WASHINGTON: Over 40 House Members Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize Genocide

March 18, 2015 By administrator

Congressional hold press conference to introduce Genocide resolution

WASHINGTON–Representatives Robert Dold (R-IL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), David Valadao (R-CA), and Frank Pallone (D-NJ), along with 40 other Members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday introduced the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution. This bipartisan resolution calls upon the President to work toward equitable, constructive, and durable Armenian-Turkish relations based upon the Republic of Turkey’s full acknowledgement of the facts and ongoing consequences of the Armenian Genocide. The resolution will also establish a fair, just, and comprehensive international record of this crime against humanity.

This year, 2015, marks the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide – a systematic and deliberate annihilation campaign launched by the government of the Ottoman Empire against its Armenian population which left 1.5 million Armenians dead and millions more displaced. While the Armenian Genocide has been recognized by more than twenty nations including Canada, Italy, Sweden, France, Argentina and Russia, as well as the European Parliament, it has not been formally recognized by the U.S. Congress in decades and has not been recognized by President Barack Obama.

“Denial of the Armenian Genocide undermines foundations for durable peace and security, making future atrocities more likely,” said Rep. Robert Dold. “As the greatest force for human dignity in the world, the United States has an obligation to send an unequivocal message that we will never forget those that were lost, nor shall we tolerate any country that hides behind bully tactics to shroud violations of human rights.”

“One hundred years ago, one and a half million Armenian men, women and children were deliberately murdered in the first genocide of the 20th Century – these facts are indisputable,” said Rep. Adam Schiff. “And on this important anniversary and while there are still survivors among us, we in Congress and the President have an opportunity and an obligation to send a strong message that we will never forget those who were lost, and we will call this crime against humanity what it was, genocide. We feel a powerful sense of urgency and the profound call of moral duty to recognize the Armenian Genocide unequivocally and without delay.”

“One hundred years after the Genocide, the sense of loss and pain is still strong as many in our community have a direct connection to someone who was unable to escape,” said Rep. David Valadao. “While those impacted by the Genocide are always in our hearts, let us take an extra moment to remember the two million Armenians whose lives were lost.”

“As we recognize the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, we remember the one and a half million Armenians who were slaughtered by Ottoman Turks,” said Rep. Frank Pallone. “Now is the time for the United States government to do the moral thing and recognize these atrocities for what they are—genocide. While we mark 100 years since this horrible act of violence we also recommit ourselves to the work of speaking out against oppression and senseless violence. Today, I join my colleagues in remembering the victims and paying homage to the Armenian people who, for thousands of years, have shown their perseverance and strength in the face of great challenges,” said Congressman Frank Pallone.

The full text of the resolution, introduced today during a press conference on Capitol Hill, reads:

Calling on the President to work toward equitable, constructive, stable, and durable Armenian-Turkish relations based upon the Republic of Turkey’s full acknowledgment of the facts and ongoing consequences of the Armenian Genocide, and a fair, just, and comprehensive international resolution of this crime against humanity.

Whereas the Obama Administration has, since early 2009, sought to improve Armenian-Turkish relations through diplomatic efforts to lift the Republic of Turkey’s blockade of Armenia and facilitate an end to Ankara’s refusal to establish diplomatic relations with Yerevan;

Whereas at the start of this process, President Barack Obama had, on April 6, 2009, voiced the United States Government’s expectation that Armenia-Turkey dialogue would `bear fruit very quickly’, but that since then, the Obama Administration has commended Armenia’s participation in this dialogue while holding Turkey largely responsible for the lack of results from this process, with the Secretary of State noting, on June 4, 2012, that, on this matter, `the ball remains in Turkey’s court.’;

Whereas on April 24, 2013, President Barack Obama stated, `A full, frank, and just acknowledgment of the facts is in all of our interests. Nations grow stronger by acknowledging and reckoning with painful elements of the past, thereby building a foundation for a more just and tolerant future.’;

Whereas the Republic of Turkey, rather than acknowledging and reckoning with painful elements of the past, has escalated its international campaign of Armenian Genocide denial, maintained its blockade of Armenia, and increased its pressure on the small but growing Turkish civil society movement acknowledging the Armenian Genocide and seeking justice for this systematic campaign of destruction of millions of Armenians, Greeks, Assyrians, Pontians, Syriacs, and other Christians upon their biblical-era homelands;

