Turkey invites Armenian president to 100th anniversary of Gallipoli War

January 16, 2015 By administrator

As part of Ankara’s charm offensive ahead of the centennial anniversary of the mass killings of Anatolian Armenians, President Recep Erdoğan has taken the unprecedented diplomatic step of extending an invitation to Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan to ceremonies marking the centenary of the Battle of Gallipoli in Çanakkale in late April, which coincides with the Armenian remembrance day, the Hurriyet Daily News reports.

With plans to hold massive ceremonies to mark the centenary of the Battle of Gallipoli on April 23 and 24, Erdoğan has sent out invitations to the leaders of 102 countries, including Armenian President Sargsyan and U.S. President Barack Obama.

The ANZAC Troops (Australia-New Zealand Army Corps) disembarked onto the shores of Çanakkkale on April 25, 1915 in a bid to destroy Turkish artillery units, but were defeated in bloody combat that continued until December 1915. Ever since, Australians and New Zealanders have commemorated the Battle of Gallipoli on April 25, on the date of the first landing, and on Aug 6 to Aug 10, the second landing of the ANZAC troops.

Marking the 100th anniversary of the battle for Turkey, Australia and New Zealand, the Turkish government is set to organize ceremonies with the participation of 8,500 Australians and 2,000 New Zealanders. The U.K.’s Prince Charles and his two sons, and the prime ministers of Australia and New Zealand, are expected to take part in commemorations.

A day before the April 24 ceremonies in Çanakkale, the government is planning to host a reception and a “Summit of Peace” in Istanbul on April 23, the day when Turkey marks the 95th anniversary of the foundation of the Turkish Parliament.

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has signed invitation letters to his counterparts, while President Erdoğan has sent letters to the heads of state, accompanied by the message, “We would be delighted to have you with us on the 100th anniversary commemorations of the Battle of Gallipoli.”

Speaking to daily Hürriyet, a government official recalled that along with the many other ethnic groups who fought in the ranks of the Ottoman military, the Armenians also fought at Gallipoli. “We fought together in Gallipoli. That’s why we have extended the invitation to Sargsyan as well,” the official added.

However, April 24, 1915 is also the date of the Ottoman government’s signing the Deportation Law that led to the deaths of up to a million Armenians in their long march south from eastern Anatolia. Armenia and the Armenian diaspora mark the day as the “anniversary of genocide” committed by the Ottoman Empire, and are planning to hold massive ceremonies on the centenary of the mass killings of their ancestors.

Sargsyan has invited world leaders to Yerevan on the same day, and neither Sargsyan nor Obama are expected to accept Turkey’s invitation to attend the ceremonies in Turkey.

Armenian President believes war in Karabakh not possible

November 15, 2014 By administrator

YEREVAN. – Armenia’s President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces Serzh Sargsyan and the President of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) Republic Bako Sahakyan followed joint military exercises of Armenian and Artsakh “Unity 2014”, Armenian News – NEWS.am reports.

After the exercises, President Sargsyan congratulated all participants “of the largest joint exercises.”

“What we saw on the battlefield, an excellent combat skills you displayed, your courage and loyalty allows us to call these exercises a success,” he said. “You are our hope and our faith, you are our sword and our shield. Of course, there were others on the opposite side, those who were ready to use any means against you, those who are able to murder a sleeping man, those who will destroy the helicopter that was of absolutely no danger to them.”

At the same time, President Sargsyan reminded that in 1990s Azerbaijan underestimated Artsakh people and lost.

“You proved that you cannot be underestimated, but are appreciated. I am sure, there will be no war, as long as you are strong and as long as you stand here,” stressed Armenian President.

Armenian President arrives in Karabakh (video)

November 13, 2014 By administrator

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has arrived in the Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) Republic on a working visit, a day after a military helicopter belonging to the NKR army was shot down by Azerbaijan during a training flight.

Accompanied by NKR leader Bako Sahakyan and Defense Minister of Armenia and Karabakh, President Sargsyan will visit a number of military units.

The armed forces of Armenia and the Nagorno Karabakh Republic are currently holding joint drills, which involve 47,000 people.

