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EUROPEAN ARMENIAN FEDERATION
For Justice and Democracy
(former C.D.C.A. Europe)
Avenue de la Renaissance 10
B-1000 BRUXELLES
Tel./Fax : +32 (0) 2 732 70 26 / 27
E-mail : [email protected]
Web : http://www.eafjd.org
Brussels, March 26 2014,
Following the statement of the Armenian National Committee of Belgium
and the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy,
regarding the recent invasion of Kessab district of Syria by Al-Qaida
affiliated extremists, and the displacement of Syrian Armenians and
other Christian minorities of Syria, Mr. Andre de Bus, member of the
Belgian Senate, and Senator for Brussels and the Walon-Brussels
Federation, sent a letter to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Foreign Affairs of Belgium, Mr. Didier Reynders, requesting
explanations on the issue and the current situation at the Syrian
border areas with Turkey, and the conflict in general. Here, in its
entirety the letter sent by Senator Andre de Bus
(translated from French):
Dear Mister Minister,
The civil war continues in Syria claiming more and more victims,
damages and destruction with every other day. Regardless of the
current disinterest of media on the topic, the towns in control by the
opposition are being taken back by the Assad regime, and are growing
in numbers. Unfortunately, the opposition is not united; the Syrian
Free Army is opposed by the Islamist groups that are striving to
impose their view of world order.
As you have already mentioned, this issue could not have any other
decision than that of political. Unfortunately, the Geneva conference
has not brought the expected results and the humanitarian pauses are
too short in duration and not sufficient to tackle the needs of
suffering population.
At the end of March the Kessab region has fallen in the hands of
Islamist rebels. This event has raised more population concerns as
they are inhabited mainly by Armenians, descendants of the 1915
genocide survivors. The Islamists came from the territory of Turkey, a
fact that is disturbing the Armenian population of the region.
Mister Minister,
My questions to you are as follows:
- Have you discussed the issue of Syria with your Iranian counterparts
during your recent visit? - If so, do you foresee an influence on the
Syrian president to a negotiated outcome, respect for minorities and
human rights?
- Has the situation in Syria been discussed during your recent trip to
Saudi Arabia? Are Saudi authorities willing to influence the Islamist
groups, and do they support a negotiated outcome, respect for
minorities and human rights?
- Could you give an update on discussions at European level as regards
to sanctions vis-à-vis Syria, and support for a political solution?
- The Christian communities in Syria are particularly targeted. Has
this been the subject of a specific approach at European level? Thank
you very much and with best regards,
Andre de Bus,
Senator
_________________________
Bedo KURKJIAN - DEMIRDJIAN
European Armenian Federation
for Justice & Democracy (EAFJD)
tel : +32 2 732 70 26 / 27
Ave. de la Renaissance, 10
Bruxelles, 1000,
Belgique
From: Baghdasarian
For Justice and Democracy
(former C.D.C.A. Europe)
Avenue de la Renaissance 10
B-1000 BRUXELLES
Tel./Fax : +32 (0) 2 732 70 26 / 27
E-mail : [email protected]
Web : http://www.eafjd.org
Brussels, March 26 2014,
Following the statement of the Armenian National Committee of Belgium
and the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy,
regarding the recent invasion of Kessab district of Syria by Al-Qaida
affiliated extremists, and the displacement of Syrian Armenians and
other Christian minorities of Syria, Mr. Andre de Bus, member of the
Belgian Senate, and Senator for Brussels and the Walon-Brussels
Federation, sent a letter to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Foreign Affairs of Belgium, Mr. Didier Reynders, requesting
explanations on the issue and the current situation at the Syrian
border areas with Turkey, and the conflict in general. Here, in its
entirety the letter sent by Senator Andre de Bus
(translated from French):
Dear Mister Minister,
The civil war continues in Syria claiming more and more victims,
damages and destruction with every other day. Regardless of the
current disinterest of media on the topic, the towns in control by the
opposition are being taken back by the Assad regime, and are growing
in numbers. Unfortunately, the opposition is not united; the Syrian
Free Army is opposed by the Islamist groups that are striving to
impose their view of world order.
As you have already mentioned, this issue could not have any other
decision than that of political. Unfortunately, the Geneva conference
has not brought the expected results and the humanitarian pauses are
too short in duration and not sufficient to tackle the needs of
suffering population.
At the end of March the Kessab region has fallen in the hands of
Islamist rebels. This event has raised more population concerns as
they are inhabited mainly by Armenians, descendants of the 1915
genocide survivors. The Islamists came from the territory of Turkey, a
fact that is disturbing the Armenian population of the region.
Mister Minister,
My questions to you are as follows:
- Have you discussed the issue of Syria with your Iranian counterparts
during your recent visit? - If so, do you foresee an influence on the
Syrian president to a negotiated outcome, respect for minorities and
human rights?
- Has the situation in Syria been discussed during your recent trip to
Saudi Arabia? Are Saudi authorities willing to influence the Islamist
groups, and do they support a negotiated outcome, respect for
minorities and human rights?
- Could you give an update on discussions at European level as regards
to sanctions vis-à-vis Syria, and support for a political solution?
- The Christian communities in Syria are particularly targeted. Has
this been the subject of a specific approach at European level? Thank
you very much and with best regards,
Andre de Bus,
Senator
_________________________
Bedo KURKJIAN - DEMIRDJIAN
European Armenian Federation
for Justice & Democracy (EAFJD)
tel : +32 2 732 70 26 / 27
Ave. de la Renaissance, 10
Bruxelles, 1000,
Belgique
From: Baghdasarian