Turkey is root of Syria crisis: Salih Muslim

March 2, 2013 By administrator

Syria- The leader of pro- Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), Salih Muslim said Syria crisis originates from Turkey since the state attempts to flame tensions and insecurity in Syria.

Talking to a press conference, in Paris, France, Muslim, also a member of Kurds National Council (KNC), the main body of Syrian Kurds, said: “Turkey has, from the start of Syria revolution, attempted to destabilize Syria. It has always cooperated with Jihadi groups to fuel the crisis.”

Turkey is trying to lead Syria crisis based on Ankara benefits, Muslim was quoted by Agence France Presse as saying.

Being in constant contact with the opposition, Turkey has played a big role in making bad waters between Kurds and the Syria National Council of the opposition.

Turkish nationalism and my Said Nursi and (Armenain Connection)

March 2, 2013 By administrator

İHSAN YILMAZ
ihsan.yilmaz@todayszaman.com

When I saw a Bediüzzaman Said Nursi book for the first time in my life, I was a teenager. The first thing I did was to go to my state school’s library and to try to find out who this man was. Was he a good guy or a bad guy? The encyclopedia that I read was unequivocally clear about the man: He was a Kurdist, nationalist villain. Nevertheless, maybe with an adolescent feeling of protest or the knowledge of what the repressively secularist Kemalists have done to practicing Muslims, I decided to read the Nursi book. I thank God with every bone in my body that I made this decision.

In the beginning, my head was full of question marks. I am now ashamed to confess it but before I read the book, despite my cognitive resistance to the Kemalist propaganda, I was still under its negative influence, especially about Nursi’s Kurdish ethnicity. Since every Turk is by default a Turkish nationalist in Turkey because of the education we get, his Kurdishness bothered me a little.

I was told last week that my brother’s 5-year-old son, who goes kindergarten, told his Kurdish mother, while bursting into tears, that he missed Atatürk a lot and he wanted to visit him as soon as possible. My 4-year-son is no different. He tries to convince me that we had nothing and Atatürk gave us everything. Never underestimate the power of education. Similarly, despite my alternative, anti-hegemonic reading list, I was under the toxic influence of my state-given education. To cut a long story short, when I read the book, I had not only started intellectually admiring this clever and wise man but also loved him because of his prose, which was full of life and sincerity. No wonder, he was called Bediüzzaman (The Wonder of the Age) by the Ottoman Islamic scholars.

A few days ago, the minutes of Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan’s private meeting with the three Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) members who visited him in prison was leaked to the White Turk newspaper Milliyet, which enthusiastically published it. Yes, it is journalism. I do not deny it. I would also publish it. Yet, the same Milliyet has not published many authentic official documents about the Ergenekon coup attempts in this country. You do not have to be a political scientist or an expert on Turkish politics to know that some Kurdish nationalist BDP politicians and some PKK leaders in both Kandil and Europe do not want a settlement. They want an independent Kurdish state. The White Turk nationalist deep state elements in the army and in the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) also do not want the armed conflict to be resolved for different reasons. Add to this, some nostalgic leftists who would love to see a Kurdish Che Guevara with a Kurdish state.

Anyway, what interests me here is that Öcalan claimed that Nursi was born in a former Armenian village. My first response was: so what? Let us assume that what Öcalan said is correct and Nursi is of Armenian descent and not, as is widely believed, an ethnic Kurd descending from our Prophet (PBUH). What is the difference? Is he still not the man who wrote his magnum opus “Letters of Light,” which is maybe the greatest Islamic work in the last a few hundred years? Most importantly, is he still not the same man, as witnessed not only by his thousands of close friends but also his staunch enemies, who lived an extraordinarily and monumentally pious life for eight decades?

Now, what bothers me is this: When I responded with “so what” on Twitter to Öcalan’s silly, ignorant and also latently racist remarks, some practicing Muslim Turks who like and respect Nursi as much as I do became upset with me. They questioned why I was accepting that Nursi was an Armenian. I was not. But the problem is this: We are not able to look at any issue without looking through a nationalist lens. We may call it positive nationalism but we must see that maybe not in normal, ordinary, peaceful times but on critical occasions like this, we easily forget that Islam does not care about ethnicity or nationality. This attitude does not serve justice either.

