Sunday 29 April 2012
Armenian News
An Armenian folk song (Aravodun Temin: At the Break of Dawn, compiled by Arusyak Sahakian),
arranged by Ayşe Tütüncü and performed by 42 musicians. In memoriam April 24.
http://vimeo.com/40639618
GENOCIDE COMMEMORATED IN TURKEY
asbarez
Thursday, April 26th, 2012
ISTANBUL--Hundreds gathered in Taksim Square Tuesday to commemorate
the 97th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, reported Today's Zaman.
A sit-down gathering organized by the Say No to Racism and Nationalism
initiative in Taksim Square was attended by a group of public figures,
including wife of murdered journalist Hrant Dink, Rakel Dink; Peace
and Democracy Party (BDP) Istanbul deputies Sırrı Sureyya Onder and
Sebahat Tuncel; former Freedom and Solidarity Party (ODP) head Ufuk
Uras; journalists Oral CalıÅ~_lar, Huseyin Hatemi and Hilal Kaplan
as well as other intellectuals.
Protesters laid carnations in front of a banner that read, "This
pain belongs to all of us." ZiÅ~_an Tokac, who made a statement on
behalf of the protesting group, said Armenians were sent into exile to
places where they could not survive, recounting atrocities committed
at that time.
Uras told reporters that Turkey will face its history and "shared pain"
in building a 21st century democracy. He added that people from all
walks of life were present at the sit-in protest.
Dink said Armenians had gone through things that she cannot even say
aloud and that they are still facing similar problems. Meanwhile,
two nationalist groups protested the gathering; however, police didn't
allow them to approach the group.
RFE/RL Report
Armenia, Azerbaijan Report Fresh Casualties
Naira Bulghadarian, Nare Stepanian
27.04.2012
Three Armenian soldiers and one Azerbaijani army officer have been
shot dead in separate incidents reported by the military authorities
in Yerevan and Baku on Friday.
The Armenian Defense Ministry said the soldiers were fatally wounded
when a car carrying them came under fire near a western section of
Armenia's border with Azerbaijan in the early hours of Friday. It said
the car belonging to one of them was found riddled with bullets on a
road connecting two border villages in the northeastern Tavush region.
Andranik Aydinian, the mayor of one of those villages, Aygepar, said
he heard gunfire coming from Azerbaijani army positions in the area
shortly after midnight. `The Azerbaijani positions are close to the
road,' he said by phone.
Aydinian cut short the phone interview, alleging renewed Azerbaijani
gunfire and saying that he needs to tell villagers to take cover.
In a statement, the Defense Ministry did not say whether it thinks the
three servicemen were shot and killed by Azerbaijani troops. It said
only that military investigators have launched an inquiry.
But President Serzh Sarkisian did implicitly blame Azerbaijan for the
deaths and pledge retaliation later in the day. `Our territory
continues to be shot at from Azerbaijani positions these days,'
Sarkisian said during an election campaign trip to another northern
province, Lori.
`You are aware of the latest incidents,' he told local
residents. `First a kindergarten [in Tavush] came under fire, then an
ambulance, and last night we lost three contracted soldiers in
Tavush.'
`I don't think anyone in our country doubts the inevitability of our
appropriate reaction,' he said. `I don't think anyone doubts the power
of our defense forces.'
Sarkisian seemed to accuse Azerbaijan of trying to capitalize on the
parliamentary election campaign going on in Armenia. `Let nobody think
that they can take advantage of processes taking place in our country
and that it's election time here and we are distracted by it.'
Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry, meanwhile, reported that an Azerbaijani
army lieutenant was killed by Armenian forces deployed east of
Nagorno-Karabakh on Thursday. Azerbaijani news agencies cited the
ministry as saying that the 24-year-old Vagif Abdullayev died as a
result of an Armenian ceasefire violation.
There was no immediate reaction to the report from the military
authorities in Yerevan and Stepanakert.
Karabakh's Armenian-backed army on Thursday accused the Azerbaijani
armed forces of intensifying truce violations in recent days. It said
two Karabakh Armenian soldiers were wounded on Tuesday.
The U.S., Russian and French diplomats co-chairing the OSCE Minsk
Group expressed serious concern over the latest shootings. `Such
senseless acts violate the commitment of the parties to refrain from
the use of force and to seek a peaceful settlement of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and contradict the spirit of the January
23, 2012, joint statement of Presidents [Ilham] Aliyev, Sarkisian, and
[Dmitry] Medvedev,' they said in a joint statement.
`The Co-Chairs strongly condemn any loss of life, and reiterate that
there is no alternative to a peacefully negotiated settlement of the
conflict. The Co-Chairs urge all sides to respect the 1994 ceasefire
and to abstain from retaliatory measures that would lead to further
escalation,' added the mediators.
YEREVAN NAMED WORLD BOOK CAPITAL IN 2012
ITAR-TASS
April 23, 2012 Monday 03:26 AM GMT+4
Russia
Yerevan was named the World Book Capital in 2012 after Buenos Aires
in the previous year. The United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the International Association of
Book Publishers and the international alliances of book traders and
library associations named the Armenian capital as the World Book
Capital this year.
"It is symbolic that the Armenian capital became the 12th World Book
Capital particularly in 2012," Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan
stated on Sunday. He recalled that the 500th anniversary of book
printing on the Armenian language is celebrated this year.
"For the nation, which marks the 500th anniversary of book printing,
this is a great honour, the high evaluation of the merits to the
world culture," the president said.
"The first Armenian printer Akop Megapart published four printed books
on the Armenian language in the remote city of Venice in 1512. After
two centuries of roaming over various cities in the world the book
printing on the Armenian language settled in the homeland in 1771,"
Sargsyan recalled. Then the first Armenian printing office was founded
in Etchmiadzin and the first book was printed, he recalled. "Our
people had a deep love to the native language, manuscripts and the
knowledge always, even when it seemed that it is even impossible to
think about it," the president pointed out.
Sargsyan believes that numerous events, which will be held under
the program of Yerevan as the World Book Capital, pursue "one goal
is to note again the importance of the role of the book in our life,
and show once again one place on the world map." These events should
"state again that we are the nation with the spirit that can value,
preserve and enrich not only Armenian, but also world and common
human spiritual and cultural heritage."
