Libya’s PM says Turkey supplying weapons to rival Tripoli group

February 27, 2015 By administrator

Abdullah al-Thinni (Photo: Reuters)

libya‘s internationally recognized Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni said his government would stop dealing with Turkey as it was sending weapons to a rival group in tripoli so “the Libyan people kill each other,” ramping up his rhetoric against ankara.

Two administrations, one in the capital and Thinni’s in the east, have been vying for power since an armed group called Libya Dawn seized Tripoli in July 2014 — four years after Muammar Gaddafi’s ousting — and reinstated lawmakers from a previous assembly.

“Turkey is a state that is not dealing honestly with us. It’s exporting weapons to us so the Libyan people kill each other,” he told Egyptian TV channel CBC late on Thursday.

A spokesman for Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly denied Thinni’s allegations. “Instead of repeating the same baseless and untrue allegations we advise them to support UN efforts for political dialog,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Tanju Bilgiç told Reuters.

“Our policy in relation to Libya is very clear. We are against any external intervention in Libya and we fully support the ongoing political dialog process under UN mediation,” he added.

Thinni’s government said this week it would exclude companies from future deals, accusing Ankara of backing the Tripoli government and its allied armed groups. He repeated that Turkish firms would be excluded from contracts in territory controlled by his government in the CBC interview, noting that any outstanding bills would be paid. “We don’t say we are hostile to Turkey but we say we won’t deal with it,” he said.

Turkey is one of a handful of countries that has publicly received officials from the Tripoli government and parliament. Critics of Ankara say its Libya policy is an extension of a pro-Islamist agenda that has already seen relations sour with other former regional allies, notably Egypt.

Thinni also accused Qatar of giving “material” support to the rival side in the Libyan conflict. He did not elaborate.

Army general Khalifa Haftar, who merged his forces with the army in the east to fight Islamist militants, is seen as a potential rival to Thinni. While the alliance between the groups has enabled them to win back territory, Haftar has been criticized for air strikes on civilian airports and seaports.

On Wednesday, a spokesman for Thinni’s parliament said the assembly’s president would appoint Haftar as top army commander.

Italian MPs back resolution on Palestine independence

February 27, 2015 By administrator

A Palestinian waves his country’s national flag.

Italian parliamentarians have approved a non-binding resolution which calls on the government to recognize Palestine as an independent state, amid growing calls for the recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state.

The resolution was passed on Friday with as many as 300 members of Italy’s Chamber of Deputies voting in favor of the resolution. Forty-five opposed. report presstv

The motion for recognizing Palestine as an independent state was presented by Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi’s Democratic Party (PD).

Earlier this month, Belgium’s parliament approved a resolution calling for Palestine to be recognized as an independent state.

Sweden is the only European country that has officially recognized Palestine’s statehood, although several other parliaments in the 28-nation European Union (EU) have also made similar moves demanding that their governments recognize Palestine as a state.

Israel has been angered by the motions submitted to European parliaments.

On December 2, 2014, French lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favor of a motion to recognize Palestine as an independent state. The motion, urging the government to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state, was backed by a majority of 339 lawmakers while 151 members voted against.

On November 18, 2014, Spanish lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a non-binding resolution on recognizing a Palestinian state.

Britain and Ireland have also passed similar non-binding motions.

On November 29, 2012, the 193-member United Nations General Assembly voted to upgrade Palestine’s status to non-member observer state.

Palestinians are seeking to create an independent state on the territories of the West Bank, East al-Quds (Jerusalem), and the Gaza Strip and are demanding that Israel withdraw from the occupied Palestinian territories. Israel, however, has refused to return to the 1967 borders and is unwilling to discuss the issue of al-Quds.

SYRIA Death of a Syrian-Armenian heroes

February 27, 2015 By administrator

Syrian-Armenian hero Joseph-Affi Hrant

A Syrian-Armenian hero Joseph-Affi Hrant was martyred in the defense of the people Assyrian facing the Islamic State

Turkey so fearful blocks the official website of the centenary of the Armenian Genocide

February 27, 2015 By administrator

Armenian Genocide websitewww.armeniangenocide100.org

Quotation:

“When government fears the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.”

Turkey has blocked for some hours the official website of the centenary of the Armenian Genocide www.armeniangenocide100.org

The EU reiterates its willingness to cooperate with Armenia

February 27, 2015 By administrator

Despite the decision of Armenia in September 2013 not to sign the Association and the Free Trade Agreement with the EU in favor of a rally with the Eurasian Economic Union, the EU reiterates its commitment to closer ties with Armenia, and strengthen bilateral cooperation in the framework of the Eastern Partnership, in all areas consistent with recent policy orientations of Armenia, “said the Head of the Delegation of EU in Armenia Traian Hristea Wednesday, February 25 at a conference on the theme “EU-Armenia Cooperation and perspective in the current political context.” “Currently, we think with our Armenian counterparts to the future of relations between the EU and Armenia.

