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ARKA News Agency
April 20 2005
Israeli Parliamentarian visits Memorial to Genocide victims
Admission of Armenian Genocide possible in case of change of ruling
elite in Turkey
New people's tribunal should be organized to condemn Armenian
Genocide: Alfred De Zayas
Robert Kocharyan: Armenia keeps nursing great expectations from the
international community considering just estimation of the fact of
the Genocide
Israeli parliamentarian to visit Memorial to victims of Armenian
Genocide
Armenian President congratulates new Pope
Armenian President appoints Arman Kirakosyan RA Deputy Foreign
Minister
Israel to set up monument to victims of Armenian Genocide in Tel Aviv
Opening Armenian Genocide archives Turkey's policy to divert
attention from fact of genocide: Amatuny Virabyan
All Armenian's Catholocos: Armenian Genocide is the most tragic page
in the history of Armenian nation
RA Prime -Minister: readiness of Armenia to resume relations with
Turkey without preconditions doesn't mean renunciation of Genocide
RA Prime -Minister: Armenia recognition of genocide is important from
all-human standpoint
Armenian question ceases to be the hostage of geopolitical interests
- RA President
RA President: international recognition of Genocide of Armenians is
necessary for the prevention of such crimes in the future
RA President: the international community should multiply its efforts
for efficient resistance genocide
************************************************** *******************
ISRAELI PARLIAMENTARIAN VISITS MEMORIAL TO GENOCIDE VICTIMS
YEREVAN, April 20./ ARKA/. The member of the Israeli Parliament,
former Government member Yossi Sarid has visited the Memorial to the
victims of the Armenian Genocide "Tsitsernakaberd" in Yerevan. The
Israeli delegation laid a wreath to the Eternal Fire, keeping a
minute's silence in memory of the Genocide victims. On behalf of the
Jewish people the head of the Israeli delegation expressed a hope for
reconciliation between the Armenian and Turkish people. "The Israeli
people experienced the pain of Genocide, and I think that Israel may
act as third part is establishing Armenian-Turkish relations," Sarid
said. P.T. -0--
************************************************** *******************
ADMISSION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE POSSIBLE IN CASE OF CHANGE OF RULING
ELITE IN TURKEY
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. Turkey can admit the Armenian Genocide
provided the country's ruling regime is changed, Taner Akcam,
Professor of the University of Minnesota, USA, told Armenian
reporters. According to him, democratization in Turkey and changes in
its ruling circles are an important condition for the country's
admission of the Armenian Genocide. On the other hand, the scholar
said that turkey's admission of the crimes committed 90 years ago
will not result in Armenia's territorial claims, as the problem of
territories is not a subject of discussions now. According to Akcam,
compensation is a moral problem, and the issue of its form needs
specifying.
According to Akcam, Turkey's most serious problem is its being unable
to listen. He pointed out the need for the Armenian and Turkish
people to be ready for a dialogue. However, it requires two
conditions: "I am ready to listen to you history" and "a state's
actions resulting in mass victims cannot be justified." This means
that the moral context, within which we discuss past mistakes, should
be a condition for mutual understanding, Akcam said. P.T. -0--
************************************************** *******************
NEW PEOPLE'S TRIBUNAL SHOULD BE ORGANIZED TO CONDEMN ARMENIAN
GENOCIDE: ALFRED DE ZAYAS
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. A New People's Tribunal can and should be
organized for condemnation of the Armenian Genocide, Alfred de Zayas
JD, PhD, former secretary of the UN Human Rights Committee, stated at
the conference "Ultimate Crime, Ultimate Challenge: Human Rights and
Genocide". He pointed out that all the Turkish officials concerned
with the Armenian Genocide died and, therefore, cannot be punished.
"What is possible and necessary today is to settle the historical
record, to seek the judgement of the Curt of the world public
opinion. In the name of Human Rights, civil society, should propose
the convening of a Russel-type tribunal [formed to investigate into
war crimes - ARKA] in order to put the Armenian Genocide on trial
before the eyes of the world," said Alfred de Zayas.