The officials from the Bangkok Mayor's Office (Thailand), as this city
will become the next world book capital, also attended a ceremony to
name Yerevan as the World Book Capital at the Yerevan's Mayor's Office.
The Armenian post issued a souvenir sheet, which was franked on the
occasion on Sunday.
Talented children from the Yerevan secondary schools showed their
pictures and asphalt graffiti on the central Square of Republic
in Yerevan. Not only residents of the Armenian capital, but also
numerous guest from 30 countries were watching the drawings. The
grandson of a famous English poet George Byron, Lord Robin Byron was
among the guests.
The book exhibition Armbook Expo opened at the Yerevan cultural and
recreational centre. Armenian and foreign publishing houses, which
print the books on the Armenian language, presented their produce at
the exhibition.
Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli gave an open-air concert on the square in
front of the Yerevan Opera Theatre. About 20,000 people are expected
to attend this free concert.
POVERTY IS THE MAIN ENEMY OF ARMENIAN SOCIETY, SERZH SARGSYAN IS SURE
ARMENPRESS
APRIL 26, 2012
NOYEMBERYAN
NOYEMBERYAN, APRIL 26, ARMENPRESS: The main enemy of our society
is poverty, and we cannot be indifferent to that issue, Chairman of
Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), President Serzh Sargsyan told the
residents of Noyemberyan town in frame of the campaign. As Armenpress
reports, the RPA Chairman stressed that the key to solution of the
poverty is in the joint work and mutual trust.
"The local residents are singled out for their diligence and
preservation of national characteristics. But it is pity that the
money some people earn is not enough for meeting their family needs.
For this purpose we try to encourage businessmen to make investments
in remote regions of Armenia," said Serzh Sargsyan, adding that it will
contribute to the growth of the country's economic indexes and opening
of working places for the residents of remote regions of Armenia.
"Sure, we want the issues to find a solution in one day. But we do not
have such a magical receipt and nobody has. But we have an idea that
will work in the upcoming 5 years. In numerous developed countries of
the world that process has taken decades, as that path is tortuous and
complicated. To our happiness, we have already passed the main - most
complicated part," said RPA leader, noting that the most part of those
programs are underway, and the others need relevant investments. "We
believe that we will manage to accomplish them," he underlined.
Within the frameworks of the election campaign in Tavush province,
Serzh Sargsyan also met with the population of Vazashen, Aygehovit,
Sarigyugh and Varagavan communities.
ARMENIAN CHURCH IN TURKEY IS USED AS GARBAGE DUMP
news.am
April 27, 2012 | 12:38
The 11th-century Armenian church in Yenipinar village of Turkey's
Batman Province is used as a garbage dump by the locals.
Village resident Ali Ucar noted that he is very troubled that the
villagers are taking the ruined church's stones and using them in
their stables, Haberler news agency of Turkey informs. He stressed
that this shows how the residents do not value historical treasures.
Ucar claimed that solely four of the church's eight columns have
remained erect.
In his turn, Batman University Rector Abdulselam Ulucam noted
that a project will soon be implemented, with the support of
Batman Provincial Hall, along the lines of which the Province's
historical treasures-irrespective of their religious belonging-will
be registered. The Rector informed that the registered historical
monuments will be restored and introduced to tourism.
IWPR Report
AZERI FILM FEST CAUSES STORM IN ARMENIA
Attempt to build cultural bridges sparks anger, though it’s unclear
whether protests were genuine or stage-managed.
By Sara Khojoyan
A controversial festival of Azerbaijani films has finally taken place in
Armenia, but not before the venue had to be switched following angry
protests.
The Caucasus Centre of Peacemaking Initiatives, CCPI, an Armenian
organisation, was planning to show the films in several towns in the
north of the country on April 12 and 17.
CCPI director Giorgy Vanyan said the screenings were intended to
promote tolerance and peace.
Relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan have been consistently
poor since the war over Nagorny Karabakh, which ended in 1994 with
a truce but no lasting peace deal.
Feelings of mistrust and resentment run so high in both countries
that most forms of engagement with the neighbouring state are seen
as akin to treason.
The four short films included in the festival were made in 2007-08 by
different directors, and did not touch on the Karabakh conflict. “The
films address social problems and human rights issues in Azerbaijan,”
Vanyan said.
After the screenings were announced, however, protesters took to the
streets of Gyumri and then Vanadzor.
In Gyumri, Vanyan was forced to cancel the April 12 showing at the
Asparez Press Club, to get the crowds outside to disperse. Video
footage posted on YouTube showed him surrounded by heated
protesters.One man tries to attack him but is dragged away by others.
In Vanadzor, some 200 people held a march against the April 17
screening and its hosts, the Helsinki Civil Assembly, HCA, throwing
eggs and stones at the proposed venues.
Demonstrators and other opponents of the festival accused its
organisers of betraying Armenia by showing films from Azerbaijan.
“I believe that no normal Armenian with a sense of decency and
clear view of things will want to see a festival of Azeri films in our
country,” Yury Ghulyan, a lecturer at Vanadzor’s teacher training
institute, said. “In Azerbaijan, they abuse and slander our country
and our good name. So it’s just pointless bringing Azeri films to show
them here.”
Karen Vrtanesyan, who blogs on Azeri-Armenian relations, has
long opposed the festival. On his Facebook page, he claimed that
peace-building events of this kind were unilateral, and that in
Azerbaijan, “hate propaganda” directed at Armenians was on the
increase.
Referring to events in the village of Maraga during the Karabakh war
in April 1992, he said that “on the eve of the 20th anniversary of mass
killings of civilians, no country would allow a ‘cultural event’
by the side that conducted these pogroms. The issue here is not
tolerance, but a premeditated assault on the public’s feelings.”
The reactions were to be predicted. This film festival was supposed to
have taken place in late 2010, but the strength of public opposition
meant no venue could be persuaded to host the screenings.
CCPI eventually succeeding in rescheduling the Gyumri screening,
holding it before a small audience in a restaurant outside town.
