“It is estimated that as many as 70,000 Kurdish Alevis were killed in Dersim between 1937 and 1938. According to the official figures, 13,806 people were killed, and 12,000 people were exiled.”

24 October 2012 / ALI HAYDAR GÖZLÜ, TUNCELI

A monument built to commemorate the victims of the Dersim massacre, which started in 1937, is set to open on Nov. 17 in Mazgirt in the eastern province of Tunceli.

An alleged rebellion in Dersim, the old name for Tunceli, was led by Seyit Rıza, the chief of a Zaza tribe in the region. The government at the time, led by former Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader İsmet İnönü, responded with air strikes and other violent methods of suppression, killing thousands of people.

The massacre took place in five different spots in Mazgirt. The victims’ bodies were left in place, not buried. Not until the incidents ended in 1938 were some of the bodies buried in graves by the survivors.

Years after the bloody incident, due to feelings of unease after the revelation that bones from the incident were scattered in parts of the district and that the victims did not have a decent graveyard, the residents of Mazgirt proposed to Mazgirt Mayor Tekin Türkel that a monument should be constructed in memory of the murdered people. Türkel responded affirmatively and took the issue to the municipal council. The council approved the proposal, which also received support from many others who are originally from Dersim but who now live elsewhere.

The construction of the monument was financed by Tunceli businesspeople Özer Özgen and Kadrile Akçelik Özgen, while its architect is Dara Kırmızı Toprak.

In remarks to the press, Mayor Türkel said it was intentional that the timing for the opening coincided with the date of Seyit Rıza’s death. He added that political parties represented in Parliament, with the exception of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), as well as delegates from the European Parliament have been invited to the opening ceremony.

It is estimated that as many as 70,000 Kurdish Alevis were killed in Dersim between 1937 and 1938. According to the official figures, 13,806 people were killed, and 12,000 people were exiled.

However, the Mazgirt Governor’s Office ordered that construction of the monument should be stopped on the grounds that it is being erected on Treasury land before the completion of legal procedures. The warning was sent to the municipality in written form.

Speaking about the move by the governor’s office, Türkel said the problem would be solved as soon as the land is granted to the municipality. “It is an incident that stemmed from bureaucratic proceedings. I believe this will end soon,” he said.

18:13, 18 October, 2012

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 18, ARMENPRESS: TravelVivi online travel guide included Azerbaijan in the top 5 countries one should avoid visiting.

As reports Armenpress, it is mainly noted in the website “Traveling is an activity that is enjoyed by tens of millions of people all over the world and all year round. And while there are many tourist-friendly destinations, in Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, Canada and the United States that have much to offer in terms of attractions, activities, hotels and dining options, there are still places, where there is always a threatening risk – risk of getting robbed, kidnapped, caught in a tourism scam, or be at the wrong place at the wrong time. To avoid visiting such places in today’s somehow dangerous world, TravelVivi.com has chosen 5 destinations, excluding those that are more or less obvious, where there are currently military conflicts or are terrorist or are so much politically isolated like North Korea, Belarus. We are presenting you the countries we consider you should remove from your lists”. Azerbaijan gets the 3rd place in this list, following Papua New Guinea and Haiti.

“Azerbaijan is known as the ‘Land of Fires’ and is in the list of 5 dangerous places tourists avoid visiting; and not for nothing. Though blessed with spectacularly beautiful nature and a wealth of attractions, including a great many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which azeris claim to be their heritage, Azerbaijan, rich with oil and gas, still remains one of those countries, where there are concerns regarding freedom of expression and freedom of the media, as well as worries of being mugged or robbed, attacked or being insulted, and be a subject to a physical attack because of your skin color, ethnic origin or religion. Azerbaijan recently came into light of international media after releasing, pardoning and giving a national hero status to a convicted axe murderer Ramil Safarov. Azerbaijan has seen a downward trend in the number of crimes committed against foreigners. Foreigners are at a great risk in areas attracting large crowds or in every isolated area. There have been several reports from individuals who have been victims of crimes occurring late at night in bars frequented by Westerners. There have also been reports from a number of women complaining of unwanted male attention, including groping and other offensive behavior, as well as reports of vehicle break-ins at regional tourist sites and more, much more” it is noted in the article.

TravelVivi warns, If you ever happen to visit Azerbaijan, be sure to follow the following tips: do not walk alone at night in dark and unlit streets; try to arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel as possible by a taxi accredited to the hotel you are staying in, and avoid showing large sums of money in public or taking your valuables with you.

Egypt has been also included in the list of most dangerous country to visit.

It is also highlighted in that the article is not politically motivated and is just Travelvivi’s opinion.

  15 October 2012 Last updated at 17:53

James Reynolds reports from the Kurdish heartland of eastern Turkey.

Russia has begun installing a new state-of-the-art anti-aircraft weapon system in its southern military region with an eye toward targeting Turkey in response to a NATO missile defense shield outpost that was recently established in East Anatolia, daily Hürriyet reported.