According to him, the 1984 People's Tribunal in Paris, which devoted
its session to the Armenian Genocide was a good start. According to
him, a New People's Tribunal with international participation can and
should be organized. "It is never too late," he said. He reminded the
attendees that such tribunals were organized in Honduras in Bolivia,
Guatemala and even in Texas. "The results of such people's tribunals
must be given greater visibility. I am persuaded that it is possible
to take the Armenians out of the category and `unsung victims' and to
ensure that the Armenian Genocide is taught in every school and in
every university, at least in the United State and in Europe," Alfred
de Zayas said.--0--
************************************************** *******************
ROBERT KOCHARYAN: ARMENIA KEEPS NURSING GREAT EXPECTATIONS FROM THE
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY CONSIDERING JUST ESTIMATION OF THE FACT OF
THE GENOCIDE
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. Armenian President Robert Kocharyan
received Juan. E. Mendez, the Special Advisor to the Secretary
General on Prevention of Genocide, on Wednesday.
According to Armenian Presidential Press Service, Mendez said his
participation in Genocide and Human Rights international forum
started in Yerevan Wednesday shows that there is a great will to
understand and estimate what happened at the beginning of the
previous century with Armenian people.
In his words, historic memory of Armenian people is a good assistant
in that and will make it possible to estimate and explain what
happened to the international community.
Kocharyan, in turn, noted that not a single Armenian who witnessed
the Genocide or lived then has doubt about its genuine essence, and
Armenian people today just refresh the international community's
memory.
The President expressed gratitude to Mendez for his participation in
the forum and said Armenia keeps nursing great expectations from the
international community considering just estimation of the fact of
the Genocide. M.V. -0--
************************************************** *******************
ISRAELI PARLIAMENTARIAN TO VISIT MEMORIAL TO VICTIMS OF ARMENIAN
GENOCIDE
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. The member of the Israeli Parliament,
former member of the Israeli Government Yossi Saris is to visit the
Memorial to victims of the Armenian Genocide in Yerevan today. The RA
State Commission for organization of arrangements in commemoration of
the Armenian Genocide reports that Yossi Sarid came to Yerevan to
take part in the conference "Gravest crime, gravest challenges:
genocide and human right", which has been opened in Yerevan today.
"Mr. Sarid is the first high-ranking Israeli statesman who publicly
recognized the Armenian Genocide and demanded that it be mentioned in
syllabi in Israel," the Commission's report says.P.T. -0--
************************************************** *******************
ARMENIAN PRESIDENT CONGRATULATES NEW POPE
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. RA President Robert Kocharyan addressed a
congratulatory message to the newly elected Roman Pope Benedict XVI.
The RA presidential press service reports that inhis message the RA
President expressed hope that under the leadership of Benedict XVI
the Roman Catholic Church will play the leading role in strengthening
peace and religious tolerance. President Kocharyan expressed the
confidence that the newly elected Pope will contribute to the
strengthening of ties between Vatican and Armenia, the Roman Catholic
Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church. P.T. -0--
************************************************** *******************
ARMENIAN PRESIDENT APPOINTS ARMAN KIRAKOSYAN RA DEPUTY FOREIGN
MINISTER
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. RA President Robert Kocharyan has
appointed Arman Kirakosyan RA Deputy Foreign Minister. The press and
information department, RA Foreign Office, reports that Arman
Kirakosyan was formerly Ra Ambassador to the USA.
Since early 2005, personnel changes have been made at the RA Foreign
Office - Armen Baiburtyan and Gegham Gharibjanyan have been appointed
RA Deputy Foreign Ministers. P.T. -0--
************************************************** *******************
ISRAEL TO SET UP MONUMENT TO VICTIMS OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE IN TEL AVIV
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. Israel has launched a project of setting
up a monument to the victims of the Armenian Genocide in the center
of Tel Aviv, Chairman of the Jewish community in Armenia, Rabbi Hersh
Meyr Brunshtein told ARKA. Without anticipating the events, he
expressed the confidence that "constructive news on this issue" will
soon be made public in Israel. According to him, in the course of
time Israel is shifting its stand on many issues, including ones
"related to acute problems that existed early in the 20th century."
"Numerous Jews residing in Armenia really believe the recognition of
the Armenian Genocide extremely topical and important," Brunshtein
said. He also stressed the importance of direct contracts between the
countries, "which allows sides to get to know each other better and
feel their neighbors' history." P.T. -0--
************************************************** *******************
OPENING ARMENIAN GENOCIDE ARCHIVES TURKEY'S POLICY TO DIVERT
ATTENTION FROM FACT OF GENOCIDE: AMATUNY VIRABYAN
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. The opening of the Turkish archives on the
Armenian Genocide is Turkey's policy aimed to divert attention from
the fact of Genocide itself, Director of the RA National Archives
Amatuny Virabyan told reporters. According to him it is a regular,
well-thought-out diplomatic step by means of which Turkey is trying
to gain time simultaneously with its admission to the EU. He pointed
out that the Turkish authorities are making a step back - instead of
admitting the facts, they are claiming the destruction of 500,000
Muslims by Armenians. "It is absurd as it is Armenians that are
victims in this situation. We do not rule out the possibility that
Armenians offered resistance, but talks about mass destruction of
Turks are absurd, as no Armenians had remained in Western Armenia by
that time," Virabyan said.
