Kessab Archives

Kessab events not genocide – opinion

April 3, 2014 by administrator

Political scientist Levon Melik-Shanazaryan does not think the events in Kessab can be called genocide because there are no Armenian victims there.

“Of course, a humanitarian catastrophe is taking place there, and the Kessab Armenians need help, especially from Armenia. However, the events in Kessab are not genocide,” Melik-Shahnazaryan told reporters on Thursday.

A genocide could have been committed if the Syrian army and the Armenian side had failed to evacuate the Kessab Armenians.

“I am sure Turkey ordered the terrorist not to touch Armenians because they do not need new victims on the threshold of the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. But if Turks had seen helpless women or children there, they would have caused harm to them,” the expert said.

Turks had no intention to kill Armenians, but they are concerned over what is called Western Kurdistan.

“Western Kurdistan is a major threat to Turkey because the Kurds residing in Turkey have joined them. And Turkey’s main aim is to put an end to it.”

Armenia’s authorities should apply to Syria’s president, the UN and other international organizations and dispatch squads to Kessab to protect the Armenians and ensure their movement to Armenia.

“After the situation calms down, the Kessab Armenians can decide if they stay or return to Kessab,” Melik-Shahnazaryan said.

Rep. Speier: Armenian Christians Unseen Victims in Syrian Civil War

April 3, 2014 by administrator

WASHINGTON—Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-San Francisco/San Mateo/Redwood City) issued the following statement today after recent attacks against Armenian Christians in Kessab, Syria, forced about 2,000 people to flee their homes.

“Armenians are once again being forced to leave their homes as Syria’s civil war rages on and Turkey meddles in the war-torn country’s affairs. The small village of Kessab was a safe haven for this Christian community, but now their futures are cast in great doubt as they seek refuge elsewhere, not knowing whether they will ever return home. No one should have to live in fear or leave their homes because of the faith they practice.

“Anti-Armenian violence is real but much of the world still denies it. We must open our eyes to the truth that the assault on these Christians continues almost 100 years after the Armenian genocide that left nearly l.5 million dead. The U.S. must launch formal inquiries into Turkey’s role and whether this is al-Qaeda-linked aggression.”

U.S. Representative Speier is one of two Armenian Americans serving in Congress.

Congresswoman Jackie Speier represents California’s 14th Congressional District, which includes parts of San Francisco and San Mateo counties. She is a senior member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the House Armed Services Committee (HASC). In her role on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, the Congresswoman is a ranking member on the Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care, and Entitlements and serves on the Subcommittee on National Security. She serves on the Readiness Subcommittee and the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee on HASC and is a member of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force.

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Schiff Questions Samantha Power on UN Action on Kessab

April 3, 2014 by administrator

WASHINGTON—Most United Nations Security Council members have “raised the issue” of the recent takeover of the historically Armenian town of Kessab, Syria, and urged the world body “to do more to meet the needs of these people,” U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power told Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and members of a key House Appropriations panel Wednesday during a Congressional hearing, reported the Armenian National Committee of America.

“We join with Armenians across California and around America in thanking Congressman Schiff for raising the plight of the Armenians driven out of Kessab with Ambassador Power,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “We appreciate Ambassador Power’s statement that Kessab is ‘an issue of huge concern,’ and value her explanation to Congress about the UN Security Council’s efforts to help the Armenian civilians driven from their homes by extremist militants. We will continue to work, in partnership with our friends in Congress, to encourage our government to speak directly to the cause of Kessab’s suffering – namely the clear complicity of Turkey in the al-Qaeda linked attack that drove more than 2,000 Armenians from their ancestral homes.”

The ANCA has called on the Senate and House Intelligence committees to investigate Turkey’s role in the recent attacks against the Kessab civilian population. A new action alert has been posted and has received broad support following social media posts by citizens and celebrities alike.

During a question and answer session at the House Appropriations Committee State-Foreign Operations Subcommittee hearing with Ambassador Power earlier today, Rep. Schiff asked “About a week ago, the town of Kessab, which is predominantly Armenian Christian, was attacked by Al-Qaeda-linked fighters who had crossed over from Turkey and the town was emptied in a bloody assault. Many of the residents are descendants of the Armenian Genocide and there is particular poignancy in them being targeted in this manner.” Rep. Schiff went on to ask what efforts the United Nations and its agencies are making to address the crisis.

