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California Courier Online, September 22, 2005
1 - Commentary
Truth Defeats Turkey, State Dept.,
Turkish & Jewish Lobbying Groups
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The Califorrnia Courier
2 - Apo Torosyan to Show Documentary
At Arpa Film Festival in Hollywood
3- Crescenta Valley Talin ARS Chapter
Responds to Hurricane Katrina
4 - Project C.U.R.E. Donates $400,000 to
Stepanakert's Pagoumian Polyclinic
5 - California-Armenia Trade Office
Passes State Assembly and Senate
6 - 1600th Anniversary of Armenian Alphabet
To be Celebrated Oct. 2 at Alex Theatre
7 - House International Relations Panel
Adopts Armenian Genocide Legislation
8 - Victims' Telethon Collects $92,000
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1 - Commentary
Truth Defeats Turkey, State Dept.,
Turkish & Jewish Lobbying Groups
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
The truth easily triumphed over some of the world's most powerful political
forces in a David vs. Goliath battle that took place in the chambers of the
House International Relations Committee on Sept. 15.
Marshaled against the acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide were the
combined forces of the Turkish government, American lobbying firms hired by
Turkey, the American Turkish Council, the Assembly of Turkish American
Associations, several Jewish-American organizations, and the U.S.
Department of State.
Two resolutions were simultaneously presented to the Committee last week:
Res. 195, calling for the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide and urging
the Republic of Turkey to acknowledge the culpability of its predecessor
state, the Ottoman Empire, for the Armenian Genocide; and Res. 316, calling
upon the President to ensure that the foreign policy of the United States
reflects appropriate understanding and sensitivity concerning issues
related to human rights, ethnic cleansing, and genocide as documented in
U.S. archives on the Armenian Genocide.
Given the fact that the U.S. government has all along acknowledged the
heinous crimes committed against the Armenian people, there would normally
be no need for such resolutions. In addition to the thousands of
contemporaneous reports and documents in the U.S. national archives, both
the House and the Senate have adopted resolutions on these mass killings as
early as 1916, and signed by Pres. Woodrow Wilson. In more recent years,
Armenian Genocide resolutions have been adopted by the full House in 1975
and 1984. In addition, two amendments concerning the Armenian Genocide were
adopted by the House in 1996 and 2004. Furthermore, Pres. Ronald Reagan
issued a Presidential Proclamation on April 22, 1981, acknowledging the
Armenian Genocide.
Despite all of these acknowledgments, Armenian Americans try to pass such
resolutions in order to counter the continued denial of the Armenian
Genocide by the Turkish government and its U.S. cronies. The attempt to
counter the denialists have regrettably made these commemorative
resolutions a test of political will between the unholy alliance of
revisionist forces and the Armenian American community.
Since 1999, the Turkish government has engaged the services of The
Livingston Group to block these congressional resolutions. The lobbying
firm is led by the highly influential former Cong. Bob Livingston. However,
judging from the results of the votes in the Committee in favor of both
resolutions (40 to 7; and 35 to 11), it appears that the Turkish government
has basically wasted the more than $10 million it paid the Livingston Group
in the past 5 years (figures based on a recent study conducted by Public
Citizen). Prominent Turkish journalist Sami Kohen agreed with this negative
assessment when he stated in his Sept. 16 column published in Milliyet: "We
can't say that the professional lobbyists working for Turkey are very
successful." Thus, it would not be surprising should the Turkish government
terminate the services of the Livingston Group in the coming months,
particularly since Mr. Livingston has been quite pre-occupied with the
aftermath of Hurricane Katrina that devastated his home state of Louisiana.
Sami Kohen also attributed the passage of both resolutions to "Turkey's
incompetence in promotion - in conveying its ideas and influencing pubic
opinion." Since Amb. Faruk Logoglu is responsible for carrying out the
initiatives of his government in Washington, his abject failure to block
these resolutions in Committee may cost him his job. Except for the one
letter (most probably written by the lobbying firm) that Amb. Logoglu
circulated to the members of the House panel, he was surprisingly inactive
and ineffective.
Also ineffective were the efforts of the American Turkish Council (ATC) and
the Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) in countering these
two resolutions. ATC Chairman Brent Scowcroft sent a letter to Speaker
Dennis Hastert on Sept. 9, warning him of dire consequences for American
firms doing business with Turkey, should the resolutions be even discussed
in the House. In response, the Armenian National Committee issued a press
release accusing Scowcroft, a former National Security Advisor to Pres.
George H.W. Bush and Gerald Ford, of "compromising his integrity in pursuit
of personal business interests."
The ATAA, in its turn, issued an Action Alert to its members on Sept. 8,
urging them to contact the members of the House panel and sent a letter to
Cong. Henry Hyde, the Chairman of the House International Relations
Committee on Sept. 14. The ATAA warned its members that "inaction on the
part of the Turkish American community will compromise U.S.-Turkish
relations, encourage more acts of harassment, violence and terrorism
against people of Turkish and Turkic descent, and could potentially lead to
territorial and compensation claims against the Republic of Turkey."
The ATC and ATAA are the two groups whose officials, according to an
article in this month's Vanity Fair magazine, had allegedly discussed
making illegal campaign contributions to Speaker Dennis Hastert, in order
to block the passage of the Armenian Genocide resolution in fall 2000. The
magazine said it had based its report on FBI wiretaps.
The Turks also failed to enlist the services of various American-Jewish
groups to their cause. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was in the
U.S. on the eve of the House Committee vote, personally asked the leaders
of the American Jewish Committee and the Anti-Defamation League to lobby
against the Armenian Genocide resolution. According to the Turkish press,
these Jewish groups pledged their support to the Prime Minister. However,
judging from their inaction on this issue, it appears that they did nothing
more than paying lip service to the Turkish leader.
Another loser in this latest political tug-of-war was the U.S. State
Department. In a letter addressed to Chairman Hyde on Sept. 15, Matthew A.
Reynolds, the Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs,
reiterated "the Administration's strong opposition" to these resolutions.
Beyond writing this letter, the Bush Administration did not do anything
substantial to pressure the Republican Chairman of the Committee into
blocking the two resolutions. After the vote, when Adam Ereli, the Deputy
Spokesman of the State Dept. was asked if the Administration would try to
prevent these resolutions from reaching the House floor, he would only
reiterate that the Administration did not support the adoption of these
resolutions in the House Committee. The Turkish press speculated that the
U.S. government's lackluster effort to counter these resolutions was due to
the American anger at the Turkish Parliament's refusal to allow U.S. troops
to enter Iraq from Turkey prior to the Iraqi war.
While the Bush Administration may have couched its displeasure at Turkey,
Cong. Tom Lantos (D-CA), a staunch supporter of Turkey and a rabid opponent
of previous Armenian Genocide resolutions, stunned everyone when he
brazenly announced during the Committee meeting that he was going to vote
for both resolutions in order to teach the Turks a lesson for not
supporting the U.S. on the eve of the Iraqi war. Only 3 of the 50 members
of the House International Relations Committee spoke against these
resolutions. More than 20 others spoke in favor. It was, therefore, not
surprising that the Committee overwhelmingly approved both resolutions.