After the April 16 scuffles in Vanadzor, the New York-based advocacy
group Human Rights Watch urged the Armenian authorities to investigate
the “mob attack” on HCA’s office.
The CCPI said it had been the victim of a “campaign of intimidation,
slander and disinformation”, and said the protests were not spontaneous,
but staged by local government officials.
“This public opposition was incited,” Vanyan told IWPR. “There is no
constitutional order in Armenia – it has been replaced by a ‘patriotic’
court martial.”
Artur Sakunts of the Helsinki Civil Assembly, who took the decision to
call the Vanadzor screening, said police had been notably absent when
his office was besieged by protesters.
“Although we called them, police took no action to prevent threats to our
employees’ safety, or to stop the incitement to violence and public disorder,
despite the fact that we called them,” said a statement from his office.
Sakunts said that in both Armenia and Azerbaijan, “the regimes use
cheap populist devices to divert public attention away from the real
problems facing their countries”.
Officials in the two towns denied any connection to that protests.
Gagik Simonian of the Vanadzor municipality said the local authorities
were only informed of the planned protest on the morning of April 16,
shortly before it took place.
“They were acting in line with the law, so there wasn’t anything we could
do about it,” he said. “But we are in no way connected with these events.”
Opponents of the festival insisted they were acting on their own.
Tigran Kocharyan, a blogger, said Azerbaijanis “at the highest level”
insulted Armenians with no come-back, whereas “tolerance is demanded
only from the Armenians”.
“You need two sides to hold a dialogue,” he added, noting that in the last
two decades, Azerbaijan had never held an analogous festival of Armenian
films.
Since making concessions would be seen as a sign of weakness in
Azerbaijan, he said, then “yes, we must give an appropriate response to
everything they
do.”
Levon Barseghyan of the Asparez Press Club said the protesters may well
have had genuine concerns about the festival, but he pointed out
inconsistencies in the level of outrage.
“These same people who were protesting, shouting, and punching Vanyan
never complained about the Turkish and Azeri films that were shown in
Armenia as part of the Golden Apricot festival, or indeed other screenings.
Nor did they protest against cultural exchanges,” he said.
Sara Khojoyan is a reporter for ArmeniaNow.com.
Saturday 28 April 2012
LOUSSAPATZ 932
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Friday 27 April 2012
Levon Ou Roland Yev Masamp Youryants By Khatchatur I. Pilikian
Rep. Speier Joins Walk Against Genocide Honorary Committee
Dear Friends,
Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-12) this week joined the Walk Against Genocide Honorary Committee. Please join the Congresswoman Speier, the Bay Area ANC and hundreds of human rights activists in the Walk Against Genocide at noon this Sunday, April 29, 2012 at Lake Merritt in Oakland.
A life-long defender of human rights and Bay Area native of Armenian descent, Congresswoman Speier also issued a statement on the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide this week in which she said, "If any lesson can be learned from the Armenian Genocide it is that as Americans, we cannot dismiss calls for aid from victimized groups that are powerless over their oppressors. To honor the memory of those who perished at the hands of the Ottoman Empire, we must renew our pledge to fight human injustices around the globe."
Other public officials who have graciously lent their names in support of this year's Walk Against Genocide include Congressman Mike Honda (CA-15) and Marin County Superintendent of Schools Mary Jane Burke.
A life-long defender of human rights and Bay Area native of Armenian descent, Congresswoman Speier also issued a statement on the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide this week in which she said, "If any lesson can be learned from the Armenian Genocide it is that as Americans, we cannot dismiss calls for aid from victimized groups that are powerless over their oppressors. To honor the memory of those who perished at the hands of the Ottoman Empire, we must renew our pledge to fight human injustices around the globe."
Other public officials who have graciously lent their names in support of this year's Walk Against Genocide include Congressman Mike Honda (CA-15) and Marin County Superintendent of Schools Mary Jane Burke.
As a nation who 97 years ago experienced the brutality of genocide, Armenians know that we cannot stand by while this crime against humanity persists. Please join the Bay Area Armenians team and participate in the Walk Against Genocide. By doing so, you will make a profound statement that genocide is not to be tolerated anywhere, anytime, and by anyone.
Please also reach out to family and friends to register and participate in the Walk Against Genocide so that we have a great showing on Sunday. Feel free to forward this email to family and friends and share items from the ANC-SF Facebook page and Twitter feed.
Please also reach out to family and friends to register and participate in the Walk Against Genocide so that we have a great showing on Sunday. Feel free to forward this email to family and friends and share items from the ANC-SF Facebook page and Twitter feed.
Registration is free, but your contribution of any amount would be much appreciated. Funds raised at this year's Walk Against Genocide will support organizations that work to prevent genocide, including our community's very own Genocide Education Project (GenEd).
Organized by the San Francisco Darfur Coalition and partners such as the Bay Area ANC, the Walk Against Genocide is an opportunity for people in the Bay Area -- Armenians and non-Armenians -- to publicly show their united support for all victims of this crime against humanity. Participants will march with survivors and descendants of the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust, the Rwandan Genocide, the Darfur Genocide, and other groups as well as hear their stories and learn how awareness and effective action can prevent future such atrocities from taking place.
We hope that you can participate in this unique effort that helps to end the cycle of genocide.
Below is a list of additional upcoming events we hope you will participate in.
April 30, 2012 - 8:00 pm
Confiscation and Colonization: The Young Turk Seizure of Armenian Property
A Presentation by Prof. Ugur Üngör
Vaspouragan Hall at St.Gregory Armenian Church
51 Commonwealth Avenue, San Francisco
www.genocideeducation.org/event/
May 20, 2012 - 2:00 pm
ANCA Telethon 2012
Broadcast on KCNS Channel 38 in the Bay Area as well as via the Internet and satellite through ARTN Shant TV and USArmenia TV.
www.ancatelethon.org
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Bay Area Armenian National Committee by phone at 415-387-3433 or by emailing mail@ancsf.org
We thank all of you who participated in the various events this past week and look forward to continuing to fight for a just resolution for the Armenian Genocide with your support.
Sincerely,
Armenian National Committee
San Francisco Bay Area
51 Commonwealth Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118
mail@ancsf.org
www.ancsf.org
Below is a list of additional upcoming events we hope you will participate in.