He also pointed out that the opening of archives is relative, as any
archive data are easy to conceal, especially considering the fact
that Turkey states that many documents on World War I are kept in its
closed archives. Virabyan also stressed that the documents opened by
Turkey are mostly translated into modern Turkish from the Ottoman
language that was widely spread at that time, and Armenia is facing a
great task of comparing the translations with the originals. "To find
the truth we intend to meet with Turkish archivists and discuss these
issues at a round-table, as well as exchange documents at the two
sides' disposal," Virabyan said. P.T. -0--
************************************************** *******************
ALL ARMENIAN'S CATHOLOCOS: ARMENIAN GENOCIDE IS THE MOST TRAGIC PAGE
IN THE HISTORY OF ARMENIAN NATION
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. Armenian Genocide is the most tragic page
in the history of Armenian nation, who has gone through many trials,
Armenian Apostolic Church leader Catholicos Garegin II said Wednesday
in Yerevan speaking at Major Crimes, Major Challenges: Genocide and
Human Rights two-day international conference dedicated 90th
anniversary of Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey. In his words, a
great consolation for Armenian people is that the genocide committed
in the beginning of XX century in Ottoman Empire remains in
international community's focus decades later.
"In the century of progress and civilization, our nation hoped for
person guarantee, human rights protection and favorable environment
for creative activity, however, was annihilated on the greater part
of its historic motherland that was under Turkey control" Garegin II
said.
In his words, there is no lack of evidence to scrutinize the then
events, and today the Genocide recognition by a number of states
inspires confidence that the issue will get recognition and just
estimation everywhere. The Armenian Apostolic Church leader stressed
that XX century that began with a tragedy for Armenian people,
remained in the human record as a century of two world wars. In his
opinion, concentration camps and gas cameras appeared according the
same logic as atrocity against Armenians was committed. In his words,
a new century begins with new mentality denying crimes and confirming
humanitarian values. "The victory of mercy, right and justice in the
struggle against hatred, hostility, terrorism, war and other evil
existing today should become the main goal of all times", Garegin ii
said. M.V. -0--
************************************************** *******************
RA PRIME -MINISTER: READINESS OF ARMENIA TO RESUME RELATIONS WITH
TURKEY WITHOUT PRECONDITIONS DOESN'T MEAN RENUNCIATION OF GENOCIDE
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. Armenia stated at various levels that it
was ready to resume relations with Turkey without preconditions, as
stated RA Prime-Minister Andranik Margaryan. However, as he said,
this doesn't mean that "we renounce the genocide or are ready to make
concessions to Azerbaijan in Karabakh conflict settlement". He also
emphasized that Europe discusses not only genocide but also the whole
history of Turkey with view of its membership in EU. "This may
contribute to more definite formulation of the positions of European
countries in respect of Genocide and the possibility to recognize and
condemn it", he said. A.H. --0-
************************************************** *******************
RA PRIME -MINISTER: ARMENIA RECOGNITION OF GENOCIDE IS IMPORTANT FROM
ALL-HUMAN STANDPOINT
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. For Armenia recognition of Genocide is
important from all-human standpoint, as stated RA Prime Minister
Andanik Margaryan. According to, it's important to combine efforts of
Armenia and organizations al over the world not to allow repetition
of genocide of other nations. "We do not want to separate the issue
of Armenian genocide from other ones, and for us recognition of
Genocide is important from the standpoint common to all humanity, and
not from the standpoint of establishing bilateral relations", he
said. Margaryan emphasized that genocides in the end of the 20th
century could be prevented if the genocide of Armenians committed at
the beginning of it was condemned. A.H. --0--
************************************************** *******************
ARMENIAN QUESTION CEASES TO BE THE HOSTAGE OF GEOPOLITICAL INTERESTS
- RA PRESIDENT
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. It is apparent today, that the Armenian
question is stepwise ceasing to be the hostage of geopolitical
interests, stated RA President Robert Kocharian today, speaking at
the opening ceremony of "Ultimate Crime, Ultimate Challenge: Genocide
and Human Rights" international two-day conference dedicated to 90th
anniversary of Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey. According to him,
the existence of the independent Armenian republic is the best
guarantee of the fact that "Armenian people will succeed in
protection of their true rights".