The installation will be completed by the end of this year, said Russian Col. Igor Gorbul, adding that the S-400 anti-aircraft missiles were capable of destroying all types of airplanes, as well as ultra-stratospheric and ballistic missiles.

Turkish-Russian tensions rose last week after Ankara forced down a Syrian passenger plane en route from Moscow to Damascus on suspicions that it was carrying weapons, but Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov moved to defuse tensions by saying the country’s bilateral relationship would not be damaged by the incident.

15:22, 15 October, 2012

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 15, ARMENPRESS. Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia can attacks military units of the supposed rival with missiles, as well as its strategic and economic objects at a distance of 300 km. and more. As reports “Armenpress”, this was said during the press conference by the Head of Operative Department of Headquarter of Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, Major General Artak Davtyan.

Speaking about strategic training of the command headquarters held on October 1-13 Major General mentioned that a number of different types of training were involved in the schedule considering different scenarios regarding missile attacks. Major General said the following: “There will be no attack on peaceful civilians and such scenario is not even considered. We are planning attacks on strategic and economic objects of the supposed rival that are of great importance for the country, for instance centres of petroleum and gas”.

The analysis of recent imagery acquired from various sources highlights air defense developments in the Caucasus region.

In its most recent research, the U.S.-based open-source military analysis IMINT & Analysis, based on the Google Earth satellite imagery of air defense systems, examines Russian and Armenian air defense postures in the Caucasus region, Contact.az reported.

“Imagery from TerraServer and Bing Maps provides the first look at newly identified active S-300PS (SA-10B GRUMBLE) complexes in Armenia and the Georgian breakaway republic of Abkhazia. Both locations represent significant deployments for differing reasons,” says Sean O’Connor, a subject matter expert in the fields of air defense and strategic warfare.

Prior to 2008, Armenia imported components for at least three S-300PT (SA-10A GRUMBLE) batteries, displacing S-125 (SA-3 GOA) batteries defending the capital of Yerevan, according to the source.

By 2010, Russia delivered an additional pair of S-300PS batteries, reportedly deployed in the eastern Syunik province. The two sites, near Goris in the north and Kaghnut in the south, both reside within seven kilometers of the border with Nagorno Karabakh.

“Only the Kaghnut battery resides on a prepared site, the complex specially designed to accommodate the local terrain. Both batteries employ a 5N63S mobile engagement radar and mast-mounted 5N66M low-altitude EW radar,” the source mentioned.

“As imaged in 2011, the Goris battery currently operates four 5P85S/D TELs, with the Kaghnut battery operating eight. Additionally, both batteries displaced aging 2K11 (SA-4 GANEF) units. The status of the displaced 2K11 batteries remains unknown.”

Deployment of the mobile S-300PS batteries in Syunik province places the entire Nagorno Karabakh under the protection of Armenia’s air defense network, according to the analyst.

Furthermore, the S-300PS enjoys mobility that the S-300PT does not, enabling rapid relocation when required. As such, either S-300PS complex represents a possible occupant for the S-300P complex constructed near Stepanakert, the capital of Nagorno Karabakh, supplementing or replacing extant 2K11 or S-125 batteries in the region.

The siting of the S-300PS batteries permits target track assignment from either the Yerevan-based 64N6 battle management radar or a Nagorno Karabakh-based 36D6 EW radar. Furthermore, the current siting of the S-300PS batteries closes a pre-existing air defense gap, allowing Armenia to deny air travel into Nakhijevan.

“With the amount of attention given to air defense related developments in the Middle East, it is simple to overlook developments elsewhere in the world. However, overlooked developments, such as the placement of Armenian S-300PS batteries adjacent to Nagorno Karabakh, represent significant occurrences potentially impacting various future scenarios in the region,” the source concludes.

12:38, 5 September, 2012

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS: Azertac, the state run news agency of Azerbaijan is to appear in the epicenter of a new international scandal for irresponsible reporting and fabrication of threats to kill its own diplomats working abroad. Azerbaijani state news agency reported yesterday on an anonymous letter in Turkish received by the embassy in Budapest, which threatened to kill the embassy staff. Agency attributed the letter to ASALA (Armenian Secret Army for Liberation of Armenia) an Armenian militant organization that operated from 1975 to early 1990s. Agency and other sources failed to verify the letter independently. “Even a very simple content and textual analysis of the letter, however, shows, that it could not be attributed to an Armenian organization or an individual. First, the letter decreases the number of victims of the Armenian Genocide form 1.5 million to 600.000, which is the exact figure defended by the official Turkish and Azerbaijani historiography. It contradicts to the stated intention of ASALA (1975), which is “to compel the Turkish Government to acknowledge publicly its responsibility for the deaths of 1.5 million Armenians in 1915, pay reparations, and cede territory for an Armenian homeland”, where the number of Armenian victims is clearly articulated”, an unnamed former ASALA member told Armenpress.The letter is written in Turkish, which is not typical for ASALA’s communication and it reminds more a staff list of Azerbaijan’s Embassy in Budapest, which could be known by the staff of the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan. The above mentioned facts indicate that the unverified letter is a simple fabrication of Azertac, to mislead international media community. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev pardoned Ramil Safarov, a life sentenced murderer, after his extradition from Budapest to Baku on August 31, 2012. Hungarian authorities made a decision to extradite an Azerbaijani assassin Safarov to Azerbaijan where he was immediately pardoned by the president of Azerbaijan Ramil Safarov. As a result of this Hungarian-Azerbaijani deal Armenia suspended diplomatic relations with Hungary. On February 19 of 2004 in Budapest Azerbaijani officer Ramil Safarov slayed with an ax Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan when the latter was sleeping. The two officers were taking part in English language courses in framework of NATO program in Budapest. Hungarian court sentenced Ramil Safarov to life imprisonment, without a right to be pardoned during the first 30 years in jail.