Source:PanARMENIAN.Net

Armenian President meets German Chancellor, visits Mekhitarist Congregation

June 13, 2014 By administrator

Armradio On a visit to Vienna, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan held a meeting with Federal Chancellor Werner Faymann of the Republic of Austria.

Serzh Sargsyan praised the continuous promotion of the Armenian-Austrian multi-sector collaboration during Werner Faymann’s time in office, but added, at the same time, that there is still great unrealized potential for bilateral cooperation. The President of Armenia assured that the Armenian government is ready to undertake additional steps aimed at further enlarging the bilateral agenda and promoting collaboration. Chancellor Werner Faymann mentioned that he is likewise personally committed to that goal.

At the meeting, the parties stressed the importance of the economic forum held within the framework of the Armenian President’s official visit to Austria and the arrangements made there.

In Austria, Serzh Sargsyan visited the Mekhitarist Congregation of Vienna, the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, as well as the library and museum of the Congregation. The president also visited Saint Hripsime Armenian Apostolic Church in order to pay tribute to the memory of the Armenian Genocide victims by placing flowers at the monument installed in the yard of the church.

Armenian President expressed his condolences to Turkey

May 16, 2014 By administrator

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan on Wednesday sent a telegram of condolences to Turkish President Abdullah Gül after an accident at a coal mine in Turkey, which has left hundreds of people killed.

According to the official website of the head of the Armenian state, in his telegram Serzh Sargsyan expressed his sincere condolences to President Gul and the people of Turkey and sent words of comfort to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to injured in the accident.

At least 232 people were killed in the explosion that occurred at a coal mine in the Turkish city of Soma, 13 May 100 people remained trapped in the mine.

Armenian President: year 2015 should convey strong message to Turkey

April 24, 2014 By administrator

April 24, 2014 – 12:40 AMT

President Serzh Sargyan issued an address on the 99the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire.

“Today we bow to the memory of the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide. One and a half million Armenians fell prey to a crime which did not have a name at the time. Nor had a human language coined such a term. They were killed as a part of a monstrous crime which lied in anihilation of Armenians as a political factor.

Nearly a hundred years after the Genocide, it is obvious that we as a nation were not ready to undergo those hardships. Even now, Armenian people feel the repercussions of the great tragedy. But we have built our state and today, in contrast to the past, we are ready to confront such calamities. Nowhere in the world is an Armenian as safe as under the auspices of his own state.

The 24th of April is just a symbolic date: it is clear that the Armenian Genocide was not perpetrated in one day. And the tragedy is not over as far as the successor of the Ottoman Turkey continues its policy of utter denial. We are convinced that the denial of a crime perpetuates that very crime. Only recognition and condemnation can prevent the repetition of such crimes in the future. Today, we stand on the threshold of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. This date can be a chance for Turkey to repent and face its history. At the same time, I publicly reaffirm: we do not consider the Turkish society to be our enemy. We bow to the memory of the innocent victims we remember all those Turks who, at the risk of their own lives, lent a helping hand to their Armenian neighbors and helped numerous Armenian children escape from the clutches of the mob. We express our gratitude to all the countries and peoples who granted asylum to our compatriots who survived the Genocide. Armenian people will remember this forever. Our sisters and brothers have kept showing their gratitude for decades by becoming devoted citizens of those hospitable countries.

Today, Armenians of Syria are facing increasing hardships. This is our open wound and the issue of our primary concern. We take every effort to help return peace to Syrian people and our compatriots in Syria.

We are approaching the 100th anniversary of the Genocide as a stronger nation, open-faced and having a state whose name is the Republic of Armenia – a homeland of people who despite the decade-old illegal blockade and the “neither war nor peace” reality continue to make progress.

The year 2015 should convey a strong message to Turkey. The attitude toward Armenia can no longer be measured by words because it presumes clear steps: opening of closed borders and establishment of normal relations. Our position on the Armenian-Turkish protocols has not changed and the idea of “reasonable terms” is becoming more urgent than ever,” the Armenian leader said in his statement.

Source: PanARMENIAN.Net

Armenian president: Turkey has a good chance to repent

April 24, 2014 By administrator

April 23, 2014 | 21:26
YEREVAN. – President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan addressed the nation on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.