April 30, 2012 - 8:00 pm
Confiscation and Colonization: The Young Turk Seizure of Armenian Property
A Presentation by Prof. Ugur Üngör
Vaspouragan Hall at St.Gregory Armenian Church
51 Commonwealth Avenue, San Francisco
www.genocideeducation.org/event/
May 20, 2012 - 2:00 pm
ANCA Telethon 2012
Broadcast on KCNS Channel 38 in the Bay Area as well as via the Internet and satellite through ARTN Shant TV and USArmenia TV.
www.ancatelethon.org
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Bay Area Armenian National Committee by phone at 415-387-3433 or by emailing mail@ancsf.org
We thank all of you who participated in the various events this past week and look forward to continuing to fight for a just resolution for the Armenian Genocide with your support.
Sincerely,
Armenian National Committee
San Francisco Bay Area
51 Commonwealth Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118
mail@ancsf.org
www.ancsf.org
REGISTER: Walk Against Genocide This Sunday 4/29/12
Dear Friends ,
At noon on Sunday, April 29, 2012, hundreds of people will gather at Lake Merritt in Oakland for the 2nd Annual Walk Against Genocide. As a nation who 97 years ago experienced the brutality of genocide, Armenians know that we cannot stand by while this crime against humanity persists.
Please join the Bay Area Armenians team and participate in the Walk Against Genocide. By doing so, you will make a profound statement that genocide is not to be tolerated anywhere, anytime, and by anyone. Please also reach out to family and friends to register and participate in the Walk Against Genocide so that we have a great showing on Sunday. Feel free to forward this email to family and friends and share items from the ANC-SF Facebook page and Twitter feed.
Registration is free, but your contribution of any amount would be much appreciated. Funds raised at this year's Walk Against Genocide will support organizations that work to prevent genocide, including our community's very own Genocide Education Project (GenEd).
Organized by the San Francisco Darfur Coalition and partners such as the Bay Area ANC, the Walk Against Genocide is an opportunity for people in the Bay Area -- Armenians and non-Armenians -- to publicly show their united support for all victims of this crime against humanity. Participants will march with survivors and descendants of the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust, the Rwandan Genocide, the Darfur Genocide, and other groups as well as hear their stories and learn how awareness and effective action can prevent future such atrocities from taking place.
We hope that you can participate in this unique effort that helps to end the cycle of genocide.
Below is a list of additional upcoming events we hope you will participate in.
April 30, 2012 - 8:00 pm
Confiscation and Colonization: The Young Turk Seizure of Armenian Property
A Presentation by Prof. Ugur Üngör
Vaspouragan Hall at St.Gregory Armenian Church
51 Commonwealth Avenue, San Francisco
www.genocideeducation.org/event/
May 20, 2012 - 2:00 pm
ANCA Telethon 2012
Broadcast on KCNS Channel 38 in the Bay Area as well as via the Internet and satellite through ARTN Shant TV and USArmenia TV.
www.ancatelethon.org
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Bay Area Armenian National Committee by phone at 415-387-3433 or by emailing mail@ancsf.org
We thank all of you who participated in the various events this past week and look forward to continuing to fight for a just resolution for the Armenian Genocide with your support.
Sincerely,
Armenian National Committee
San Francisco Bay Area
51 Commonwealth Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118
mail@ancsf.org
www.ancsf.org
At noon on Sunday, April 29, 2012, hundreds of people will gather at Lake Merritt in Oakland for the 2nd Annual Walk Against Genocide. As a nation who 97 years ago experienced the brutality of genocide, Armenians know that we cannot stand by while this crime against humanity persists.
Please join the Bay Area Armenians team and participate in the Walk Against Genocide. By doing so, you will make a profound statement that genocide is not to be tolerated anywhere, anytime, and by anyone. Please also reach out to family and friends to register and participate in the Walk Against Genocide so that we have a great showing on Sunday. Feel free to forward this email to family and friends and share items from the ANC-SF Facebook page and Twitter feed.
Registration is free, but your contribution of any amount would be much appreciated. Funds raised at this year's Walk Against Genocide will support organizations that work to prevent genocide, including our community's very own Genocide Education Project (GenEd).
Organized by the San Francisco Darfur Coalition and partners such as the Bay Area ANC, the Walk Against Genocide is an opportunity for people in the Bay Area -- Armenians and non-Armenians -- to publicly show their united support for all victims of this crime against humanity. Participants will march with survivors and descendants of the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust, the Rwandan Genocide, the Darfur Genocide, and other groups as well as hear their stories and learn how awareness and effective action can prevent future such atrocities from taking place.
We hope that you can participate in this unique effort that helps to end the cycle of genocide.
Below is a list of additional upcoming events we hope you will participate in.
April 30, 2012 - 8:00 pm
Confiscation and Colonization: The Young Turk Seizure of Armenian Property
A Presentation by Prof. Ugur Üngör
Vaspouragan Hall at St.Gregory Armenian Church
51 Commonwealth Avenue, San Francisco
www.genocideeducation.org/event/
May 20, 2012 - 2:00 pm
ANCA Telethon 2012
Broadcast on KCNS Channel 38 in the Bay Area as well as via the Internet and satellite through ARTN Shant TV and USArmenia TV.
www.ancatelethon.org
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Bay Area Armenian National Committee by phone at 415-387-3433 or by emailing mail@ancsf.org
We thank all of you who participated in the various events this past week and look forward to continuing to fight for a just resolution for the Armenian Genocide with your support.