The Committee's Republican Chairman, Henry Hyde, was unwavering in his
support for these resolutions. He dismissed out of hand Turkish warnings
that their adoption would damage U.S.-Turkish relations. He said that the
resolutions "merely recognize the fact that the authorities of the Ottoman
Empire deliberately slaughtered the majority of the Armenian community in
their empire. Denial of that fact cannot be justified on the basis of
expediency or fear that speaking the truth will do us harm."
Given the overwhelming support in Committee in favor of these resolutions
and the lackluster efforts of their opponents, it is almost certain that
the entire House would easily vote to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide.
Speaker Hastert should promptly bring one of these resolutions for a vote
on the House floor. The duly elected representatives of the American people
should not be deprived of the opportunity to express their position on this
important issue. The Speaker would be also honoring his pledge of five
years ago that he would allow a full floor vote on the Armenian Genocide
resolution.
By allowing such a vote, Speaker Hastert would also clear his name from
boastful allegations made by some Turkish officials that they have bought
his opposition to the Armenian Genocide resolution by making illegal
contributions to his campaign.
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2 - Apo Torosyan to Show Documentary
At Arpa Film Festival in Hollywood
LOS ANGELES - Apo Torosyan will show his poetic documentary, "Discovering
My Father's Village - Edincik", 2003, at the Arpa International Film
Festival, at ArcLight Cinemas, Hollywood, Oct. 3-7. The Arpa awards
ceremonies will take place at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on
Oct. 7.
"Discovering My Father's Village - Edincik" is a "poetic documentary"
about the artist's roots in Turkey and the relationship between Turkey and
Armenians throughout history and today. For this movie, Apo traveled to
his father's village to interview villagers, who directly or indirectly
talk about the Armenian genocide of 1915 and 1922, and to record
dilapidated Armenian homes. Since the film was released in 2003 and Apo
began lecturing about the subject of the Armenian Genocide in public, he
now cannot return to his homeland of Turkey.
Torosian was honored to participate as a workshop presenter at the
International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) Biennial Conference
at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL on June 4-7. The theme of
this year's Conference was "Ninety Years After the Armenian Genocide and
60 Years After the Holocaust: the Continuing Threat and Legacy of
Genocide." The artist's co-presenters were artists Robert Barsamian, from
Dallas, Texas; Perouz Seferian from London, Ontario, Canada and Dionne
Haroutunian, Director of Sevshoon Gallery, Seattle, WA. Their session was
moderated by Dr. Stephen Feinstein, Director of the University of Minnesota
Center for Genocide and Holocaust Studies. Apo's film "Witnesses" was
shown to the larger group at one of the general sessions, presented by Dr.
Frank Chalk from Concordia University, Montreal, Canada.
Upcoming Events include an exhibition, lecture and movie presentation at
the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church in Burbank, Calif., in January
of 2006. The Ararat Museum will also sponsor a presentation and an exhibit
in Los Angeles, in January.
For Arpa Film Festival information, refer to www.AFFMA.org or call
Elizabeth Tohikian at 818-259-0791 or e-mail [email protected].
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3 - Crescenta Valley Talin ARS Chapter
Responds to Hurricane Katrina
MONTROSE, Calif. - In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane
Katrina, the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) "Talin" Chapter is committed in
supporting American Red Cross Relief efforts by making it easy for the
community members to participate in donation collections for humanitarian
relief efforts of Hurricane Katrina.
Through "Donate Now! For Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts" program,
Crescenta Valley community members can visit the Crescenta Valley Armenian
Community Center and make their donations in support of those affected by
the hurricane.
"ARS has always strived to deliver and respond to those in need" said Emma
Garabetian, chair of ARS CV "Talin" chapter. "One of many ARS roles as
charity organizations is to turn kindness and generosity of people into
action by working and assisting local American Red Cross organizations
during unprecedented natural catastrophe such as Hurricane Katrina,
Northridge Earthquake, Tsunami disaster or by assisting local Red Cross
efforts to provide humanitarian aid and lifesaving programs and services.
"
Tax-deductible donations to ARS-Hurricane Katrina Relief efforts can be
accepted at Crescenta Valley Armenian Community Center located at 2633
Honolulu Ave. Monday through Friday between 5 -9 pm till Oct. 25. Contact
the Crescenta Valley Armenian Center by calling 818-248-1100 for further
information.
"The collected contributions will be donated to American Red Cross," adds
Garabetian. "I encourage everyone in our community to open their hearts,
come with love and help someone in need. Your donation will bring a smile
to a child's face, hope to a mother and shelter to a survivor. Let's show
the survivors that we care about them and they are not alone."
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4 - Project C.U.R.E. Donates $400,000 to
Stepanakert's Pagoumian Polyclinic
Y - Armenia Fund USA announced last week the generous donation of medical
supplies and equipment valued at more than $400,000 and designated for the
Armine Pagoumian Polyclinic and Diagnostic Center in Stepanakert,
Nagorno-Karabagh.
The humanitarian aid provided by Project C.U.R.E. includes goods ranging
from basic healthcare supplies such as ventilator tubing and respiratory
system supplies to medical laboratory equipment - lights, microscopes and
refrigerators. This will be of major assistance to the newly-constructed
Polyclinic which, located in the region's capital, is the first and only
full care outpatient medical center in the Republic of Nagorno-Karabagh. As
a humanitarian project of this scale, it is expected to improve the lives
of thousands.
Established in 1987, Project C.U.R.E., based in Centennial, Colorado, is
devoted to distributing medical surplus to countries where it is most
needed. The organization is currently shipping to more than 100 different
countries including North Korea, Cuba, China, Russia, Vietnam, countries in
Africa, South America and Central Asia.
Armenia Fund USA is honored to add Project C.U.R.E. to its family of
donors, knowing that such partnerships spread a powerful message - sharing
a common vision of integrity and accountability, and making it possible to
reach those in need.
The Armine Pagoumian Polyclinic and Diagnostic Center was funded by a U.S.
businessman in memory of his aunt. The Polyclinic, one of the Fund's major
initiatives, has created a strong, long-term quality health care center in
the conflict-torn region. Through comprehensive training and prudent
administration, the Center - opening in the fall of 2005 - has already
secured its future and ensures the long-term viability of the program, the
effectiveness and efficiency of the services provided and safety of its
clientele and patients. The implementation of such a large-scale project
has brought together such major health care providers and health
authorities as UCLA's Center for International Emergency Medicine,
Yerevan's Academy of Medicine, the American University of Armenia's Center
for Health Services Research and Development, and John Hopkins University's
Center for International Emergency Disaster and Refugee Studies and
MediTech Company.
