Washington Archives

Armenian Orphan Rug to go on display at White House Visitor Center in November

October 16, 2014 by administrator

Cover art for “President Calvin Coolidge and the Armenian Orphan Rug” by Dr. Hagop Martin Deranian. (Armenian Cultural Foundation)

The White House has confirmed that a controversial historical artifact known as the Armenian Orphan Rug will go on display at the newly renovated White House Visitor Center next month. The rug, woven by Armenian orphans in the 1920s and presented to President Calvin Coolidge in 1925, was a gift thanking the United States for its role in assisting Armenians after the mass killings and genocidal relocations at the hands of the crumbling Ottoman Empire a century ago.

The rug had been scheduled to be displayed at a Smithsonian Institution event in December, but that was canceled suddenly after the White House, without explanation, declined to release the carpet. At the time, Armenian American groups speculated that the Turkish government, which has long resisted acknowledging the events of 1915 as a genocide, was behind the White House’s refusal.

In April, Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.) said the White House had agreed to allow the rug to be seen, but the White House didn’t offer specific details about where or when. With tensions rising between the United States and Turkey over how best to handle the crisis in Syria, the decision today still came as a surprise. The U.S. government has been pressuring Turkey to assist Kurdish forces in their fight against the Islamic State, while Turkey has tied its participation in stepped-up action against the extremist group to a firmer U.S. resolve to remove Turkey’s longtime foe, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, from office.

A senior administration official said the timing of the announcement was unrelated to current events and that the decision was made months earlier. At issue was where and how to display the object, and there was concern about the proper care of the valuable carpet. The colorful textile is approximately 12 by 18 feet, with more than 4 million knots. It took some 10 months for the orphans, under the protection of the Near East Relief Society, to make it.

The carpet, originally scheduled to be seen as part of a reception and book launch last year, will now be displayed as one of three key objects in an exhibition devoted to gifts thanking the United States for humanitarian assistance. Included in the display will be a 1930 French vase given to President Herbert Hoover and a work known as Flowering Branches in Lucite, a gift of the Japanese government after the earthquake and tsunami of 2011.

The new exhibition will somewhat blunt the explosive symbolic power of the rug’s display by contextualizing it with other objects in a show titled “Thank You to the United States: Three Gifts to Presidents in Gratitude for American Generosity Abroad.”

But Armenian groups will be watching how the rug is displayed and what action the United States takes in the coming year, which will mark the 100th anniversary of the genocide. Of particular concern is a public acknowledgment by the United States that the killing and starvation of the Armenians, which caused an estimated 1 million to 1.5 million deaths, was technically genocide. Although then-presidential candidate Barack Obama said he would support such a position, Armenian groups have criticized him for not explicitly using the word “genocide” to refer to those events. That dissonance has been particularly pronounced since last June, when Obama nominated Samantha Power to be the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Power, author of the well-regarded 2002 book “A Problem From Hell,” used the term throughout her history of genocide to refer to the treatment of the Armenians.

Although grateful that the rug will now be seen, Aram S. Hamparian, executive director of the Armenian National Committee of America, is concerned that this may be a symbolic gesture meant to appease the Armenian American community and that 2015 will pass without the president allowing the U.S. government to formally acknowledge the genocide.

“We hope the display of this rug will mark real progress, not a substitute for progress,” Hamparian said.

He is also concerned about how the rug will be explained in the exhibition, and whether information accompanying it will forthrightly use the word genocide. If the display doesn’t speak directly about the events, he says, the rug’s appearance for the first time since 1995 may yet leave a sour taste among many Armenian Americans.

“I would go see it, but it would pain my heart if it was shown in the context of euphemisms and evasive language,” Hamparian said.

The rug will be on display Nov. 18-23.

The Turkish Embassy was not able to immediately comment.

Armenian Prime Minister Meets Armenian Community in Washington

October 15, 2014 by administrator

WASHINGTON—Welcoming attendees at a meeting held on his behalf in Washington, D.C., by the local Armenian community, the Prime Minister of Armenia Hovik Abrahamian said, “For over a century now, Armenians have settled in this remote, but hospitable overseas country, which is so generous in opportunities. Living and working in the United States for several decades, you have become an integral part of this country, bringing your valuable contributions to its development in all spheres of life. We are proud of American-Armenians’ impressive achievements that have earned them a worthy place in this country’s history, winning its people’s respect and appreciation.”

