Al-Monitor: Turkey’s 2015 plan is to avoid word ‘Genocide’ at all costs

The groups that call the 1915 events in Turkey "genocide" filled Istanbul Taksim Square on April 24, along with Armenians who came from abroad to remember millions of Armenians who lost their lives and suffered untold agony on this land. Only five or six years ago, it was unthinkable that such an observance could be held in Turkey. These developments encourage optimism, but even as democratic and forward-looking Turkish faces were displayed in Istanbul, we also noticed that the Turkish Foreign Ministry was still repeating the clichés of the last 98 years that we all know so well, Al-Monitor writes.

The Foreign Ministry criticized the April 24 statement of US President Barack Obama with a tone bordering on condemnation: "We find this statement that ignores historic realities troubling in all its aspects, and regret it." What led to this critical tone was Obama's saying that the Armenians were mercilessly massacred and forced on a death march in the last days of the Ottoman Empire.

On one hand, Turkey has erased a yearslong taboo and is now debating 1915 freely as never before. In addition to the April 24 observances, people are openly expressing their views by referring to 1915 as "genocide" in print and visual media.

But on the other hand, looking at the official reactions of the Turkish government, you can't find the slightest change. Why? Why is Turkey trying to keep the world from debating an issue that is freely discussed in Turkey itself? Why was Obama's statement received with such a stiff reaction, even though there was no mention of genocide? Why is Turkey, while taking serious steps to solve major questions such as the Kurdish issue, still repeating its century-old clichés on the Armenian issue?

All these appear to be part of Turkey's strategy for 2015. While Armenia and the Armenian diaspora promote 2015 as a milestone for global recognition of genocide, the Turkish state, mobilized by defensive instincts, continues denying everything, just as it has been doing all these years.

Keeping all this in mind and rereading Turkey's reaction to Obama's message, it could be understood that Turkey's message was not for today, but rather forward looking. It appears that Turkey, by reacting strongly today, was trying to ensure that the US president will not mention genocide in 2015, accoridng to Al-Monitor.

Why is Turkey so worried by the use of this word? Because Ankara thinks that there could be legal ramifications of the US and European countries recognizing genocide.

"The Turkish government, fearing future sanctions, is continuing with the policy of denial, and this will not change before 2015. Whether Turkey will develop humane and rational policies once the fear of 2015 is past remains to be seen."

Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Act introduced in US Congress

As Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Erdogan continues his official U.S. state visit, a bipartisan group of U.S. Representatives introduced the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Act, a new measure calling upon the President to build upon the U.S. record of having recognized the Armenian Genocide by working toward improved Armenian-Turkish relations based upon Turkey's full acknowledgement of the facts and ongoing consequences of the Armenian Genocide, and a fair, just, and comprehensive international resolution of this crime, reported the Armenian National Committee of America.

"We welcome today's introduction of the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Act," said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. "This innovative bipartisan initiative, building upon the U.S. record of having recognized the Armenian Genocide, calls for a new U.S. approach to Armenian-Turkish ties that reflects our America values and recognizes that our national interests require an end to Turkey's denials and a truthful, just, and comprehensive international resolution of this crime."

The Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Act, introduced by Representatives Michael Grimm (R-NY), Adam Schiff (D-CA), David Valadao (R-CA) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ), reflects and reinforces previous U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide as a crime of genocide, citing the U.S. 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, President Ronald Reagan's April 22, 1981 Proclamation and Congressional adoption of Armenian Genocide legislation in 1975 and 1984.

"Almost a century ago, over a million Armenian men, women, and innocent children were mercilessly put to death by forces of the Ottoman Empire in a horrifying attempt to wipe them from the face of the earth," said Rep. Grimm. "The U.S. has tirelessly defended justice and human rights throughout the world, and we have a solemn duty to recognize, once and for all, the injustices of the Armenian Genocide. On behalf of the Armenian community in New York City, I am proud to join with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in introducing Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Act."

"The facts of history are well-settled – 1.5 million Armenian men, women and children were deliberately murdered in the first genocide of the 20th Century," Rep. Schiff said. "With each passing day, we lose a few more of the dwindling number of survivors. We should all feel a powerful sense of urgency, and the profound call of moral duty to recognize the Armenian Genocide unequivocally and without delay."

Congressman Valadao stated, "Many of those able to flee during the genocide immigrated to the United States and settled in California. Today, their families continue to grow, thrive, and instill their cultural heritage in their adopted communities. However, the sense of loss as a result of these horrific acts runs deep as many Armenian-Americans in my district personally know a friend or family member who was unable to escape the genocide. We must ensure that the United States government properly acknowledges what so many already know to be true."

"The time for the U.S. to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide is long overdue," said Congressman Frank Pallone, Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues. "Armenia stands as a resilient ally of the United States and a nation dedicated to democracy and regional stability, and the Resolution introduced today shows that we will not stand idly by when the truth of this genocide is distorted by the Turkish government."