After the joint statement issued at the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius in November 2013, both parties filed a joint reflection on how to restructure a legal basis for their relations, “said the European official. “The EU and Armenia have launched in Brussels an inspection exercise of future legal and political framework for relations between the EU and Armenia, based on the commitments of Armenia to the Eurasian Union their potential impact on future relations with the EU.

The two sides agreed to maintain the association agreement, which was negotiated but not signed, and use it as a reference in that goal, “added Mr. Hristea. “To the extent that good governance, reform of the judiciary, rule of law, human rights are not affected by the process of integration in the Eurasian Union official, the EU has plenty to do with Armenia, and Armenia on its side is free to prove its commitment to reform.

The budget to be allocated to the human rights sector in this regard is hailed as a good move – but it is also a test, “the ability of Armenia to continue on this path, said Mr. Hristea, which stressed the need to make the best possible use of European aid to 140-170 million for 2014-2017, aimed primarily at private sector development, and reform of the administration public and justice.

The European delegate continued, “the EU is very concerned about the security situation in the region, particularly after the renewed tension without precedent on the contact line of Nagorno-Karabakh. “The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has no military solution and the status quo is intolerable. Although it is not part of the Minsk Group of the negotiation process of the OSCE, the EU intends to strengthen its support for efforts towards peace. “ “The EU also continues to support the Armenian-Turkish relations normalization efforts and encourages both parties to continue the process of normalization without preconditions, despite the withdrawal of the protocols signed in 2009 on the agenda of parliaments two countries. We also consider commemorating the centennial year of the atrocities committed by the Ottoman Empire as a test for the Armenian-Turkish relations, “concluded the European delegate.

Friday, February 27, 2015,
Gari © armenews.com

Congresswoman Chu Condemning Baku, Sumgait, Girovabad Massacres, Anti-Armenian Pogroms

February 27, 2015 By administrator

Rep. Judy Chu delivers remarks on Armenian Pogroms

Offers Powerful Remarks on the House Floor Condemning Baku, Sumgait, Girovabad Massacres, Defending Artsakh’s Right to Freedom

WASHINGTON—Representative Judy Chu (D-Calif.) took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives today to commemorate the Sumgait, Baku, and Girovabad massacres, condemn ongoing Azerbaijani aggression, and call for freedom for the people of Nagorno Karabakh, reported the Armenian National Committee of America.

“The ANCA welcomes Congresswoman Chu’s powerful moral stand in remembrance of those lost to anti-Armenian massacres in Azerbaijan, profoundly values her efforts to educate her colleagues about Baku’s ongoing aggression, and deeply appreciates her defense of freedom for Nagorno Karabakh,” said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA.

The full text of Congresswoman’s Chu’s February 26, 2015 speech is provided below:

“Twenty-seven years ago, as the lines of the Soviet Union were fading, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh were united in a call for a say in their own futures and greater independence from Azerbaijan. This peaceful movement for self-determination and freedom was followed by premeditated and government-sponsored attacks.

“Over the next two years, the Armenian population in the territory of Artsakh was repeatedly victim to brutal and racially motivated pogroms, darkly reminiscent of the days of the Armenian Genocide. Hundreds were murdered, thousands were displaced, and the Armenian community – both in Artsakh and in exile – continues to bear the scars from the brutal attacks in Sumgait, Kirovabad, and Baku.

“When the people of Nagorno-Karabakh officially declared independence on December 10, 1991, they were met with full-scale war lasting until 1994. Even today, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh are still forced to live under constant ceasefire violations by Azerbaijan.

“As we commemorate the somber anniversary marking the struggle of the Nagorno-Karabakh people, we wish for the peaceful resolution of this conflict and hope that its citizens will be free to determine their own future.”

AYF rallies outside U.S. Azeri embassy to mark Baku massacres

February 27, 2015 By administrator

Armenian Youth Federation (AYF)

Members, alumni, and supporters of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) braved sub-freezing temperatures today (Feb 27) outside the Azerbaijani Embassy in Washington, DC to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Baku massacres, condemn Baku’s ongoing anti-Armenian aggression, and call for freedom and security for the independent Republic of Nagorno Karabakh, AYF reports.

