Armenia Stops Protocols

The largest circulation Armenian e-magazine on the Internet Circulates every Wednesday Established in 1999

..

ARMENIA HALTS PROTOCOL RATIFICATION CITING TURKEY'S REFUSAL TO RATIFY THEM WITHOUT PRECONDITIONS

BBC - Thursday 22 April - 2010 - Armenia's ruling coalition has said it is halting the ratification in parliament of landmark accords on normalising relations with Turkey. It said it was because of Turkey's refusal to "ratify the protocols without preconditions", chiefly over the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. The countries signed a historic deal in 2009 to re-establish diplomatic ties. There had been a century of hostility following the World War I mass killings of Armenians. Diplomatic moves to normalise relations have faltered recently. The Armenian coalition decided to halt the ratification process of the accord signed in October last year after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said it would depend on a peace deal over Nagorno-Karabakh, the Armenian statement said. "Considering the Turkish side's refusal to fulfil the requirement to ratify the accord without preconditions in a reasonable time, making the continuation of the ratification process in the national parliament pointless, we consider it necessary to suspend this process," the statement said. "The political majority in the national assembly considers statements from the Turkish side in recent days as unacceptable, specifically those by Prime Minister Erdogan, who has again made the ratification of the Armenia-Turkish protocols by the Turkish parliament directly dependent on a resolution over Nagorno-Karabakh," it said. Turkey closed its border with Armenia in 1993 to protest against Armenia's war with its neighbour Azerbaijan over the enclave, which is within Azerbaijan but under the control of ethnic Armenian forces. Thousands of people lost their lives in a conflict that erupted after the break-up of the Soviet Union. A fragile ceasefire was signed in 1994 leaving Karabakh under de facto ethnic Armenian control. In October last year, Turkey and Armenia signed a historic accord normalising relations despite differences over the World War I mass killings of Armenians. Armenia wants Turkey to recognise the killings as an act of genocide, but successive Turkish governments have refused to do so. Hundreds of thousands of Armenians died in 1915, when they were deported en masse from eastern Anatolia by the Ottoman Empire. They were killed by troops or died from starvation and disease.