Ambassador Power, noting that the recent attacks on Kessab are a “huge concern,” went on to note that: “Most of the [UN Security] Council members raised the issue of Kessab, calling on the UN to do more, to try to meet the needs of these people. […] I would note that, unfortunately, the extremist group that appears to have taken hold of that town is not one that the United States and the United Nations overall has a great deal of leverage over. And so, our emphasis now, is on supporting the moderate opposition in Syria that is taking on those extremist groups and making sure that the UN has the funding it needs, and the resources of all kinds that it needs to accommodate […] in this case, the Syrian Armenian community, as you said, an internally displaced population flow. So, it’s resources, it’s strengthening the moderate opposition which is taking on ISIL – the very group that appears to have taken over that town – making sure that none of the neighbors are giving support to terrorist groups or extremist groups which would aid their efforts in seizures like that, and going on a funding drive internationally because only a very small percentage of the UN funding appeal for Syria generally has been filled at this point.”

Located in the northwestern corner of Syria, near the border with Turkey, Kessab had, until very recently, evaded major battles in the Syrian conflict. The local Armenian population had increased in recently years with the city serving as safe-haven for those fleeing from the war-torn cities of Yacubiye, Rakka and Aleppo. On the morning of March 21st, extremist foreign fighters launched a vicious attack, from Turkey, on Kessab civilians, forcing over 2000 to flee to neighboring Latakia and Bassit. An international social media campaign – #SaveKessab – has garnered broad media attention to the tragedy with over 100,000 tweeting about the crisis and tens of thousands calling for immediate U.S. and U.N. action.

In a statement issued last week, the U.S. State Department noted that they are “deeply troubled by recent fighting and violence that is endangering the Armenian community in Kasab, Syria and has forced many to flee. There are far too many innocent civilians suffering as a result of the war. All civilians, as well as their places of worship, must be protected.” The statement went on to note that “We have long had concerns about the threat posed by violent extremists and this latest threat to the Armenian community in Syria only underscores this further.”

Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), James McGovern (D-MA) and Jackie Speier (D-CA) have condemned the attacks and urged the State Department to investigate Turkey’s involvement. In a joint letter to President Obama issued earlier today, Congressional Armenian Caucus co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Michael Grimm (R-NY) and Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.Res.227) lead authors David Valadao (R-CA) and Adam Schiff, commented on the Kessab attacks, noting ” When coupled with a mass exodus of the Armenian community, these events are far too reminiscent of the early days of the Armenian Genocide, which took place nearly 100 years ago in Ottoman Turkey under the cover of World War I.” The letter goes on to note,” With the Christian Armenian community being uprooted from its homeland, yet again, we strongly urge you to take all necessary measures without delay to safeguard the Christian Armenian community of Kessab. We also believe that now is the time to redouble America’s efforts to ensure that all minority communities at risk in the Middle East are afforded greater protection.”

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Armenian Americans in San Diego Rally For 2014 ANCA Telethon

April 3, 2014 by administrator

ANCA Boardmember Raffi Hamparian, ANCA Telethon Committee Member Souzi Zerounian-Khanzadian, Long Time ANCA activists Jack and Cynthia Andonian, and ANCA Endowment Fund Chairman Ken Hachikian

SAN DIEGO, Calif.—With a positive spirit of support and activism, a broad and diverse group of Armenian Americans gathered at the home of John and Cynthia Andonian in Rancho Santa Fe, California on Sunday, March 30. The reception was the first in a series of planned gatherings to mark the run-up to the Armenian National Committee of America’s (ANCA) Telethon 2014 that will be aired in most major American cities.

“We are deeply grateful to John and Cynthia Andonian for their brilliant hospitality in hosting a great event in support of the ANCA,” remarked ANCA National Chairman Ken Hachikian. “As a grassroots organization, we depend on distinguished stakeholders, like the Andonian family, to drive our common cause forward. I am grateful for the many generous donors, who live in and around the San Diego area, for making our first ANCA Telethon 2014 gathering a full success,” Hachikian added. The gathering was also attended by ANCA National Board member Raffi Hamparian, ANCA Telethon 2014 Executive Committee member Souzi Zerounian-Khanzadian and longtime ANCA backers from the Los Angeles area, Mher and Sossy Tavidian.

