Originally posted by bell-the-cat
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Re: The 100th Anniversary - and Events to Mark it
Nothing you said in this rant is true. But I don't think that matters to you anyways. -
Re: The 100th Anniversary - and Events to Mark it
European Parliament Urges EU States to Recognize Armenian Genocide
STRASBOURG—The European Parliament on Thursday approved its Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World, in which it urged all European countries to recognize the Armenian Genocide.
“Ahead of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, [the European Parliament calls] on all the Member States legally to acknowledge it, and encourages the Member States and the EU institutions to contribute further to its recognition,” paragraph 77 of the report states.
In welcoming the adoption of the report, the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy said it expects the European Union to put pressure on Turkey and urge that country to recognize the Genocide.
“The EAFJD welcomes the resolution adopted today by the European Parliament, which puts Human Rights on top of almost all negotiations with third parties and countries. We were expecting this report since a few years now, when the post of the European Union Special Representative for Human Rights was created, to advance European Union values during negotiations, be it on foreign policy, trade, energy or any other cooperation with third countries,” said a statement issued by the advocacy group on Thursday.
“It should also be noted, that all vulnerable groups, minorities and peoples are being protected under this resolution, which is immensely necessary in these times of racism, xenophobia, and the turmoil in the Middle East, the European Neighborhood and the World as a whole,” concluded the EAFJD statement.
Last week, the Political Assembly of the European People’s Party (EPP), the largest political group in the European Parliament, adopted a resolution condemning the Armenian Genocide, and calling on Turkey to recognize it.
The resolution entitled ‘The Armenian Genocide, Turkish Responsibility, and European Values’ reaffirms EPP’s “recognition and condemnation of the Genocide and Great National Dispossession of the Armenian people on the eve of its 100th Anniversary on 24 April 2015”. The resolution emphasizes the incontrovertible evidence documented in the archives of several western states, including Germany, United Kingdom, USA, France, that the “Armenian Genocide… was perpetuated by the Young Turk Government in the final years of the Ottoman Empire.“ The resolution also criticizes the destruction of thousands of Armenian cultural monuments in Turkey.
The largest political group of the European Parliament calls on Turkey inter alia “to face history and finally recognize the ever-present reality of the Armenian Genocide”, “make restitution appropriate for a European country, including but not limited to ensuring a right of return of the Armenian people to, and a secure reconnection with, their national hearth…”
asbarez.com/132904/european-parliament-urges-eu-states-to-recognize-armenian-genocide/Leave a comment:
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Re: The 100th Anniversary - and Events to Mark it
Putin to attend Genocide centenary in Armenia
Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend ceremonies marking 100 years since the mass killings of Armenians under the Ottoman Empire in April, the Kremlin said on Thursday.
Armenia is hosting the commemoration for those killed by Ottoman forces in World War I in its capital on April 24.
“Yes, he will fly to Yerevan,” Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov told AFP, adding the Russian leader had discussed the issue with his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sarkisian by telephone on Thursday.
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Re: The 100th Anniversary - and Events to Mark it
Foolishly insult everyone and anyone, act like you own the place when you own next to nothing, claim that everyone wants to destroy you just because you are so important (while claiming at the same time you are weak and need protection and aid), and expect unquestioned and consistent support from the very same people you repeatedly insult.Originally posted by Haykakan View PostLast edited by bell-the-cat; 03-12-2015, 07:41 AM.Leave a comment:
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Re: The 100th Anniversary - and Events to Mark it
SYSTEM OF A DOWN BEGIN ARMENIAN GENOCIDE CENTENARY TOUR
AP Planner
March 11, 2015 Wednesday
System Of A Down begin their 'Wake Up The Souls' international arena
tour commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide (24
Apr). The tour ends 23 Apr with the band's first ever performance in
Armenia at Republic Square in Yerevan. All four members of the band
are of Armenian descent and have worked over the years to promote
awareness of the events of 1915, when 1.5 million Armenians were
murdered by the Ottoman Empire
Event Start Date: 2015-04-06Leave a comment:
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Re: The 100th Anniversary - and Events to Mark it
I actually agree with some of the things you say Mher but I think we drifted off topic for this thread.
Here is some interesting news. It is not too often that I can say anything nice about our clergy or its leaders but this happens to be a welcomed exception to the rule. I wish our politicians did something similar.
