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RETIRED TURKISH COMMANDER ADMITS ORDERING THE DEATH OF SOLOMOU
A former Commander of the Turkish occupation forces has admitted the
ordering of a killing of a Greek Cypriot demonstrator during a protest march
in Dherynia on 14 August 1996.
According to a Turkish Cypriot opposition daily paper Halkin Sesi, retired
Turkish Army Lieutenant General Hasan Koundakci recently described in public
his part in the murder of 26 year old Solomos Solomou as he climbed a
Turkish flag pole outside the fenced city of Famagusta.
Speaking at a gathering in the village of Sinda, Koundakci was quoted as
saying the following: “I had withdrawn my soldiers into the trees…When I
saw the young Greek Cypriot (Solomou) climbing on the flag pole I got very
angry and I gave an order consisting of two words: ‘Bring him down!’ You saw
what happened afterwards.”
On evidence supplied by the Cyprus Government Interpol later issued
international arrest warrants against Koundakci and three other mainland
Turks involved in the murder. One of them was Kenan Akin, so called
‘Agriculture Minister’ of the pseudostate at the time who is seen in a
photograph firing with his pistol at Solomou from a balcony. Akin, a Turkish
settler, was an officer of the Turkish army during the 1974 invasion of
Cyprus and was later employed by the Turkish Intelligence Service (MIT).
The young victim was protesting the bludgeoning to death of Tasos Isaak 22,
another Greek Cypriot demonstrator by Turkish Grey Wolves extremists and
Turkish Cypriot ‘policemen’ in the Buffer Zone a few days earlier.
After shooting Solomou, the Turks continued firing indiscriminately into the
crowd injuring 11 civilians and two UN soldiers. Both killings were
perpetrated in the presence of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, who was
seen taking photographs.
The notorious interview/document
Kenan Akin: Why are you making the killing of a dog sound so important?
Weekly AKTUEL (31.10.96 – 6.11.96) publishes the text of an exclusive
interview with Kenan Akin, so-called Minister of Agriculture and Natural
Resources. Under the title, “I wish I was there during the incident. I could
kill”, the interview goes as follows:
“Question: Were you there on the day of the incident?
Akin: In the morning I was there, at around 9:30 I left.
Question: Did you return after the incident?
Akin: No.
Question: Did you see your picture published in the Greek Cypriot press
which was taken from television and enlarged?
Akin: Could have. I was not there when the incident took place. But I felt
sorry for not being there. I wish I was there. I could have pulled the
trigger at least once. I wish I was there, definitely I was going to shoot.
Question: Don’t you think that this is an issue to be tackled by the
security forces? Apart from this, it is reportedly said that in your
election region you were saying that you have killed and you took the
responsibility.
Akin: No… During the incident I was on a picnic near the beach with my
wife and my child.
Question: Do you have a gun?
Akin: Yes, but I do not carry it.
Question: Following the claims against you, is there any investigation
against you by your party, by the government or by the legal organs?
Akin: The esteemed President asked me at one of our meetings. I told him I
was on a picnic by the beach with my wife and my child. There was no
investigation within the party. Only our general chairman put a question at
the party’s general assembly. He should have been convinced of what I had
said, so that he would not have considered it necessary to establish a
commission to open an enquiry.
Question: Do you envisage making any attempt to clear your name of these
claims against you by opening an inquiry?
Akin: These are Greek Cypriot lies. The other side are educating their
children with Turkish animosity. You are never writing this. Why are you
making the killing of a dog sound so important?”
WHICH ARMENIAN ISSUE ?
By Etyen Mahcupyan – Zaman, Turkey – August 7, 2004
During Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s tour of France, one of the most
anticipated meetings was the one with Socialist Party leader Francois
Hollande.
Because in previous statements, the party had emphasized that it expected
the Armenian issue to be taken up in the human rights context. It seems that
the prime minister’s visit did not change the other side’s expectation. In
other words, the French Socialist Party wants Turkey to make a gesture
concerning the events that happened in 1915, which perhaps will not even
necessitate a debate on “genocide.”
That is to say, it wants Turkey to accept that these events took place. On
the other side, it is obvious that there is no such condition in terms of
the Copenhagen Criteria because these criteria were determined collectively
for all the countries concerned. Therefore, handling specific historical,
geographical or cultural problems of countries in the “human rights”
context, could turn into a sort of psychological condition according to the
disposition of the person or institution dealing with the issue. This is
extremely natural because European Union (EU) membership is both a legal and
political issue; and the political aspect of the issue cannot be independent
of the perceptions, expectations and domestic policies of the societies.