Sincerely,
Armenian National Committee
San Francisco Bay Area
51 Commonwealth Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118
mail@ancsf.org
www.ancsf.org
Thursday 26 April 2012
Էրդողանի կուսակից պատգամավորը 1915-ի համար ներողություն է խնդրել հայերից
Էրդողանի կուսակից պատգամավորը 1915-ի համար ներողություն է խնդրել հայերից
Ապրիլ 25, 2012
Թուրքիայի իշխող «Արդարություն եւ զարգացում» կուսակցության ստեղծողներից Իսմեթ Ուչման 1915-ը նկարագրել է որպես ազգի բռնի տեղահանում եւ իր անունից ներողություն խնդրել հայերից:
Թուրքական Radikal-ի հետ զրույցում թուրք պատգամավորը հայտարարել է, թե պատմաբանները 1915-ի հետ կապված բոլոր փաստաթղթերը պետք է վեր հանեն, մի տեղում հավաքեն եւ այդ փաստաթղթերը քաղաքական գործիչները պետք է քննարկեն, որից հետո միջազգային մակարդակով այդ հարցի շուրջ պետք է որոշում կայացվի: Իսմեթ Ուչման պնդել է, իր կարծիքով, 1915-ին հայերի հետ տեղի ունեցածը ոչ թե ցեղասպանություն է, այլ` ազգի բռնի տեղահանություն: Նա շեշտել է, թե ցեղասպանության իրագործման ժամանակ կօգտագործվեին այնպիսի մեթոդներ ինչպիսն որ օգտագործվել են Ամերիկայում կարմրամորթներին եւ Գերմանիայում հրեաներին ոչնչացնելու համար:
«Այդ ողբերգության հեղինակը «Իթթիհադ վե Թերաքին» էր (Երիտթուրքեր-խմբ): Այդ ամենի մեջ մեղքը նրանցն է: Սակայն անհրաժեշտ է ասել. «Մենք մեր անցյալում տեղի ունեցած որոշ բաների համար ձեզնից ներողություն ենք խնդրում: Ես այդ ներողությունն անձնապես խնդրում եմ ազգի բռնի տեղահանման համար: Պատմության մեջ տեղահանման դեպքեր եղել են, սակայն ժողովրդին մեկ այլ տեղափոխելու ժամանակ չպետք է նրանցից մի մազ պակասի: Սակայն հայերի հետ այդպես չի եղել...: Իթթիհադականները զինված հայկական խմբերի դեմ պայքարի ժամանակ պատժել են ամբողջ հայությանը: Չեմ կարծում, որ Հայկական սփյուռքը ներկայացնում է ամբողջ հայությանը, սակայն սա կարեւոր է իմանալ, որ այդ իրադարձությունները եթե չլինեին, Սփյուռքը չէր կազմավորվի»,-նշել է թուրք պատգամավորը` հավելելով, որ թե ինքը չի պատկերացնում թե այդ խնդրի փոխհատուցման եւ հողային հարցում գործընթացը մինչեւ ուր կհասնի եւ շետել, որ հայ եւ թուրք ազգը թող ձեռք-ձեռքի տան եւ կլուծեն այդ խնդիրը:
«Հայաստանը պետք է հանգստության եւ խաղաղության հասնի: Մինչ Հայաստանը եւ Ադրբեջանը բանակցում են, Թուրքիան պետք է բացի Հայաստանի հետ սահմանը: Մեզ հետ միասին ապրած, նույն զգացողությունները կիսած, նույն գրական լեզուն օգտագործած այս մարդիկ պետք է հանգստության եւ խաղաղության հասնեն»,-ասել է Թուրքիայի իշխող կուսակցության հիմնադիրներից, պատգամավոր Իսմեթ Ուչման:
Wednesday 25 April 2012
FATHER FRANK’S RANTS- Patriot of Persia
Rant Number 486 25 April 2012
‘Perfidious! Perfidious! Perfidious!’I imagine the dying Iranian ex-PM Muhammad Mossadegh muttering with his last breath. Almost pleonastic to call Britain ‘perfidious’, of course. What could ‘perfidious Albion’ be but...perfidious? Still, Mossadegh had good reasons to feel that way. Christopher de Bellaigue’s compelling book,Patriot of Persia, explains why.
‘Perfidious! Perfidious! Perfidious!’I imagine the dying Iranian ex-PM Muhammad Mossadegh muttering with his last breath. Almost pleonastic to call Britain ‘perfidious’, of course. What could ‘perfidious Albion’ be but...perfidious? Still, Mossadegh had good reasons to feel that way. Christopher de Bellaigue’s compelling book,Patriot of Persia, explains why.
Strolling in Tehran three years ago, I discovered Iranians are a bit paranoid about malignant foreign plots and conspiracies. You too might be if you had suffered what they did. In 1953 British-American stooges and spies concocted a military putsch that overthrew Mossadegh’s elected government. His crimes? Oil, unholy oil, what else? The brave statesman wanted Iran to own its wealth. So he nationalised the oil industry. Anglo-Iranian, the alien consortium, and the British powers that be swore revenge. Geddit?
De Bellaigue narrates the whole sordid, painful history with the briskness of a thriller. Mossadegh, an old, crafty valetudinarian ruling in pyjamas from his sickbed, is not sentimentalised. He was no Gandhi. Even prior to the coup that destroyed him, he abominated the British with a hatred that had something of the Manichean about it. ‘You don’t know how evil they are...how they sully everything they touch’, he told an American envoy. How ironic the Yanks, whom Mossadegh initially trusted, would soon be active partners in evil with the Brits. Well, les Anglo-Saxons are naturally perfidious, no?
If I was German, I guess I would enjoy this book even more than I do. Well-nigh all films and history and literature available on the planet regularly cast Germany as the eternal villain of the piece. Nazimania, someone called it. Institutionalised Germanophobia is another name for it. But here at last is a book, a true narrative (by a Brit!) in which the bad guys, the rotters, the inglorious bastards are not the customary Krauts but the normally spotless, righteous and benign Brits. Why not? A bit of a change, the priest is bound to say...
Patriot of Persia abounds in memorable characters. Like the Shah. Muhammad Reza Pahlavi. Impressive name for the son of an upstart usurper, Reza Khan, the commander of a Cossack regiment who had appointed himself King of Kings after dethroning the last of the Qajar rulers, the adipose, useless Ahmad Shah. A sort of Persian Ataturk, the dynamic Reza Khan had striven to modernise his country but, surprise, surprise, he too had fallen foul of ultra-perfidious Albion. Suspected of pro-German leanings in WWII - ‘my enemy’s enemy is my friend’: can you blame Reza Khan? - the Brits had forced him out. His son, Reza Pahlavi, had been educated in Switzerland and admired America. Beautiful, unforgettable Sorayya, his second Queen (the adolescent Fr Frank was a bit in love with Sorayya, he confesses it), was even more oriented towards Europe. De Bellaigue describes him fairly, I think, as ‘a tragic figure, sensitive and intelligent’ but not up to the job. Although later the Shah turned into a despot relying on his dreaded secret police, Savak, the impression is that his chief fault was weakness rather than wickedness. Another Louis XVI, perhaps? Alas, it seems rulers may be pardoned umpteen crimes, horrors and genocides, providing they are successfully ‘tough’. From Genghis Khan to Stalin, that is the melancholy moral.