Whereas the United States is on record as having officially recognized the Armenian Genocide, in the United States Government’s May 28, 1951, written statement to the International Court of Justice regarding the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, through President Ronald Reagan’s April 22, 1981, Proclamation No. 4838, and by Congressional legislation, including House Joint Resolution 148 adopted on April 8, 1975, and House Joint Resolution 247 adopted on September 10, 1984;

Whereas even prior to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the United States has a record of having sought to justly and constructively address the consequences of the Ottoman Empire’s intentional destruction of the Armenian people, including through Senate Concurrent Resolution 12 adopted on February 9, 1916, Senate Resolution 359 adopted on May 11, 1920, and President Woodrow Wilson’s Decision of the President of the United States of America Respecting the Frontier between Turkey and Armenia, Access for Armenia to the Sea, and the Demilitarization of Turkish Territory Adjacent to the Armenian Frontier, dated November 22, 1920;

Whereas President Barack Obama entered office having stated his `firmly held conviction that the Armenian Genocide is not an allegation, a personal opinion, or a point of view, but rather a widely documented fact supported by an overwhelming body of historical evidence’, affirmed his record of `calling for Turkey’s acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide’, and pledged that `as President I will recognize the Armenian Genocide’; and

Whereas the United States national interests in the establishment of equitable, constructive, stable, and durable relations between Armenians and Turks cannot be meaningfully advanced by circumventing or otherwise seeking to avoid materially addressing the central political, legal, security, and moral issue between these two nations, Turkey’s denial of truth and justice for the Armenian Genocide: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives calls on the President to work toward equitable, constructive, stable, and durable Armenian-Turkish relations based upon the Republic of Turkey’s full acknowledgment of the facts and ongoing consequences of the Armenian Genocide, and a fair, just, and comprehensive international resolution of this crime against humanity.

Gökçek questions origins of German-Turkish politician over ‘genocide’ remarks

March 18, 2015 By administrator

Genocide denier, Ankara Mayor Melih Gökçek. (Photo: DHA)

Ankara Mayor Melih Gökçek on Tuesday asked if the leader of Germany‘s Greens, German-Turkish politician Cem Özdemir, is Armenian due to Özdemir’s remarks calling on Turkey to recognize as genocide the killings of Armenians during the last years of the Ottoman Empire.

“I am asking the deputy of German Greens Party just out of curiosity… Please answer, Cem Özdemir… Are you of Armenian origin?” Gökçek asked in remarks posted on Twitter.

Gökçek then shared a two-minute video about the countries that accuse Turkey of committing genocide and said “Those who blame us for genocide should accept these genocides first.”

The video, apparently a part of a documentary aired on state-run TRT, lists the countries’ previous acts that, the video said, amounted to genocide.

In his recent remarks during an interview with the Armenian Service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Özdemir said Ankara should normalize bilateral relations with Yerevan and open the closed border with its easterly neighbor ahead of the upcoming centennial commemoration of the 1915 events and that Turkey “will eventually recognize the [1915 events as] genocide.”

Gökçek also accused Germany on Wednesday of practicing double standards. He shared an online news portal website link that reports Germany describing as chaos the anti-austerity protests ahead of the inauguration ceremony for the European Central Bank’s new headquarters in Frankfurt. The news portal also claims that Germany supported nationwide Gezi Park protests in Turkey in the summer of 2013 by using the common slogan during the Gezi Park protests, “Do not surrender.”

Gökçek, known for his controversial remarks, claimed in January that Israeli intelligence Mossad is behind the deadly Paris attacks that took place on Jan. 7 and Jan. 9.

Zero Tolerance for Genocide Denialists in Congress

March 5, 2015 By administrator

BY HARUT SASSOUNIAN

I reported last week on the Armenian-American community success in securing cancellation of Los Angeles City’s $845,000 contract with the Gephardt Group, for lobbying on behalf of Turkey against adoption of the Armenian Genocide resolution by Congress.

I expressed the hope that Armenians would continue their efforts to have the remaining 200 clients of the Gephardt Group terminate their contracts so that Mr. Gephardt would pay a steep price for his denialist lobbying.

Energized by their major victory in Los Angeles, Armenian-Americans should now expand their political activism to make an example of Cong. Bill Shuster (Republican-Pennsylvania) who has written an outrageous letter to members of Congress asking them not to support the pending Armenian Genocide resolution.

