Turkey Afraid of Own History, Genocide Museum Director Says

January 23, 2015 By administrator

AGMI Director Hayk Demoyan (right) and Deputy Director Suren Manukyan presented two academic journals published by the AGMI. Jan. 22, 2015. (Photo: Photolur)

YEREVAN (ArmRadio)—“Turkey is afraid of its own past, its own history, which is expressed in its policy of denial,” Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Hayk Demoyan told reporters Thursday.

The comments come after the condolences and invitations of Turkish officials and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu’s statement on the anniversary of Hrant Dink’s assassination.

“We know the history of this illness ,” Demoyan said. “It’s a fear of its own history and past, reflected in the policy of denial. It’s interesting to check, however, whether the different invitations and messages are the immediate complications of the disease,” Demoyan said.

AGMI Launches International Journal of Armenian Genocide Studies
Two periodicals published by the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute – the Journal of Genocide Studies (in Armenian) and the first issue of the English-language International Journal of Armenian Genocide Studies — were presented to the public on Thursday.

The Journal of Genocide Studies includes topics related to the history and historiography of the Armenian Genocide, as well as full and comprehensive research on the problems and the aspects related to the topic.

The International Journal of Armenian Genocide Studies publishes articles and reviews related to the Armenian Genocide and other genocides in the English language.

According to AGMI Deputy Director Suren Manukyan, part of the materials of the journal will be provided by foreign researchers. The journal will be sent to top universities and research centers around the world.

“One German university has already asked to send them a copy and is ready to pay, but we are going to send the journal to the best universities free of charge,” he said.

Turkish Universities are among the addressees of the English-language publications, AGMI Director Hayk Demoyan said. According to him, the journal is the best platform for Diaspora Armenian and Armenian scholars to present their works.

Unpublished documents on the Armenian Genocide soon be published by the Vatican

January 22, 2015 By administrator

Before the hundredth commemoration of Armenian Genocide Vatican will publish a book documented from its secret archives. The announcement was made at the opening of the exhibition “Lux Arcana”. In its archives, the Vatican has a number of documents that reflect the genocidal done on the Armenian people. These will be announced shortly co-published with the Vatican Archives.

Reportedly, the official said Secret Archives, Monsignor Sergio Pagano, describe “in detail” the “torture procedures used the Turks against the Armenians.” For example, he said, “there is evidence of how the soldiers of the Sublime Porte were willing to bet” on the sex of the fetus in the womb of pregnant women before cutting them into quarters and with the same knife they killing babies. “

These episodes, said the Archivist of the Vatican, “make me ashamed to be a man, and if it were not for faith I would see only darkness.”

The Catholic Church is still waiting for a recognition of the genocide by the Turkish state, although recently some progress has been made. For example, it has become easier to make pilgrimages to the church of Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul.

It is likely that the publication of these documents will revive tensions between the Holy See and Turkey. But that is the price that the truth will come out in the open to the chagrin of Holocaust deniers.

Thursday, January 22, 2015,
Jean Eckian © armenews.com

Harut Sassounian in Issy-les-Moulineaux January 24

January 21, 2015 By administrator

Armenians demand justice, not just genocide recognition

Publisher and editor in chief of the California Courier, columnist, television commentator, recognized political analyst and activist of Human Rights, Harut SASSOUNIAN give a lecture at Issy-Les-Moulineaux, Saturday, January 24 to 18h (1).

Specialist in geopolitical relations in the Middle East, he speaks fluent English, French, Arabic, Turkish and Armenian. For ten years, from 1978 to 1988, he was Chief of Human Rights at the United Nations.

His role was crucial in the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and the UN minority protection.

Deeply attached to his Armenian roots, he founded and presides over a coalition of five major Armenian-American charities, the Fund Armenian Kingdom. Since the 1988 earthquake, more than 700 million dollars of humanitarian aid were sent to Armenia.

As Vice-President of the Lincy Foundation’s Kirk Kerkorian, he also oversaw the construction of infrastructure in Armenia, totaling $ 242 million.