The statement reads:

“Dear compatriots,

Today we bow to the memory of the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide. One and a half million Armenians fell prey to such a crime which did not have a name at that time. Nor had a human language coined such an expression or a term yet. They were killed simply because they were Armenians. The crime designed minutely and in advance pursued a clear goal: to take possession of the home country, the property and the millennium-old heritage by exterminating the native people living there. By this they committed a monstrous crime seeking to once and forever annihilate Armenians as a political factor.

Today, nearly a hundred years after the Genocide, it is obvious that we as a nation were not ready to undergo those hardships neither psychologically nor in terms of an organization degree. Up until now, all the parts of Armenian people and all generations have known what the outcomes of the Genocide feel like. It is true. However, the reality is that we have built our state and today, in contrast to the past, we are ready to confront such calamities both psychologically and in terms of an organization degree especially in our homeland. Nowhere in the world is as safe for an Armenian as it is under the auspices of his own state.

Dear compatriots,

The 24th of April is just a symbolic date: it is clear that the Armenian Genocide was not initiated and put an end in one day. Moreover, it is alive as far as the successor of the Ottoman Turkey continues its policy of utter denial. We are convinced that the denial of a crime constitutes the direct continuation of that very crime. Only recognition and condemnation can prevent the repetition of such crimes in the future.

Today, we stand on the threshold of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. This can afford Turkey a good chance to repent and to set aside the historical stigma in case if they make efforts to set free their state’s future from this heavy burden.

At the same time, I publicly reaffirm: we do not consider the Turkish society as our enemy. Bowing to the memory of the innocent victims we remember all those Turks, Turkish families who lent a helping hand to their Armenian neighbors, friends being annihilated by the barbarians and helped numerous Armenian children escape from the clutches of the mob. God bless the memories of those who gave plenty of our compatriots a helping hand by risking even their and their families’ lives. Every society including Turks should be proud of their ancestors who rescued lives and threw down the gauntlet to the Genocide. We remember this.

We express our gratitude to all the countries and peoples who granted asylum to our compatriots having had a narrow escape from the Genocide. Armenian people will remember this forever. Our sisters and brothers have kept showing their gratitude for decades by becoming devoted citizens of those hospitable countries.

Today, the Armenians of Syria have got into trouble. This is our open wound and the issue of our primary concern. We do our best to re-establish peace for Syrian people and our compatriots of Syria.

Dear compatriots,

We are approaching the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide with a straightening back, open-faced and having a state whose name is the Republic of Armenia. It is the homeland of entire Armenians who despite the decade-old illegal blockade and the “neither war nor peace” reality continue to make progress.

The year 2015 should convey a strong message to Turkey. The attitude toward Armenia can no longer be measured by words because it presumes clear steps: the opening of the closed borders and the establishment of normal relations. Our position on the Armenian-Turkish protocols has not changed and the idea of “reasonable terms” is becoming more urgent than ever”.

Armenian President, Serzh Sargsyan meets François Hollande in Vilnius

November 29, 2013 By administrator

President Serzh Sargsyan, who is in Lithuania on a working visit, held a number of bilateral meetings today in Vilnius. Minutes ago, President Sargsyan concluded his meeting with President of France François Hollande who has arrived in Vilnius to participate in the third Summit of the Heads of State of Eastern Partnership.

The parties noted with satisfaction the high level of Armenian-French political dialogue and underscored that the development of relations between the two friendly states is substantially promoted by frequent reciprocal visits, efficient cooperation in different areas as well as by cooperation within the framework of the International Organization of Francophonie and in international settings.

Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and François Hollande also stressed the importance of dynamically developing decentralized cooperation and contacts between the business communities of the two countries. Serzh Sargsyan underlined that all this also boosts successful trade and economic cooperation, which is testified by the fact that with regard to investments in Armenia, France holds a dominating position among the EU countries.

The Presidents of Armenia and France concurred that there is still a great potential for deepening and expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation and it is necessary to work jointly towards that end.

The interlocutors also spoke about Armenia-EU cooperation and exchanged views on regional issues, the presidential press service reported.