In a “Dear Colleague” letter sent by Cong. Shuster to all 435 House Members last month, he shamelessly urged them “to refrain from cosponsoring a resolution taking sides in a historical dispute concerning events which occurred a hundred years ago on the other side of the world.” I wonder how the Congressman feels about the Holocaust that also took place “on the other side of the world” more than 70 years ago!

In his brazen letter, Cong. Shuster casts doubt on the veracity of the Armenian Genocide, by alleging that there are “two competing narratives about what happened during the First World War to Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire.” In his twisted logic, the Congressman claims that “the events of 1915…did not constitute genocide,” because “over two million Ottoman Kurds, Arabs, and Muslims…also suffered in this conflict.” His reference to the suffering of “over two million Ottoman Kurds” during World War I is the latest lie scripted by one of the many lobbying firms working for the Turkish government.

The Pennsylvania Congressman also falsely claims that the Armenian Genocide resolution “would alienate one of our last allies in the region [Turkey] who is working hand in hand with US soldiers and our allies to combat ISIS.” Cong. Shuster must have been hiding in a cave for the last couple of years not to have known that this “important NATO ally” has orchestrated the infiltration of thousands of ISIS terrorists into Syria and supplied them with arms, ammunition and logistics. The Congressman ridiculously alleges that “adopting this [Armenian] resolution would be cataclysmic and undermine US interests.” If Turkey is such a good U.S. ally, why would it want to undermine America’s interests? Would passing a resolution condemning the Holocaust result in Germany — our other NATO ally — undermining US interests in Europe?

Cong. Shuster ends his letter by calling the mass murder of 1.5 million Armenians a mere “incident,” urging his colleagues “not [to] take sides in a battle to reinterpret history” and “to think twice before signing on to legislation that could cause significant damage to our relations in the region.” No wonder, the incongruously named ‘Turkish Institute for Progress’ immediately issued a statement applauding the Congressman’s letter denying the Armenian Genocide.

The Turkish Sabah newspaper reported on February 27 that two House members from New York, Democrat Yvette Clarke and Republican Lee Zeldin, have also announced their opposition to the Armenian Genocide resolution. It is noteworthy that the Armenian National Committee of America gave an F- grade to Cong. Shuster, and C- to Cong. Clark. Cong. Zeldin has not yet been graded by the ANCA as this is his first term in office.

Armenian-Americans have a year and a half until the next congressional elections to develop an effective plan to make an example of one or more of these three genocide deniers in Congress. If at least one of them is defeated, other members would think twice before playing the immoral game of genocide denialism.

Not surprisingly, Shuster, Clarke and Zeldin are three of the 130 members of the Congressional Turkey Caucus. In addition, Shuster is the Co-Chair of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus. After one of these three unprincipled politicians is kicked out of Congress, the Armenian community should then devise a strategy to go after all 130 members of the Turkey Caucus, down from its peak of 157 members in 2012. Applying such pressure would cause more of them to leave the Turkey Caucus, and make others reluctant to join, once they realize that they too would be targeted for defeat.

Zero tolerance for Genocide denialists in Congress!

ANC-TORONTO ACTION ALERT: Notorious genocide deniers McCarthy & Fein at University of Toronto?

February 28, 2015 By administrator

Activists Turn Their Backs to Genocide Denialist Speakers

On Friday, February 27, 2015, notorious genocide deniers Justin McCarthy and Bruce Fein came to visit the University of Toronto to speak on “WWI Hundredth Anniversary: Human Suffering in Eastern Anatolia”. Armenian students at U of T, who made up the majority of those in attendance, held a silent protest at the event, turning their backs on the speakers when they began to misconstrue the history of the Armenian Genocide. Full story, including video footage, is available here.

Is it acceptable to you for individuals who are paid to spread the narrative of the Turkish Government on the Armenian Genocide to be using the University of Toronto campus to don a veil of legitimacy?

On the hundredth anniversary of the death of 1.5 million Armenians, you are urged to write to the university expressing how this event impacts you today, in 2015, in Canada. If you are a student or alumnus of U of T, please ensure that you mention it as you sign at the bottom. A sample email can be found below:

To: antiracism@utoronto.ca
Cc: president@utoronto.ca; anct@anctoronto.org

Dear Sandra Carnegie-Douglas, Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Officer,

I am writing to you to express serious concern about an event organized by the Federation of Canadian Turkish Associations (FCTA) which took place on Friday, February 27, at the University of Toronto. The lecture entitled “WWI Hundredth Anniversary: Human Suffering in Eastern Anatolia,” featured infamous genocide deniers Justin McCarthy and Bruce Fein.