Advisor to the Armenian Ministry of Diaspora, he also a member of the Advisory Board of the Armenian National Committee of United States. Through his research, he was able to write many books, including the book “Armenian Genocide: Documents and Declarations”.

His actions to promote human rights have earned it the highest awards and recognitions from many countries and international organizations, including the Medal of Honor Ellis Island for the US or the Medal Honorary Anania Shiragatsi by the President of Armenia.

World invited to make a choice between Armenia, Turkey – Boris Navasardyan

January 19, 2015 By administrator

Chairman of the Yerevan Press Club Boris Navasardyan believes that Turley’s invitation to 102 world leaders to attend ceremonies marking the centenary of the Battle of Gallipoli in Çanakkale, on April 23 and 24 is, in fact, a challenge.

Thus Turkey has got involved in the processes related to the Armenian Genocide centennial, Mr Navasardyan told Tert.am.

“This step should have been expected. It is for several years that Turkey’s authorities have been preparing for the Armenian Genocide centennial. And now, besides its traditional set of instruments, they have put forward an argument that the tragedy did actually occur. That is, they have modified their denial policy with an emphasis on a great number of victims, but it is the entire world – not Turkey alone – that is responsible for that. A war was raging.

“We have to meet challenges in that the world has been invited to decide between which side – Armenian or Turks – is attaching importance to April 24. Since the invitation has been sent out to many world leaders, it is up to them to decide between participating in events in Yerevan and Turkey. By making their choice they will show their attitude to Yerevan and to Turkey, as well as to the two nations’ leaders,” Mr Navasardyan said.

He hopes that the international attention will be focused on the Armenian Genocide centennial.

“I would not like to be too pessimistic, but this attention will, to an extent, be diverted,” Mr Navasardyan said.
According to him, different attitudes, with negative hints, are being shown to Turkey’s President Recep Erdogan. Regrettably, in recent years, Armenia has not shown any steps to evoke a positive response.

Western US Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee Outlines Upcoming Programs

January 16, 2015 By administrator

GLENDALE—The Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of the Western United States (AGCC-WUSA) during a press conference it hosted on Wednesday announced five major events its body is organizing in Los Angeles to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and published a list of events that will take place throughout the Western United States.

During a press conference held at Phoenicia Restaurant, Co-Chairs Garo Ghazarian, Esq., and Taline Yacoubian, Esq., announced the committee’s active preparations to commemorate the souls of the 1.5 million massacred Armenians and to duly honor the lives of both Genocide survivors and heroes who facilitated the sacred mission of rescue and relief.

With the motto of “We Remember. We Demand,” Ghazarian kicked off the press conference and in a moving presentation pledged the Armenian-American community’s commitment to commemorate the Armenian Genocide centennial in a dignified manner befitting the memory of the martyrs.

He also highlighted the community’s commitment to the pursuit of the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide, as well as the necessary territorial and monetary reparations and restitution that have been the cornerstone of the struggle for justice for the Armenian Genocide.

“It is an honor to work with 19 organizations and religious leaders in a joint effort to honor the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide,” remarks Co-chair Ghazarian. “A Century later, we continue to prove our people’s resilience and strength as evidenced across our Diasporan communities worldwide. Through our collaborative and dynamic events we will feature the robust and thriving spirit of our Armenian-American communities in the Western United States.”

In her remarks, Yacoubian focused on the committee’s plans to establish an Armenian-American museum in Glendale, explaining that a sub-committee under the auspices of the AGCC has been hard at work in realizing this effort. She added that the parcel of land has already been allocated by the City of Glendale and requests for proposal on architectural bids have already been publicized.

Yacoubian also announced that the committee has been consultation with the New York-based Lord Cultural Resource Inc. for the curatorial aspect of the museum. The company, she said, is a renowned entity that has worked with several well-known museums in the country.

“This not a pipe dream as some people may say,” said Ghazarian about the plans for the museum. “It is a reality and it will be a great accomplishment.

On April 14, 23, 24 and 26, 2015, tens of thousands will gather in Los Angeles to commemorate the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. While honoring the lives of martyred ancestors, communities will also give thanks for the creation of a new Armenia and for the flourishing Armenian communities around the world forged by the will and heroism of Genocide survivors.

