was the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey. He was displeased with the fact that there was no discussion on the Armenian Genocide among Armenian and Turkish historians, he said that it would be a good idea,” recalled an honorary member of the Senate of the Kingdom of Belgium, “I told him - Mr. Minister, you’re talking about establishment of a commission of historians from the country that you do not even recognize. Do not you think that the first step in this direction should be the opening of borders and the exchange of ambassadors? To what Gul replied: “Yes, what you saying is reasonable.”

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Passage of Armenian Genocide resolution more important for US president

Posted by Vartan at 5:21 AM

Passage of Armenian Genocide resolution

more important for US president



17:03 • 22.12.10
The passage of the Armenian Genocide resolution is more important for US President Barack Obama than for Armenians, Armina Darbinyan, Regional Director of the Armenian Assembly of America (AAA), told a news conference today, when addressing the US House's failure to bring H.Res. 252 to a Congress vote.
"If the United States seeks to assume the title of a defender of human rights and democratic values, it should be interested in adopting the resolution," she said, adding that the Assembly does not link the Genocide recognition with either the Armenian-Turkish, or the Turkish-Israeli relations, or even the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.
"They are attempting to use us as a tool but we must never succumb to their demands," she added.
"The resolution was not included in the Congress agenda for reasons well known to all of us. The United State dodged the issue to avoid a deterioration of its relationship with Turkey. And Turkish lobby has not been inactive, either," Darbinyan added, expressing confidence that an atrocity like genocide will find a worthy response sometime in the future.
"The first issue to be considered within human rights context is genocide rather than political developments," the expert said.She also didn't rule out the possibility that the issue may be addressed in future congressional hearings.


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US Congress not to debate Armenian Genocide resolution

Posted by Vartan at 9:36 AM

US Congress not to debate

Armenian Genocide resolution


18:34 • 21.12.10
The US Congress did not include the Resolution on Armenian Genocide (H Res 252) in the Tuesday agenda of the House of Representatives plenary session, the Turkish Daily Zaman reported.
According to CNN Turk, the issue will be excluded from Congress agenda in future.
This comes after House of Representative Speaker Nancy Pelosi's December 18 statement on bringing the resolution to Congress and several Turkish organizations' active lobbying aimed to prevent the possible passage of the document.
Turkish Ambassador to the United States Namik Tan was the first to respond to such initiative. In a message posted in his Twitter microblog, he called for the US Turkish community's support to kill the process.
"Armenian organizations have launched a campaign to bring the resolution on 1915 incidents to Congress. I am sure the Turkish community will provide a relevant response to that," Tan said in his message.
Later, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, requesting the latter to intervene in the process. Clinton assured the Turkish FM that Washington held a firm stance on the process and would do its best to prevent Congress from adopting the resolution.


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Armenian Genocide resolution will be adopted if voted on - Giro Manoyan

Posted by Vartan at 5:37 AM

Giro Manoyan .-


Armenian Genocide resolution will

be adopted if voted on





16:50 • 20.12.10
The Armenian Genocide Resolution (Res. 252) will be adopted if brought to a House floor, senior Armenian Revolutionary Federation - Dashnaktsutyun (ARF-D) official Giro Manoyan has said.
"Of course, there is a high probability [that it will be adopted], but the main problem is to first of all bring the resolution to a vote," Manoyan told a press conference today.
"It is this question that we have been raising for the past 10 years," said Manoyan, adding that the resolution had reached certain phases but due to some pressures, was never brought to a vote.
Earlier on Friday, House majority leader Steny Hoyer announced that the House is set to adjourn for the week on December 21, to complete the legislative business for the 111th Congress which means that the House of Representatives may vote on the Armenian Genocide bill.
According to Manoyan, the Turkish parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs spares no effort to prevent the resolution from being brought to the House floor.
He also said that the Republicans are now a majority in the House, something that, according to him, may create other opportunities for Armenian issues.
"There is a chance, and it is desirable that the issue be brought to a vote at the earliest possible and be adopted by the House of Representatives," said he.
"Hopefully, the planned session will take place tomorrow, and the issue [resolution] will be brought to vote. The Armenian National Committee [of America] and the Armenian community are making great efforts over the issue," Manoyan said.
The Armenian Genocide Resolution "calls upon the President to ensure that the foreign policy of the United States reflects appropriate understanding and sensitivity concerning issues related to human rights, ethnic cleansing, and genocide documented in the United States record relating to the Armenian Genocide and the consequences of the failure to realize a just resolution."
It goes on to urge the president, in his "annual message commemorating the Armenian Genocide issued on or about April 24, to accurately characterize the systematic and deliberate annihilation of 1,5 million Armenians as genocide and to recall the proud history of United States intervention in opposition to the Armenian Genocide."