Message from the President of Armenian Serge Sargsyan

Fellow Armenians; A year has passed since the Armenian-Turkish-Swiss joint statement on steps to normalise the relations between Armenia and Turkey. During this period, the two Protocols aimed at normalisation of the relations have been publicised, discussed in the public domain, and signed. The documents have for quite a lengthy time now been in the parliaments of Armenia and Turkey, awaiting ratification. Armenia has all along demonstrated her commitment to the process of normalisation of relations, to the point of including the Protocols in the agenda of the National Assembly. We have made clear to the whole world that our position is nothing but firmly constructive. We have stated that, if Turkey ratified the Protocols, as agreed, without preconditions and in a reasonable time-frame, failure by the Armenian Parliament to ratify them would be precluded. Now, the time has come to gauge the notion of a “reasonable time-frame” and whether a conduct is “without preconditions.” These criteria were set forth by not only Armenia, but also all the mediators involved in the process, all of our international partners. For a whole year, Turkey’s senior officials have not spared public statements in the language of preconditions. For a whole year, Turkey has done everything to protract time and fail the process. Hence, our conclusion and position are straightforward: 1. Turkey is not ready to continue the process that was started and to move forward without preconditions in line with the letter of the Protocols. 2. The reasonable time-frames have, in our opinion, elapsed. The Turkish practice of passing the 24th of April at any cost is simply unacceptable. 3. We consider unacceptable the pointless efforts of making the dialogue between Armenia and Turkey an end in itself; from this moment on, we consider the current phase of normalisation exhausted. My Fellow Armenians; During this period, I have discussed and continue discussing the future of the process launched with Turkey with Presidents Nicolas Sarkozy of France, Barack Obama of the United States, Dmitri Medvedev of Russia, as well as our colleagues in a number of European organizations. We are grateful to them for supporting our initiative, encouraging the process, and exerting efforts to secure progress. The matter of the fact is that our partners have urged us to continue the process, rather than to discontinue it. Out of respect for them, their efforts, and their sincere aspirations, we have decided after consulting our Coalition partners and the National Security Council not to exit the process for the time being, but rather, to suspend the procedure of ratifying the Protocols. We believe this to be in the best interests of our nation. Armenia shall retain her signature under the Protocols, because we desire to maintain the existing momentum for normalising relations, because we desire peace. Our political objective of normalising relations between Armenia and Turkey remains valid, and we shall consider moving forward when we are convinced that there is a proper environment in Turkey and there is leadership in Ankara ready to reengage in the normalisation process. While announcing to the world the end of the current phase of the process, which was launched with the September 2008 match between the national football teams of Armenia and Turkey, I express gratitude to President Abdullah Gül of Turkey for political correctness displayed throughout this period and the positive relationship that developed between us. Fellow Compatriots; In two days, we will commemorate the 95th anniversary of the first genocide of the 20th century, the remembrance day of the Armenian Genocide. Our struggle for the international recognition of the Genocide continues. If some circles in Turkey attempt to use our candor to our detriment, to manipulate the process to avoid the reality of the 24th of April, they should know all too well that the 24th of April is the day that symbolises the Armenian Genocide, but in no way shall it mark the time boundary of its international recognition. We express our gratitude to all the states, organizations, and individuals that support us in deploring and preventing crimes against humanity. We are also grateful to all those Turkish intellectuals that struggle for the restoration of historical justice and share our grief. On this eve of the 95th anniversary, we call upon everyone to remember that the memory of one and a half million innocent victims exterminated under a state-orchestrated program merely for being Armenian continues to pose before mankind the demand for recognition and condemnation. Fellow Compatriots; We are stronger today than ever before and stand straight as always. Henceforth, our efforts for a better Armenia, a better region, a better world, and a more solid unity of Armenians worldwide will only multiply. Rest assured that results will be visible all along. God bless us!

"IT IS THEIR AFFAIR" SAYS ERDOGAN

www.news.am - At the joint press conference with his New Zealand’s counterpart, Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan commented on April 22 Armenian ruling coalition’s statement to withdraw Yerevan signature from Armenia-Turkey Protocols. According to him, in any case Ankara considers the continuation of the process. “Armenian authorities know how to manage the normalisation process, it is their affair. But I think the process should go on. I repeatedly stated that Turkey is committed to the letter and spirit of the Protocols. I sent my Special Envoy to Yerevan on this matter,” Erdogan said. As reported previously, Armenia’s ruling coalition, Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), Country of Law Party and Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP), issued a statement on April 22, pointing out the necessity to remove the Armenian-Turkish Protocols from the RA Parliament’s agenda. Within last two years the Armenian President with the support of political majority in the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia carried out consistent steps in the direction of the establishment and development of Armenian-Turkish relations without any preconditions. The USA, the Russian Federation, France, Switzerland rendered their great support to that process. Several countries around the world positively reacted to that initiative emphasising its unique significance for the establishment of regional stability and for resolving the existing issues through civilized dialogue. However, Armenia’s consistent steps and the international community’s expectations constantly clashed with Turkey’s inconsistent and evasive position and the continuous policy of proposing preconditions, which led to a stalemate in the process of the ratification of Armenia-Turkey Protocols, signed on October 10, 2009 in Zurich, within reasonable time-frames. The political majority in the National Assembly of Armenia considers unacceptable the Turkish side’s stance, particularly, the latest statements by Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which make the ratification of the Protocols directly dependent upon the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh-Azerbaijan conflict. Meanwhile, taking into account that Turkey’s refusal to ratify the protocols within a reasonable time-frame makes any further continuation of their ratification process in the Armenian Parliament senseless at this stage, the country’s ruling majority considers it necessary to suspend that process and remove the discussion of the issue from the agenda of the RA Parliament’s four-day sessions until the Turkish side is ready to further continue the process without preconditions.