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PRIMATE OF THE ARMENIAN DIOCESE OF IRAQ ADDRESSES LETTER TO PRINCE CHARLES
16:18, 10 Mar 2015
Siranush Ghazanchyan
Archbishop Avak Asadourian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian
Church of Iraq, addressed a letter to Prince Charles after the news
was revealed that the Prince would visit Turkey on April 24 for the
commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli Battle. The
letter reads:
"On April 24th, the centenary of the Armenian Genocide, the republic
of Armenia is going to organize a commemoration. On that very day, the
republic of Turkey has decided to commemorate the battle of Gallipoli
in which the Ottoman Empire fought against Britain and its allies.
Undoubtedly, this event is not about commemorating the battle of
Gallipoli. This is about exterminating the memory of a race and
showing how rewarding and gratifying this ultimate crime can be.
April 24th as a date is unrelated to Gallipoli: Nothing happened on
April 24th to warrant commemoration of this battle on this day in this
year. Turkey for the past hundred years did not celebrate this event
on April 24th. However, symbolically, commemorating this battle on
this day is most illustrative. It signifies triumph: the triumph of
the oppressor over the oppressed, the triumph of denialisim, savagery,
and murder over recognition, remorse, and civilization.
I am addressing this letter to you because, I learned that the British
Prime Minister declined to participate in the commemoration of the
centenary of the Genocide. According to Her Majesty's Ambassador
to Armenia however, the highest level of participation from HMG is
expected at the "Gallipoli event" organized in Turkey.
Your Royal Highness,
Please allow me to highlight the following:
The practices that took place during the Armenian Genocide from
cutting people's throats to burning people alive-en masse-to include
the most heinous ways of murder are employed today by IS-"Islamic
State." Hence, imagine, that in a century the British Prime Minister,
or any high-ranking British official for that matter, attends the
ceremony held by the successor (proud successor) of today's IS's of
al-Baghdady. Imagine that he or she snub the service dedicated to the
commemoration of those innocent people that were enslaved, beheaded,
burned alive, and ripped off their belongings, in the most barbarous
ways one can ever imagine. Multiply that by a factor that represents
the differences in number and the scope of tragedy that the Armenians
suffered, the total destruction that befell this ancient people,
and what the carnage that the actions of IS would inflict if it is
unhindered, i.e. if they were given a free hand then, you'll see
the issue as we see it. You will also see how those officials that
governed Great Britain a century' ago will look at this participation
in the same way that you will look on those who will represent Great
Britain in such commemoration in a hundred years.
Further, the term "crimes against humanity" was introduced by the
allies-including Britain-to describe the crimes the Turks committed
against Armenians. Prime Minister Lloyd George promised that, "Turks
are finally being called to account for the crimes they committed
against humanity," He also said:
Had it not been for our ... intervention, the great majority of
Armenians would have been placed .. , under the protection ." it was
entirely due to our minatory pressure . .. that Armenia was sacrificed
'" The action of the British Government led inevitably to the terrible
massacres of 1895-97, 1909, and worst of all to the holocausts of 1915
.. ' we were morally bound to take the first opportunity that came
our way to redress the wrong we had perpetrated, and in so far as it
was our power, to make it impossible to repeat the horrors for which
history will always hold us culpable. When therefore in the Great War,
the Turks forced us into this quarrel, and deliberately challenged
the British Empire to a life and death struggle, we realised that at
last an opportunity had been given us to rectify the cruel wrong for
which we were responsible ....
Sir Winston Churchill also called the Armenian Genocide a "holocaust."
He said "There is no reasonable doubt that this crime was planned and
executed for political reasons. The opportunity presented itself for
clearing Turkish soil of a Christian race ...." He ironically goes
on to say: "It may well be that the British attack on the Gallipoli
Peninsula stimulated the merciless fury of the Turkish Government.
Even, thought the Pan-Turks, if Constantinople were to fall and Turkey
lost the 'war, the clearance would have been effected and a permanent
advantage for the future of the Turkish race would be granted."
I also learned that during a parliamentary debate in 1918 in the
House of Commons, an MP said "This country owes a debt to Armenia,
because, after all, we more than forty years ago prevented Armenia
from being released '" from Turkish tyranny ...."