The ANCA Telethon 2014 is a nationwide fundraising campaign designed to empower Armenian Americans, protect Armenia and promote the Armenian Cause throughout the United States. The gathering in San Diego is part of a coordinated and major grassroots effort, featuring community events and a social networking campaign that will lead up to June 1, 2014, when the 6-hour telethon will be aired in major markets across the United States. The ANCA Telethon 2014 will be on air in New York City, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, among other major American cities, with full schedule and channel information slated to be released in the coming weeks.

In support of the ANCA Telethon 2014, countless organizations, volunteers, churches, community leaders, performing artists, politicians will be coming together to highlight the successes of the ANCA in advancing the Armenian Cause in Washington, DC and across the United States. The telethon will feature several documentaries focused on the work of the organization and the volunteers whose grassroots efforts have made the ANCA a strong and universally respected voice for the Armenian Cause.

Armenia Parliament speaker donates salary to Kessab Armenians outreach fund

April 3, 2014 by administrator

April 2, 2014 – 18:42 AMT

Parliament speaker Hovik Abrahamyan urged MPs to support the Armenian community of Kessab in Syria.

As posted on Abrahamyan’s Facebook page, the speaker transferred his one month’s salary to the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s Kessab outreach account, according to Panorama.am.

Meanwhile, Kessab mayor insisted that none of the local Armenians was executed after the Islamist rebels, among them members of the al-Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front, stormed into the town, RFE/RL Armenian Service reported.

“We have suffered no casualties,” Vasken Chaparian said in a phone interview with RFE/RL’s Armenian Service, referring to alarmist reports spread through the Internet.

Chaparian also dismissed rumors that the rebels took hostage some of around 40 elderly Armenians who were unable to flee Kessab together with the other residents. He said they are being evacuated to Latakia “little by little.”

According to Novosti-Armenia, a rally was held Wednesday, April 2 outside the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan.

Demonstrators demanded that the U.S. condemn Turkey’s actions in Armenian-populated town of Kessab.

“We are here to raise our concerns about deportations of the Kessab Armenians, in which the Turkish military forces took part,” the rally initiator Levon Hovhannisyan told reporters.

As he noted, although the U.S. expressed concern over Kessab tragedy, it has made no statement condemning Turkey.

Later, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Clark Price approached the protesters, listened to their demands, and assured that he will inform the ambassador about the recent events.

Kesab experiencing feelings of Armenians in 1915

April 2, 2014 by administrator

Vahakn Keşişy, while opponents seized by Kesab what it means for the Armenians, wrote to Universal newspaper.

Wednesday 2 April 2014

BY Vahakn that KEŞİŞY

Modern Armenian Diaspora Diaspora that emerged after 1915 was born in the Middle East. The newly established Republic of Turkey in the Arab countries south of the disposal Armenians from side to side in the ’20s of the last century, formed the theme of today’s community. Almost a hundred years have passed since those days to. So go in peace in the Middle East 20 century, of course, has changed the fate of the Armenian community. Every single war has reduced the Armenian population in the Middle East.

In the early years wanting to stay close to Turkey, Armenians found in distancing themselves day by day. Some of Europe, and others further and further away, beyond oceans and settled in America and Australia. For example, 15-year Lebanese Civil War 100 thousand Armenians was the reason to abandon the Middle East. Now for the war in Syria. Distant from the conflict zone in the first year of the war, the Armenians have not abandoned the cities and villages. But first bomb exploded in Aleppo in July 2012 and then 20 thousand Armenians from Aleppo Aleppo hell were forced to leave. Last week, a small town on the border with Turkey Kesab’t event began a new wave of Armenian relocation has enabled us to witness.

But not Kesab Aleppo. Kesab not in Beirut or Istanbul. Kesab for Armenians Armenian kingdoms that existed in the Middle Ages a relic. A continuation title. Armenia without being dependent on the state, one of the places where Armenians live permanently, it places the fingers to count even much income. In short, after 1915 they continued to live a little bit of Armenians still one of the places. Another important matter is Kesab Armenians live in a village environment there. After the forcible deportation of Armenians urbanized life, look past one of the most important causes of breakage. As Kesab several residential location, this link with the past is preserved to create points.