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Hurriyet: US appeals court reverses decision over Armenian suit

Posted by Vartan at 7:16 AM

Hurriyet:

US appeals court reverses decision

over Armenian suit



12:52 • 14.12.10
A federal United States appeals court on Friday voted to allow the heirs of Armenians killed during the late Ottoman Empire to seek payment from companies that sold their relatives life insurance.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco said a California law labeling the killings as "genocide" does not conflict with U.S. foreign policy, which the court said is unsettled on the issue.
The ruling was made 2-1, the same vote the same judicial panel came to last year when it struck down the California law empowering the heirs to sue the companies that had sold life insurance policies to Armenians killed during the Ottoman era in World War I.
Last year, the same panel concluded that the U.S. government had sided with the Turkish government and formally taken the position against labeling the killings “genocide.” Therefore, that panel concluded, California's calling the event “genocide” conflicted with U.S. foreign policy, making the state law invalid.
But in a rare and stunning move Friday, Judge Dorothy Nelson changed her mind and sided with Judge Harry Pregerson, which turned his 2009 dissenting opinion into law. "We conclude that there is no express federal policy forbidding states to use the term ‘Armenian Genocide,’” Pregerson wrote. The ruling revived a lawsuit filed by heirs against three German insurers, including Munich Re AG.
"This was totally unexpected," said attorney Brian Kabateck, who represents the Armenian heirs. "It's a great victory for the Armenia people."
Kabateck and other lawyers have filed similar lawsuits against New York Life Insurance Co. and French insurer AXA, which were settled in 2005 for a combined value of $37.5 million.
Armenia claims up to 1.5 million Armenians were killed in 1915 under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Turkey denies this, saying any deaths were the result of civil strife that erupted when Armenians took up arms in an independence struggle in eastern Anatolia.


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Ninth Circuit Court rules California law on Armenian Genocide-era claims constitutional

Posted by Vartan at 9:55 PM

Ninth Circuit Court rules California law

on Armenian Genocide-era

claims constitutional



10:09 • 11.12.10
The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) on Friday welcomed the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in the Movsesian v. Versicherung case reversing an earlier ruling striking down as unconstitutional a California law allowing for the return of Armenian Genocide-era insurance claims. The Court reversed the August, 2009, ruling by a 2-1 margin, reports Asbarez.com.
"We applaud the Ninth Circuit court for reaffirming the right of US states to speak truthfully about the Armenian Genocide, and allowing the descendants of Genocide-era victims and survivors to pursue their rightful claims," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian.
"We are particularly gratified that the Court found that the California statute was a valid exercise of the state's power, and that there clearly is not an established federal policy forbidding state references to the Armenian Genocide."
"On behalf of all Armenian Americans and our friends in the genocide-prevention movement, we want to share our special thanks with those who skillfully led and actively supported this successful appeal," added Hamparian.
The ANCA, along with the Armenian Bar Association, Zoryan Institute, and the International Association of Genocide Scholars, filed an Amici Curiae brief petitioning the court for a rehearing.
They were ably represented by attorneys David Balabanian, David Salmons, and Erin Conroy from the Bingham McCutchen.
Notably, last year, serving in his capacity as California Attorney General, Jerry Brown, now the Governor-Elect of California, submitted an Amicus Curiae brief on behalf of the people of California in support of plaintiffs' property claims emanating from the Armenian Genocide. Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) as well as EarthRights International and the Center for Constitutional Rights also filed their own separate Amicus Curiae briefs in support of a rehearing.
"ERI congratulates the plaintiffs and applauds this result," EarthRights International Litigation Coordinator Rick Herz said. "The Court correctly recognized that states' efforts to protect residents who suffered egregious human rights abuses does not inherently interfere with U.S. foreign policy."