The list also includes a recent joint initiative with Medical Missions for
Children (MMC) - an international non-governmental organization dedicated
to providing quality healthcare to critically-ill children throughout the
world. The result of the new partnership is the program that establishes a
high-quality videoconference link between the Karabagh Telecom in
Stepanakert and MMC's headquarters in Patterson, NJ. The successful
completion of this project will provide virtual real-time delivery of
healthcare through global communications.
To learn more about Armenia Fund USA, go to the website at
www.ArmeniaFundUSA.org
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5 - California-Armenia Trade Office
Passes State Assembly and Senate
SACRAMENTO, CA - The International Trade and Investment Office: Yerevan
bill (SB 897), introduced by California State Senator Jack Scott
(D-Pasadena) in February of this year, recently passed in both the
California State Assembly and Senate, announced the Armenian National
Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR). The bill passed the chambers
of the legislature with overwhelming bi-partisan support, having gained a
vote of 77-1 in the Assembly and 32-1 in the Senate. The bill was enrolled
and sent to the desk of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on September 8th for
his signature.
"Once again through the leadership of Senator Scott and his tireless staff,
Californians and Armenians alike can move forward towards establishing
closer business and trade relations with one another which will benefit
both peoples equally," said Steve Dadaian, Chairman of the ANCA-WR. "We
look forward to Governor Schwarzenegger's approval of this commonsense
measure aimed to allow the State of California to properly operate its
trade office in Armenia."
For over five years, the ANCA-WR has worked to improve trade relations
between California and Armenia. SB 897 aims to extend the sunset date for
the creation and operation of the California International Trade and
Investment Office in Yerevan, Armenia which was established by state statue
in 2002. The current sunset date for the trade office is set for January 1,
2006. However, the bill would extend this deadline to 2008. SB 897 was
introduced by Sen. Scott, with principal coauthors Senators Chuck
Poochigian (R-Fresno) and Jackie Speier (D-San Mateo), Assemblymembers Juan
Arambula (D-Fresno) and Dario Frommer (D-Glendale), as well as coauthors
Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), and Assemblymembers Greg Aghazarian
(R-Stockton) and Carol Liu (D-Pasadena).
Last month, ANCA-WR Government Relations Director Armen Carapetian
delivered testimony in the Capitol to secure passage of SB 897 in key
committees and met with Assemblymembers and staff to galvanize support for
the measure.
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6 - 1600th Anniversary of Armenian Alphabet
To be Celebrated Oct. 2 at Alex Theatre
LOS ANGELES - In 405 A.D., Mesrop Mashtots, a cleric of the Armenian royal
court, invented the letters of the Armenian alphabet, allowing for the
creation of a vast literary tradition. In celebration of the 1600th
anniversary of the alphabet, the Hamazkayin Educational and Cultural
Society is organizing a free public cultural event at the Alex Theatre in
Glendale on Oct. 2.
S. Peter Cowe, Professor of Armenian Language and Culture at UCLA, will be
featured as one of the keynote speakers along with Dr. Stephan Astourian,
Director of Armenian Studies at UC Berkeley. Horizon TV anchor and host
of the weekly program Focal Point, Manoug Seraydarian, is teaming up with
TV producer and director, Ani Hovannisian-Kevorkian, to be the evening's
co-Masters of Ceremony.
The event will feature musical performances by the Lark chorus and the
eclectic Mediterranean sounds of the 7-person Armenian folk group, Element.
Hamazkayin's Ani Dance Ensemble will perform traditional Armenian folk
dancing and the evening will include an original theatrical performance,
written and directed by Elly Award winning director Aram Kouyoumdjian, with
original music composed by Sebu Simonian. There will also be poetry
recitations by students from various Armenian schools throughout
California.
For more information on the event, visit www.hamazkayin.net or write to
[email protected].
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7 - Despite Opposition from State Dept. and Turkey
House International Relations Panel
Adopts Armenian Genocide Legislation
WASHINGTON, DC - The House International Relations Committee on Sept. 15
approved two measures calling for proper U.S. recognition of the Armenian
Genocide and urging Turkey to end its decades long denial of this crime
against humanity, reported the Armenian National Committee of America
(ANCA). The votes clear yet another hurdle toward full House recognition
of the Armenian Genocide.
"We are very gratified by the House International Relations Committee's
broad bipartisan support for today's action towards
U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide," stated ANCA Chairman Ken
Hachikian. "The Armenian American community deeply appreciates the
leadership of Representatives George Radanovich (R-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA),
Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and the support of all our
friends on the panel. As we work to build on the Committee's favorable
action, we look to Speaker Hastert to honor his pledge and to schedule a
full floor vote on Armenian Genocide legislation at the earliest
opportunity."
"This is an important, resounding vote acknowledging the historical truth
and squarely combating Turkey's denial of the Armenian genocide," Bryan
Ardouny, the executive director of the Armenian Assembly of America, told
RFE/RL. "We hope that it will encourage Turkey to come to terms with its
past."
Rep. Schiff, a lead cosponsor of H.Res.316 and author of H.Con.Res.195
opened the Committee's discourse on both resolutions. Commenting on
Turkey's ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide, he stated, "Ankara's
behavior is as inexplicable as it is shameful. Turkey bears responsibility
for its decades of denial and for compounding the suffering of the Armenian
people by attempting to blame the victims for the crime." Rep. Schiff also
recognized three Armenian Genocide survivors -- Mrs. Rose Baboyan,
Yeretzgeen Sirarpi Khoyan and Mrs. Lusazine Tatarian -- whose presence at
the hearing was arranged by the ANC Washington DC chapter.
"This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide," stated
Rep. Schiff. "We are working to ensure our country
recognizes this terrible tragedy while some of the victims are still alive,
including the three brave survivors here today."
In his concluding remarks, Chairman Hyde responded to arguments that
passage of the Genocide resolutions could potentially harm U.S. - Turkey
relations. While noting that, "I very much believe the [U.S.-Turkey]
relationship is of great importance to us," Rep. Hyde stated, "I don't
believe that these resolutions will harm that relationship. They merely
recognize the fact that the authorities of the Ottoman Empire deliberately
slaughtered the majority of the Armenian community in that Empire." Rep.
Hyde went on to note that "denial of that fact cannot be justified on the
basis of expediency or fear that speaking the truth will do us harm."
In all, 24 members of the International Relations Committee spoke on the
measures, with 21 voicing support for Congressional recognition of the
Armenian Genocide and three speaking against. The speakers represented a
broad bi-partisan spectrum of the Committee, with 15 Democrats and 9
Republicans voicing their positions on the issue. Both H.Res.316 and
H.Con.Res.195 were adopted by overwhelming margins of 40 to 7 and 35 to 11,
respectively. The total vote tallies is provided on the ANCA website --
www.anca.org.