Diaspora-Armenian entrepreneurs establish ecotourism belt in Armenian village –

March 2, 2013 By administrator

March 02, 2013 | 03:08

YEREVAN. – Diaspora-Armenian entrepreneurial couple, Caroline and Arthur Zakarian, established, in Geghadir village of Armenia’s Kotayk Region—and nearby the Yerevan-Garni motorway—a unique recreation area for ecotourism.

The area is called Hyelandz Eco Village Resort, and it has a special stand at the 12th International Annual Tourism Fair CTS (Caucasus Travel Show) 2013, which kicked off Friday in capital city Yerevan.

The Zakarian couple came from the US—but they are originally from Lebanon—, and permanently moved to Armenia more than ten years ago. They established the aforesaid recreation area in September 2012 and already have had great success.

The distinctiveness of Hyelandz Eco Village Resort is that the food for its patrons is prepared exclusively by its own, and ecologically pure, products.

– See more at: http://news.am/eng/news/142661.html#sthash.tb342GQO.dpuf

Claims about Gülen in leaked İmralı logs

March 1, 2013 By administrator

In the minutes Öcalan claimed that Gülen has links to Turkish counterterrorism units.

“He [Gülen] lives in the US. He has opened 120 schools. Where does the money come from? Florida is the old center of the [Turkish] counterterrorism department. Alparslan Türkeş [the founder of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and a retired colonel who died in 1997] and counterinsurgency units of Central American countries were trained there. The new center is the US State of Utah. Emre Uslu [a political scientist and a columnist for Today’s Zaman] was trained there [Utah]. [Turkish] counterterrorism has taken control of rightist and leftist groups in Turkey,” Öcalan is quoted as saying in the minutes that appeared in the Milliyet report.

Prosecutor demands up to six years for Turkish-Armenian soldier’s murder suspect

March 1, 2013 By administrator

DİYARBAKIR – Doğan News Agency

A Diyarbakır military prosecutor has demanded two to six years for a suspect private charged with “murder with conscious negligence,” in the murder case of Sevag Balıkçı, a Turkish-Armenian soldier who was killed in suspicious circumstances while performing his military service in 2011.

The Diyarbakır Air Force Command Military Court continued the trial of suspect Kıvanç Ağaoğlu on charges of murder, and of non-commissioned officer Sabrettin Ersöz for “abuse of office through negligence,” on Feb 28.

Cem Halavut, the Balıkçı family’s lawyer, said the witness testimonies should be given one more time as they conflicted each other, and added that the investigation should be expanded. However, the court board denied his demands.

Sevag Balıkçı’s father, Garabet, and mother, Ani Balıkçı, also attended the hearing.

Balıkçı was shot in a gendarmerie station in Batman province by another soldier, Kıvanç Ağaoğlu, with whom he was performing his military service. The incident took place on April 24, 2011, the same date as Armenians mark the anniversary of the events of 1915.

Kerry to ‘express concerns’ to Turkish PM over Zionism remarks: US official

March 1, 2013 By administrator

ISTANBUL/ANKARA

Secretary of State John Kerry will on Friday express concerns to Turkey’s prime minister over his remarks branding Zionism a “crime against humanity,” comments that Washington considers offensive and wrong, a US official said, Agence France-Presse reported.

“The secretary will have the chance to express his concerns about the remarks” made by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a UN forum on Wednesday, a US State Department official traveling with Kerry said on condition of anonymity.

“We put out a statement from Washington making clear that the statement was both offensive and wrong and I am sure the secretary will be able to convey that to the prime minister directly this afternoon,” the official said.

Netanyahu slams Erdoğan’s comments on anti-Semitism as ‘dark and libelous’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s comments on Zionism and anti-Semitism on Feb. 28, describing them as a “crime against humanity.”

“I strongly condemn the comparison that the Turkish prime minister drew between Zionism and Nazism. I had thought that such dark and libelous comments were a thing of the past,” Netanyahu said in a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, according to daily Haaretz.

Speaking at the “Fifth Alliance of Civilizations Forum” in Vienna’s Hofburg Palace on Feb. 27, Erdoğan had criticized the attitude toward Muslims in certain European countries. “Just like Zionism, anti-Semitism and fascism, it becomes unavoidable that Islamophobia must be regarded as a crime against humanity,” Erdoğan said.