Despite concerns raised by students, professors, alumni, and community associations, the administration of the university allowed the event to take place.

Not only did university space become a podium for denying the Genocide of Armenians it also became a venue for spewing hateful comments. Members of the student groups who attended the event were insulted and threatened. Why did the university not properly assess the concerns voiced by petition and statement signatories? Despite past experiences with similar outcomes, and with full knowledge of the intentions of the FCTA, who maliciously intended to counter Canada-wide efforts for Armenian Genocide commemoration and education, the administration allowed this event to take place.

I would like the University of Toronto to disassociate itself from this event and reaffirm its commitment to educating its student body about the Armenian Genocide through its faculties in an official statement. One hundred years after 1.5 million Armenians were driven from their homes, starved, stabbed, shot, and raped, will we allow the University of Toronto to be a place where the descendents of its survivors and victims are taunted for their suffering?

anct@anctoronto.org.

Activists Turn Their Backs to Denialist Speakers at UofT

February 27, 2015 By administrator

Over 70 human rights activists (Photo: Ishkhan Ghazarian)

Over 70 human rights activists from the university community, who made up the majority of those in attendance, held the silent protest by standing in unison and turning their backs to the lecturers. (Photo: Ishkhan Ghazarian)

TORONTO, Canada—On Feb. 27, Armenian youth held a silent protest at a lecture entitled “WWI 100th Anniversary-Human Suffering in Eastern Anatolia,” featuring genocide deniers Justin McCarthy and Bruce Fein. The lecture, organized by the Federation of Canadian Turkish Associations, was held at the University of Toronto (UofT), St. George Campus.

The Armenian Youth Federation of Canada (AYF Canada), in collaboration with the Armenian Students Association (ASA) of UofT St. George and Scarborough campuses, and the Armen Karo Student Association spearheaded this protest action.

Over 70 human rights activists from the university community, who made up the majority of those in attendance, held the silent protest by standing in unison and turning their backs to the lecturers.

Protesters allowed the speakers to deliver their opening remarks. However, when it became apparent that the speakers would deny and misconstrue the factuality of the Armenian Genocide, the group stood up and turned their backs to the podium as a silent protest against genocide denial.

Several racial slurs and discriminatory comments were directed at the protesters as they stood in silence.

Lecture organizers briefly stopped the event, but after campus police made it clear that the form of protest did not interfere with the event, they were asked to continue.

Protesters continued standing with their backs to the podium as Fein spoke, then marched out in an organized walk-out, leaving the remaining twenty or so attendees to listen to the rest of the lecture.

The demonstrators then marched to UofT’s Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office to voice their concern regarding the event, and to deliver a petition of over 2,000 signatures denouncing the event and demanding that the university distance itself from the organizers and speakers. The group had previously sent to the university a letter signed by academics, human rights groups, and student associations, including Hillel of Greater Toronto, the Greek Students Association of UofT-Scarborough, and the Hellenic Students Association of Ryerson University, demanding that this event be cancelled.

McCarthy, who was previously turned away from the University of Melbourne and Art Gallery of New South Wales in 2013, has long been regarded as a mouthpiece of the Turkish state in spreading denial of the Armenian Genocide. Fein is employed by the Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) as a resident scholar, to similarly support and propagate the Turkish denial policy of the Armenian Genocide, and has penned several articles attacking the veracity of the genocide.

AYF-Canada Chairperson Daron Keskinian said it was ”extremely troubling” that such an event took place at UofT.

“As we saw today, the University of Toronto should distance itself from this event immediately. The lecture organizers have used the location to bring legitimacy to their event, and have been given free rein to present their denial propaganda at the expense of the University’s reputation,” said Keskinian.

The ASA of UofT released a statement stressing that the event should be disconcerting to the university community at large.

“In the interest of maintaining its integrity and making amends for this event taking place on campus, the University of Toronto’s President’s Office should release a statement indicating that they distance themselves from this event. The Armenian Genocide is taught at this institution and the University of Toronto should not provide podiums to those who are looking to legitimize their denial of the first genocide of the twentieth century,” read the statement.

2015 marks the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and is being commemorated globally by countless organizations and governments. In 2004, the Canadian Parliament passed a resolution acknowledging the Armenian Genocide and condemning it as a crime against humanity.