Following passage of the measures, Reps. Radanovich, Schiff, Pallone and
Knollenberg hailed the Committee's overwhelming approval of the
legislation. Rep. Radanovich noted, "The U.S. National Archives is replete
with thousands of pages documenting the premeditated extermination of the
Armenian people. As the Armenian Genocide was being committed, the United
States launched an unprecedented diplomatic, political, and humanitarian
struggle to end the carnage and protect the survivors." He continued,
noting that "I appreciate the bipartisan support for this resolution
[H.Res.316], which properly acknowledges the Armenian Genocide, reaffirms
the proud and groundbreaking chapter in U.S. history to halt the Genocide,
and renews our commitment to preventing other occurrences of man's
inhumanity to man."
"This is
a Turkish Ottoman crime of brutality and death called genocide not o - nly
to Armenians but to all of humanity. Proper acknowledgment by our
government is long overdue. All eyes are on House Speaker Hastert to honor
his pledge and to schedule a full floor vote o - n Armenian Genocide
legislation," stated Hygo Ohannessian Chairwoman of the Armenian National
Committee, Central California, congratulating Rep. Radanovich for his
initiative and vote.
Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone stated "Today the House
International Relations Committee moved this Congress one step closer to
finally recognizing the atrocious acts inflicted by the Ottoman Turks on
the Armenian people. It is now up to Speaker Hastert to realize the
importance of this legislation, and finally allow a floor vote. I continue
to believe that if the entire House has an opportunity to vote on
recognizing the Armenian Genocide, the truth will win out and American
recognition will finally occur."
Rep. Knollenberg echoed these remarks, noting that, "this legislation will
show the world that America is not going to forget
this horrible crime. The victims of the Genocide and their families
deserve to have the crime recognized for the atrocity that
it was. The committee's action today - and hopefully the approval of the
full House soon - will help make sure that this terrible
offense is never forgotten."
H.Res.316 calls upon the President to ensure U.S. foreign policy reflects
appropriate understanding of the Armenian Genocide. The resolution includes
30 detailed findings from past U.S. hearings, resolutions and Presidential
statements, as well as references to statements by international bodies and
organizations. As of today, a bipartisan group of over 140 Representatives
have already pledged their support for the measure.
H.Con.Res.195, cosponsored by over 80 Representatives, was offered
following direct negotiations with House International Relations Committee
Chairman Henry Hyde (R-IL). The Chairman agreed to Committee-level
consideration of Armenian Genocide legislation in return for Rep. Schiff
tabling a planned June 8th Armenian Genocide amendment to the House Foreign
Relations Authorization bill.
Turkish Ambassador Faruk Logoglu and his lobbyists - including the
Livingston Group - actively made the rounds to members of the International
Relations Committee, seeking to block any action on U.S. reaffirmation of
the Armenian Genocide. As part of this effort, the Livingston Group
distributed a four-page genocide- denial document to Congressional offices.
During the mark up, former Reps. Livingston and Stephen Solarz and their
team of lobbyists, were actively seeking to defeat these measures.
Earlier last week, American Turkish Council Chairman, former National
Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft warned Speaker Dennis Hastert that even
the discussion of the Armenian Genocide on the floor of the U.S. House
would be "counter-productive to the interests of the United States." In
his September 12 letter, Scowcroft, speaking on behalf of the corporate
members of the ATC, accused Congressional supporters of Armenian Genocide
legislation (H.Res.316 and H.Con.Res.195) of trying to "pull Turkey away
from the West." He stressed that: "The careless use of genocide language
provides an excuse to do so, delivering a direct blow to American interests
in the region."
The Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) also urged Committee
members to oppose the measures. In an unusual development, the ATAA urged
their supporters to actually use the ANCA website and its powerful WebFax
capabilities to attempt the defeat of the measures. The ANCA blocked all
efforts along these lines.
Both the ATC and ATAA have come under scrutiny in recent weeks as the
result of a 10-page story in Vanity Fair detailing FBI
whistleblower Sibel Edmond's reports that it's officials were involved in
illegal efforts to defeat Armenian Genocide legislation
in the fall of 2000. According to the article by contributing editor David
Rose, Edmonds claimed FBI wiretaps - including those
of the Turkish Embassy and Turkish groups such as the American Turkish
Council (ATC) and the Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) -
reveal that the Turkish government and its allies boasted of bribing
members of Congress as part of an alleged deal to stop consideration of the
Armenian Genocide Resolution.
"We have never termed the mass killings of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire
a genocide. That is why we do not support this resolution," a senior Bush
administration official, who asked not to be identified, told RFE/RL from
Washington.
"We believe that the use of the term genocide would not contribute to
reconciliation and dialogue between the two communities," the official
said, speaking shortly before the House committee vote. He would not
speculate on whether Bush will follow Clinton's example and ask Hastert to
effectively kill the resolution.
The Bush administration official noted that despite its reluctance to call
the mass killings a genocide Washington supports "serious examination of
the history of that period." He pointed in particular to a "good" study
conducted by a New York-based human rights organization at the request of
the U.S.-backed Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission (TARC). The
International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) concluded in January
2003 that the Armenian massacres fit the definition of genocide set by the
1948 UN convention. Armenian members of the former TARC say the study dealt
a serious blow to Turkish denial of the genocide.
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8 - Victims' Telethon Collects $92,000
By Alex Dobuzinskis
Los Angeles Daily News
GLENDALE - A telethon on an Armenian-American cable channel netted more
than $92,000 for Hurricane Katrina relief, with the money going to the
Glendale-Crescenta Valley chapter of the American Red Cross.
Armenian-Americans packed the alley behind the studio of the ArmenianMedia
Group of America's studio at 1520 Glenoaks Blvd., bearing checks and money
orders to help victims of the hurricane. Most donations were between $50
and $100, and $3,000 was the biggest single check.
"This was from the people," said broadcaster Chahe Keuroghelian, 48, who
led the telethon effort. "That is (more) important, in my opinion, than
necessarily the amount itself.
"It (being) collected from the regular citizens with limited income, that
needs to be appreciated."
Wednesday, Keuroghelian presented more than $92,000 in donations to the
Glendale-Crescenta Valley chapter of the American Red Cross. Including the
money from the telethon, the Red Cross chapter has collected $210,000 for
hurricane relief.
Many donors remembered American generosity after Armenia was rocked by a
disastrous earthquake in 1988. The quake killed 25,000 people and left
500,000 homeless, according to U.S. government Web sites.
"We were overwhelmed with the generosity that the people have shown," said
Ron Farina, executive director of the Glendale-Crescenta Valley chapter of
the American Red Cross. "They, I believe, understand how disasters can
devastate a community because they were so badly hit back in the Armenian
community in '88. So they can relate to this."
The telethon started Monday evening and went until 2 a.m. Tuesday on
Channel 26 in Glendale. Broadcasters on the channel continued issuing pleas
for donations on the days after the initial telethon.
Keuroghelian, who has a show on Channel 26 but also works as an immigration
attorney, said he expects additional donations that will bring the total to
at least $100,000.