Hovik Abrahamian said that following the restoration of Armenia’s independence, strong interstate bonds have been built up between Armenia and the United States based on mutual trust and respect.

“U.S.-Armenia relations are developing rapidly and that is also due to the contributions made by Armenians in the U.S. I would single out the furtherance of economic exchanges, which calls for consistent efforts. We in Armenia feel stronger with the Diaspora’s support. It would be hard to overestimate the importance of those patriotic activities led by Armenian organizations, as well as the individuals serving on different government agencies, who keep introducing pro-Armenian projects, protecting Armenia’s and Artsakh’s vital interests,” the Prime Minister said.

The Premier noted that the Homeland-Diaspora partnership is a strategic focus for the government of Armenia. “Open for partnership with Diaspora Armenians, we are ready to provide them with broader investments opportunities. We have been developing a set of advantages for them to launch businesses in the Motherland. The Government of Armenia is the guarantor of such privileges. Armenia is inseparable from the Diaspora, therefore, the problems of the Diaspora-Armenians stand high on our agenda. The Government is doing everything within its power to relieve the plight of our compatriots in the Middle East, Syria and Iraq,” Abrahamian said.

Speaking about the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Abrahamian said, “We will continue with our consolidated effort to reach a worldwide acknowledgment and condemnation of the Genocide. Our approach is simple: the crime committed against the Armenian people is a crime against humanity and, therefore, we see the international recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide as the best way to prevent future genocides. Authorities in Armenia will spare no effort to restore historical justice. I do believe that the respect of our ancestors’ memory implies not only struggling for our national goals, but also strengthening the Homeland by contributing with each Armenian’s talent and skills. Having a powerful Armenia, we will be closer to the triumph of justice.”

The Prime Minister said that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remains unresolved. Azerbaijan is abiding by a paramilitary policy, nurtured with a petrodollars-fed arms race. Turkey, in turn, has assumed a biased posture and continues with the decades-long blockade of Armenia.

“All these factors make us show flexibility and circumspection in our foreign policy. Committed to the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Armenia is nonetheless prepared to retaliate in a war imposed on us and protect Armenia’s population and its borders. The Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora trinity is the key to success. Our nation’s modern history has shown that only through joint effort will we be able to overcome the internal and external challenges faced by Armenians,” Hovik Abrahamian concluded.

Wrapping up his speech, the Premier emphasized, “While you cannot live in the Motherland, you can live with Armenia by taking pride in its achievements.”

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Washington Barack Obama receives Catholicos Aram I and other spiritual leaders

September 12, 2014 by administrator

The spiritual leaders of the Middle Eastern Maronite, Armenian, Syrian Orthodox, Greek Catholic and Syrian Catholic, held an hour long meeting with President Obama; National Security Advisor Susan Rice and other key White House staff also attended the meeting on Thursday.

The spiritual leaders gathered for a Christian conference in Washington, DC, the Holy See of Cilicia press service reported.

At the request of the patriarchs, Catholicos Aram I spoke, first offering condolences in memory of the victims on the 13th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks in Washington DC and New York. He noted that terrorism, in its different forms and expressions, continues in various corners of the world, and particularly in the Middle East. His Holiness noted that the expanding terrorist movements in the region are not only a threat to Christians, but also to Muslims and the world as a whole. As such, collective and concerted efforts must be made to combat extremism. The participation of Arab and Islamic states in this effort is crucial, noted Catholicos Aram I.

Referring to the Christian presence in the Middle East, His Holiness noted that Christians are not new comers or outsiders to the region, nor should they be considered second class citizens, as their history is deeply rooted in the Middle East. Aram I welcomed President Obama’s announcement just one day earlier and the U.S. commitment to a united effort to eradicate extremist movements.

Following His Holiness Aram I’s remarks, each of the Patriarchs briefly shared their concerns, primarily focusing on the plight of Christian communities in Iraq. Patriarch Rai submitted to President Obama a previously prepared letter by the spiritual leaders.

President Obama, in turn, broadly outlined the key points of his address to the United States, stressing that freedom of conscience and the defense of human rights remain top priorities in the United States foreign policy.