GIBRAHAYER PREPARE TO COMMEMORATE APRIL 24 WITH KAYLARSHAV AND PAN-COMMUNITY EVENTS

Thursday 22 April at 4:00pm - Armenian MP Vartkes Mahdessian will address the Cyprus House of Representatives on the occasion of the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The session is open to the public and will be aired live on RIK Radio Channel 1 - (Proto programma RIK). Friday 23 April at 7:00 pm - Like last year, a Youth kaylarshav will start at Eleftheria Square will join the rest of the marchers at the beginning of Armenia Street at 7:30 pm and will end in front of the Genocide Memorial, where a Vigil will take place organised by the Commemorative Committee comprising of Armenian-Cypriot organisations. Specially designed T-shirts will be given out to all the participants to the Kaylarshav from Eleftheria Square. Saturday 24 April, at 10:00 am - Holy Liturgy and Memorial service for the victims of the 1915 Armenian Genocide at Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church in Nicosia. Saturday 24 April at 1:45 pm - a TV program dedicated to the Armenian community of Cyprus will be aired from RIK 2 TV channel in which our MP in the Cyprus House of Representatives Vartkes Mahdessian will deliver his message. Saturday 24 April at 6:00 pm - Commemoration of the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide at PASYDY Hall. Keynote speaker: Cyprus Euro-Parliamentarian Ioannis Kasoulides. Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Association's SIPAN Dance Ensemble will perform in the cultural program. The event is organised by the Commemorative Committee comprising of Armenian-Cypriot organisations. We urge our readers from all towns to support this event. Saturday 24 April at 7:10 pm - The Armenian National Committee of Cyprus (Gibrosi Hay Tadi Hantsnakhoump) announces that a documentary about the Armenian Genocide entitled "Housher", by Italian Armenian film director Avedis Ohanian will be broadcasted from CYBC 2 TV Channel. Sunday 25 April at 4:00pm - "Housher" by Italian Armenian film director Avedis Ohanian will be broadcasted from CYBC SAT. Monday 26 April - SIGMA TV - The "Me tin Elita" program between 15:30 and 17:30 will be dedicated to the Armenians. Guests: Dr. Antranik Ashdjian, Chairman of the Varchagan Joghov, Roupen Kalaydjian, Co-Chairman of the Kalaydjian Foundation and Alexander-Michael Hadjilyra, researcher-scholar and Foreign Press Spokesman of the Armenian MP in the Cyprus Parliament Vartkes Mahdessian. Wednesday 28th April at 7.00 pm - Lecture "Endanegan Tasdiaragoutiun". Speaker: Chairman of the Nareg School Hokapartsoutiun Vartan Tashdjian at the Nareg new Hall, organised by the Nicosia Nareg Parents Association. The event will be followed by a reception which is open to all. Saturday 1 May at 10:30 am - Melkoniantsis' Picnic at Pyrga. The event is open for all. The menu is simple (kebab, salad, potatoes) and participation is 10 Euros per person (children are free). The money will cover food cost, so no need to do anything and just come along. If you want to contribute with food, dips, fruit, dessert, drinks, supplies or just volunteer, contact Taline Babikian-Angelidou on 96-577847 or Harout Der Bedrossian. Bring along your nargilehs, your cards, backgammon, football and toys for your kids. Weekend of Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd of May 2010 - in Sourp Asdvadzadzin cathedral, Nicosia - Traditional Feast Day of Sourp Magaravank, with Herisa Preparation and Blessing. Sunday 2 May at 8:00pm - The "Timag" Theatre Company of Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Association Cyprus "Oshagan" Chapter presents "Baghdasar Aghpar" at PASYDY Hall in Nicosia. Director Janna Tahmizian. Wednesday 5 May at 7:00pm - Gibrahayer Chief Editor Simon Aynedjian talks about "Hay Tad promotion on the Internet". Organised by The Armenian Club of Larnaca. Followed by dinner in Larnaca. More details to follow. Sign up with Kevork Hovsepian on 99652690. Sunday 9 May - Pilgrimage to St. Magar Monastery organised by the Office of the Armenian Representative Vartkes Mahdessian. Friday 14 May at 8:00 pm - Interactive Lecture/Discussion/ Power Point Presentation, on Sex Education, organised by the Office of the Armenian MP Vartkes Mahdessian by Despo Hadjiloizou - Former Executive Director of Family Planning, at The Utudjian Hall of the Armenian Prelature. All youth over the age of 16 as well as parents are strongly recommended to attend. Friday 28 May at 8:30 pm - Celebrations of the 92nd anniversary of the Independence of Armenia, organised by the ARF Dashnaktsoutiun Cyprus Gomideh, AYMA/HMEM, ARS (HOM) Cyprus "Sosse" Chapter and Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Association Cyprus "Oshagan" Chapter at PASYDY Hall, followed by Independence feast at AYMA. Friday 4 June 2010 - The Armenian Relief Society of Cyprus (HOM) is organising a Gala Dinner on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Relief Society at the STOA Restaurant. Welcome drinks at 8:30 pm. Dinner at 9:00pm. September 16, or 17 or 18 Kravadz Or - by The Armenian Relief Society of Cyprus (HOM) who are organising a Concert on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Relief Society at the Presidential Palace. Details to follow. Saturday 20 November 2010 - Kravadz Or by the Office of the Armenian MP Vartkes Mahdessian - Details to be announced later. Sunday 21 November 2010 - Kravadz Or by the Office of the Armenian MP Vartkes Mahdessian - Details to be announced later.