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1 - Commentary
Truth Defeats Turkey, State Dept.,
Turkish & Jewish Lobbying Groups
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The Califorrnia Courier
2 - Apo Torosyan to Show Documentary
At Arpa Film Festival in Hollywood
3- Crescenta Valley Talin ARS Chapter
Responds to Hurricane Katrina
4 - Project C.U.R.E. Donates $400,000 to
Stepanakert's Pagoumian Polyclinic
5 - California-Armenia Trade Office
Passes State Assembly and Senate
6 - 1600th Anniversary of Armenian Alphabet
To be Celebrated Oct. 2 at Alex Theatre
7 - House International Relations Panel
Adopts Armenian Genocide Legislation
8 - Victims' Telethon Collects $92,000
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1 - Commentary
Truth Defeats Turkey, State Dept.,
Turkish & Jewish Lobbying Groups
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
The truth easily triumphed over some of the world's most powerful political
forces in a David vs. Goliath battle that took place in the chambers of the
House International Relations Committee on Sept. 15.
Marshaled against the acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide were the
combined forces of the Turkish government, American lobbying firms hired by
Turkey, the American Turkish Council, the Assembly of Turkish American
Associations, several Jewish-American organizations, and the U.S.
Department of State.
Two resolutions were simultaneously presented to the Committee last week:
Res. 195, calling for the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide and urging
the Republic of Turkey to acknowledge the culpability of its predecessor
state, the Ottoman Empire, for the Armenian Genocide; and Res. 316, calling
upon the President to ensure that the foreign policy of the United States
reflects appropriate understanding and sensitivity concerning issues
related to human rights, ethnic cleansing, and genocide as documented in
U.S. archives on the Armenian Genocide.
Given the fact that the U.S. government has all along acknowledged the
heinous crimes committed against the Armenian people, there would normally
be no need for such resolutions. In addition to the thousands of
contemporaneous reports and documents in the U.S. national archives, both
the House and the Senate have adopted resolutions on these mass killings as
early as 1916, and signed by Pres. Woodrow Wilson. In more recent years,
Armenian Genocide resolutions have been adopted by the full House in 1975
and 1984. In addition, two amendments concerning the Armenian Genocide were
adopted by the House in 1996 and 2004. Furthermore, Pres. Ronald Reagan
issued a Presidential Proclamation on April 22, 1981, acknowledging the
Armenian Genocide.
Despite all of these acknowledgments, Armenian Americans try to pass such
resolutions in order to counter the continued denial of the Armenian
Genocide by the Turkish government and its U.S. cronies. The attempt to
counter the denialists have regrettably made these commemorative
resolutions a test of political will between the unholy alliance of
revisionist forces and the Armenian American community.
Since 1999, the Turkish government has engaged the services of The
Livingston Group to block these congressional resolutions. The lobbying
firm is led by the highly influential former Cong. Bob Livingston. However,
judging from the results of the votes in the Committee in favor of both
resolutions (40 to 7; and 35 to 11), it appears that the Turkish government
has basically wasted the more than $10 million it paid the Livingston Group
in the past 5 years (figures based on a recent study conducted by Public
Citizen). Prominent Turkish journalist Sami Kohen agreed with this negative
assessment when he stated in his Sept. 16 column published in Milliyet: "We
can't say that the professional lobbyists working for Turkey are very
successful." Thus, it would not be surprising should the Turkish government
terminate the services of the Livingston Group in the coming months,
particularly since Mr. Livingston has been quite pre-occupied with the
aftermath of Hurricane Katrina that devastated his home state of Louisiana.
Sami Kohen also attributed the passage of both resolutions to "Turkey's
incompetence in promotion - in conveying its ideas and influencing pubic
opinion." Since Amb. Faruk Logoglu is responsible for carrying out the
initiatives of his government in Washington, his abject failure to block
these resolutions in Committee may cost him his job. Except for the one
letter (most probably written by the lobbying firm) that Amb. Logoglu
circulated to the members of the House panel, he was surprisingly inactive
and ineffective.
Also ineffective were the efforts of the American Turkish Council (ATC) and
the Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) in countering these
two resolutions. ATC Chairman Brent Scowcroft sent a letter to Speaker
Dennis Hastert on Sept. 9, warning him of dire consequences for American
firms doing business with Turkey, should the resolutions be even discussed
in the House. In response, the Armenian National Committee issued a press
release accusing Scowcroft, a former National Security Advisor to Pres.
George H.W. Bush and Gerald Ford, of "compromising his integrity in pursuit
of personal business interests."
The ATAA, in its turn, issued an Action Alert to its members on Sept. 8,
urging them to contact the members of the House panel and sent a letter to
Cong. Henry Hyde, the Chairman of the House International Relations
Committee on Sept. 14. The ATAA warned its members that "inaction on the
part of the Turkish American community will compromise U.S.-Turkish
relations, encourage more acts of harassment, violence and terrorism
against people of Turkish and Turkic descent, and could potentially lead to
territorial and compensation claims against the Republic of Turkey."
The ATC and ATAA are the two groups whose officials, according to an
article in this month's Vanity Fair magazine, had allegedly discussed
making illegal campaign contributions to Speaker Dennis Hastert, in order
to block the passage of the Armenian Genocide resolution in fall 2000. The
magazine said it had based its report on FBI wiretaps.
The Turks also failed to enlist the services of various American-Jewish
groups to their cause. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was in the
U.S. on the eve of the House Committee vote, personally asked the leaders
of the American Jewish Committee and the Anti-Defamation League to lobby
against the Armenian Genocide resolution. According to the Turkish press,
these Jewish groups pledged their support to the Prime Minister. However,
judging from their inaction on this issue, it appears that they did nothing
more than paying lip service to the Turkish leader.
Another loser in this latest political tug-of-war was the U.S. State
Department. In a letter addressed to Chairman Hyde on Sept. 15, Matthew A.
Reynolds, the Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs,
reiterated "the Administration's strong opposition" to these resolutions.
Beyond writing this letter, the Bush Administration did not do anything
substantial to pressure the Republican Chairman of the Committee into
blocking the two resolutions. After the vote, when Adam Ereli, the Deputy
Spokesman of the State Dept. was asked if the Administration would try to
prevent these resolutions from reaching the House floor, he would only
reiterate that the Administration did not support the adoption of these
resolutions in the House Committee. The Turkish press speculated that the
U.S. government's lackluster effort to counter these resolutions was due to
the American anger at the Turkish Parliament's refusal to allow U.S. troops
to enter Iraq from Turkey prior to the Iraqi war.
While the Bush Administration may have couched its displeasure at Turkey,
Cong. Tom Lantos (D-CA), a staunch supporter of Turkey and a rabid opponent
of previous Armenian Genocide resolutions, stunned everyone when he
brazenly announced during the Committee meeting that he was going to vote
for both resolutions in order to teach the Turks a lesson for not
supporting the U.S. on the eve of the Iraqi war. Only 3 of the 50 members
of the House International Relations Committee spoke against these
resolutions. More than 20 others spoke in favor. It was, therefore, not
surprising that the Committee overwhelmingly approved both resolutions.