Five major events will carry these themes forward:
On April 14, a special ecumenical service at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, will take place with the participation of representatives and interfaith leaders from various churches and religious denominations. Civic officials from the City of Los Angeles will also be in attendance. Prayers of remembrance, respect, and unity will signal a powerful message of solidarity to mark the commencement of the commemorative events taking place in the following weeks.

On April 23, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church and His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America will host a solemn celebration of the Divine Liturgy at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral with the participation of all Armenian churches.

On April 24, The March for Justice is the largest in the series of AGCC-WUSA hosted events. Participants will gather at 10AM in Little Armenia and will march in solidarity for 6 miles to the Turkish Consulate in the Wilshire District to protest the Turkish government’s continued denial of the Armenian Genocide. This Pan-Armenian March will unite, without exception, the Armenian community in its quest for justice while demonstrating collective strength and spirit. Protesters will thank those who have helped to spread awareness of the Armenian Genocide, and those who work tirelessly to prevent genocide elsewhere in the world.

On April 25, mourners will gather at the Armenian Genocide Monument at Bicknell Park, 910 Via San Clemente in Montebello for a solemn gathering to honor the lives of the 1.5 million Armenians massacred in the Armenian Genocide. This annual commemoration includes a candle light vigil at the helm of the Martyrs monument.

On April 26, the City of Glendale hosts an annual commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. This year they will partner with the AGCC to host a joint event commemorating the 100th anniversary at the Alex Theater. This event will include screening of documentaries, musical performances, and a key note speaker. Further details will be announced.

“Our goal is to bring the entire Armenian-American community together on the solemn occasion of the Genocide’s Centennial,” commented Co-Chair Yacoubian. “As we gather in remembrance to honor the lives and memories of our martyred grandparents, great-grandparents and great-great grandparents, we will pay tribute to those individuals and organizations who rescued and rehabilitated the survivors of the Genocide for whom we are, and will remain, eternally grateful.”

The AGCC-WUSA was established to steer and coordinate the multifaceted commemorative activities in the Western United States and is composed of nineteen (19) Armenian organizations, including religious institutions.

The 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide signifies a global demand for justice by Armenians worldwide and all people of good will. The Centennial marks one of the 20th century’s greatest crimes against humanity. In 1915, the Turkish Government began a premeditated and systematic campaign to uproot the Armenian population from its ancestral homeland and slaughter 1.5 million defenseless men, women and children. Turkey must finally acknowledge its responsibility for the Genocide and make appropriate moral, financial and territorial restitution, as mandated by the fundamental norms of international law and civilized society.

UK Royal Orchestra conductor to walk 1000 km in Genocide victims footsteps

January 7, 2015 By administrator

Conductor of Britain’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Vartan Melkonian and his daughter Veronica will walk 1,000 kilometers from Turkey to Lebanon in the footsteps of the victims of the Armenian Genocide, Al Monitor reports.

A century ago, his ancestors lived in Mus, eastern Turkey, until the day Ottoman rulers made a decision to “deport” Armenians.

Melkonian and his daughter will be in Turkey in February for their “Walking for Armenia” project — a 1,000-kilometer (621-mile) march they plan to start in Van, eastern Turkey, and complete at the Birds’ Nest Orphanage in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, where he was sent at the age of 4.

The Syrian stretch of the route poses a serious risk for the Melkonians, and so does anxiety over the assassination of Agos editor-in-chief Hrant Dink in Istanbul in 2007 and the 2008 murder of [Italian activist] Pippa Bacca, but they are determined to walk it.

“I think that all peoples, everybody, should be prepared for such projects. This project will be a modest and graceful way to remember our loved ones.

Just as the good things your family could have done in the past doesn’t make you a good person, the bad things they could have done doesn’t make you a bad one. But the denial of historic facts is something to have a negative impact on you and torment your soul,” Melkonian said in an interview to Radikal.

The genocide of the Armenians will be commemorated in 28 cities in Turkey in 2015

January 3, 2015 By administrator

There are a few months the Association of Human Rights in Turkey (IHD) launched the “Campaign to End the denial on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide.”