NOT ONLY TO EFFECT KESABLI

Such a ring of extinction, primarily, including Kesablı, also will have an impact on the lives of many Armenians. Every year, visitors to Kesab, spent his summers there, always protecting Kesab’l spiritual bond we’re talking about a large community. Syria and Lebanon were the center of youth organizations Kesab camping. For Armenians, the European and American Kesab Armenianship, which symbolize. Armenianship real and authentic experience, then those who want to experience the feeling of a place unique in the world of Kesab’t.

Although it may seem adventurous and orientalist, diaspora identity is such a thing to behold. There could be remembered as the tale of the past, there was only one place, perhaps it is Kesab’t. But it is concerned that the extinction these days how diaspora not lose hope? Last drop of hope. Memorabilia dating from the disappearance of an old country influences how a society on the leaves? It is precisely for this reason, therefore, to lose hope diaspora. Kesab’l in Aleppo Armenians who still hope even lost once again. Every day, Aleppo, even under bombs “Kesab goes hand in hand, what do we do?” He asks, if they’re really Kesab have an important place.

Feelings of 1915

Another must have for Kesablı experience. They Muş 1915 or resulting from Urfa Armenians feels like. “We’ll be back the day after tomorrow,” they say. ‘re Hiding their house keys. We walked down that road once. The hardest, most difficult really, and then hope to put on one disappointment is to live. What’s strange current of hope on the Syrian regular army. Nusr they used the façade will be defeated, will pave the way to the Armenians said, “Here, go back to your homes” to say. Pink fairy tale than that, will you? In no time it was not, we think that it would not in Kesab, who can blame us to pessimism?

Hope this is going to perish. No, it does not disappear, like wax melting. Every day is a new day to lose hope in the diaspora. Okay, let’s say the Armenians fought. Was armed, went to the mountains and resistance Kesab started. Even if they do nothing but what will not be the same anymore. Why? Behold, o-rings, today was no longer the walkway that connects the past. Imagined as in films, passages folded once. Heroes can strive each day to find the gate, but it’s the same today what it is today, but what will happen next, nor the same past history.

Source: AGOS

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Armenian cellist to perform benefit concert for Kessab Armenians #savekessab

April 2, 2014 by administrator

Narek Hakhnazaryan, a young Armenian cellist who won Gold Medal at the International Tchaikovsky Competition in 2011, is performing a benefit concert in Boston on Wednesday.

The event is supported by the Embassy of Armenia to the United States and the All Armenian Fund, the Armenian National Committee of America says in a statement on Facebook.

The proceeds of the concert will go to the Armenians of Kessab, the north-western Syrian border town that came under heavy militant attacks last week, forcing many to flee their homes.

The concert will take place the Newton Upper Falls (Chestnut Street).

The suggested donation is $50.

France Demonstration in Paris Nor Seround-CFC #SaveKessab (Video)

April 1, 2014 by administrator

A call FRA Nor Seround in association with the CFC, nearly 1500 young and old who have expressed their anger at the Turkish Embassy in Paris, facing the aggression against Armenians by Kessab jihadists in collusion with the Turkish government.

This gathering of Armenian forces from Ile de France, Monday, reveals the ability to mobilize youth in the dark and serious hours knocking back the Armenian people.

the “Call for unity in the fight and commitment”, launched by Loris Toufanian (Chairman of Nor Seround New Generation) to well and truly heard. Demonstration is made. Heard but also seen by Mr. Movses Manjikian arrived on March 29 on French soil from Kessab via Beirut to join his French family, very moved by the deployment of Youth Solidarity Franco-Armenian.

A hundred yards from the Turkish embassy, protected by several police cars, the cries of the crowd and speakers pouring Armenian anger had reach the ears of Turkish diplomacy, as the voice identified stakeholders were becoming stronger and stronger as the crowd swelled on the place of Bolivia adjacent street of Ankara.