The Committee's Republican Chairman, Henry Hyde, was unwavering in his
support for these resolutions. He dismissed out of hand Turkish warnings
that their adoption would damage U.S.-Turkish relations. He said that the
resolutions "merely recognize the fact that the authorities of the Ottoman
Empire deliberately slaughtered the majority of the Armenian community in
their empire. Denial of that fact cannot be justified on the basis of
expediency or fear that speaking the truth will do us harm."
Given the overwhelming support in Committee in favor of these resolutions
and the lackluster efforts of their opponents, it is almost certain that
the entire House would easily vote to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide.
Speaker Hastert should promptly bring one of these resolutions for a vote
on the House floor. The duly elected representatives of the American people
should not be deprived of the opportunity to express their position on this
important issue. The Speaker would be also honoring his pledge of five
years ago that he would allow a full floor vote on the Armenian Genocide
resolution.
By allowing such a vote, Speaker Hastert would also clear his name from
boastful allegations made by some Turkish officials that they have bought
his opposition to the Armenian Genocide resolution by making illegal
contributions to his campaign.
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2 - Apo Torosyan to Show Documentary
At Arpa Film Festival in Hollywood
LOS ANGELES - Apo Torosyan will show his poetic documentary, "Discovering
My Father's Village - Edincik", 2003, at the Arpa International Film
Festival, at ArcLight Cinemas, Hollywood, Oct. 3-7. The Arpa awards
ceremonies will take place at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on
Oct. 7.
"Discovering My Father's Village - Edincik" is a "poetic documentary"
about the artist's roots in Turkey and the relationship between Turkey and
Armenians throughout history and today. For this movie, Apo traveled to
his father's village to interview villagers, who directly or indirectly
talk about the Armenian genocide of 1915 and 1922, and to record
dilapidated Armenian homes. Since the film was released in 2003 and Apo
began lecturing about the subject of the Armenian Genocide in public, he
now cannot return to his homeland of Turkey.
Torosian was honored to participate as a workshop presenter at the
International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) Biennial Conference
at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL on June 4-7. The theme of
this year's Conference was "Ninety Years After the Armenian Genocide and
60 Years After the Holocaust: the Continuing Threat and Legacy of
Genocide." The artist's co-presenters were artists Robert Barsamian, from
Dallas, Texas; Perouz Seferian from London, Ontario, Canada and Dionne
Haroutunian, Director of Sevshoon Gallery, Seattle, WA. Their session was
moderated by Dr. Stephen Feinstein, Director of the University of Minnesota
Center for Genocide and Holocaust Studies. Apo's film "Witnesses" was
shown to the larger group at one of the general sessions, presented by Dr.
Frank Chalk from Concordia University, Montreal, Canada.
Upcoming Events include an exhibition, lecture and movie presentation at
the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church in Burbank, Calif., in January
of 2006. The Ararat Museum will also sponsor a presentation and an exhibit
in Los Angeles, in January.
For Arpa Film Festival information, refer to www.AFFMA.org or call
Elizabeth Tohikian at 818-259-0791 or e-mail [email protected].
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3 - Crescenta Valley Talin ARS Chapter
Responds to Hurricane Katrina
MONTROSE, Calif. - In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane
Katrina, the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) "Talin" Chapter is committed in
supporting American Red Cross Relief efforts by making it easy for the
community members to participate in donation collections for humanitarian
relief efforts of Hurricane Katrina.
Through "Donate Now! For Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts" program,
Crescenta Valley community members can visit the Crescenta Valley Armenian
Community Center and make their donations in support of those affected by
the hurricane.
"ARS has always strived to deliver and respond to those in need" said Emma
Garabetian, chair of ARS CV "Talin" chapter. "One of many ARS roles as
charity organizations is to turn kindness and generosity of people into
action by working and assisting local American Red Cross organizations
during unprecedented natural catastrophe such as Hurricane Katrina,
Northridge Earthquake, Tsunami disaster or by assisting local Red Cross
efforts to provide humanitarian aid and lifesaving programs and services.
"
Tax-deductible donations to ARS-Hurricane Katrina Relief efforts can be
accepted at Crescenta Valley Armenian Community Center located at 2633
Honolulu Ave. Monday through Friday between 5 -9 pm till Oct. 25. Contact
the Crescenta Valley Armenian Center by calling 818-248-1100 for further
information.
"The collected contributions will be donated to American Red Cross," adds
Garabetian. "I encourage everyone in our community to open their hearts,
come with love and help someone in need. Your donation will bring a smile
to a child's face, hope to a mother and shelter to a survivor. Let's show
the survivors that we care about them and they are not alone."
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4 - Project C.U.R.E. Donates $400,000 to
Stepanakert's Pagoumian Polyclinic
Y - Armenia Fund USA announced last week the generous donation of medical
supplies and equipment valued at more than $400,000 and designated for the
Armine Pagoumian Polyclinic and Diagnostic Center in Stepanakert,
Nagorno-Karabagh.
The humanitarian aid provided by Project C.U.R.E. includes goods ranging
from basic healthcare supplies such as ventilator tubing and respiratory
system supplies to medical laboratory equipment - lights, microscopes and
refrigerators. This will be of major assistance to the newly-constructed
Polyclinic which, located in the region's capital, is the first and only
full care outpatient medical center in the Republic of Nagorno-Karabagh. As
a humanitarian project of this scale, it is expected to improve the lives
of thousands.
Established in 1987, Project C.U.R.E., based in Centennial, Colorado, is
devoted to distributing medical surplus to countries where it is most
needed. The organization is currently shipping to more than 100 different
countries including North Korea, Cuba, China, Russia, Vietnam, countries in
Africa, South America and Central Asia.
Armenia Fund USA is honored to add Project C.U.R.E. to its family of
donors, knowing that such partnerships spread a powerful message - sharing
a common vision of integrity and accountability, and making it possible to
reach those in need.
The Armine Pagoumian Polyclinic and Diagnostic Center was funded by a U.S.
businessman in memory of his aunt. The Polyclinic, one of the Fund's major
initiatives, has created a strong, long-term quality health care center in
the conflict-torn region. Through comprehensive training and prudent
administration, the Center - opening in the fall of 2005 - has already
secured its future and ensures the long-term viability of the program, the
effectiveness and efficiency of the services provided and safety of its
clientele and patients. The implementation of such a large-scale project
has brought together such major health care providers and health
authorities as UCLA's Center for International Emergency Medicine,
Yerevan's Academy of Medicine, the American University of Armenia's Center
for Health Services Research and Development, and John Hopkins University's
Center for International Emergency Disaster and Refugee Studies and
MediTech Company.