"Marking the tragic events traced back 90 years, we pay tribute to
the memory of the victims and we do it with doubled bitterness, as we
still struggle for the international recognition of the crime
committed", said the Armenian President. According to him, WWI, with
its global interest of redivision of the world, followed by the great
ideological confrontation of XX century became the basic obstacles on
the way to recognition of lawful rights of the Armenian people. We
became the victims of WWI, although not provoked by us", noted
Kocharian.
The Armenian President also stated that the term "genocide" did not
exist at the time the policy of annihilation of Armenians was carried
out and there were no international organizations, which could have
become the arena for discussions of united counterblow to the crime.
Kocharian also noted that it took time for the mankind to reckon
genocide among crimes against humanity with all the ensuing
consequences.
It took time for the human values not to be sacrificed to the
geopolitical interests of great powers and for the morality to become
a component of the civilized world's foreign policy. "The way to
truth lay through tragedies for many peoples. Armenian nation paid 1,
5 million lives for that truth", said Kocharian. L.V.-0--
************************************************** *******************
RA PRESIDENT: INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF GENOCIDE OF ARMENIANS IS
NECESSARY FOR THE PREVENTION OF SUCH CRIMES IN THE FUTURE
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. International recognition of genocide of
Armenians is necessary for the prevention of such crimes in the
future, as stated RA President Robert Kocharyan at the ceremony of
launching a two-day international conference "Ultimate Crime,
Ultimate Challenge: Genocide and Human Rights", devoted to the 90th
anniversary of the Genocide of Armenians in Ottoman Turkey in 1915.
According to him, this is the definite position of independent
Armenia. Besides, according to Kocharyan, recognition of the genocide
is important for Armenian-Turkish relations, since "it will answer
many questions that exist between the nations, and will give the
chance to look into the future". "We recollect the past with anguish,
but without hatred, and it's difficult for us to understand the
reaction of the Turkish side, which not only denies the past, but
also blockades Armenia nowadays", he emphasized. According to him,
"we clash with the paradoxes that require comprehension". "Not the
victim is embittered but the side, responsible for the tragic past
events", he said. He expressed his firm belief that the international
recognition of the genocide will help Turkey submit the past and
overcome the complex, which passing from one generation to another,
creates rough edges in the relations between the neighbors.
RA President expressed his gratitude to countries that recognized the
genocide of Armenians, as well as to organizations and individuals
who had their input in it. According to him, the role of Armenian
Diaspora is inestimable. A.H.-0--
************************************************** *******************
RA PRESIDENT: THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SHOULD MULTIPLY ITS EFFORTS
FOR EFFICIENT RESISTANCE GENOCIDE
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. The international community should
multiply its efforts to prevent genocide, as stated RA President
Robert Kocharyan at the ceremony of launching a two-day international
conference "Ultimate Crime, Ultimate Challenge: Genocide and Human
Rights", devoted to the 90th anniversary of the Genocide of Armenians
in Ottoman Turkey. According to him, though genocide has a specific
definition today and, notwithstanding the presence of numerous
regional and international organizations, humanity still comes across
with its disposition. In particular, according to Kocharyan, blood of
innocent people shed in Yugoslavia, Rwanda, Cambodia, East Timor,
Sumgait. In this context, according to him, the most important task
is recognition and condemnation of genocide, implying huge potential
for prevention and resistance of such crimes. Kocharyan emphasized
that the crime has no time limitation, and the culprits must be
punished. Besides, it would be an important deterrent for the people
planning genocide. "By recognizing and condemning genocide, states
teach their citizens that a state machine cannot be an instrument for
committing such crimes", he said.
According to Kocharyan, as a result of the genocide of Armenians the
nation turned into refugees and spread all over the world, and the
necessity of condemning the genocide and restoring historical justice
became the victim of big politics. At that, Kocharyan emphasized that
the criminals, who planned and committed the genocide, mainly
remained unpunished. Moreover, the ashes of Talaata-pasha killed in
Germany was taken back to Turkey and buried with honors in Istanbul.