A Big "Thank You" on Behalf of Unified Young Armenians (UYA)

As the president of the Unified Young Armenians (UYA) and on behalf of Organization's leadership, I would like to thank each and every single one of our supporters, donors, and members who made the Sunday's telethon a success. Without them and their continued support of the UYA's mission over the last twelve years, we would not be where we are today.

Those who donated on Sunday (as well as in the last telethon) have once again demonstrated their appreciation of the Movement's value and their dedication to the Cause. They have given us the resources to continue fighting for human rights and historical justice. We are humbled by their trust and support.

We are also thankful to our guests and supporters, be it those who live in the US or those living in Armenia. We thank the Telethon's production team, Taguhi Tracy Oganyan, Arshak Baregam, Vartan Untamed Akopyan, Aram Ter-Martirosyan (ConnectTo Communications) and Partydj Karen, without whom the telethon would not have been possible. This team of selfless individuals worked hard day and night to put together what we all witnessed on Sunday. We are thankful to High Vision TV (Mr. George Asadorian), Best Tv (Mr. Bagrat Sargsyan & Mr. Vahag Sargsyan), New Wave Television (Mr. Ara Kazaryan), Aabctv Channel (Mr. Vrej Agajanian) for broadcasting the telethon last Sunday.

We thank our long time mentors and supporters including Ms. Nune Avetisian, Mr. Steven Juliet Hovagimian, Ms. Lucy Kalfayan, Mr. Hovik Gabikian, and Mr. Hovannes Balayan. These individuals have always been there for UYA over its decade long history.

We also thank the individuals* and organizations below:
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian
Congressman Adam Schiff
CA Assemblyman Mike Gatto
LA Councilman Eric Garcetti
Councilmember Ara Najarian
Councilmember Laura Friedman
Councilmember Zareh Sinanyan
Former Councilmember and Current Glendale City Treasurer Rafi Manoukian
GUSD Board President Nayiri Nahabedian
GUSD Board Member Greg Krikorian
Glendale City Clerk Ardashes "Ardy" Kassakhian
Armen Armenchik Gondrachyan
Vakhtang Vic Darchinyan
Narbeh Nalchachian
V & K Financial Services (Vilen Tavatyan)
Allied West Paper (The Ovanessian Family)
Hi Star Auto
Car City
1in.am (Arman Babajanyan)
Flawless Laser Center
Vartan Gharpetian
GUSD Board Member Dr. Armine Gharpetian
Garo Ghazarian, Esq.
Dr. Nubar Janoian
Hovhannes Shahbazyan
Harut Hagopian
Maria Cozette
Gagik Badalyan
Karen Boksian
Artur Madoyan
Vitamin Club
Vardan Amolikyan
Sako Zelveyan
Bedros Hajian
Karen Boksian
Hasmik Khachatryan
Levon Ter-Petrosyan
Eve Olve (Yeva Haryants)
Vito Gasparyan
Arno Mrtchyan
Seroj Avoyan
Done
Davit Tovmasyan
Martik Hovakimian
Gor Vardanyan (and the Docando Federation)
Gokor Harutyunyan
Sako Chivichian
Chuko
Louise Gill
Harout Balyan
SEIU 721
Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (Ռամկավար Ազատական Կուսակցութիւն)
Social Democrat Hunchakian Party (SDHP) (Սոցիալ Դեմոկրատ Հնչակյան Կուսակցություն) 
Armenian Bar Association 
Loyola Law School Armenian Law Student Association
United Armenian Council of Los Angeles
Allo Luv
Net Cafe
Best Choice Bail Bond
Calstar Plumbing & Rooter
Beno Blanko (and G Spot Hookah Catering)
And others...

Last, but certainly not least, I am thankful for having dedicated, hardworking, and patriotic members who went above and beyond the call of duty to make the UYA telethon a success. Each one of them deserves recognition and a standing ovation.

Sincerely,

Aroutin Hartounian
President
Unified Young Armenians (UYA)

*The names above are only a portion of the individuals who have stood by us during these last telethons. We apologize for any omissions and assure you that such omissions were not intentional.

April 23, 2012 Armenian Genocide Commemoration Candlelight Vigil (Glendale, CA)

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL IN MEMORY OF THE VICTIMS OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Dedicating a Night of Remembrance to the Victims of the Armenian Genocide 

Glendale, CA, April 23, 2012 – In honor of the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide, Unified Young Armenians, Inc. (UYA) has organized a candlelight vigil. This night will stand as a testimony that after so many years, the Armenian-American community will always uphold the memory of their massacred ancestors.