The list also includes a recent joint initiative with Medical Missions for
Children (MMC) - an international non-governmental organization dedicated
to providing quality healthcare to critically-ill children throughout the
world. The result of the new partnership is the program that establishes a
high-quality videoconference link between the Karabagh Telecom in
Stepanakert and MMC's headquarters in Patterson, NJ. The successful
completion of this project will provide virtual real-time delivery of
healthcare through global communications.
To learn more about Armenia Fund USA, go to the website at
www.ArmeniaFundUSA.org
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5 - California-Armenia Trade Office
Passes State Assembly and Senate
SACRAMENTO, CA - The International Trade and Investment Office: Yerevan
bill (SB 897), introduced by California State Senator Jack Scott
(D-Pasadena) in February of this year, recently passed in both the
California State Assembly and Senate, announced the Armenian National
Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR). The bill passed the chambers
of the legislature with overwhelming bi-partisan support, having gained a
vote of 77-1 in the Assembly and 32-1 in the Senate. The bill was enrolled
and sent to the desk of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on September 8th for
his signature.
"Once again through the leadership of Senator Scott and his tireless staff,
Californians and Armenians alike can move forward towards establishing
closer business and trade relations with one another which will benefit
both peoples equally," said Steve Dadaian, Chairman of the ANCA-WR. "We
look forward to Governor Schwarzenegger's approval of this commonsense
measure aimed to allow the State of California to properly operate its
trade office in Armenia."
For over five years, the ANCA-WR has worked to improve trade relations
between California and Armenia. SB 897 aims to extend the sunset date for
the creation and operation of the California International Trade and
Investment Office in Yerevan, Armenia which was established by state statue
in 2002. The current sunset date for the trade office is set for January 1,
2006. However, the bill would extend this deadline to 2008. SB 897 was
introduced by Sen. Scott, with principal coauthors Senators Chuck
Poochigian (R-Fresno) and Jackie Speier (D-San Mateo), Assemblymembers Juan
Arambula (D-Fresno) and Dario Frommer (D-Glendale), as well as coauthors
Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), and Assemblymembers Greg Aghazarian
(R-Stockton) and Carol Liu (D-Pasadena).
Last month, ANCA-WR Government Relations Director Armen Carapetian
delivered testimony in the Capitol to secure passage of SB 897 in key
committees and met with Assemblymembers and staff to galvanize support for
the measure.
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6 - 1600th Anniversary of Armenian Alphabet
To be Celebrated Oct. 2 at Alex Theatre
LOS ANGELES - In 405 A.D., Mesrop Mashtots, a cleric of the Armenian royal
court, invented the letters of the Armenian alphabet, allowing for the
creation of a vast literary tradition. In celebration of the 1600th
anniversary of the alphabet, the Hamazkayin Educational and Cultural
Society is organizing a free public cultural event at the Alex Theatre in
Glendale on Oct. 2.
S. Peter Cowe, Professor of Armenian Language and Culture at UCLA, will be
featured as one of the keynote speakers along with Dr. Stephan Astourian,
Director of Armenian Studies at UC Berkeley. Horizon TV anchor and host
of the weekly program Focal Point, Manoug Seraydarian, is teaming up with
TV producer and director, Ani Hovannisian-Kevorkian, to be the evening's
co-Masters of Ceremony.
The event will feature musical performances by the Lark chorus and the
eclectic Mediterranean sounds of the 7-person Armenian folk group, Element.
Hamazkayin's Ani Dance Ensemble will perform traditional Armenian folk
dancing and the evening will include an original theatrical performance,
written and directed by Elly Award winning director Aram Kouyoumdjian, with
original music composed by Sebu Simonian. There will also be poetry
recitations by students from various Armenian schools throughout
California.
For more information on the event, visit www.hamazkayin.net or write to
[email protected].
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7 - Despite Opposition from State Dept. and Turkey
House International Relations Panel
Adopts Armenian Genocide Legislation
WASHINGTON, DC - The House International Relations Committee on Sept. 15
approved two measures calling for proper U.S. recognition of the Armenian
Genocide and urging Turkey to end its decades long denial of this crime
against humanity, reported the Armenian National Committee of America
(ANCA). The votes clear yet another hurdle toward full House recognition
of the Armenian Genocide.
"We are very gratified by the House International Relations Committee's
broad bipartisan support for today's action towards
U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide," stated ANCA Chairman Ken
Hachikian. "The Armenian American community deeply appreciates the
leadership of Representatives George Radanovich (R-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA),
Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and the support of all our
friends on the panel. As we work to build on the Committee's favorable
action, we look to Speaker Hastert to honor his pledge and to schedule a
full floor vote on Armenian Genocide legislation at the earliest
opportunity."
"This is an important, resounding vote acknowledging the historical truth
and squarely combating Turkey's denial of the Armenian genocide," Bryan
Ardouny, the executive director of the Armenian Assembly of America, told
RFE/RL. "We hope that it will encourage Turkey to come to terms with its
past."
Rep. Schiff, a lead cosponsor of H.Res.316 and author of H.Con.Res.195
opened the Committee's discourse on both resolutions. Commenting on
Turkey's ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide, he stated, "Ankara's
behavior is as inexplicable as it is shameful. Turkey bears responsibility
for its decades of denial and for compounding the suffering of the Armenian
people by attempting to blame the victims for the crime." Rep. Schiff also
recognized three Armenian Genocide survivors -- Mrs. Rose Baboyan,
Yeretzgeen Sirarpi Khoyan and Mrs. Lusazine Tatarian -- whose presence at
the hearing was arranged by the ANC Washington DC chapter.
"This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide," stated
Rep. Schiff. "We are working to ensure our country
recognizes this terrible tragedy while some of the victims are still alive,
including the three brave survivors here today."
In his concluding remarks, Chairman Hyde responded to arguments that
passage of the Genocide resolutions could potentially harm U.S. - Turkey
relations. While noting that, "I very much believe the [U.S.-Turkey]
relationship is of great importance to us," Rep. Hyde stated, "I don't
believe that these resolutions will harm that relationship. They merely
recognize the fact that the authorities of the Ottoman Empire deliberately
slaughtered the majority of the Armenian community in that Empire." Rep.
Hyde went on to note that "denial of that fact cannot be justified on the
basis of expediency or fear that speaking the truth will do us harm."
In all, 24 members of the International Relations Committee spoke on the
measures, with 21 voicing support for Congressional recognition of the
Armenian Genocide and three speaking against. The speakers represented a
broad bi-partisan spectrum of the Committee, with 15 Democrats and 9
Republicans voicing their positions on the issue. Both H.Res.316 and
H.Con.Res.195 were adopted by overwhelming margins of 40 to 7 and 35 to 11,
respectively. The total vote tallies is provided on the ANCA website --
www.anca.org.