"This is a bitter proof of passing on the baton of impunity", he
noted. A.H.-0--
************************************************** *******************
April 20 2005
Israeli Parliamentarian visits Memorial to Genocide victims
Admission of Armenian Genocide possible in case of change of ruling
elite in Turkey
New people's tribunal should be organized to condemn Armenian
Genocide: Alfred De Zayas
Robert Kocharyan: Armenia keeps nursing great expectations from the
international community considering just estimation of the fact of
the Genocide
Israeli parliamentarian to visit Memorial to victims of Armenian
Genocide
Armenian President congratulates new Pope
Armenian President appoints Arman Kirakosyan RA Deputy Foreign
Minister
Israel to set up monument to victims of Armenian Genocide in Tel Aviv
Opening Armenian Genocide archives Turkey's policy to divert
attention from fact of genocide: Amatuny Virabyan
All Armenian's Catholocos: Armenian Genocide is the most tragic page
in the history of Armenian nation
RA Prime -Minister: readiness of Armenia to resume relations with
Turkey without preconditions doesn't mean renunciation of Genocide
RA Prime -Minister: Armenia recognition of genocide is important from
all-human standpoint
Armenian question ceases to be the hostage of geopolitical interests
- RA President
RA President: international recognition of Genocide of Armenians is
necessary for the prevention of such crimes in the future
RA President: the international community should multiply its efforts
for efficient resistance genocide
************************************************** *******************
ISRAELI PARLIAMENTARIAN VISITS MEMORIAL TO GENOCIDE VICTIMS
YEREVAN, April 20./ ARKA/. The member of the Israeli Parliament,
former Government member Yossi Sarid has visited the Memorial to the
victims of the Armenian Genocide "Tsitsernakaberd" in Yerevan. The
Israeli delegation laid a wreath to the Eternal Fire, keeping a
minute's silence in memory of the Genocide victims. On behalf of the
Jewish people the head of the Israeli delegation expressed a hope for
reconciliation between the Armenian and Turkish people. "The Israeli
people experienced the pain of Genocide, and I think that Israel may
act as third part is establishing Armenian-Turkish relations," Sarid
said. P.T. -0--
************************************************** *******************
ADMISSION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE POSSIBLE IN CASE OF CHANGE OF RULING
ELITE IN TURKEY
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. Turkey can admit the Armenian Genocide
provided the country's ruling regime is changed, Taner Akcam,
Professor of the University of Minnesota, USA, told Armenian
reporters. According to him, democratization in Turkey and changes in
its ruling circles are an important condition for the country's
admission of the Armenian Genocide. On the other hand, the scholar
said that turkey's admission of the crimes committed 90 years ago
will not result in Armenia's territorial claims, as the problem of
territories is not a subject of discussions now. According to Akcam,
compensation is a moral problem, and the issue of its form needs
specifying.
According to Akcam, Turkey's most serious problem is its being unable
to listen. He pointed out the need for the Armenian and Turkish
people to be ready for a dialogue. However, it requires two
conditions: "I am ready to listen to you history" and "a state's
actions resulting in mass victims cannot be justified." This means
that the moral context, within which we discuss past mistakes, should
be a condition for mutual understanding, Akcam said. P.T. -0--
************************************************** *******************
NEW PEOPLE'S TRIBUNAL SHOULD BE ORGANIZED TO CONDEMN ARMENIAN
GENOCIDE: ALFRED DE ZAYAS
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. A New People's Tribunal can and should be
organized for condemnation of the Armenian Genocide, Alfred de Zayas
JD, PhD, former secretary of the UN Human Rights Committee, stated at
the conference "Ultimate Crime, Ultimate Challenge: Human Rights and
Genocide". He pointed out that all the Turkish officials concerned
with the Armenian Genocide died and, therefore, cannot be punished.
"What is possible and necessary today is to settle the historical
record, to seek the judgement of the Curt of the world public
opinion. In the name of Human Rights, civil society, should propose
the convening of a Russel-type tribunal [formed to investigate into
war crimes - ARKA] in order to put the Armenian Genocide on trial
before the eyes of the world," said Alfred de Zayas.