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Kim Kardashian calls for support of recognition of the Armenian Genocide on “Twitter”

Posted by Vartan at 8:57 PM

Kim Kardashian calls for support of

recognition of the Armenian

Genocide on “Twitter”



December 11, 2010 22:57
The American model Kim Kardashian of Armenian descent called on her fans to assist in the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the United States.
Kardashian appealed to 5.5 million of her fans on “Twitter” to ask the Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, for inclusion of the Armenian Genocide resolution 252.
“We welcome the support of Kim Kardashian and Serj Tankian. Armenians want to finally see the ending of the genocide and to do this, we should start calling the devil by its name”, said the executive director of the Armenian National Committee of the United States (ANCA) Aram Hamparian.

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English novelist calls on Turkey to repeal Article 301 of Criminal Code

Posted by Vartan at 10:15 AM

English novelist calls on Turkey to

repeal Article 301 of Criminal Code



14:03 • 27.11.10
British novelist Hari Kunzru has attacked Turkey's record on free speech at the Istanbul literary event the European Writers' Parliament, describing VS Naipaul's absence from the event "regrettable", and calling for the repeal of the notorious article 301 of the Turkish penal code, The Guardian reports.
Kunzru referred to the Nobel laureate's absence and said: "I feel we would be stronger and more credible if we were to deal with divergent views within this meeting rather than a priori excluding someone because of fear that offence might be given."The writer also attacked Turkey's record on free speech, citing the cases brought against novelist Orhan Pamuk and editor Hrant Dink under article 301 of the country's penal code, which makes it illegal to insult Turkey, Turkish ethnicity or Turkish government institutions.
Kunzru told the assembled authors: "Pamuk faced trial for giving the following statement to a Swiss magazine: 'Thirty thousand Kurds have been killed here and a million Armenians. And almost nobody dares mention that. So I do.'" He added: "Dink, one of Turkey's most prominent Armenian voices was convicted under article 301 then murdered by a young nationalist, who was subsequently photographed in a police station surrounded by smiling officers, against the backdrop of the national flag. There are many other examples in Turkey of the weapons of offence and insult being used to silence dissent. Turkey is obviously not alone in this, but since we are here, it is important that we acknowledge it."
Kunzru said he believed one of the most tangible and immediate results of the European Writers' Parliament would be to call for the repeal of section 301 "and a declaration that no European writer should have to operate under the threat of similar laws".The novelist acknowledged that his criticisms risked causing offence, but said: "Our kind Turkish hosts have invited us here, as an international group, to air our views, and so it is my belief that we must not shy away from recognising the situation here, where we are speaking." He added: "It would be absurd to assert freedom of speech in the abstract without exercising it in concrete terms."
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Hrant Dink receives post-humous awards in Italy

Posted by Vartan at 11:12 AM

Hrant Dink receives post-humous
awards in Italy
17:23 • 18.10.10
Slain Armenian-Turkish journalist and former chief editor of bilingual weekly Agos, Hrant Dink, has been awarded a prize for his years-long struggle for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide orchestrated by the Ottoman Turks in 1915.
According to Turkish news agency Dogan, the prize has been awarded by the municipal authorities of the Italian city of Padova. Also a tree has been planted in Padova's "park of truth."
The ceremony was attended by Padova's city mayor Flavio Zanotti, Armenia's Honorary Consul in Milan Pietro Kuchukyan, Chairman of the Union of Italian Armenians Paykar Svazyan and Hrant Dink's widow Rakel Dink.
During the ceremony Mrs. Dink has delivered a speech in Armenian. She has thanked the municipal authorities of Padova for the award, attaching importance to such event in commemorating Dink's memory.