Following passage of the measures, Reps. Radanovich, Schiff, Pallone and
Knollenberg hailed the Committee's overwhelming approval of the
legislation. Rep. Radanovich noted, "The U.S. National Archives is replete
with thousands of pages documenting the premeditated extermination of the
Armenian people. As the Armenian Genocide was being committed, the United
States launched an unprecedented diplomatic, political, and humanitarian
struggle to end the carnage and protect the survivors." He continued,
noting that "I appreciate the bipartisan support for this resolution
[H.Res.316], which properly acknowledges the Armenian Genocide, reaffirms
the proud and groundbreaking chapter in U.S. history to halt the Genocide,
and renews our commitment to preventing other occurrences of man's
inhumanity to man."
"This is
a Turkish Ottoman crime of brutality and death called genocide not o - nly
to Armenians but to all of humanity. Proper acknowledgment by our
government is long overdue. All eyes are on House Speaker Hastert to honor
his pledge and to schedule a full floor vote o - n Armenian Genocide
legislation," stated Hygo Ohannessian Chairwoman of the Armenian National
Committee, Central California, congratulating Rep. Radanovich for his
initiative and vote.
Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone stated "Today the House
International Relations Committee moved this Congress one step closer to
finally recognizing the atrocious acts inflicted by the Ottoman Turks on
the Armenian people. It is now up to Speaker Hastert to realize the
importance of this legislation, and finally allow a floor vote. I continue
to believe that if the entire House has an opportunity to vote on
recognizing the Armenian Genocide, the truth will win out and American
recognition will finally occur."
Rep. Knollenberg echoed these remarks, noting that, "this legislation will
show the world that America is not going to forget
this horrible crime. The victims of the Genocide and their families
deserve to have the crime recognized for the atrocity that
it was. The committee's action today - and hopefully the approval of the
full House soon - will help make sure that this terrible
offense is never forgotten."
H.Res.316 calls upon the President to ensure U.S. foreign policy reflects
appropriate understanding of the Armenian Genocide. The resolution includes
30 detailed findings from past U.S. hearings, resolutions and Presidential
statements, as well as references to statements by international bodies and
organizations. As of today, a bipartisan group of over 140 Representatives
have already pledged their support for the measure.
H.Con.Res.195, cosponsored by over 80 Representatives, was offered
following direct negotiations with House International Relations Committee
Chairman Henry Hyde (R-IL). The Chairman agreed to Committee-level
consideration of Armenian Genocide legislation in return for Rep. Schiff
tabling a planned June 8th Armenian Genocide amendment to the House Foreign
Relations Authorization bill.
Turkish Ambassador Faruk Logoglu and his lobbyists - including the
Livingston Group - actively made the rounds to members of the International
Relations Committee, seeking to block any action on U.S. reaffirmation of
the Armenian Genocide. As part of this effort, the Livingston Group
distributed a four-page genocide- denial document to Congressional offices.
During the mark up, former Reps. Livingston and Stephen Solarz and their
team of lobbyists, were actively seeking to defeat these measures.
Earlier last week, American Turkish Council Chairman, former National
Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft warned Speaker Dennis Hastert that even
the discussion of the Armenian Genocide on the floor of the U.S. House
would be "counter-productive to the interests of the United States." In
his September 12 letter, Scowcroft, speaking on behalf of the corporate
members of the ATC, accused Congressional supporters of Armenian Genocide
legislation (H.Res.316 and H.Con.Res.195) of trying to "pull Turkey away
from the West." He stressed that: "The careless use of genocide language
provides an excuse to do so, delivering a direct blow to American interests
in the region."
The Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) also urged Committee
members to oppose the measures. In an unusual development, the ATAA urged
their supporters to actually use the ANCA website and its powerful WebFax
capabilities to attempt the defeat of the measures. The ANCA blocked all
efforts along these lines.
Both the ATC and ATAA have come under scrutiny in recent weeks as the
result of a 10-page story in Vanity Fair detailing FBI
whistleblower Sibel Edmond's reports that it's officials were involved in
illegal efforts to defeat Armenian Genocide legislation
in the fall of 2000. According to the article by contributing editor David
Rose, Edmonds claimed FBI wiretaps - including those
of the Turkish Embassy and Turkish groups such as the American Turkish
Council (ATC) and the Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) -
reveal that the Turkish government and its allies boasted of bribing
members of Congress as part of an alleged deal to stop consideration of the
Armenian Genocide Resolution.
"We have never termed the mass killings of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire
a genocide. That is why we do not support this resolution," a senior Bush
administration official, who asked not to be identified, told RFE/RL from
Washington.
"We believe that the use of the term genocide would not contribute to
reconciliation and dialogue between the two communities," the official
said, speaking shortly before the House committee vote. He would not
speculate on whether Bush will follow Clinton's example and ask Hastert to
effectively kill the resolution.
The Bush administration official noted that despite its reluctance to call
the mass killings a genocide Washington supports "serious examination of
the history of that period." He pointed in particular to a "good" study
conducted by a New York-based human rights organization at the request of
the U.S.-backed Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission (TARC). The
International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) concluded in January
2003 that the Armenian massacres fit the definition of genocide set by the
1948 UN convention. Armenian members of the former TARC say the study dealt
a serious blow to Turkish denial of the genocide.
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8 - Victims' Telethon Collects $92,000
By Alex Dobuzinskis
Los Angeles Daily News
GLENDALE - A telethon on an Armenian-American cable channel netted more
than $92,000 for Hurricane Katrina relief, with the money going to the
Glendale-Crescenta Valley chapter of the American Red Cross.
Armenian-Americans packed the alley behind the studio of the ArmenianMedia
Group of America's studio at 1520 Glenoaks Blvd., bearing checks and money
orders to help victims of the hurricane. Most donations were between $50
and $100, and $3,000 was the biggest single check.
"This was from the people," said broadcaster Chahe Keuroghelian, 48, who
led the telethon effort. "That is (more) important, in my opinion, than
necessarily the amount itself.
"It (being) collected from the regular citizens with limited income, that
needs to be appreciated."
Wednesday, Keuroghelian presented more than $92,000 in donations to the
Glendale-Crescenta Valley chapter of the American Red Cross. Including the
money from the telethon, the Red Cross chapter has collected $210,000 for
hurricane relief.
Many donors remembered American generosity after Armenia was rocked by a
disastrous earthquake in 1988. The quake killed 25,000 people and left
500,000 homeless, according to U.S. government Web sites.
"We were overwhelmed with the generosity that the people have shown," said
Ron Farina, executive director of the Glendale-Crescenta Valley chapter of
the American Red Cross. "They, I believe, understand how disasters can
devastate a community because they were so badly hit back in the Armenian
community in '88. So they can relate to this."
The telethon started Monday evening and went until 2 a.m. Tuesday on
Channel 26 in Glendale. Broadcasters on the channel continued issuing pleas
for donations on the days after the initial telethon.
Keuroghelian, who has a show on Channel 26 but also works as an immigration
attorney, said he expects additional donations that will bring the total to
at least $100,000.
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