WHEN WILL THE FARCE END ? 24 April Editorial by Jean Ipdjian

Gibrahayer e-magazine Editorial by Jean Ipdjian - Nicosia - Wednesday 21 April 2010 - Every time that a country discusses the recognition of the Armenian Genocide or worse still it votes to recognise the Armenian Genocide, Turkey and the Turkish government go into a frenzied and hysterical theatrics which starts with threats about cutting trade agreements and ends up with recalling their ambassador to that country ‘indefinitely’, which usually means for a couple of weeks until the furore passes away. Then the ambassador sneaks back into the country and its business as usual. The same scenario has happened on and on again, as it happened lately after the successful adoption of a resolution regarding the recognition of the Armenian Genocide in the US House of Representatives’ foreign relations committee and by the adoption of a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide by the Swedish Parliament, which was backed ironically by the minority opposition parties there. The Turkish reaction is understandable. She has to keep appearances and entertain to the internal audience of semi-literate peasants in the ‘Anadolou’ regions and to the whims and appetites of extremist groups such as the ‘Grey Wolves’, who are overtly frowned upon by the State and covertly backed, encouraged and managed by the state and the almighty military hierarchy. As for the reaction of Western governments and notably of the United States, who seem to bend backwards to accommodate Turkish wishes, it can only be said that it is beyond hypocritical, and that it gives the word a new twisted meaning. It is so hypocritical and tragic, because these governments know very well the extent of Turkey’s reliance on their trade, the extent of Turkey’s reliance on the near blanket diplomatic cover they extend to her actions against neighbouring countries such as Greece, Cyprus, Syria and of course, Armenia. The only logical explanation to their actions and behaviour seems to be a carrot and stick game being played to keep Turkish appetites at bay while at the same time not antagonising her too much. However despite all these machinations, sooner rather than later more and more countries will follow suite and will put aside their cautious policies towards Turkey and will recognise the Armenian Genocide building up the pressure not only on Turkey, but on the rest of the few countries, who I suspect will steadfastly continue to back her in her denial of the undeniable fact of genocide planned, organised and executed by the forefathers of present day ‘civilised’ and ‘Europeanised’ Turkey against the Armenian people living in their homeland from times immortal. And each time one more country recognises the Armenian genocide, Turkey will act out her already ineffectual and hollow series of threats and actions. One of the most potent tools of strengthening an idea or a movement, experience and history have shown, is confrontation, forceful suppression and in the case of historic happenings and events, their distortion and denial. Ideas and movements, causes and aspirations thrive in hostile circumstances. Every time Turkish politicians, historians in their employment or personalities in other countries repeat their denial and contortions of the undeniable fact of the Armenian Genocide they not only strengthen our resolve to succeed, they also concentrate the attention of the international media and public opinion on the matter and thus inevitably increase the awareness of the world regarding the Genocide and the futility and absurdity of their denial of it. Therefore, one comes and wonders when will this farce end and when will Turkey realise that just like in the case of drug addicts, alcoholics, rapists, usurpers of other people’s properties and thieves, the process of healing and acceptance into society and in this case in the society of nations, starts from the time they genuinely admit to themselves and others that they are any one of the above mentioned. Only then they can hope to heal themselves and hope to be accepted as equals.