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Gul to conduct anti-Armenian agitation with Jewish lobbyists

Posted by Vartan at 9:32 AM

Gul to conduct anti-Armenian agitation with
Jewish lobbyists
August 28, 2010 11:28
Ankara realizes that tensed relations with the Jewish organizations of Israel and U.S. cost Turkey.
According to Sabah, during their meeting with Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioglu the Jewish organizations of U.S. expressed their discontent with Ankara’s recent position. The Jewish lobbyists also expressed dissatisfaction with Turkish-Israeli strained relations, Ankara’s support for Iran when the resolution by UN Security Council was adopted, as well as the fact that Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan did not meet with the Jewish organizations in the course of his visit to U.S. The obstacles to establishment of the Armenian-Turkish relations were discussed as well.
Taking into account sentiments of the Jewish lobby, President Abdullah Gul intends to hold meetings with the representatives of the Jewish organizations during his visit to U.S. in order to prevent adoption of the Genocide resolution in Congress and put an end to anti-Turkish sentiments. Ankara also expects that during Gul’s visit (September 19) the issue on appointment of a new Ambassador to Turkey will be solved.

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Swedish opposition to shift Armenian Genocide issue to UN

Posted by Vartan at 6:55 AM

Swedish opposition to shift Armenian

Genocide issue to UN



August 17, 2010 13:22
The Swedish citizens of Turkish origin are seriously concerned over possible victory of the left-wing opposition parties at the forthcoming parliamentary elections, as they advocated for the adoption of the resolution on the Armenian Genocide.
Turks residing in Sweden urged the Turkish population not to vote for left-wing parties at the elections scheduled for September 19. In particular, the Swedish Social Democratic Party, Left Party and Green Party are blacklisted, Haberx reported.
The mentioned parties pledged to shift issue on the Armenian Genocide to the UN and include the Genocide in the Swedish textbooks, in case they come to power.
As NEWS.am reported earlier, on March 11, 2010 the Swedish Parliament approved resolution condemning the Genocide of Armenians, Pontic Greeks and Assyrians through the efforts of left-wing parties.

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Turkey trembles, Armenians triumph

Posted by Vartan at 2:10 AM

Turkey trembles, Armenians triumph



August 12, 2010 11:14
The lawsuit filed by two American-Armenians Garbis Davouyan and Hrayr Turabian against the Turkish government and two major Turkish banks caused serious concern in Turkey.
According to the Hurriyet daily, Turkey is getting ready to a trial with help of “three waves” program. They are discussing the issue from the viewpoint of international law, specifying whether Turkey has a possibility not to accept the lawsuit. The Turkish side is also studying what possibilities U.S. law provides in case compensation is demanded. The international agreements on the issue are being studied as well. For instance, under the Treaty of Kars signed in 1921, the sides (one of the sides was Soviet Armenia) agreed that they bear no animosity towards each other.
The Treaty of Lausanne enabled Armenians to return to Turkey within 2 years. In 1934-1937 Turkey agreed to pay U.S. $1.8 m for each Armenian – U.S. citizen.
In his turn, Mark Geragos, one of the lawyers, noted that he will submit new documents within 180 days. He did not specify the amount of compensation, adding that the point is billions of dollars.
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Court procedure will be stopped if Turkey agrees to pay

Posted by Vartan at 10:12 PM

Court procedure will be stopped

if Turkey agrees to pay



15:31 • 10.08.10
The recent lawsuit filed by American-Armenians against the Turkish Government and two banks does not require returning the real and movable estate confiscated from their predecessors in the Ottoman Empire but rather the incomes gained from the property and the money kept in bank accounts, American-Armenian lawyer Perch Boyajyan said in an interview with Turkish Haberturk.
On July 29 four Armenian-American lawyers filed a federal lawsuit against the Turkish government and Central Bank of Turkey and Agriculture Bank seeking compensation for the heirs of Armenians whose property was seized during the Armenian Genocide in 1915.
Mr Boyajyan further said the lawsuit has nothing to do with the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
“That lawsuit doesn’t aim to prove the Genocide perpetrated by the Turks,” Boyajyan was reported as saying.
“In 1915 the Ottoman Empire made a decision to remove Armenians. In the meantime another decision was made which according to which the bank accounts, lands, factories of those who left [Turkey] would be kept under the state’s control. They have used all that during 95 years and have gained incomes. We do not want property. What we say is that they return the income gained from that property. This is a very simple lawsuit.”
Further Mr Boyajyan mentioned that they are ready to sit and talk with Turkish authorities.
“First we will wait for the Turkish Government’s response. Then we will examine the property certificates and will afterwards calculate the income gained from that property. And if agreement is reached over the sum, there will be no need to continue the court procedure. Otherwise it will continue, and the court will reach its ruling.”
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Speaker Pelosi to bring H. Res. 252 to floor vote