I am also certain that you can see why we are not jubilant for
Britain's decision to take part in the Turkish snub. Britain promised
to punish the perpetrators of Genocide. Today we are at loss to why
the victims are being punished. We are shocked to our very core: How
could the murder of a nation be so handsomely rewarding in the twenty
first century? I must raise the same question that Lemkin raised:
How come it is a crime to kill one man "but it is not a crime ... to
kill more than a million men?" I, as Lemkin a century ago, am shocked
by the world's failure not only to act but, to render a recognition
of the event that took place.
One might say that there are practical reasons for such appeasement
but, I assure you there are none. Turkey believes it is the inheritor
of the vanguard of righteousness and beacon for justice. Today,
it regards the Ottoman Empire as the most exalted empire that must
be recreated in one form or another. Turkey is actively working
to recreate the slaughter house. With that, goes hand in hand,
the venomous contempt to all the values of human civilization that
originated in Europe and became universal. These are core British
values, principles, and ideals. This makes Turkey a paradigmatic
threat. A threat that dreams about embarking on the same actions
should it muster the necessary means and, should the opportunity
avail itself. Therefore, how I see it, this appeasement is not very
different from the Munich pact.
More on the moral side: Turks are proud of what happened. The shame
according to Turks befalls Armenians, the victims. To this very day
the then elected Prime Minister of Turkey, now elected president,
apologizes before using the word Armenian when describing somebody. He
apologizes as if Armenian is the most profane insult of all. To this
day people gather in Turkey and chant that we will make mount Ararat
your grave. "You are all Armenians, You are all bastards," and "Today
Taksim, Tomorrow Yerevan: We will descend upon you suddenly in the
night." This happened in 2012. This took place in the presence of
Turkish Interior Minister at the time, among other leaders from the
ruling AK Party. The irony as well as the tragedy are inescapable.
Nothing shows the recklessness and impunity to which Turkey is
acting with more than this invitation on this date. Participation
in the events in Istanbul gives free hand, and a sense of impunity
to commit the worst atrocities, blame the victim, and walk away
victorious and vindicated. Instead of a letter, I can write volumes,
and even then I will not be able to do justice to this cause,. So,
I will leave it at this, knowing what a: humane person you are when
I met Your Royal Highness on November 19, 2014, and hinging my hopes
that Great Britain will live up to its values.
At the end, I feel compelled to conclude with Hitler's infamous and
ominous saying: "after all, who now remembers the annihilation of the
Armenians?" I very much hope that the Prince of Wales will remember
so, when he recalls history. I also hope that you'll remind Britain.
Indeed, it is hurtful that Britain, among all, needs to be reminded."
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Re: The 100th Anniversary - and Events to Mark it
Armenian community outraged it was not consulted on Hyde Park plaque of Genocidal dictator
SYDNEY: The Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia) has released contents from a letter it has addressed to the Premier of New South Wales, the Hon. Mike Baird MP, the Minister for Communities and Citizenship, the Hon. Victor Dominello MP, and the Deputy Chairperson of the ANZAC Memorial Building, on the issue of the placement of yet another Australian memorial dedicated to the first president of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
Last month, a plaque was unveiled at the ANZAC Memorial in Sydney’s Hyde Park dedicated to the memory of Ataturk ahead of the Centenary of ANZAC Day. This is in addition to a Memorial that was erected many years ago at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
The intent of the letter by ANC Australia was to ensure that the NSW Government and the ANZAC Memorial Trust marks the Centenary of Anzac Day in an honest manner with regards to a full and frank acknowledgement of the events that occurred during World War I.
The letter made specific reference to the heinous war crimes committed by Ataturk during World War I, including the genocide of Armenians, Assyrians, and Greeks.
The letter read: “2015 marks not only the Centenary of Anzac Day but also of the Armenian Genocide. It is critical that during such an important period of modern history that facts are reported on correctly.”
“While Australian soldiers bravely fought along side the Allied Forces, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who later became idolised by Nazi Germany and Adolf Hilter for how he “liberated” Turkey, embarked on a course of pillaging the ethnic minatory groups of the Ottoman Empire.”
The letter added: “To erect memorials to Ataturk and to pay tribute to his legacy is to honour his legacy of rape, murder, dictatorship, ethnic cleansing and genocide. Not only does this memorial insult the memory and the victims of the Armenian Genocide, it is also a dishonour to the Australian forces who met their final fate during World War I.”
“It is important that we acknowledge the friendship that was formed in the years after the War between Australia and Turkey, which deserves recognition and support during this Centenary year of commemoration, but this friendship should not allow important historical facts to be cast aside.”