History repeat itself, How Turkey successfully used the “Western-Power” to destroy christianity in Anatolia 1914 and now 2014 in middle east

August 2, 2014 by administrator

By Wally Sarkeesian

The Turkish government in 1914 alliance with Germany as cover up, systematically destroyed the indigenous christian population from Anatolia currently called Turkey and now alliance with USA (NATO) power using so called ISIS systematically destroying christian populations from Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, and all african continent.

the-two-axis-of-evil-1 In northern Iraq, recently conquered by the Turkish zealots of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levent (ISIL), who refer to themselves now as the Islamic State (IS), gave Christians in Mosul three choices: convert to Islam, pay a special tax (about $750, on this occasion), or be killed. They all fled, and now Mosul is Christian-free for the first time in almost two millennia. while ISIS slaughter and massacre Arab and christians yet Turkish so called hostages come home not a scratch moreover Turkish consulate in Mosul is now ISIS head quarter. to add insult to injury the 1,800 Truck that ISIL using come from Turkey report by turkish news media. moreover do not be surprised the other 49 so called hostage in mosul will come home soon safe and no scratch.

There were still about 60,000 Christians in Mosul when the United States and its sidekicks invaded Iraq eleven years ago. By last year, it was down to 30,000. Only two months after the arrival of Turkish secret army ISIL, there are none. Most have fled to Kurdistan with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. They are not going back, and if they can they will leave the Middle East forever.

What has changed? For many centuries, the Christian minority lived in relative peace and prosperity under Arab Muslim rule for centuries until the Turks show up. In the early 20th century, they were in the forefront of the nationalist and literary renaissance in the Arab world. But in the past decade, about a quarter of the Arab world’s 12 million Christians have emigrated, and the flow is increasing every year.

Almost a hundred years after the Armenian Genocide of 1915, the AKP government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyib Erdogan appears to have proven William Faulkner’s saying: “The past is not dead. In fact it is not even past.”

Turkey staged and intervened in the Syrian war from its early days . Erdogan lead the aggression – along with other countries – provided anti-regime forces safe havens inside Turkish territories and turned a blind eye to the influx of foreign fighters into Syria, including thousands from Turkic Chechnya, Azerbaijan, Kosovo,and other Central Asian countries. Those fighters currently form the strongest elements of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) and other al-Qaeda affiliated groups.

do not be surprise the other so called hostages will free..

Turkish FM davutoglu: Our aim is to bond together Sarajevo to damascus, Benghazi to Erzurum and Batumi without declaring any country, he stated that the borders separating Turkey from its neighbors were artificial.

Welcome to the Neo-Ottoman empire “via Washington”

Gagrulenet

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US Representatives introduce resolution against Turkey’s ban on Twitter and Youtube

April 2, 2014 by administrator

Tolga TANIŞ WASHINGTON / Hürriyet

The U.S. Congress resolutions condemning Turkey have been increasing recently with Turkey’s ban on social websites Twitter and YouTube.

Four members of the U.S. House of the Representatives on April 1 prepared a resolution calling on Turkey to remove the bans on the social media, following a condemnation from two U.S. Senators last month over blocking the social media sites and a complaint letter sent to President Barrack Obama.

Ranking Member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee Anna Eshoo, and three key members of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Reps. Tom Marino (R-Penn.), Joe Kennedy III (D-Mass.) and Bill Keating (D-Mass.), introduced a resolution on April 1 calling on the Turkish government to remove its block on Twitter and YouTube.

“Freedom of expression and freedom of the press are foundational pillars to any functioning democracy,” Eshoo said. “Social media, such as Twitter and YouTube, has enhanced these pillars serving as transformational instruments for social policy change to billions of people who use them on a daily basis. By introducing this resolution, we stand united against actions that restrict Internet freedom in Turkey and around the world.”

“In these modern times, open access to the Internet has become essential for individuals to engage in free expression,” said Marino, who serves as Vice-Chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats. “For this reason, the U.S. Congress must encourage our partners in Turkey to restore access to social media outlets and the Internet as a whole in order to preserve this fundamental civil right. The resolution we are introducing today will send an important message that Turkey not only must restore access to Twitter and YouTube, but more broadly protect its citizens’ rights to express themselves, assemble peacefully, and allow for a free and fair press to flourish.”