Posted by Vartan at 12:39 AM

Speaker Pelosi to bring H. Res. 252 to floor vote




14:16 • 07.08.10
Members and supporters of the Armenian National Committee of America Western Region met with Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi this week during a fundraiser hosted in the City of Burbank, where they pressed the Speaker for a floor vote on House Resolution 252-the Armenian Genocide Resolution - and stressed that the House Democratic Leadership is expected to advance this important human rights legislation.
According to Azbaresz.com during the program, Speaker Pelosi offered remarks about the importance of having a statement of recognition of the Armenian Genocide and spoke forcefully about asserting American values. Pelosi stressed that geography should never undermine America's best values.
The Speaker noted that many presidential candidates have proclaimed their commitment to properly acknowledging the Armenian Genocide but have withdrawn from their commitment upon taking office. She noted that in order to have any moral authority to talk about humanity and the genocides in Rwanda, Darfur or anywhere else, the United States must properly acknowledge the Armenian Genocide. She added that a failure to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide undermines the moral authority of the United States and hinders the ability of our nation to be a strong voice for what is right.
Speaker Pelosi has a consistent record of energetic and principled support for U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide, dating back nearly 20 years. Since her election to the House in 1986, she worked closely with the Bay Area Armenian National Committee. As U.S. House Minority Leader in 2006, she pledged to support Armenian Genocide legislation in the 110th session of Congress. Over the years, she has continuously countered arguments that cite Turkey's strategic position as reason to oppose Armenian Genocide legislation. During this year's Capitol Hill Armenian Genocide Observance, Speaker Pelosi called on her colleagues not to rest until the entire U.S. government properly recognizes this crime as genocide.
H.Res.252, introduced in March of 2009 by lead sponsors Adam Schiff (D-CA) and George Radanovich (R-CA), and Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL), currently has over 140 cosponsors. The Armenian Genocide resolution calls upon the President to ensure that the foreign policy of the United States reflects appropriate understanding and sensitivity concerning issues related to human rights, ethnic cleansing, and genocide documented in the United States record relating to the Armenian Genocide.
H. Res. 252 passed the powerful House Foreign Affairs Committee in March of 2010. The measure currently awaits a full vote on the House floor. The Armenian American community has urged House Speaker Pelosi and the Congressional Democratic Leadership to advance H. Res. 252.
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Armenians sued Turkey

Posted by Vartan at 2:27 AM

Armenians sued Turkey
July 30, 2010 12:53
The representatives of the Armenian Diaspora of U.S. filed a suit against the Turkish government and two major Turkish banks - the Central Bank of Turkey and T.C., Ziraat Bankas, demanding compensation for real estate and property, including priceless artifacts presently housed in the Turkish museums.
The size of compensation might reach billions of dollars, Associated Press reported. The lawsuit was filed by Garbis Davouyan (Los Angeles) and Hrayr Turabian (New York).
According to the lawyers, it is the first case when a lawsuit is filed directly against the Turkish government.