“Armenians in the Greater Washington Area – like our sisters and brothers across America and around the world – share a core commitment to championing Artsakh’s freedom and confronting Azerbaijan’s aggression,” said AYF “Ani” Chapter Chairwoman Sevan Simonian. “We were proud today to stand up for our community’s values – even against the hateful tirades of pro-Aliyev counter-protesters.”

A small group of staff and supporters of the Azerbaijani Embassy staged a counter-protest, repeatedly chanting the name “Ramil Safarov,” in an apparent attempt to intimidate those gathered for the AYF vigil. Safarov is the admitted and unapologetic axe-murder who killed Armenian Lieutenant Gurgen Margaryan during a NATO peace-training exercise in Hungary. In 2012, after serving only a fraction of his sentence in Hungary, Safarov was extradited to Azerbaijan, where he was immediate pardoned, promoted and praised Safarov, a moved that was broadly condemned worldwide, including by President Obama.

Following the vigil, Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian of Soorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic Church led the DC community members in prayer in memory of the victims of the Baku, Sumgait, Kirovabad and Maragha massacres and all those who lost their lives during the Artsakh liberation movement.

50 Russian staff to be punished for deeming Permyakov fit for military duty

February 27, 2015 By administrator

Permyakov, a serviceman of the 102nd Russian Military Base in Gyumri,

A total of 52 employees in Baikal, Russia, will be held accountable for determining that Valery Permyakov was fit for military service.

Permyakov, a serviceman of the 102nd Russian Military Base in Gyumri, Armenia, stands accused in the brutal murder of the Avetisyan family of Gyumri, and he has accepted the respective charges that have been brought against him.

The head of the Moral and Psychological Support Department of the 29th army unit of the Russian armed forces, Dmitry Kiselev, has informed: “Everyone, starting from those who recognized Permyakov fit for military service, will be brought to account,” Zabmedia reported.

In his words, three criminal charges already have been filed in Chita against the 321st Military Hospital doctors, who had determined that Permyakov was fit for military duty.

Kiselev assured that all those who are guilty in this matter will answer for their respective actions.

Pursuing Justice Through Art: 2015 A Multi-Cultural Genocide Exhibition and Symposium

February 26, 2015 By administrator

Hope Ricciardi
Diaspora
collage and oil on three fir panels

By Heather Linton

This exhibition brings attention to genocide, the fragmented history of various cultural groups, and art as a means of educating us about humankind’s inhumanity. The year 2015 is significant. It is the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the 70th Anniversary of the end of the Jewish Holocaust, and the 40th Anniversary of the Cambodian Genocide. Details on the symposium and related events will be listed here as they are added:

Save the Dates!

Exhibit Runs March 18 – April 25, 2015

Reception: Saturday, March 21, 2-4 pm

Symposium: Saturday, April 18, 1-4 pm

http://whistlerhouse.org/index.php/exhibits/parker-gallery/80-pursuingjusticethroughart2015

And

https://www.facebook.com/WhistlerHouseMuseumofArt

Exhibitiing artists of Armenian descent include:

Aroutiunian, Gagik

Avakian, John

Babaian, Ani

DerMarderosian, Adrienne

Dulgarian, Stepan

Janjigian, JoAnn

Kasbarian, Lusin

Megherian, Talin

Odabashian, Marsha Nouritza

Ricciardi, Hope

Sperandio, Jessica

Whistler House Museum of Art | 243 Worthen Street | Lowell | MA | 01852 USA

Osman kavala: Turkish Intellectuals Who Have Recognized The Armenian Genocide

February 26, 2015 By administrator

By Hambersom Aghbashian,

Osman kavala, recognize Armenian Genocide

In its article “Armenian culture in Turkey, From the ashes” , “The Economist” wrote on Aug 24, 2013, “Around 2 million Armenians are believed to have lived in Turkey before the genocide. Now there are about 70,000. Survivors are scattered across the Middle East, Europe, America and Australia. Many more converted to Islam to carry on, but their numbers remain unknown. Osman Koker, a Turkish historian, reckons that more than half of Diyarbakir’s population used to be non-Muslim, mainly Armenian Orthodox, but also Catholic, Syrian Orthodox and Jewish. “Now”, says Mr Koker, “there is practically none.”(2)

In a text released with a you tube by EGAM – European Grassroots Antiracist Movement, about Osman Kavala’s Impression of the “Remember 24 April1915” , 2014 initiative, EGAM quoted Kavala, Founder of Anadolu Kültür Foundation-Turkey saying “We are getting closer to the 100th year, and this is affecting the feelings, making them heavier, of everyone involved. Having the European Delegation is important, and shows a bond of solidarity with them and the local organizations in Turkey.” It added that European leaders, who are members of DurDe!, EGAM, and AGBU Europe, helped to facilitate large public commemorations of the Armenian Genocide, and helped in bringing together many people affected by it. Everyone involved was there to show their support and to help work towards stopping the continual denial of the genocide by the Turkish government.(3)