According to him, the 1984 People's Tribunal in Paris, which devoted
its session to the Armenian Genocide was a good start. According to
him, a New People's Tribunal with international participation can and
should be organized. "It is never too late," he said. He reminded the
attendees that such tribunals were organized in Honduras in Bolivia,
Guatemala and even in Texas. "The results of such people's tribunals
must be given greater visibility. I am persuaded that it is possible
to take the Armenians out of the category and `unsung victims' and to
ensure that the Armenian Genocide is taught in every school and in
every university, at least in the United State and in Europe," Alfred
de Zayas said.--0--
************************************************** *******************
ROBERT KOCHARYAN: ARMENIA KEEPS NURSING GREAT EXPECTATIONS FROM THE
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY CONSIDERING JUST ESTIMATION OF THE FACT OF
THE GENOCIDE
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. Armenian President Robert Kocharyan
received Juan. E. Mendez, the Special Advisor to the Secretary
General on Prevention of Genocide, on Wednesday.
According to Armenian Presidential Press Service, Mendez said his
participation in Genocide and Human Rights international forum
started in Yerevan Wednesday shows that there is a great will to
understand and estimate what happened at the beginning of the
previous century with Armenian people.
In his words, historic memory of Armenian people is a good assistant
in that and will make it possible to estimate and explain what
happened to the international community.
Kocharyan, in turn, noted that not a single Armenian who witnessed
the Genocide or lived then has doubt about its genuine essence, and
Armenian people today just refresh the international community's
memory.
The President expressed gratitude to Mendez for his participation in
the forum and said Armenia keeps nursing great expectations from the
international community considering just estimation of the fact of
the Genocide. M.V. -0--
************************************************** *******************
ISRAELI PARLIAMENTARIAN TO VISIT MEMORIAL TO VICTIMS OF ARMENIAN
GENOCIDE
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. The member of the Israeli Parliament,
former member of the Israeli Government Yossi Saris is to visit the
Memorial to victims of the Armenian Genocide in Yerevan today. The RA
State Commission for organization of arrangements in commemoration of
the Armenian Genocide reports that Yossi Sarid came to Yerevan to
take part in the conference "Gravest crime, gravest challenges:
genocide and human right", which has been opened in Yerevan today.
"Mr. Sarid is the first high-ranking Israeli statesman who publicly
recognized the Armenian Genocide and demanded that it be mentioned in
syllabi in Israel," the Commission's report says.P.T. -0--
************************************************** *******************
ARMENIAN PRESIDENT CONGRATULATES NEW POPE
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. RA President Robert Kocharyan addressed a
congratulatory message to the newly elected Roman Pope Benedict XVI.
The RA presidential press service reports that inhis message the RA
President expressed hope that under the leadership of Benedict XVI
the Roman Catholic Church will play the leading role in strengthening
peace and religious tolerance. President Kocharyan expressed the
confidence that the newly elected Pope will contribute to the
strengthening of ties between Vatican and Armenia, the Roman Catholic
Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church. P.T. -0--
************************************************** *******************
ARMENIAN PRESIDENT APPOINTS ARMAN KIRAKOSYAN RA DEPUTY FOREIGN
MINISTER
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. RA President Robert Kocharyan has
appointed Arman Kirakosyan RA Deputy Foreign Minister. The press and
information department, RA Foreign Office, reports that Arman
Kirakosyan was formerly Ra Ambassador to the USA.
Since early 2005, personnel changes have been made at the RA Foreign
Office - Armen Baiburtyan and Gegham Gharibjanyan have been appointed
RA Deputy Foreign Ministers. P.T. -0--
************************************************** *******************
ISRAEL TO SET UP MONUMENT TO VICTIMS OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE IN TEL AVIV
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. Israel has launched a project of setting
up a monument to the victims of the Armenian Genocide in the center
of Tel Aviv, Chairman of the Jewish community in Armenia, Rabbi Hersh
Meyr Brunshtein told ARKA. Without anticipating the events, he
expressed the confidence that "constructive news on this issue" will
soon be made public in Israel. According to him, in the course of
time Israel is shifting its stand on many issues, including ones
"related to acute problems that existed early in the 20th century."
"Numerous Jews residing in Armenia really believe the recognition of
the Armenian Genocide extremely topical and important," Brunshtein
said. He also stressed the importance of direct contracts between the
countries, "which allows sides to get to know each other better and
feel their neighbors' history." P.T. -0--
************************************************** *******************
OPENING ARMENIAN GENOCIDE ARCHIVES TURKEY'S POLICY TO DIVERT
ATTENTION FROM FACT OF GENOCIDE: AMATUNY VIRABYAN
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. The opening of the Turkish archives on the
Armenian Genocide is Turkey's policy aimed to divert attention from
the fact of Genocide itself, Director of the RA National Archives
Amatuny Virabyan told reporters. According to him it is a regular,
well-thought-out diplomatic step by means of which Turkey is trying
to gain time simultaneously with its admission to the EU. He pointed
out that the Turkish authorities are making a step back - instead of
admitting the facts, they are claiming the destruction of 500,000
Muslims by Armenians. "It is absurd as it is Armenians that are
victims in this situation. We do not rule out the possibility that
Armenians offered resistance, but talks about mass destruction of
Turks are absurd, as no Armenians had remained in Western Armenia by
that time," Virabyan said.