ANC Australia Executive Director, Vache Kahramanian revealed that plans presented to the NSW government to memorialise Ataturk within the grounds of Parliament House Peace Garden was defeated by lobbying after ANC Australia was made aware of it. He expressed disappointment that the NSW government did not consult with the Armenian-Australian community in advance of erecting this memorial.
Kahramanian said: “As Australians, we understand the importance of the ANZAC memory to Australia. However Ataturk, a self-proclaimed dictator, should not need be honoured for Australia to remember the heroics of Gallipoli.”
He added: “Our community expected to be consulted on such a plan, which would have allowed us to educate the decision-makers on all the facts at hand before taking such a step. To say we are disappointed is an understatement, and we look forward to the response to our correspondence.”Leave a comment:
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Re: The 100th Anniversary - and Events to Mark it
I know Armenian history quiet well, I wanna see your explanation for it because I don't believe your claim is actually based on anything beyond your biased views. Russia has only been in the Caucuses for less than 200 years. That's a tiny fraction of our history. During that time the major British crime to our cause occurred in 1877-78 when they forced Russia to cede control of the Armenian Highlands after Russian victory. That wasn't so much to have us "dead and gone" but to prevent the enlargement of Russia. Beyond that, I can't think of many other examples. Meanwhile there are many instances of Russia doing much worse that literally left us dead and gone in our worst moments. Examples include suppression of the Armenian church and Armenian identity, in attempt to assimilate the population at the turn of the century in late 19th C. This cultural genocide led to the rise of many Armenian fedayees like Dro. Examples include the Russian Empire abandoning Armenia in 1917 in the worst of times by pulling back forces and leaving us to be wiped clean. Examples include the Bolsheviks arming and financing Ataturk's campaign to bring down Armenia while they invaded from the other side, succeeding in tearing down an independent Armenia, and then claiming oh look the Bolsheviks (implied to mean Russians) saved us and gave us stability- which was needed after they brought us down and created instability. Examples include giving away Kars, Nakhichevan, Artsakh, and Kirovabad to Azerbaijan and the Toorks. Examples include the likely giveaway of Zangazour(Syunik) to Azerbaijan if not for Njdeh's last ditch effort. Examples include the destruction of and rape of many Armenian political religious and cultural figures until Stalin's death. Examples include the 1988 Earthquake and its aftermath, which at a moderate 6.8 shouldn't have caused 10% of the damage it did if not for the perfect soviet top down economic system. Examples include 1991 ethnic cleansing of Shahumian region, and our Getashen, of its 17,000 Armenian super majority. Examples include Operation Goranboy in the summer of 1992 when the Russian Federation actively supported Azerbaijan as Artsakh was nearly wiped out.Originally posted by Haykakan View Post
I'm not here trying to argue for allegiance to the west. I'm here to argue for allegiance TO NO ONE. If you recommend strategic partnerships, and taking advantage of those partners for our cause as political dynamics evolve, that's very respectable. If you're here to suggest that some countries are inherently good, and other's are inherently bad, then there's much you have yet to learn. If you suggest that Armenia should always stand by a certain country because they'll alwaysbe inherently and consistently on Armenia's side, just because that's how they are, then I would say you live in a fantasy universe. Never be an idealist, never be so rigid to believe that one country, in your case Russia, is always good, while its enemies are evil. Russia's enemies aren't your enemies, and Russia's well being, shouldn't be your concern. That is unless you want to change your name to RussaHaykakan. Everything changes, momentum changes, allegiances change, strategic interests change. THE ONLY COUNTRY you should be always be unbending for is ARMENIA. The rest are moving parts, that we should change as they suit. If Right now Armenia needs to be in line with Russia for Armenian interests so be it. In the past 15 years Russia has helped Armenia greatly in prying away the Turks on both ends. For that however, Armenia has given up much of its sovereignty and national wealth and interests to Russia. However as usual, things always change, factors reverse, and countries rise, and fall. You don't know what's going to be in our interest as these things change, If in 10 years, its beneficial to tell the Russians to f-ck off, so be it. Hopefully soon enough, we are strong enough where we don't have to be on anyone's side and can demand respect, instead of begging for a patron. This isn't an unrealistic scenario and it only takes proper nation building, and some fortune in external factors.Last edited by Mher; 03-05-2015, 01:34 PM.Leave a comment:
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