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Ambassador-Designate Ricciardone will be committed to US stance over Armenian Genocide

Posted by Vartan at 7:29 AM

Ambassador-Designate Ricciardone will be committed to US stance over Armenian Genocide
16:02 • 21.07.10
US policy on the Armenian Genocide, Cyprus, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate took center stage at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on July 20 hearing as Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) pressed US Ambassador-designate to Turkey, Francis Ricciardone, on a range of concerns dealing with America's increasingly strained ties with its NATO ally, reported the ARF Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
"I don't understand how the Turkish leadership doesn't understand that it is in its interest to move beyond that agenda or, for that fact, come to a historical recognition of what most of the world recognizes as it relates to the Armenian Genocide," Sen. Menendez said.
In his prepared testimony presented to the panel, Ambassador-designate Ricciardone echoed the standard formulation that the Obama Administration has used to avoid honoring the President's campaign pledge to recognize the Armenian Genocide while still striving to maintain a ?emblance of credibility on this human rights issue by referring to the candidate Obama's "personal" recognition of this crime.
"Facilitating regional integration is a high priority for the United States. Rapprochement between Turkey and Armenia will foster increased stability and prosperity in the entire Caucasus region. As President Obama noted in his Armenian Remembrance Day statement of April 24th, 'Together, the Turkish and Armenian people will be stronger as they acknowledge their common history and recognize their common humanity.'
We commended the governments of Turkey and Armenia on their signing of the historic protocols on normalization of relations on October 10, 2009 in Zurich. Both countries publicly reiterated their commitment to normalization this spring. The United States will continue to urge Turkey to ratify the protocols, and we will support programs that build understanding between Turks and Armenians," said Ricciardone.
In response to a question from Senator Menendez about the issues he would be "advocating as our Ambassador as it relates to the question of the Armenian Genocide," Ricciardone recited the State Department's stock answer on the topic: "Clearly we don't have personal policies that you send us forward to push. We uphold the policies, the programs, the laws, the interests of the US Government, as given to us by Congress and as determined by the Administration. On the question of the Congressional resolution, obviously we stand behind the statements of President Obama and Secretary Clinton.
President Obama has spoken very forcefully about the events of 1915 as one of the worst atrocities of the 20th Century. He cited the number of 1.5 million people massacred, he used the word massacred, and marching them to their deaths. He was very forthright about it.
Our aim of course is to do all possible to get a normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations and a part of that clearly has to be a frank, full, and just acknowledgment of the history these two people, countries, share. And if confirmed, I will certainly be working for that to the best of my ability in every way possible."
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High probability for Genocide bill's inclusion in Senate agenda: Hurriyet

Posted by Vartan at 6:01 AM

High probability for Genocide bill's inclusion in Senate agenda: Hurriyet
15:33 • 20.07.10
Three bills that define criminal responsibility for the denial of the Armenian Genocide are currently pending on the French Senate agenda, writes Turkish daily Hurriyet, adding that there is a high probability that the bills will be brought to full Senate session this fall.
According to the source there are three such bills: the first was initiated in 2006, the second - on May 19, 2010. On July 5 some 30 socialist MPs initiated the third one which they are going to discuss in the Senate in 2011 ahead of the next parliamentary elections.
"There is a high probability that the bill defining criminal responsibility for those who deny the Genocide will be included in the Senate agenda. Elections are expected in the near future. There are 500,000 Armenian voters in France. The number of Turks here is 500,000 but only 60,000 thousand can vote. So, the French political figures will listen to the Armenians," Mark Semo, expert on French-Turkish relations at the French daily Liberation told Hurriyet.
"Really, there is a high risk that the bill will be brought to Senate agenda. The Diaspora is playing with the same cards. That is a maneuver ahead of the [parliamentary] elections. But including the bill in the agenda does not [necessarily] mean to ratify it. At the same time it is possible that things will unfold very fast. We have to be very careful," French Centre for International and Strategic Studies Didiet Bion told Hurriyet.