Ozgun Caglar, wrote an article on October 2014 in Agos, entitled “Unresolved Trauma Reason for Violence, Suffering”. He mentioned that Diyarbakir’s Ismail Besikci Foundation hosted a symposium on Oct. 25 titled “1915 Diyarbekir and the Kurds”. Sociologist Osman Kavala, one of the participants said that “Turkish civil society has to campaign for the recognition of the Genocide because there is no big Armenian community in Turkey any more. There is no genocide anymore. But this issue is not local anymore. It’s an international issue because the Genocide created the Armenian Diaspora and this Diaspora is working for the recognition of the Genocide by the parliaments in the countries where Armenians live. ” He added “We are trying to explain to people that this is an internal issue to be solved in Turkey. We are trying to explain that we are not working on this issue to compensate the injustice committed against the Armenian people but to make Turkey a more civilized and democratic state.”(4)

“Turks, Armenians, foreign delegation commemorate 1915 events” was “Todays Zaman”s April 24, 2013 article where it mentioned that “Turkish Armenians and Turkish civil society groups joined with a foreign delegation comprising 20 anti-racist and Armenian representatives from 15 countries to commemorate the 98th anniversary of the tragic events of 1915 in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Square on Wednesday.” It added that many of the protesters think that public opinion should be changed in such a way that when Turkey recognizes the 1915 events, there will not be strong opposition to the steps that will be taken by the government to solve the issue. Osman Kavala, who attended the commemoration, told Today’s Zaman that public opinion could be changed through giving objective information to schools and via media. “Opinion may change in a short time period,” he added.(5)

In his article entitled ” Turks Could Gain More Than Armenians By Acknowledging the Genocide” , Harut Sassounian Publisher, The California Courier wrote in

Armenian Pundits, “It is noteworthy that prominent and sensible businessman Osman Kavala wrote in his “armworkshop” posting: “It is not possible to dismiss the issue of compensation so readily. One can find it controversial, unrealistic [and] harmful to strategic priorities, etc., but it is clear that unlike ‘land return,’ it [compensation] will remain an issue to be discussed in the course of the reconciliation process.”(6)

On May 2, 2011, “Hye Media” wrote: “A current exhibition of Turkish photographer Erhan Arik in Istanbul telling about genocide survivors has moved not only local Armenians, but also many Turks visiting it. The photographer himself says with his exhibition called “Horovel” he has opened for his countrymen a new page of history – a painful one. But Erhan says “keeping silence about is a bigger and more dangerous crime”. The Exhibition was organized in the DEPO hall of the Anadolu Kultur cultural center, which is an establishment that has advocated Turkish-Armenian relations and has implemented a number of joint projects to this effect.The hall’s director Osman Kavala, despite risks, continues to provide space to Armenian artists and for various events on Armenian subjects. “We are interested in having such exhibitions, as we need to create space for dialogue, for discussion on different issues, such as human rights, social, political issues. Such an exhibition could not have been organized in Turkey only a few years ago, but now it is already normal. Unless there are certain steps by nationalists, everything goes quite well,” Kavala told ArmeniaNow.”(7)

Osman Kavala ( born in Paris in 1957), is a prominent Turkish businessman. After graduating from Robert College in Istanbul he continued his higher education and graduated from Manchester University, Department of Economics. After his father’s death in 1980 , he began working as a manager for many business groups. Osman Kavala is the Chair of the Board of Anadolu Kulture which is a non-profit company based in Istanbul, and is a member of various business and social organizations Board of Directors. He is also the sponsor of many cultural organizations.(1)

1- http://www.ensonhaber.com/is-adami-osman-kavala-biber-gazi-yedi-2011-06-27.html

2- http://www.economist.com/news/books-and-arts/21583981-turkish-armenians-are-beginning-celebrateand-commemoratetheir-past-ashes

3- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wsHqcxY8Wc

4- http://www.keghart.com/Caglar-Suffering

5- http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_turks-armenians-foreign-delegation-commemorate-1915-events_313616.html

6- https://armenianpundits.wordpress.com/2007/12/20/turks-could-gain-more-than-armenians

7- http://hyemedia.com/2011/05/turkish-photographer%E2%80%99s-exhibition-in-istanbul-presents-accounts-of-armenian-genocide-survivors/