It will take place on Monday, April 23, 2012, at 7:00PM, in Glendale, CA, in the parking area of the Glendale Civic Auditorium’s, located at: 1401 North Verdugo Rd. Many guest speakers have confirmed to be present that evening, including key political figures currently serving in the City of Glendale.

This year marks the 97th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. During one of the darkest episodes of the human race, 1.5 million innocent Armenian men, women, and children living in the Ottoman Empire were mercilessly raped, annihilated, and murdered. Most of the survivors were left as orphans and with no choice but to build their lives away from their homeland, in many countries around the world, including the United States of America. The community congregates on the eve of the Armenian Genocide to commemorate their slaughtered ancestors with a candlelight vigil.

The President of Unified Young Armenians, Aroutin Hartounian, states: “The memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide will live in our hearts, in our minds, and most importantly, will be reflected in our actions. Our fight will go on.” UYA demands for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by both the Unites States of America and the Republic of Turkey. It seeks justice for the sake of all genocides in the past and present.

UYA is a non-partisan, non-religious, and a non-profit grassroots youth organization. Its goal is to encourage activism among the Armenian youth, while advocating justice and human rights. It upholds the power of knowledge and education. UYA’s mission is to serve the collective good and to promote a world free of genocides.

April 24, 2012 Armenian Genocide Commemoration March in Little Armenia, Hollywood (Los Angeles)

http://YoungArmenians.com

DEMANDING THE RECOGNITION AND OVERDUE REPARATION FOR THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Unified Young Armenians Organize Annual Demonstration for Recognition of the Armenian Genocide and Demanding the Overdue Reparations

Little Armenia, Hollywood, CA, April 24, 2012 – The first genocide of the 20th Century, the Armenian Genocide, remains unrecognized by the United States of America and the Republic of Turkey. Unified Young Armenians, Inc. (UYA) has organized its annual mass demonstration, in participation with leaders of the Armenian-American community and the general public.

On April 24, 1915, the Young Turks carried out their plan to annihilate the Armenian population living in the Ottoman Empire. It became the prototype for all genocides following thereafter. The mass extermination and systematic killings resulted in the massacre of 1.5 million innocent Armenian men, women, and children. For the past 97 years, this crime against humanity has gone unpunished. The descendants of the Ottoman Empire – the Republic of Turkey – refuse to acknowledge the guilt of their ancestors and continue to blackmail, to bribe, and to lie in order to conceal the truth.

The protest will begin at 10:00 AM at the intersection of Hollywood and Hobart Boulevards. Among the participants will be genocide survivors, politicians, human rights activists, government officials, and intellectuals. Prominent members of the community have been invited to participate and to speak at the closing ceremony, which will take place at 12:00 PM.

In 1918, former President of the United States of America, Theodore Roosevelt wrote in a letter to Cleveland Hoadley Dodge: "… the Armenian massacre was the greatest crime of the war, and the failure to act against Turkey is to condone it… the failure to deal radically with the Turkish horror means that all talk of guaranteeing the future peace of the world is mischievous nonsense." The denial campaign of the Armenian Genocide by the Republic of Turkey continues. UYA demands for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by both the United States of America and the Republic of Turkey. It seeks justice for the sake of all genocides in the past and present. 


UYA is a non-partisan, non-religious, and a non-profit grassroots youth organization. Its goal is to encourage activism among the Armenian youth, while advocating justice and human rights. It upholds the power of knowledge and education. UYA’s mission is to serve the collective good and to promote a world free of genocides.

Եղեռն



Young Armenian boy dying at the doorsteps during the Armenian Genocide



1915 թվական ապրիլ քսանչորս,
Սև ամպը պատեց երկրին իմ Հայոց,                   
Անտեղի կոտորվեց մի հայ ժողովուրդ
Եվ արյուն տեղաց անձրևի տեսքով:
Անհոգի ու չար Թուրքը գտնվեց
Ահել ու ջահել նա բնաջնջեց
Նույնիսկ չծնված մանուկներին չխնայեց
Մայրական որովայնում գերեզման սարքեց:
Շատերին սպանեցին անխղճաբար
Շատերին էլ ողջ նետեցին գետը վարար
Ախ այս ինչ բախտի հայն արժանացավ:
Ինչու չպաշտպանեցիր դու մեզ Տեր Աստված?
Մեր քույրերին հեզ ու բարի
Ալ կակաչներ գեղեցիկ
Զրկեցին նրանց Հայրենի հողից
Տարան աճեցրին հողում Թուրքերի:
Եվ չդիմանալով ցավերին անտանելի
Իրենք իրենց հողին հանձնեցին:
ՈՒ ամեն տարի Ապրիլ քսանչորսին
Գարնան երփներանգ  ծաղիկների հետ մեկտեղ
Մի ծաղիկ էլ է բացվում սրտերում Հայ Ազգի
Որը կոչվում է "Սևավոր Եղեռն":

Ռուբինա Ակոպյան