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100-aged Kurdish woman on killings of Armenians

Posted by Vartan at 3:19 AM

100-aged Kurdish woman on killings of Armenians

July 19, 2010 10:51
A 100-aged Kurdish woman residing in one of the Turkish provinces – Tunceli (Dersim) has been looking for her family members for 72 years. Dogru, 100, lost her family in the Dersim mass killings in 1938. She said Kurdish citizens escaped from the Turkish soldiers, finding shelter in forests and caves, but small children revealed their places crying of hunger and fatigue. Thus, many mothers threw their children in the river alive.
All the men were killed, she noted, adding that fate of hundreds of girls is yet unclear. They are still missing. The woman stresses Kurds never thought once they would also be the victims of similar massacres perpetrated against Armenians. “During 1915 mass killings of Armenians we kept silent. We lived with Armenians in the villages. Old people did not understand why our Armenian friends were killed. In 25 years, our turn came,” Dogru emphasized.
The Turkish authorities vigorously suppressed uprising in Dersim province, destroying thousands of villages. According to different calculations, about 100,000 people were killed in Dersim.
Thousands of Armenians, those who survived through the 1915 Genocide and managed to hide in Dersim villages suffered the second Genocide in 1938.

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Armenians to hold meeting near French Senate house

Posted by Vartan at 9:29 PM

Armenians to hold meeting near French Senate house

16:22 / 05/03/2010
Coordination Council of Armenian Organizations of France (CCAF) urged all Frenchmen of Armenian origin and people of goodwill to gather Tuesday, May 18 in front of Luxemburg Palace to demand Senate members to adopt a bill on criminal sanctions against negation of Armenian Genocide of 1915 in Ottoman Empire, Les Nouvelles d’Arménie reads.
According to the source, French National Assembly made the first step passing the motion in October, 2006. Since then the process is frozen by Senate though publicly all parties in the parliament were standing for the consideration in the Upper House, but no moves are initiated. No-one has courage to include the issue into the agenda of the Senate, all-national heritage-worthy problem based on human rights of France.
“While France becomes an arena, where more statements denouncing Genocide are voiced, the adoption of this document will assist the civil peace, public order and social consolidation. France has to give an ear to its citizens, striving to protect natural rights for dignity,” journal concludes.

S.T.
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Ankara Sends Special Instructions to Turkish Diplomats Abroad

Posted by Vartan at 6:58 AM

Ankara Sends Special Instructions to Turkish Diplomats Abroad


18:34 • 21.04.10
Turkey has designed an Action Plan which in fact includes 10 instructions that Turkish officials should follow while in service abroad. Local Turkish daily Hurriyet has published the list which is presented below.
1. Establish contacts with the representatives of the Armenian Diaspora of the country you are in. Open the doors of Turkish diplomatic mission in front of the Armenians and include them in you activities too.
2. Participate in the reunions organized by influential Armenian organizations and explain to them Turkey’ approach.
3. There are three main groups in the Armenian Diaspora: the ones that pursue benefits in the Armenian Genocide; the ones that immigrated from Turkey but still have contacts; and the ones who have more moderate approach over the Genocide. Contact especially the last group though do not ignore those who are against Turkey. They too should be invited to the events organized in general consulates and embassies.
4. Do not ignore the Armenian diplomats in the countries you are in. Accept their invitations and partake in the events they organize by all means.
5. Establish contacts with the representatives of universities, non-governmental organizations in the countries you are in. Deliver speeches in the events they organize. Use any chance to introduce and explain Turkey’s approach over the Genocide.
6. Establish contacts with intellectuals of the country you are in and introduce Turkey’s approach to them.
7. Develop your contacts with the diplomats of the neighboring countries that have close relations with Turkey such as the Balkan, Middle East countries. Bring the Genocide issue on the agenda of the conferences organized by the diplomats of those countries. Create such conditions that the diplomats of those countries, especially the ones that treating Turkey warmly, will be able to get familiar with Turkey’s approach.
8. While presenting Turkey’s approach put the accent especially on the provision of “creating a historians’ commission” stipulated in the Protocols proposed by Ankara and signed by Armenia. Your main message shall be “leaving the history to historians.”
9. Draw attention to the Armenian-Turkish normalization process. Clearly mention that the Armenia-Turkey normalization will contribute to the welfare of the two people.
10. Clearly underline that the development of relations between Armenia and Turkey will contribute to the establishment of peace in the region. In this context clearly explain that in order to secure regional stability besides the Yerevan-Ankara rapprochement it is necessary that the Karabakh conflict also be resolved.
Tert.am

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