Another outstanding character is Ayatollah Kashani. Shia Iran would not be what it is without this type of formidable cleric-politician and its many avatars. Islamic resurgence of Catholic Cardinal-statesmen like Wolsey, Richelieu and Mazarin. Kashani was no humble man. ‘All Muslims in the world acknowledge me as their leader’, he boasted, somewhat hyperbolically. The ‘warriors of Islam’, a body of militant followers, buttressed his authority. (Why call them ‘fanatic’, I wonder? Presumably they were just very keen – ahem, that’s religious fervour, is it not?) Kashani joined with Mossadegh on the nationalisation issue but then turned against him. That’s politics for you. Maybe another Ayatollah, Burujerdi, was right, as De Bellaigue observes, in fearing that clerics would jeopardise the people’s respect if they engaged too closely in politics. Pope John Paul II would have agreed, as the example liberation theology illustrates, I trust.
A chief pretext for the military coup that toppled the legitimate PM was the scotching of a putatively imminent Communist revolution. Cast your mind back. 1953: cold war at its chilliest. Tudeh, the Iranian Communist party, was numerous, well-organised and well-represented in the armed forces. Technically illegal, Mossadegh tolerated the party, aware of its influence amongst the workers. CIA spooks well exploited that, even mustering thugs disguised as Communists. They attacked mullahs and mosques. Even spread rumours the PM was a Jew! (Years later the Shah had his minions insinuate Ayatollah Khomeini was an Indian: plus ca change...)
De Bellaigue points out how later documents belie the notion that the Tudeh Party was strong (and willing) enough to carry out a take-over. Ultimately, I suppose, that would have depended on Moscow’s decision. He also notes that Marxism in Iran could have succeeded only if it had incorporated ‘elements of Islam’ and so become something ‘other than Marxism’. Of course, all the Communist parties in the Muslims world, unlike their Western brothers, always carefully avoided attacking religion. It made sense. Anti-clericalism is a phenomenon virtually unknown in Islam, anyway. However, the young Marx of the ‘Economic-Philosophical Manuscripts’ might well have provided the opening for an integration of religion into Marxism. Too late for that now. A Marxist come-back looks like a resurrection too far.
Iranian history since the country’s conversion to Islam is replete with the cult of martyrs, with a passionate attachment to the figures of unlucky, tragic heroes like Imam Ali and especially of his son, that Imam Hossein whose sacrifice is re-enacted each year in the extraordinary celebrations of Muharram. Muhammad Mossadegh’s own story cannot quite live up to those exalted standards. Though a sincere, practising Muslim, he championed no supernatural polity. Yes, as de Bellaigue reminds the reader, the old man’s memory ‘is safe in the heart of Iranians.’
If you wish to understand why Iranians today are rightfully wary of the West, read this book!
Revd Frank Julian Gelli
Armenian Information Centre TEKEYAN - In commemoration commemoration of the 97th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
In commemoration of the 97th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Our Message Is Directed To Turkey
RECOGNIZE THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE of 1915 BEFORE THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY IN 2015
We address this e-mail to everyone Armenian and Non Armenian throughout the world.
Whether you speak or understand English, French, German or Armenian, please, watch this 90 minute presentation and come to your own conclusions
Spread this link. Let ordinary people of the world, intellectuals of this world, clergymen of this world, politicians of this world, heads of states of this world, let them all see and hear what is documented in this presentation.
We challenge all and everyone to see this presentation and urge them, as decent human beings, to demand, and if need be, to shout at the face of deniers of the Armenian Genocide to stop insulting the entire humanity.
But over and above all, let the whole world
DEMAND FROM TURKEY TO RECOGNIZE THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE BEFORE THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF 2015
The Armenian Rights Council of Montreal
Aznavour's interview
I love this man's ethos on life! He has the right idea about life...
Long may he live it... And let all his hopes and dreams come true.
SPRING REMEMBRANCE CONCERT – SPECIAL TICKET OFFER
Southbank Centre is offering a special discount of £2 off all tickets for the Spring Remembrance Concert, which takes place on the 9th May in the Purcell Room.
All you need to do is quote the promo code SPRING when booking online, by phone or in person.
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Regina Parkev
Tuesday 24 April 2012
Armenian Church E-Newsletter, Issue 17, Volume 3
21 APRIL 2012 ISSUE 17, VOLUME 3
E-NEWSLETTER H- J:RJIK A WEEKLY ONLINE PUBLICATION OF THE PRIMATE’S OFFICE OF THE DIOCESE OF THE
ARMENIAN CHURCH OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND
Primate’s Issues STATEMENT ON THE EVE OF
GENOCIDE COMMEMORATION
The Primate’s Office has published a message by His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, on the occasion of the 97th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide of 1915. In his recollection His Grace reflects on the atrocities committed against our people and calls on all to work together to overcome the consequences of that horrible chapter in the history of humanity. “Once again we find ourselves challenged with the memory of those courageous martyrs and victims of the Genocide, to come together and work on strengthening our people all over the world as one nation. Our revenge is to make sure that Armenians continue living united and strong, and that every Armenian value, for which the martyrs sacrificed their lives, remains alive, and strong in our own lives. If the Ottomans wanted to annihilate the Armenian nation by destroying Armenian Church, burning Bible manuscripts and humiliating Armenian clergy, let’s come together around our spiritual mother, the Armenian Church, to strengthen her and make sure that the Armenian Church remains a pillar of our national identity. If the Turks killed without questioning the political identity and philosophical beliefs of the martyrs and victims, let’s make sure we ascend above our differences that can easily divide us, and think, talk and act as one strongly united nation. If the intent of the Genocide was to silence the Armenian people, let us work hard to make sure that the intelligent, bright and forward- thinking Armenian mind continues today to think, talk and interact in our
beautiful Armenian language, strengthened by the faith of our martyrs, immersed in our culture, equipped with our history and optimistically looking forward to a brighter future for our children and grand-children.” You can read the message in its entirety on the official Church website (armenianchurch.co.uk) or by Clicking Here. The Primate will participate in the Genocide March, Saturday 21st April, Requiem in St. Yeghiche 22nd April, Memorial Programme in Cardiff, 23rd April, & Commemorative programme 24th April at St. Yeghiche Church.