He also pointed out that the opening of archives is relative, as any
archive data are easy to conceal, especially considering the fact
that Turkey states that many documents on World War I are kept in its
closed archives. Virabyan also stressed that the documents opened by
Turkey are mostly translated into modern Turkish from the Ottoman
language that was widely spread at that time, and Armenia is facing a
great task of comparing the translations with the originals. "To find
the truth we intend to meet with Turkish archivists and discuss these
issues at a round-table, as well as exchange documents at the two
sides' disposal," Virabyan said. P.T. -0--
************************************************** *******************
ALL ARMENIAN'S CATHOLOCOS: ARMENIAN GENOCIDE IS THE MOST TRAGIC PAGE
IN THE HISTORY OF ARMENIAN NATION
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. Armenian Genocide is the most tragic page
in the history of Armenian nation, who has gone through many trials,
Armenian Apostolic Church leader Catholicos Garegin II said Wednesday
in Yerevan speaking at Major Crimes, Major Challenges: Genocide and
Human Rights two-day international conference dedicated 90th
anniversary of Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey. In his words, a
great consolation for Armenian people is that the genocide committed
in the beginning of XX century in Ottoman Empire remains in
international community's focus decades later.
"In the century of progress and civilization, our nation hoped for
person guarantee, human rights protection and favorable environment
for creative activity, however, was annihilated on the greater part
of its historic motherland that was under Turkey control" Garegin II
said.
In his words, there is no lack of evidence to scrutinize the then
events, and today the Genocide recognition by a number of states
inspires confidence that the issue will get recognition and just
estimation everywhere. The Armenian Apostolic Church leader stressed
that XX century that began with a tragedy for Armenian people,
remained in the human record as a century of two world wars. In his
opinion, concentration camps and gas cameras appeared according the
same logic as atrocity against Armenians was committed. In his words,
a new century begins with new mentality denying crimes and confirming
humanitarian values. "The victory of mercy, right and justice in the
struggle against hatred, hostility, terrorism, war and other evil
existing today should become the main goal of all times", Garegin ii
said. M.V. -0--
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RA PRIME -MINISTER: READINESS OF ARMENIA TO RESUME RELATIONS WITH
TURKEY WITHOUT PRECONDITIONS DOESN'T MEAN RENUNCIATION OF GENOCIDE
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. Armenia stated at various levels that it
was ready to resume relations with Turkey without preconditions, as
stated RA Prime-Minister Andranik Margaryan. However, as he said,
this doesn't mean that "we renounce the genocide or are ready to make
concessions to Azerbaijan in Karabakh conflict settlement". He also
emphasized that Europe discusses not only genocide but also the whole
history of Turkey with view of its membership in EU. "This may
contribute to more definite formulation of the positions of European
countries in respect of Genocide and the possibility to recognize and
condemn it", he said. A.H. --0-
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RA PRIME -MINISTER: ARMENIA RECOGNITION OF GENOCIDE IS IMPORTANT FROM
ALL-HUMAN STANDPOINT
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. For Armenia recognition of Genocide is
important from all-human standpoint, as stated RA Prime Minister
Andanik Margaryan. According to, it's important to combine efforts of
Armenia and organizations al over the world not to allow repetition
of genocide of other nations. "We do not want to separate the issue
of Armenian genocide from other ones, and for us recognition of
Genocide is important from the standpoint common to all humanity, and
not from the standpoint of establishing bilateral relations", he
said. Margaryan emphasized that genocides in the end of the 20th
century could be prevented if the genocide of Armenians committed at
the beginning of it was condemned. A.H. --0--
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ARMENIAN QUESTION CEASES TO BE THE HOSTAGE OF GEOPOLITICAL INTERESTS
- RA PRESIDENT
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. It is apparent today, that the Armenian
question is stepwise ceasing to be the hostage of geopolitical
interests, stated RA President Robert Kocharian today, speaking at
the opening ceremony of "Ultimate Crime, Ultimate Challenge: Genocide
and Human Rights" international two-day conference dedicated to 90th
anniversary of Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey. According to him,
the existence of the independent Armenian republic is the best
guarantee of the fact that "Armenian people will succeed in
protection of their true rights".