News in Brief - by Sevag Devletian

Support for Senate Resolution 316, the Armenian Genocide resolution in the United States Senate continues to grow with Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) joining as the newest cosponsors, reported the Armenian National Assembly of America. S.Res. 316 was introduced by Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), and calls upon the President of the United States to properly characterise the Armenian Genocide in the President's annual April 24th statement. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the border between Turkey and Armenia would remain closed unless a solution was reached in the conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu met with Turkey's diplomats in North America last Wednesday to relay orders for the envoys to start "opening dialogue" with certain Armenian Diaspora groups in the United States and Canada, the Turkish Today's Zaman newspaper reported. On April 28, just four days after the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, leader of Israeli Meretz Party Haim Oron will initiate a panel discussion on recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Israel's parliament, though the deputy is not optimistic about it. The University of Ankara announced it will launch an Armenian language course toward the end of 2010. According to a member of the university's governing board, Dr. Durmus Gunay, a dwindling number of people in Turkey still speak Armenian. Four Armenian billionaires have been included in a list of top 100 billionaires prepared by Forbes Russia magazine. Among them are Danil Khachaturov with $1,2 billion USD 55 (55), Nikolai and Sergey Sargisov brothers (74th and 75th) with $950 USD million each and Armenian developer Samvel Karapetyan with $750 USD million (91st). Al Pacino plays Dr. Jack Kevorkian in the HBO network project, about the 82 year-old medic who assisted in the suicides of more than 130 people, and the euthanasia activist admits he is delighted with the film. Barry Levinson's "You Don't Know Jack" also stars Susan Sarandon, John Goodman and Danny Huston and airs in the U.S. on 24 April.

Gibrahayer on Youtube

Miasnoutian shourhcbar by Hamazkayin's Sipan Dance Ensemble click here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZuJnKVrD-0 Pert Bar here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek_jzsH9Mr0

Letters to the Editor

We enjoyed the Sipan Armenian Dance Show last Saturday. G was adorable please pass our congratulations to him. As far as Armenian dancing is concerned, it is a beautiful expression that covers all the arts of folklore, ballet, colour and music and where men are truly masculine and women extremely feminine. It was a real joy to watch. Hope to see you very soon. S.K. - Limassol

WELCOMING VISITOR NUMBER 160,000 TO OUR WEBSITE www.gibrahayer.com

YOU CAN ASSIST GIBRAHAYER E-MAGAZINE EXPAND ITS ONLINE ACTIVITIES BY CALLING CALL 909-35037 International subscribers can make contributions to: Marfin Popular Bank Public Company Ltd, Bank Address: Strovolos Industrial Area sub-Branch Stavrou Avenue 96-I, 2034 Nicosia - Cyprus, A/C Name: Aynedjian Simon, Account No: 101 1100 3421 Swift Code: LIKI CY 2N, IBAN: CY13 0030 0101 0000 0101 1100 3421