“In today’s world, Twitter and other social media outlets are critical vehicles by which millions of ordinary citizens access the political process and engage with their elected officials. By restricting these basic freedoms, the Turkish government is threatening the foundation its democracy rests on,” said Kennedy.

Sen. Menendez Joins Members of Congress to Condemn Kessab Attacks

April 1, 2014 by administrator

WASHINGTON—Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez (D-NJ) was joined by Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Michael Grimm (R-NY), Armenian Genocide Resolution Lead Sponsors David Valadao (R-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Representatives Brad Sherman (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA) and James McGovern (D-MA) in condemning the recent attacks against the historically Armenian city of Kessab, Syria, urging the State Department to investigate the incursion and take immediate action to safeguard the vulnerable population, reported the Armenian National Committee of America.

“We would like to thank Chairman Menendez and the many other Congressional defenders of human rights who have stepped forward to call the world’s urgent attention to the attacks against the predominantly Armenian population of Kessab,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “We look forward to working with each of them to ensure that Turkey’s role is explicitly condemned by our government, as we continue efforts to secure the safety and return of Kessab’s civilian residents to their ancestral homes.”

In a letter to constituents sent earlier today, Chairman Menendez stated, “Like you, I am gravely concerned by reports of a March 21, 2014 attack on the predominantly Syrian Armenian town of Kessab, near the Turkish border, by al-Qaeda-linked terrorists based in Turkey. Attacks of this nature are another example of a dangerous new chapter in the violence now engulfing Syria; one where Syrian minorities are actively targeted by Islamic extremists because of their religion and ethnicity. I condemn all such attacks, including those on Armenian Christians.”

In a joint letter to President Obama, Representatives Pallone, Grimm, Valadao and Schiff echoed these concerns, 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 state, “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.”

Senior House Foreign Affairs Committee member Rep. Brad Sherman stated that he has “been in contact with the State Department and have urged them to take the necessary actions to assist the Armenians in Syria. Turkey must take immediate action to help prevent extremist attacks on Armenian civilians.”

Rep. James McGovern, Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, explained, “I strongly condemn the brutal attacks on the Armenian-populated town of Kessab by al-Qaeda affiliated armed bands.” He went on to note that he is “deeply concerned by the reports that these attacks allegedly originated in Turkey and demand that the United States and international community conduct a thorough and critical investigation of these claims.”

Central California Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA), in a letter to his constituents, wrote, “As you may know, al Qaeda-linked terrorists attacked Armenians and other Christians in the Syrian town of Kessab, Syria six days ago. These attacks are deplorable, and I have made clear to the State Department that we must determine exactly what happened and continue to work with our allies to prevent such atrocities from happening again.”

Schiff and Sherman Tweet to #SaveKessab Representatives Adam Schiff and Brad Sherman shared their concern regarding the Kessab attacks on social media today, joining with concerned Armenians around the world in an effort led by the Armenian Youth Federation to trend the hashtag #SaveKessab.

Thousands participated in the international targeted tweeting session on Friday, March 28th from 3:00pm to 5:00pm EST, to raise awareness regarding the humanitarian crisis in Kessab and Turkey’s role in the attacks.

“Urging the State Dept. to help Armenians in Syria. Turkey must take immediate action to help prevent attacks on Armenians. #SaveKessab,” tweeted Rep. Sherman, echoing his earlier statement.

“The vicious attacks by al Qaeda-affiliated terrorists against Armenians & other Christians in #Kessab are beyond appalling. #SaveKessab,” stated Rep. Schiff.

State Department “Deeply Troubled” by Kessab Attacks In a statement followed by an question and answer session during the daily State Department press briefing on Friday, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf explained, “we 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.” Harf continued to note, ” 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.”

Over the past week, thousands of Armenian Americans have contacted President Obama and their Senators and Representatives in response to an ANCA Action Alert (http://www.anca.org/savekessab) urging immediate condemnation of the attacks against the civilian population of Kessab and, specifically, Turkey’s role in facilitating those attacks.

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 on Kessab civilians, forcing them to flee neighboring Latakia and Bassit.