However, this situation causes historical events, like those in 1915, to be
protracted and become a natural part of today’s politics. Hence, many
different Armenian issues surface… Today, European Union (EU)
institutions, the Armenian diaspora, Armenia, the government of the Turkish
Republic as well as the state, and finally, the Armenian congregation in
Turkey, all have different perceptions of the “Armenian issue,” and the
political functions and meanings of these approaches may differ from one
other. Therefore, the critical point is how to shape the required strategy
that will make Turkey play an active role both in the EU process and in its
own geography. Here, three important factors come to the fore: The first one
is naturally Turkey’s own objectives, its responsibility before its own eyes
and its position before its own society. The second point is what the right
attitude should be when looking forward in light of the globalization
process in the world. And the third is to what extent honesty over
historical facts would be adopted…
Such an analysis cannot arise independently of the mentality you possess;
however, if being active in the future world is desired, then the probable
mentality of the future needs to be shared. What this implies is that a
solution to the Armenian problem needs to be sought with a democratic
mentality. Above all, this approach implies being open to talks, and
basically, Turkey talking to itself. For example, the fact that Turkish
historians with different approaches, still cannot come together on the same
platform, is an attitude that implies that they are dodging the truths.
Turkey taking this [positive] step will bring two advantages: On one side,
“a moment to take a breath,” that will ensure the elimination of accusations
reflected from “abroad” will be gained, and the depression caused by the
“illegitimate” attitude carried out so far will be eradicated. On the other
side, Turkey will be able to come closer to some of the “different Armenian
issues” hovering around, it will particularly be able to bring to the agenda
different aspects of this event thanks to approaches that will include
Armenians living in Turkey and various coalitions.
The distinguishing aspect of the “genocide” concept kills the debate and
makes the quest of living together more difficult. However, it is necessary
to see that the logic of mutual conflict, that reaches the point of
rejecting historical events, will not benefit any of the sides. The Turkish
Republic overlooking this fact is a burden too heavy to bear before the
international community.
‘YERKIR’ EDITOR CALLS AZERI WAR STATEMENTS ABSURD
YEREVAN (Combined Sources)–Responding to the recent hostile statements made
by Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry, ARF- Dashnaktsoutiun Armenia Supreme Body
member and Editor in Chief of “Yerkir” newspaper Spartak Seiranian said the
appeal “to declare war on Armenia and liberate Karabagh” was made to incite
the public.
On August 5, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported that the
chief spokesman for Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry, Colonel Ramiz Melikov,
publicly stated that “within the next 25 years there will exist no state of
Armenia in the South Caucasus.” He added: “Modern Armenia is built on
historical Azerbaijani lands…I think that in 25-30 years’ time, its
territory will again come under Azerbaijan’s jurisdiction.” Seiranian called
such statements “absurd,” adding it is meant for the uneducated people.
According to Seiranian, if Azeris believe they have such military force that
can fight and win, one should not forget that the Armenian fighters are also
ready to die for their homeland. “The Azeri warrior isn’t ready to die for
Karabagh, as he knows very well that Karabagh isn’t his land; on the
contrary, the Armenian fighter knows that he defends his homeland, and
that’s why he will go to all lengths,” he said. Seiranian, recalling the
victory of Armenian troops in the Karabagh war, stated confidently that if
the situation recurs in the future, the outcome would not be any different.
INTRODUCING YOUR BUSINESS TO GIBRAHAYER
Gibrahayer has been receiving requests from Armenian businesses, to promote
their products and services through the pages of Gibrahayer e-newsletter. I
call upon Armenian Cypriot businesses to make donations to Armenian
organisations and Charities for the advertising space provided by Gibrahayer
and urge all of you to support Armenian businesses and our advertisers !
Simon Aynedjian
Gibrahayer e-newsletter –
AMERICAN RECORDING PRODUCTIONS are leaders in the production and
distribution of Armenian and Middle Eastern traditional music. In 1991, Ara
Topouzian founded this world music label and it has always been the
intention to create global awareness of the traditional elements of Middle
Eastern music. Currently, his music is selling around the world through our
mail order/internet division and in 2,000 major record outlets.
‘It has been an amazing business; we currently are growing at a rate of four
to five new recordings per year. As a musician (kanun player) and enthusiast
of Armenian and Middle Eastern music, I have enjoyed producing recordings
that have become popular in homes around the world. The support we have
received and compliments from our customers have been tremendous. Your
support has kept our recordings, and more importantly the type of music we
produce, alive and visible. The year 2001 marks out 10th Anniversary of
American Recording Productions and we are in the works to commemorate this
milestone anniversary.’ said Topouzian.
ARP productions have been honored in several ways over these last few years.
Borders Inc. incorporated music from FULL CIRCLE into their telephone
on-hold music; FOR THE CHILDREN OF ARMENIA and STRINGED TRANQUILITY have
been included in several collegiate plays as well as the PBS documentary
“The Armenian Americans.” ARP has also taken part in humanitarian efforts
such as donating proceeds to Armenian relief causes for children, such as
FACES OF BRAVERY. To date, ARP has over thirty releases featuring some of
the finest musician ship from around the globe. Visit them at
CD OF THE WEEK: Eastern Winds (features Ara Topouzian, Ben Temkow, Mark
Sawasky, and Doug Shimmin) From calming meditative strains of ancient folk
song to invigorating, provocative rhythms of festive dance medley, EASTERN
WINDS soar gracefully over the music of Armenia, the Mediterranean and the
Middle East. Listeners who allow themselves to be swept up in these currents
are equally rewarded and challenged. The collection of pieces on this CD
offers a faithful representation of traditional melodies with specifics
origins, yet the innovative treatment and original arrangement of the
material is a testament to the universality of the music.