Read the Primate’s Genocide Commemoration Message
Click Here
The Primate’s Office c/o Hye Doon (Armenian House) 25 Cheniston Gardens Kensington, London W8 6TG
The Primate’s Office
c/o Hye Doon 25 Cheniston Gardens Kensington London, W8 6TG
Church Website
armenianchurch.co.uk
E-mail
primatesoffice
@armenianchurch.co.uk
Telephone
0208 127 8364
21 APRIL 2012
ISSUE 17 VOLUME 3
FROM CAMARTHEN TO KARABAGH: A WELSH DISCOVERY OF ARMENIA
On Monday, the launch of Canon Patrick Thomas’ new book “From Carmarthen to Karabagh, a Welsh discovery of Armenia” will take place at the Temple of Peace, Cardiff. This thoughtful and informative book focuses on the similarity and affinity between the two nations. The author is a well-known and respected Canon and Priest of the Church of England and broadcaster who lives in Carmarthen and travelled extensively in Armenia. All are
welcome. Those attending the event will gather at the Genocide Monument, Khachkar, in the garden of the Temple of Peace. Present at the event will be the Archbishop of Wales, His Grace Bp. Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, and Her Excellency Karine Ghazinian, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia. Displays will highlight the country, history and culture of
Armenia. The Canon will sign copies of his book and interviews have been arranged with the press.
1st Parish Council in St. Sarkis Church
On Sunday, 15th April, the newly elected members of the St. Sarkis Parish Council met in the Vicarage with the Primate presiding. Present at the meeting was Dr. Hratch Tchilingirian, Parish Assembly Chairman. The purpose of the meeting, according to the parish bylaws, presented by the Primate, H.G. Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian (as approved by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and adopted by the first Parish Assembly on 1st April 2012), was to elect the officers of the Parish Council and finalise the day of the regular monthly Parish Council meeting. The meeting started with a prayer led by the Primate, following which His Grace welcomed all and congratulated the newly elected St. Sarkis Parish Council members for the historic and monumental task that the people of St. Sarkis parish have entrusted in their hands. After brief remarks by Dr. Tchilingirian and Fr. Shnork Bagdasarian, Pastor, the floor was opened for nomination for the various officers of the Parish Council. The election ceremonies, as stated in the bylaws, were conducted by the Pastor. The following were elected as the officers of the Parish Council 2012-2013: Dr. Arman Sarvarian, Chairman, Hovik Hovhannisyan, Vice Chairman, A. Violetta Bazankian- Kaydan, Secretary, and Patricia Setrakian, Treasurer. To contact the Parish Council, please e-mail: stsarkisparish@armenianchurch.co.uk.
AN ENGLISHMAN IN ARMENIAN LANDS
The Continuing Education Ministry (CEM) of the Primate’s Office of the Armenian Church of Great Britain and Ireland hosted a very interesting afternoon lecture last Sunday, the 15th April, at 2:30pm, in Nevard Gulbankian Hall. The animating talk was a photographic journey through Armenia and Artsakh by the speaker, Russell Pollard, an Englishman! During his talk Russel vividly and sometimes passionately discussed his several trips to Armenia and Artsakh and through the accompanied slides of photographs captured by the speaker himself, he explained the reasons for his love and affection toward Armenia and the Armenians. You can browse Russell’s beautiful pictures of Armenia and Artsakh and his comments by visiting his blog: http://russellpollard.wordpress.com/category/armenia-2/
Second Annual Armenian Street Festival in the UK
Sunday 29th July, 12:00-18:00hrs. Admission Free Armenian food, entertainment, vendors and stalls, church concert, and celebrities Volunteers Needed. Contact he Primate’s Office. Admission free.
21 April 2012
Issue 17, Volume 3
COURSE IN CONVERSATIONAL ARMENIAN
The Continuing Education Ministry (CEM) of the Primate’s Office of the Armenian Church of Great Britain and Ireland is happy to announce the start of an adult course in Conversational Modern Armenian (Western dialect). In addition to learning the Armenian Alphabet and how to read and write, participants in the course will learn how to express themselves in practical situations. The course will meet once a week on Tuesdays at 7:00pm, beginning on Tuesday, 15th May. All are welcome at all ages. The instructor, Kevork Hagopjian will distribute handouts during each session which will include the lesson plan, vocabulary and main points in grammar and syntax discussed during the session. Registration is required. You can register directly by contacting the Primate’s
Office at 0208 127 8364, or e-mail: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk. A donation of £50 made to the Armenian Church Trust UK, will help defray the cost of the material distributed during the course. The registration donation can be paid in advance by mailing your cheque to the Primate’s Office: c/o Armenian House, 25 CHeniston Gardens, Kensington, London W8 6TP. So, be part of our national response to the Genocide by learning the beautiful language of the martyrs and keeping it alive!
25 VOICES: HOPES AND DREAMS ARMENIAN DAY AT MIRFIELD
FROM NAGORNO KARABAKH
Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART) is pleased to announce the creation of their new exhibition 25 Voices: Hopes and Dreams from Nagorno Karabakh. This exhibition features photographs and stories celebrating the hopes and dreams of 25 ordinary people in Karabakh, accessible online at www.thekarabakhconversation.com. The 25 Voices project presents a glimpse into the lives of those at the centre of a “frozen conflict”. Undeterred by economic and political isolation, and the fragile nature of peace in the region, they are developing their country and attempting to build bridges to the rest of the world. This exhibition is a platform for their stories to be told and their hopes voiced to the wider world; and a reminder that no-one can be forgotten. HART will also be hosting an exhibition of 25 Voices in London: April 29, 6.30 pm onwards. Gallery on the Corner in Battersea, 155 Battersea Park Road, SW8 4BU.