Details of the events taking place as part of the campaign have also begun to emerge.

The IHD carry out the activities with the support of the following associations Nor Zartonk the Zan Institute, the working group on reconciliation with history, the Gomidas Institute, the Collectif Van, the Council of European Armenians and Syrian activists.

The IHD organize commemoration events in 28 cities 24 April 2015. “gatherings Genocide” will be organized in some cities on the sites where the genocide was perpetrated.

In Istanbul, an event will be organized in front of the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts Haydarpaşa. The second center of the commemorations of April 24 will Diyarbakir.

The Gomidas Institute will organize a special event in Diyarbakır of April 22 to 24 with the support of IHD.

Saturday, January 3, 2015,
Stéphane © armenews.com

Armenia Encyclical of the Catholicos on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

January 2, 2015 By administrator

The centenary of the Armenian Genocide before us and our souls are probed with a powerful call for justice and truth that will not be silenced.

Every day of 2015 is a day of remembrance and dedication to our people, a spiritual journey to the memories of our martyrs of the homeland and the diaspora, before which we humbly kneel in prayer with incense offerings for the souls of our innocent victims who remain in unmarked graves, having accepted death rather than deny their faith and nation. Indeed, “the path of the righteous is like the dawning light that shines brighter and brighter until the perfect day.”

In 1915 and the following years, Ottoman Turkey committed genocide against our people. Western Armenia – our native soil – in the Armenian homeland and Armenian communities across Turkey, one and one half million son and daughters of our country have been subject to death, famine and disease because they were evicted and forced to walk to their death. Centuries of honest achievements and creativity were quickly looted. Thousands of monasteries and churches were desecrated and destroyed. National institutions and schools have been razed and ruined. Our spiritual and cultural treasures were uprooted and canceled. In Western Armenia, where for thousands of years – from the time of Noah – our people lived, created and built its history and culture, has been deprived of its indigenous population.

There is a century – when fragments of the Armenian nation, having lost their heritage, were scattered all over the world, and while Eastern Armenia was conducting a death struggle for survival against Turkish invaders – it was difficult to believe in the future of the Armenian people. However, a new dawn has come. By the grace of the Lord, our people rose from the dead. Recovered a small part of the country, our people have restored the state, recreates a country on the ruins and relics, and built a “land of light and hope”, science, education and culture. Armenian exiles around the world have built houses and homes, and flourished in the near and far, bringing their traditions and spiritual life. Wherever the children of our country have lived, they have achieved success, earned the respect and trust, and have gained recognition for their hard work and their contributions to science, the arts and the common welfare. This is the story of our people for the last century – a story of adversity and resurrection. Today, despite the difficulties, our country strengthens its independent state, created his new life of freedom, and look with hope in the future, embracing the national awakening, optimism and faith.

Glory to you, Lord, infinite glory, “as a shield you protect us with your good favor.” (Psalm 5:12). By placing our hope in Thee, O Lord, our people have been enlightened and strengthened. Your light on the ingenuity of our mind. Your power has propelled us to our victories. We have created other destroyed our creations. We continued to live while others wanted to kill us. You, Lord, that our people have opted – sentenced to death by a genocidal regime – should live and rise, so we could just raise this issue before the conscience of humanity and the right of nations to free the world the ruthless indifference of Pilate and the refusal of criminal Turkey.

For the sake of justice – until the triumph of our cause, we will continue our struggle without retirement – Church, Nation and State together. The blood of our innocent martyrs and the suffering of our people cry out for justice. Our destroyed shrines, the violation of our national rights, falsification and distortion of our history all scream for justice. Having survived genocide, our people have believed and continue to believe that the multitude of virtuous countries, national and civic organizations, and individuals who have recognized and condemned the Armenian Genocide will be joined by others who believe that the assertion Truth and justice are the prerequisite and guarantor of a peaceful world without hostility and violence.En memory of our one million and a half martyrs of the genocide, we express our gratitude to nations, organizations and individuals who had the courage and conviction to recognize and condemn the Armenian Genocide. We are grateful to the countries and peoples kind who accepted the children of our country as brothers and sisters. These examples of justice and humanitarianism are bright pages in the history of mankind. They must always be remembered and appreciated by generations and have peaceful life, safe and pleasant in the world.