Israel Foreign Ministry Spokesman Yigal Palmor also blasted Erdoğan’s remarks as “hollow words that only reflect ignorance.” Palmor added that Israeli officials saw the remarks in the Turkish press. “Zionism is the national movement of the Jewish people and to deny any people their right to self-determination and to their national movement is absurd. We will not dignify such nonsense with any future comment,” he said.

According to Jerusalem Post, Israeli officials expect U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to raise the issue of improving ties between the two countries during his trip to Ankara on March 1.

The Turkish government has repeatedly demanded an official apology from Israel for the raid on the Mavi Marmara ship sailing to Gaza as part of a flotilla of activist vessels in May 2010, which killed nine Turkish activists on board. The incident caused a rapid deterioration in the bilateral relations between the countries and the Netanyahu government has so far refused to meet Turkey’s demands and issue a formal apology or pay compensation to the families.

The White House also condemned the remarks.

“We reject Prime Minister Erdoğan’s characterization of Zionism as a crime against humanity, which is offensive and wrong,” White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said in a statement. “We encourage people of all faiths, cultures, and ideas to denounce hateful actions and to overcome the differences of our times,” he said.

Ban Ki-moon condemns Turkish PM’s remarks on Zionism

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Friday Erdoğan’s description of Zionism as a crime against humanity was “hurtful and divisive.”

Ban’s spokesman said the secretary-general had heard Erdoğan’s speech at a U.N. meeting in Vienna on Wednesday through an interpreter.

“The secretary-general believes is it is unfortunate that such hurtful and divisive comments were uttered at a meeting being held under the theme of responsible leadership,” the spokesman said in a statement.

Series of events where held in Greece, Brussels, Washington and Bulgaria dedicated to 25th anniversary of the Artsakh Movement

March 1, 2013 By administrator

Series of events where held in Greece, Brussels, Washington and Bulgaria dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Artsakh Movement and memory of Sumgait massacre victims.

By the initiative of Armenian Embassy in Greece and the Armenian communities of Greece on February 27 in Nea Zmirni district of Athens at the memorial of Armenian Genocide “Zangak” (Tinkler) an event was held dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Artsakh Movement and in memory of victims of Sumgait massacres.

RA Ambassador to Greece Gagik Ghalchayan and Chairman of Hay Dat commission in Greece Davit Petrosyan made speeches in front of the attendees.

Another action was held on Wednesday in Brussels in front of the embassy of Azerbaijan connected with the 25th anniversary of Sumgait pogroms. Protest action was organized by the Armenian Student’s association in Belgium and committee of “Hay Dat” of Belgium.

In “Yerevan Park” of Sofia at the Armenian cross stone ceremony of laying wreath in memory of the innocent victims of Sumgait was held.

Armenians of Washington too held a protest on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the Sumgait massacre, chanting “We always remember Sumgait,” and “Justice for Gurgen Markarian». The action organized by the Armenian Youth Organization of Washington “Ani” and the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America (ACYOA), was held at the Azerbaijani embassy in the U.S.

On 26-29 February 1988 in terms of actual complicity of local authorities and inaction of the USSR government mass pogroms of civilians were organized in Sumgait city of Azerbaijani SSR, accompanied with unprecedented brutal murders, violence and pillaging against the Armenian population of the city. Armenian pogroms in Sumgait were carefully organized. At the meetings, which began on February 26 in the central square, city leaders openly called for violence against the Armenians.

On February 27 protests which were attended by hundreds of rioters turned into violence. Armed with axes, knives, specially sharpened rebar, rocks and cans of gasoline and with the pre-compiled lists of apartments where Armenians lived the rioters broke into the houses, turning everything upside down there and killing the owners. In the same time, people were often taken out to the streets or to the courtyard for jeering at them publicly. After painful humiliations and torture the victims were doused with gasoline and burnt alive.

On February 29 army troops entered Sumgait but without an order to intervene. Only in the evening, when the mad crowd began to attack the soldiers the military units took up decisive steps.

The exact number of victims of Sumgait pogroms is still unknown. According to official data, 32 people were killed; however there is ample evidence that several hundred Armenians have been killed in the city in three days. There is also evidence that the riots were coordinated by KGB in Azerbaijan. Executioners of Sumgait were subsequently declared as national heroes of Azerbaijan.