Baroness Cox, Chief Executive of HART, has worked in the Armenian region of Nagorno Karabakh since 1991 and witnessed first-hand the suffering and devastation of the Karabakh War of the early 1990's. Today HART is working in Nagorno Karabakh to support a groundbreaking Rehabilitation Centre which gives treatment to people with disabilities.
IT has already become a tradition to celebrate an Armenian Day in Mirfield monastery, West Yorkshire which is a beautiful place where the Anglican Community of the Resurrection and the College of the Resurrection are situated. We are glad to announce that the upcoming Armenian Day in Mirfield organized by Fr. Garegin Hambardzumyan will take place on 8th May according to the following schedule:
Browse the official website of the Armenian Church of Great Britain and Ireland: www.armenianchurch.co.uk
•
• • • •
2:30p.m. Lesson of the Armenian Language (30-45 minutes of learning of the basic expressions in Armenian) Tutorial Room 1.
4p.m. Short concert of the Armenian Medieval Sacred Music by Arthur Bobikyan (Upper Church)
6:00p.m. Armenian Evensong (Yeregoyan zhamergutyun)in the Upper Church
6:40p.m. Dinner- comprising of dishes from the delicious Armenian Cuisine (College Refectory)
8:15p.m. “Mayrig” “Mother” movie screening in the Tutorial Room 1 (1st Part- 55 min., 2nd Part- 65 min.)
Those interested to visit Mirfield for the Armenian Day can contact Father Garegin for further information: ghambardzumyan@mirfield.org.uk. All are welcome!!!
21 APRIL, 2012
ISSUE 17, VOLUME 3
SCRIPTURE READINGS
According to the Armenian Church Lectionary
Sunday –22 April Acts 9:23-31
1 Peter 2:1-10 John 2:23-3:12
Monday –23 April Acts 9:32-43
1 Peter 2:11-17 John 3:13-21
Tuesday –24 April
Acts 10:1-23 1 Peter 2:18-25 John 3:22-36
Wednesday –25 April Acts 10:24-48 1 Peter 3:1-9 John 4:1-23
Thursday –26 April Acts 11:1-26
1 Peter 3:10-22 John 4:24-42
Friday – 27 April Acts 11:27-12:24 1 Peter 4:1-11 John 4:43-54
Saturday – 28 April Acts 12:25-13:15 1 Peter 4:12-19 John 5:1-18
OBJET D’ART: ARTS AND CRAFTS EXHIBITION On Sunday, April 29, 2012, the Armenian Relief Society invites you to an Arts and Crafts exhibition at Navasartian Centre (223 Northfield Avenue, London W13 9QU) starting at 14:30. Free admission
AREV CHILDREN’S PLAY GROUP AT ST. SARKIS
The St. Sarkis Parish Council is happy to invite young parents to a day of fun and games through Armenian songs, storytelling and other exciting activities on Sunday 29 April 2012. Parents’ participation is essential. This is a monthly gathering for children, according to the following schedule: 11:00 AM Programme & refreshments in the Nevart Gulbenkian Hall; 12:00-12:30 PM Children and parents attend Badarak.
SHUSHI ANNIVERSARY Commemoration &
Celebration
The Friends of Artsakh, under the auspices of His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, invite you to an evening of commemoration celebrating the liberation of Shushi, Artsakh (Nagorno Karabagh), to take place on Saturday, 19th May, 2012 at 19:00 hrs in the Twyford Church of England High School (Twyford Crescent, Acton, London W3 9PP). The programme will include the screening of the documentary “Legends of Shushi” by Samvel Tadevosyan, and performances of music and poetry by UK Armenian talents. For further information please contact he Primate’s Office at 0208 127 8364, or e-mail: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk
BIBLE STUDY GROUP RESUMPTION
There will be no Bible Study in English this week, due to the various events associated with the commemoration of the Genocide. The group will resume its study session on Thursday 17th May. If you are interested to join the Bible Study group in Armenian, please contact the St. Sarkis Church Office.
AMBASSADOR CALLS A MEETING FOR THE
COMMEMORATION OF THE GENOCIDE - 2015
Her Excellency Karine Kazinian, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia is calling a meeting to deliver and discuss the Presidential Decree, calling on all Armenian organisations to establish a Committee for preparing and planning for the 100th Anniversary of the Genocide of the Armenians in 1915, which will be commemorated in 2015. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, 25th April 2012 at 7:30pm in the Armenian House.
SHAKESPEARE’S “KING JOHN” IN ARMENIAN
For the first time in the United Kingdom, the Gabriel Sundukyan Academic Theatrical Group from Armenia, will be performing Shakespeare’s “King John” in the Globe on the 16th and 17th of May, 2012. Click Here for more info!
97th Anniversary of the 1915 Genocide
“May the memory of our martyrs be
eternally blessed.”
CHECK OUT THE ARMENIAN CHURCH TRUST – UK WEBSITE (ACT-UK)
WWW.ARMENIANCHURCHTRUST.ORG.UK
for “Evidence for Genocide of Armenians”, thanks to Mr. Alex Boghosian
Tuesday, 24 April at 8:00pm, for the Annual Genocide Commemoration At St. Yeghiche Church
HAYASTAN ALL ARMENIAN-FUND NEWS: April 2012
Dear All,
Please click on the link below to view the most recent update on the Fund's projects.
Hayastan All Armenian Fund is a non profit organisation focused on infrastructure development and economic facilitation projects in Armenia and Artsakh. Hayastan All Armenian Fund headquarters are in the capital of Armenia – Yerevan . The Fund is represented worldwide by its 21 affiliate offices, such as Fonds Armenien de France in France, Armenia Fund and Armenia Fund USA in the United States , and Armenien-Fonds Hayastan-Fonds in Germany .
Please visit: http://www.himnadram.org
Please send any donations/bequests to:
Hayastan All-Armenian Fund
c/o Armenian Vicarage
Kensington
For general correspondence, please write to:
Hayastan All-Armenian Fund
c/o Mrs Armineh Carapeti