You could hear the slogans “Erdogan, al-Qaeda terrorists! “” Neither forget nor forgive for Turkey! “And” fascist Turkish state Kessab out! “.

Taking the first speech, the co-president Mourad Papazian CFC hammered “One hundred years later the Turkish state is maneuvering against the Armenian people. “Adding that” If Erdogan had been in 1915 instead of Talaat, he had organized the genocide in the same way! Turkey must be sanctioned by the community of nations. Ethnic cleansing that needs to be repaired, “is he exclaimed.

For its part, the President of the Land and Culture Organization, Keram Kevonian, called for solidarity with Armenians Kessab “this unique territory that has escaped the disaster of 1915,” he has said. Adding: “The slap that was inflicted on the Armenian population of Kessab with the shameful support of the Republic of Turkey, and makes sense.” He then called to assist and support victims, wherever they are.

Loris Toufanian, accusing Turkey of all ills the Armenian people wherever they are, called for commitment and the youth revolt. “Today,” he said, “we have the choice to shave our incessantly claims to please the torturer, the Turkish state. Evade our responsibilities. Silence us. Or fight, fight and win!

With his usual impetuosity, Hrach Varjabedian, Chairman of the French Bureau of the Armenian cause, got carried away in the Armenian language to
condemn the misdeeds of the Turkish government on the population Kessab (see video).

For CDCA, Harout Mardirossian forcefully recalled that seven years ago, after the murder of Hrant Dink on 19 January 2007, “seven years later we are still here! This time to defend Armenians Kessab! “We need to defend France Kessab as Jaurès had defended the Armenians! “Has he said. Indiquantl a delegation will be meeting for Members and Senators to “they leave this deafening silence. “.

Protesters are then directed to the Turkish embassy soon stopped by a police cordon.

Jean Eckian + photos and video

Protest to be held in front of Turkish Consulate in Sydney

April 1, 2014 by administrator

April 1, 2014 – 15:10 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – A peaceful protest is to be held in front of the Turkish Consulate in Sydney on Wednesday, April 2, to express the Armenian-Australian community’s solidarity with the Armenian community of Kessab, Syria, and to condemn Turkey’s actions.

On March 21, armed rebel groups attacked the heavily Armenian-populated region of Kessab, Syria, by crossing the Turkish border into Syria. Under the threat of slaughter, the entire Armenian population of the region was forced to flee their homes to neighboring towns, including Latakia and Bassit. Some were not so lucky and have reportedly been taken hostage, while churches and homes have been destroyed.

A demonstration is to be held in Sydney to join with Armenian communities from all around the world in condemning Turkey’s action, which is a continuation of its genocidal policy towards Armenians dating back to 1915, the Armenian National Committee of Australia said.

Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of Australia, Vache Kahramanian, remarked: “This is an important opportunity to the Armenian-Australian community to publicly show their solidarity with the Armenian community of Kessab.”

“In 1915 the Ottoman Turkish rulers orchestrated the Armenian genocide and today, in the 21st century, the current Turkish Government is continuing the same policy against the Armenians in Syria,” Kahramanian added.

Spokesperson for the organizing Armenian Youth Federation of Australia, Aram Tufenkjian, stated: “Today we call on all Armenians, young and old, to join in this important action to hold Turkey accountable.”

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Armenian MP: There is information blockade in the world concerning Syrian events

April 1, 2014 by administrator

The aim of our visit to Syria was to collect facts about the ongoing events and work out proposals so that our state will be able to support our compatriots, Heritage parliamentary faction secretary Tevan Poghosyan told reporters in Yerevan, urging all Armenian intellectuals, businessmen and politicians to visit Syria.

MP Edmon Marukyan, who also recently traveled to Latakia along with other Armenian lawmakers, stressed the importance of information campaign in support of the Armenians of Kessab, noting that there is information blockade in the world concerning the Syrian events and that the rights of Christian minorities are being violated in Syria. According to him, no Christians will remain in Syria if Assad’s regime is removed.

Speaking about their meetings with state officials in Latakia, Tevan Poghosyan said, “We met them to express our concern about the fate of our compatriots and to say that we are prepared to help them. They told us that every Armenian is a citizen of Syria, which is praiseworthy.”

Source: Panorama.com