Source: Panorama.am

Gurgen Margaryan legal successors submitted a complaint to European Court of Human Rights on Safarov extradition

March 1, 2013 By administrator

14:29, 1 March, 2013
YEREVAN, MARCH 1, ARMENPRESS: The legal successors of Armenian officer Guregn Margarayn and the representatives of another officer Hayk Mukuchyan subjected to an assassination have submitted a relevant complaint to European Court of Human Rights, whereby present non legal actions of Hungary and Azerbaijan regarding Ramil Safarov extradition and subsequent pardon.

As Armenpress reports, deputy Minister of Justice of the Republic of Armenia Ruben Melikyan had a briefing with the reporters on March 1. ”The complaint was grounded under the 2nd (a right to life) and 14^th (prohibition of discrimination ) articles of European Court of Human Rights Convention. We have a right to be involved as a third side in accordance to European Convention Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms”.

On February 19, 2004, Lieutenant of the Armenian Armed Forces Gurgen Margaryan, was hacked to death, while asleep, by a fellow Azerbaijani participant, lieutenant Ramil Safarov, in Budapest during a three-month English language course in the framework of Partnership for Peace NATO-sponsored program. Hungarian authorities despite the fact Hungarian court had sentenced Ramil Safarov to a life imprisonment with no right to be pardoned in 30 years time extradited the criminal on August 31, 2012. The assassin was not mainly released in Homeland but granted a mayor title. Armenia suspended relations with Hungary.sentence dated April 13, 2006. Ramil Safarov was life imprisoned for murdering the Armenian officer.

Many international and local organizations, political forces and politicians have come forth with condemnation statements. Hungary has already declared readiness to restore the diplomatic relations with Armenia.

– See more at: http://armenpress.am/eng/news/710090/gurgen-margaryan-legal-successors-submitted-a-complaint-to-european-court-of-human-rights-on-safarov.html#sthash.NvvJJmoY.dpuf

Palestinian President hosted Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem

March 1, 2013 By administrator

15:21, 1 March, 2013
YEREVAN, MARCH 1, ARMENPRESS. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas hosted the elected Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem Archbishop Nourhan Manoogian and a number of priests accompanying him in his residence in Ramallah on February 28. The “Armenpress” reporter in Jerusalem, member of St. James Convent

Archimandrite Koryun Baghdasaryan stated this. During the meeting the Ferman on recognition of the Armenian Patriarch’s election by the Palestinian authorities was officially recited and solemnly handed over to Archbishop Nourhan Manoogian. Afterwards the elected Patriarch made a speech, which was followed by the speech delivered by the Palestinian President.Among other things Mahmoud Abbas laid a heavy emphasis on the presence of the Armenian Church and Armenian people in the Holy Land and expressed conviction that the Armenian community will continue contributing to the Palestinian society. Also the President underscored the fraternal relations between the Armenian and Palestinian peoples. At the end of the meeting the sides exchanged gifts.

His Eminence Archbishop Nourhan Manoogian has been elected the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem on January 24. The patriarchal throne remained vacant since the former Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem Rev. Archbishop Torkom Manoukyan passed away after long illness at the age of 93.

– See more at: http://armenpress.am/eng/news/710088/palestinian-president-hosted-armenian-patriarch-of-jerusalem.html#sthash.Ydngl8aP.dpuf

Hovannisian to Address Glendale Rally for Armenia

March 1, 2013 By administrator

GLENDALE—Opposition leader Raffi Hovannisian will address, via Skype, participants of Rally for Armenia, which will take place on Sunday, March 3 at 6 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale, announced organizers.

The rally is organized by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western US Central Committee and the All Armenian Student Association, the Armenian Bar Association, the ARF Shant Student Association and the Armenian Youth Federation, and will feature speakers and a performance by Harut Pamboukjian.

The rally was conceived to show solidarity with the people of Armenia, who have created a movement since the Feb. 18 presidential elections to reject election violations and fraud and demand the establishment of democratic norms and social justice in Armenia.

In joining the movement, the ARF has said that it remains with the people and will work hard in helping the advance the aspirations of the Armenian people and restore faith in Armenia.

The public is urged to take part in this important community event and by joining the rally raise its voice of support for the people of Armenia.

– See more at: http://asbarez.com/108554/hovannisian-to-address-glendale-rally-for-armenia/#sthash.3Ryi4hji.dpuf