PILGRIMAGE TO THE SOURP MAGAR MONASTERY

Press release from the Office of The Armenian MP Vartkes Mahdessian - We are delighted to inform the members of our community that the Office of the Armenian Representative is co-organising, together with the Armenian Prelature, a pilgrimage at the site of the Sourp Magar Monastery on Sunday 9 May 2010. This pilgrimage will be under the supervision of the UNFICYP. We would like to ask all persons who wish to participate in this pilgrimage, to register with the Office of the Armenian Representative via telephone number 22-454540 by providing the following details. - Name/Surname, date and place of birth - European ID number or valid passport number - Citizenship Participation cost 10 euros. We ask that you necessarily have with you the European ID or passport you provide us by telephone on the day of the pilgrimage. The bus service will depart from the Armenian Prelature at 11:00 am exactly. The last day of registration is Friday, 30 April 2010

Armenian Sports by Sevag Devletian

SAMBO: On April 16 Armenian sportsmen won two medals at the European Sambo Championship in Thessaloniki, Greece. Mher Karapetyan (75 kg) was awarded a silver medal, and David Grigioryan (82 kg) was awarded a bronze medal. ICE HOCKEY: The Armenian ice hockey team won silver after registering a 5-2 defeat over North Korea at the 2010 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Division III World Championship held in Yerevan. CHESS: Armenian Grand Masters Lilit Mkrtchyan and Elina Danielyan will participate in 3rd Women's Grand Prix due April 25-May 8 in Nalchik. The Women's Grand Prix will host top 12 chess players from around the world. CHESS: Baden-Baden chess club member, grandmaster Sergey Movsisian (Slovakia) won Germany's champion title. CHESS: Armenian grandmaster Tigran Gharamian won gold at an international tournament in France, scoring 7 points out of 9. The tournament hosted 142 participants. WEIGHTLIFTING: The Weightlifting Federation of Armenia plans holding the European Youth Weightlifting Championships (under 23) in Yerevan in 2011. CHESS: Defeating Azeri chess player Eltaj Safarli in the last round, Armenia’s Hrant Melkumian came 6th at the Dubai Open Chess Festival. ATHLETICS: Representatives of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic participated in the April 11 international marathon race in the town of Meudon, France. Arthur Petrosyan won the 10km race and Ashot Hayrapetyan won the 5km race. TENNIS - David Nalbandian's run on the Monte Carlo clay stopped in the semi finals when he lost 6-3, 6-2 against Novak Djokovic.

Gibrahay Sports by Sevag Devletian

AGBU Ararat FC defeated GC School 6-3 in the Cyprus Futsal Cup to make it into the next stage. The two legged matches will see Ararat FC face off against AEL, who recently were promoted to the Cyprus Futsal Premier Division. After two wins in the qualification rounds, 12-year old Edmond Aynedjian has made the main draw of the Boys under 16 singles event in the AUDI Pancyprian Tennis Championships that is being held at the Field Club in Nicosia. In the same tournament Yanos Kouyoumdjian faces Kritonas Georgiades in the first round of the under 14 event. Homenmen drew 3-3 against APEP Pitsilias in the play-offs for promotion to the Cyprus Futsal 2nd Division. The scoreline means that Homenmen are promoted to the 2nd Division. AYMA/HMEM lost 7-3 against the Dasikes in the Cyprus Amateur 2nd Division. AGBU Ararat U-17's lost 3-2 against Parnassos Strovolou U-17's before defeating Atlas Aglandjias 5-3 in the final game of the season. The team ranked 4th in the final standings of the 2009-2010 season. On April 25 Ararat U-17's face strong opponents GC School U-17's in the Cyprus U-17 Cup.

Armenian Premier League - Week Results

FC Kilikia 0 - FC Impuls 1 FC Gandzasar 1 - FC Banants 2 FC Pyunik 1 - FC Ulysses 0 FC Shirak 0 - FC Mika 1

1st - FC Pyunik 10 points, 2nd - FC Mika 9 points, 3rd - FC Banants 7 points, 4th - FC Ulysses 7 points, 5th - FC Kilikia 6 points, 6th - FC Impuls 4 points, 7th - FC Gandzasar 3 points, 8th - FC Shirak 0 points