Special Offer: If you mention this newsletter, ARP will give a 15% discount
on your first total order! Eastern Winds can be purchased for $16.00 USD and
add $2.00 for US shipping. Add an additional $1.00 for all foreign orders.
Donation: To the AYMA Music Library.
OLYMPICS FACT SHEET
DID YOU KNOW THAT?
Trdat III Arshakuni Armenian king Varazdat Arshakuni became the champion in
boxing at 291st Olympic Games held in 385.
The philosopher Plato (427-347) was a double winner of the pankration.
The 14 articles of the Olympic regulations included an article on
corruption: any corruption of a judge or an opponent would be punished by
whipping.
Some women, who were prohibited from attending the Games, did not accept
this segregation and dressed up as men, at the risk of being thrown from the
mountain of Typaion, as stipulated in the rules.
In 1990 the National Olympic Committee of Armenia was founded to further
development of physical education and sports. At present about 60 events are
popular in Armenia, there are 32 National Federations recognized by NOC of
Armenia.
The website of the National Olympic Committee of Armenia is at
Follow the online results of the Armenian & Cypriot athletes at
VERCHIN JAM: Cypriot tennis player Marcos Baghdatis beat France’s Gregory
Carraz in the Men’s Singles First Round 5-7, 7-6 and 7-5 during 28th Olympic
Games in
Athens.;id=3D271750
NEWS IN BRIEF
– Armenian Azeri and Turkish delegations clashed at the 3rd Youth Festival
in Barcelona in which more than 10,000 youth from around the world were
participating. The Turkish and Azeri delegation demanded that the
information on the genocide be removed from the poster board; however, the
ARF Dashnaktsoutiun Youth delegation refused, resulting in commotion.
– Based on the first half results of 2004 on the GDP of Armenia (9.2%) a
two-digit growth of the economy in Armenia is expected.
– Browse Google in Armenian. Check the following site
– A hand grenade was thrown at an internet-club in 2 Paronian street in
Yerevan and the owner 42 years old Laura Mnatsakanian died as a result of
the explosion.
– Georgian troops and separatist forces in South Ossetia exchanged sporadic
shelling and gunfire clouding talks between Russia and Georgia on the status
of the pro-Russian region.
– 18 sportsmen will represent Armenia in the Olympic Games, expected to do
well in weight-lifting, wrestling and boxing. Olympic champion Albert
Azarian carried the Armenian flag during the opening ceremony which was held
on August 13, 2004 in Athens.
g i b r a h a y  c a l e n d a r
â=80¢ The Armenian Youth Federation completed its 17th Annual Summer Camp at the
Morphou Prelature Camp Site at Kalopanayiotis on Sunday 15 August 2004.
Pictures from Camp can be viewed in our next issue.
â=80¢ A Tour to Armenia is being organised by the Central Executive of
Hamazkayin from August 20-September 3, 2004 with the participation of
members and friends from Armenian diaspora communities. Trips to Karabagh
are also scheduled. To receive more info and to apply for the trip please
contact the Cyprus Hamazkayin Committee members.
â=80¢ The Annual General Meeting of The Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational
Association “Oshakan” Cyprus Chapter will take place on Tuesday September
14, 2004 at 8:00 p.m. at A.Y.M.A.
The Armenian Prelature announces that the next permit for the Armenian
Cemetery visitation at Ayios Dhometios on the Green line, is scheduled for
Sunday 23 August, 2004.
â=80¢ Armenian Radio Hour on The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation can beheard
via real audio on . Broadcast times 17:00-18:00 local Cyprus
time (14:00-15:00 GMT) News bulletins at 17:15 local time on Sundays,
Tuesdays, Fridays. Armenian Cypriots can also tune in on the following radio
frequencies 91.1 FM (Mount Olympus – for Nicosia listeners) 94.2 FM
(Paralimni/Protaras/Agia Napa) 92.4 FM (Larnaca) 96.5 FM (Paphos).
â=80¢ Every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. (Cyprus time +2 GMT) on CyBC’s Trito, Puzant
Nadjarian presents the “History of the Blues” together with Robert Camassa.
The programme which is now in its second year can also be heard on Real
Audio from the Internet edition of CyBC on . A repeat
programme can also be heard seven hours later at 2:00 a.m. local time.
â=80¢ AYMA announces that the weekly practices of the football team begin in the
second week of September. Contact the AYMA Sports Committee for more
details.
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