As Catholicos of the Armenians, he is spiritually comforting to tell our people that April 23, 2015 during the Divine Liturgy, our Holy Church will offer a special service for canonizing her son and daughters who accepted martyrdom of saints “for the faith and the homeland “and proclaim April 24 as a day of remembrance for the holy martyrs of Genocide.

O, the Armenian people, honored the top – a martyr nation; a nation reborn – boldly living, advancing steadily, with your gaze to the ark bearing Ararat, and with a heart flawless, keeping your great hope. Encouragement and message of the Lord are for you: “Although you are not powerful, you have been faithful to my word, and you have not betrayed my name … Hold on to what you have to that no one takes your crown of victory. “(Revelations 3: 8-11).

Thus, we remain on track with God, just and true, on the paths of unshakable faith, which, like the morning light dispels darkness and makes them visible expectancy horizons. Our way is with God; and the life of faith is our victory. Let successful centenary by valuing the long road to 100 years of toil and rebirth of our people, to our children, recognizing the heroic will of their grandparents and their parents to live and create, and their commitments for the nation and the country, creating a bright day for our homeland and our people dispersed throughout the world. Transform the memory of our martyrs energy and strength in our spiritual and national life, and before God and all people, lighting the way our course just to guide our path towards achieving justice and our sacred aspirations.

(…)

Let us pray for peace, security and well-being of our country our nation, our beloved around the world people, especially for light and eternal peace for the innocent souls of the saints martyrs of genocide. That love and brotherhood, justice and truth prevail over humanity, and can radiate, guide and spread the light until dawn, a new day brings peace and happiness to everyone .

The grace, love and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you and all of us. Amen.

Karekin II

Catholicos of All Armenians

December 28, 2014

Genocide should be made available to the Turkish youth. Arthur Vardanyan

December 21, 2014 By administrator

Arthur Vardanyan, among other film directors, the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, to indulge our nation’s most important theme of this film preparation, his face, however, putting a major problem, Genocide access to Turkish youth.

“Cannes” film festival showing of “Libra” film “The People” has also talked about the movie is a great addition.

Live up to the 100th anniversary of the genocide, you’re going to shoot the film as a target audience by providing the Turkish youth, and if I’m not mistaken, your main heroine is a real character, yes.

Yes, even though the film was shot in the 100th anniversary, my main goal is to get the universal nature of the psychological drama of the main heroine of the Armenian Genocide saw that in his childhood in captivity, and who has a mental problem.

I, as a director, I strive to make the subject accessible to young people in Turkey, which can serve as a link between the Turkish government and society. If we can do something to change, then it is possible to do for young people. Also, I am going to create a product that will be available in outside audience.

Today is the quality of what you see in nature films. SD: I want to revive the cinema. We are films about human ideas and should not be relied upon bombastic slogans, just look at the man, even more so-called “little man”, that is, an ordinary man, but real Hero:

My film will be the theme of genocide in human subjects. How does the movie industry, the clips were observed outside the influence of the products on the market. This can be problematic, and what solutions do you see? I -Inks shooting folk, patriotic videos, which reflects our national traditions, our own values and to avoid outdoor exposure should be shooting a video in line with our national thinking, problem solve in harmony with ourselves. This is the way out.

Anna Babajanyan

Website devoted to Armenian Genocide opens in Israel

December 17, 2014 By administrator

The Armenian Genocide 100th Anniversary Jerusalem Committee has launched a website, whose objective is to inform the Israeli readers about this terrible tragedy that occurred at the turn of the 20th century.

The Noyan Tapan Center informed Armenian News-NEWS.am that the creators of this website hope that the activities being carried out within Israel’s population, and in collaboration with the academia and intelligentsia of this country, will have an impact on the Israeli government’s position with respect to this matter.

The website is in Russian and Hebrew so that all layers of the Israeli population may get familiarized with the Armenian Genocide issue.