October 12, 2012 | 14:12

ETCHMIADZIN. – The Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II has learned Friday that Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, has passed away at the age of 93 and after a long illness, Information System of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin informs.

Archbishop Manoogian was born in 1919 in a refugee camp near the desert town of Baquba, north of Baghdad, Iraq.

His Beatitude played a vital role in the promotion of international ecumenical relations. He served on the Board of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States, and was Chairman of the Board of “Religion in American Life.” Also, he was a member of the Board of Directors of the “Appeal of Conscience Foundation.”

Archbishop Torkom Manoogian had published some twenty books and monographs, and he was considered a foremost expert and lecturer on the Armenian composer, Komitas.

The following article is being released by Lilit Sedrakyan, Press and Public Affairs Officer, Consulate General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles:

Azerbaijan, a country with no expatriate community or economic interests in the West US, established a consulate in Los Angeles a few years ago to wage war on Armenian-Americans. In order to fight this sizeable segment of the US West Coast community, Azerbaijan employs tactics of malicious propaganda, such as the recently placed article, “Armenia Has Lost the War”. Signed by the Azeri Consul General, the article made its public appearance on account of the efforts of high-priced public relation firms and lobbyists.

Armenia and Armenians have been victim to soiled campaigns funded by Azerbaijan’s government since the breakdown of the Soviet Union where several sovereign countries emerged—including Azerbaijan and the Republic of Artsakh. Azerbaijan, rich in oil, attempted to prevent the people of Artsakh from becoming independent and sent troops and warplanes to crack down on civilians. In recent years, this has become a familiar pattern where people take their destiny in their own hands and defy the tyrants who ruthlessly order death squads against school children and helpless elderly.

The people of Artsakh paid a high price for their independence, but won their right to elect their own democratic institutions and raise their children in a free country. The generation living, working and advancing Artsakh today is 21 years old and has not seen Soviet- Azeri occupation. And this generation will never tolerate living under Azerbaijan’s rule with its despotic hereditary regime, medieval hate speech and repugnant racism.

The article mocks the international community – the OSCE’s Minsk Group, co-chaired by France, Russia and the United States and places the onus for the failure to achieve progress on Armenia. The mediation has not resulted in a breakthrough solution yet – but uniquely because of Azerbaijan. The current compromise solution presented by the Minsk group is acceptable by Armenia, while Azerbaijan refuses it even after several modifications to meet its intransigence.

Quoting some dubious statistics meant to testify to Armenia’s vulnerability, the Azeri Consul fails to understand the fundamental root of Armenia’s strength. Due to our harrowing history, we have long become a global nation with a global footprint. Our families are scattered around the world and have global stakes. We remain connected to our homeland with strong bonds and solid relationships. We live with our country through problems and successes to such an extent that Armenia’s issues, including Artsakh’s “frozen conflict” with Azerbaijan, often become domestic issues in third countries.

There should be an attempt on the part of Azerbaijan to overcome its pathological arrogance and understand that in the face of threats, Armenians around the world will mobilize and stand united —from besieged Aleppo to laidback Sao Paolo. The Consulate of Armenia works with the community, day-in, day out and has witnessed this strength and allegiance first hand. This was the case 21 years ago, too, when the people of Artsakh righteously fought for independence.

The Azeri government sees the source of its supremacy over Armenia in Azerbaijan’s oil reserves. Oil is a blessing for any country with responsible governance and civil society. For Azerbaijan, it is a curse! The resources are single-handedly managed by the Aliev Dynasty and little goes into the physical and human infrastructure of the country. Hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijani citizens live in substandard conditions, but the government spends tens of millions of dollars to awkwardly promote its international prestige. The Azeri leadership’s unbridled frenzy to buy itself an improved image invariably results in embarrassing situations.

War is in no one’s interest. The people of Azerbaijan should not be fooled by the perceived sense of prosperity and military might. They should not be blinded by hate speech and racism. They should not accept militaristic actions of their government—a government that pardons and glorifies a heinous murderer who beheaded his fellow Armenian student in his sleep at a NATO training seminar.

Armenia will continue to depend on its grassroots and build on its only comparative advantage – its people and its desire to build a viable and democratic state. We, in Armenia and all around the world, only hope that Azerbaijan will review its assessment of Armenia’s potential and actual strength, thus sparing us all more bloodshed and destruction.

Source: Panorama.am