"Marking the tragic events traced back 90 years, we pay tribute to
the memory of the victims and we do it with doubled bitterness, as we
still struggle for the international recognition of the crime
committed", said the Armenian President. According to him, WWI, with
its global interest of redivision of the world, followed by the great
ideological confrontation of XX century became the basic obstacles on
the way to recognition of lawful rights of the Armenian people. We
became the victims of WWI, although not provoked by us", noted
Kocharian.
The Armenian President also stated that the term "genocide" did not
exist at the time the policy of annihilation of Armenians was carried
out and there were no international organizations, which could have
become the arena for discussions of united counterblow to the crime.
Kocharian also noted that it took time for the mankind to reckon
genocide among crimes against humanity with all the ensuing
consequences.
It took time for the human values not to be sacrificed to the
geopolitical interests of great powers and for the morality to become
a component of the civilized world's foreign policy. "The way to
truth lay through tragedies for many peoples. Armenian nation paid 1,
5 million lives for that truth", said Kocharian. L.V.-0--
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RA PRESIDENT: INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF GENOCIDE OF ARMENIANS IS
NECESSARY FOR THE PREVENTION OF SUCH CRIMES IN THE FUTURE
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. International recognition of genocide of
Armenians is necessary for the prevention of such crimes in the
future, as stated RA President Robert Kocharyan at the ceremony of
launching a two-day international conference "Ultimate Crime,
Ultimate Challenge: Genocide and Human Rights", devoted to the 90th
anniversary of the Genocide of Armenians in Ottoman Turkey in 1915.
According to him, this is the definite position of independent
Armenia. Besides, according to Kocharyan, recognition of the genocide
is important for Armenian-Turkish relations, since "it will answer
many questions that exist between the nations, and will give the
chance to look into the future". "We recollect the past with anguish,
but without hatred, and it's difficult for us to understand the
reaction of the Turkish side, which not only denies the past, but
also blockades Armenia nowadays", he emphasized. According to him,
"we clash with the paradoxes that require comprehension". "Not the
victim is embittered but the side, responsible for the tragic past
events", he said. He expressed his firm belief that the international
recognition of the genocide will help Turkey submit the past and
overcome the complex, which passing from one generation to another,
creates rough edges in the relations between the neighbors.
RA President expressed his gratitude to countries that recognized the
genocide of Armenians, as well as to organizations and individuals
who had their input in it. According to him, the role of Armenian
Diaspora is inestimable. A.H.-0--
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RA PRESIDENT: THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SHOULD MULTIPLY ITS EFFORTS
FOR EFFICIENT RESISTANCE GENOCIDE
YEREVAN, April 20. /ARKA/. The international community should
multiply its efforts to prevent genocide, as stated RA President
Robert Kocharyan at the ceremony of launching a two-day international
conference "Ultimate Crime, Ultimate Challenge: Genocide and Human
Rights", devoted to the 90th anniversary of the Genocide of Armenians
in Ottoman Turkey. According to him, though genocide has a specific
definition today and, notwithstanding the presence of numerous
regional and international organizations, humanity still comes across
with its disposition. In particular, according to Kocharyan, blood of
innocent people shed in Yugoslavia, Rwanda, Cambodia, East Timor,
Sumgait. In this context, according to him, the most important task
is recognition and condemnation of genocide, implying huge potential
for prevention and resistance of such crimes. Kocharyan emphasized
that the crime has no time limitation, and the culprits must be
punished. Besides, it would be an important deterrent for the people
planning genocide. "By recognizing and condemning genocide, states
teach their citizens that a state machine cannot be an instrument for
committing such crimes", he said.
According to Kocharyan, as a result of the genocide of Armenians the
nation turned into refugees and spread all over the world, and the
necessity of condemning the genocide and restoring historical justice
became the victim of big politics. At that, Kocharyan emphasized that
the criminals, who planned and committed the genocide, mainly
remained unpunished. Moreover, the ashes of Talaata-pasha killed in
Germany was taken back to Turkey and buried with honors in Istanbul.
"This is a bitter proof of passing on the baton of impunity", he
noted. A.H.-0--
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