Text of Pallone-Grimm-Valadao-Schiff Letter to President Obama Regarding Kessab

March 28, 2014

The President The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President,

We are writing to express our serious concerns regarding credible reports that Islamist rebels entering from Turkey this past weekend were involved in attacks in the Latakia region of Syria, specifically the town of Kessab, which is a predominately Armenian populated area. Such actions shock the conscious and must be resoundingly condemned.

As the Wall Street Journal reported on March 26th, “For Armenian-Syrians from the town of Kassab [sic] in Latakia, which rebels overran this weekend, the Turkish involvement reminded them of a dark chapter in their history: the Armenian genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman empire in 1915.” These tragic developments are accompanied by disturbing reports of Armenian homes being looted and occupied. 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.

At the beginning of the 20th century, nearly 6,000 Armenians lived in Kessab. However, the July 1915 deportation of the Armenian population at the hands of the Ottoman Turks resulted in the loss of nearly 5,000 lives. Now, ninety-nine years after their initial deportation, another expulsion of Armenians is a telling reminder about the dangers of genocide denial and Turkey’s failure to address its genocidal legacy.

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.

Thank you for considering this urgent request.

Sincerely,

FRANK PALLONE, JR. Member of Congress

MICHAEL GRIMM Member of Congress

ADAM SCHIFF Member of Congress

DAVID VALADAO Member of Congress

US will continue support to those affected by violence in Syria, including Syrian Armenians

March 29, 2014 by administrator

The United States will continue its support to those affected by violence in Syria and throughout the region, including Syrian Armenians, State Department representative said during a briefing on Friday.

“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,” Marie Harf said.

She said Washington is following the situation for Armenians inside Syria for all minorities, including Christians, and knows that violent extremists such as ISIL have targeted them.

“We’re particularly concerned about these minority communities and want to make sure that their rights are protected,” she emphasized.

“We’ve seen reports, as I said – recent fighting, violence against the Syrian Armenian communities. We see the reports coming out of there. Obviously, we talk – we try to get as much information from the ground as possible, as we do in all places in Syria, but it’s hard to get. But clearly, there have been some very troubling trends lately” .

However, Marie Harf refused to comment on the reports saying Turkish Foreign Minister planned a provocative act inside Syria so Turkey has the excuse to invade Syria.

“I don’t have anything for you on alleged calls or conversations that are out there among Turkish officials,” she added.

US senators introduce resolution condemning Turkey for Twitter, YouTube ban

March 28, 2014 by administrator

WASHINGTON

U.S. Senators Chris Murphy and Ron Johnson have introduced a resolution condemning the Turkish government for blocking the social media sites Twitter and YouTube, and restricting freedom of expression.

“The touchstone of a modern and legitimate democracy is the freedom of expression enjoyed by its people. In 2014, a fundamental expression of that freedom is a people’s access to social media sites that allow them to share information and contribute to a conversation about the world around them,” said Murphy, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on European Affairs.

“By allowing sites like Twitter and YouTube to remain blocked, Prime Minister Erdoğan is defying an order from his very own courts. If the Turkish government wishes to move toward eventual integration into the European Union, they should reverse course and respect the right of the Turkish people to exercise their basic democratic freedoms,” he added.

Johnson, Ranking Member of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on European Affairs, said the government’s attempt to control what its citizens learn about their leaders was a reminded of how crucial freedom of speech is.

“It also reminds us how cautious we must be about any changes in the oversight of Internet governance. The ability of any private citizen to compete openly in offering information to others has made the Internet one of the greatest deregulatory success stories of all time. The Turkish shutdown of Twitter and YouTube for political purposes shows the danger of foreign governments gaining control over this incredible forum for liberty,” he said.

March/28/2014

Washington: Representative Sherman Condemns Kessab Attacks #savekessab

March 27, 2014 by administrator

WASHINGTON—Representative Brad Sherman (D-CA) released the following statement on the attacks on Armenian civilians in Kessab, Syria.

“I am deeply concerned by the dire situation in Kessab, Syria. Extremist forces have reportedly crossed the border from Turkey into Kessab, an area inhabited mostly by Armenians. Hundreds of families have been forced to leave their homes for fear of their safety. There are reports that the forces entering Kessab are desecrating churches and pillaging Armenian homes. I have been in contact with the State Department and have urged them to take the necessary actions to assist the Armenians in Syria. Turkey must take immediate action to help prevent extremist attacks on Armenian civilians.”

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