Founded in 1934, the Armenian Youth Federation of Canada is the largest and most influential Armenian-Canadian youth organization, working to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness among Armenian-Canadian youth.

LOS ANGELES: Paul Krekorian Leads LA’s Sponsorship of Genocide Centennial Events

February 27, 2015 By administrator

LA City Councilmember Paul Krekorian (center) with ANCA leaders at the Los Angeles City Hall

Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian is spearheading the City of LA’s sponsorship of events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Krekorian, the first Armenian-American ever elected to the City Council, has introduced motions that show the city’s commitment to human rights and justice. Here’s what the city is doing:

–City Sponsorship of Events: Designating Armenian Genocide Centennial observance activities as official citywide special events.

–“America We Thank You” Library Exhibit: Providing funding for and co-sponsoring the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region’s “America We Thank You: An Armenian Tribute to Near East Relief” exhibit at the Los Angeles Central Library in March and April. The exhibit highlights the outpouring of generosity by the American people and government during and in the immediate aftermath of the Armenian Genocide.

–March for Justice: Providing funding and support for the “March for Justice” on April 24 that begins in Little Armenia.

–Street Banners Across the City: Providing street banners positioned around the city to promote the March for Justice.

–Centennial Art Contest: Hosting the Centennial Art Contest with the winner’s artwork to be featured on city buses in April.

–Turning City Hall Purple: Lighting City Hall’s façade in purple for the week of April 24 to symbolize the forget-me-not, the official emblem of the worldwide observance of the Armenian Genocide Centennial.

–100 Pomegranate Trees: Planting 100 pomegranate trees in parks throughout the city, including at City Hall.

“The City of Los Angeles is committed to recognizing the Armenian Genocide and educating people throughout the city about our continued struggle for justice,” said Councilmember Krekorian. “There will be an extraordinary exhibit at the city’s Central Library that highlights America’s generous support for the Armenian people, along with banners advertising the ‘March for Justice’ across the city. Because of my efforts, we will also light City Hall in a purple glow to symbolize forget-me-nots, display art commemorating the centennial on city buses, and plant pomegranate trees throughout LA’s parks. This is an unprecedented commitment by Los Angeles to our community and to telling our story. I’m proud to have helped make it happen.”

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

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

The Greek Tragedy of the Sea of Marmora “Turkish Crime Against Humanity”

February 25, 2015 By administrator

Greek-Genocide by Turks

How the Greeks of Mamora were expelled from their homes and scattered among the villages around Kermasti
or the unwritten testament of the Greeks who were forced to embrace Mohamedanism.

Relief Committee for Greeks of Asia Minor, 1918?
With an introduction by N.G. Kyriakides, Delegate of the Central Committee of Unredeemed Greeks, Athenes, Greece. published on Greek-genocide

The Marmora (or Marmara) Island (today Marmara Adasi) is a large island in the Sea of Marmara situated some
100 km south-west of Constantinople (Istanbul). It was a purely Greek island whose population in the early part
of the 20th century was 15,000 Greeks.

In June of 1915, government officials began knocking on doors and advising Greeks that they were being deported
to the Asia Minor mainland. They were sent to a place inhabited purely by Turks called Kermasti (today Mustafakemalpasa)
situated some 60km to the interior of Asia Minor in the Bursa district. Others were sent to Apollonias and Michalitch.

This 13 page leaflet comprises the testimony of Mr P.Theodosios who describes the persecution of the
Greeks of Marmora which includes their deportation, assassinations and beatings, deprivation of adequate food, forced
taking of Greek girls by Turks and the destruction of their schools and churches.

Download The book

Hall Ankara will distribute to schools a series of revisionist literature related to the Armenian Genocide

February 21, 2015 By administrator

The Turkish website Haberler says “knowing that 2015 marks the 100th anniversary of the event is sure to put the Armenian issue the order of the international day Hall of Ankara on the topic distribute a book and a plate.” According to Haberler, the publishing house “New Turkey” published a series of 5 books and pamphlets that press council services Ankara distribute generously to foundations, associations, libraries, centers of analysis and school. The press service said that “these books are prepared to contribute to develop students’ knowledge and present the culture and history of Turkey.” A “literature” well-known Holocaust denier to maintain the state lies on which the Republic of Turkey since 1923! A Turkey that arose from the ashes of the Armenian genocide.

Krikor Amirzayan