First checks distributed from insurance settlement for Armenians killed by
Turks
.c The Associated Press
AP Photos NYR101-2
NEW YORK AP) – Five Armenian charities received checks for $333,333
(euro254,744) each Wednesday as part of an insurance settlement with
descendants of Armenians massacred 90 years ago by the Turks.
The checks are part of a $20 million (euro15.28 million) settlement
with New York Life Insurance Co., which issued 2,300 policies to
Armenians in Turkey before 1915 that were never paid, according to
plaintiffs’ attorney Brian Kabateck.
Armenians contend that 1.5 million people were executed between 1915
and 1919 by Turkish authorities who accused them of helping the
invading Russian army during World War I. Turkey rejects the genocide
claim and says Armenians were killed in civil unrest during the
collapse of the Ottoman Empire. France and Russia are among countries
that have declared the killings genocide, but the United States has
not.
The agreement set aside at least $11 million (euro8.41 million) for
descendants, $3 million (euro2.29 million) for charities and $2
million (euro1.53 million) for administrative costs. Four charities in
Los Angeles will receive the rest of the $3 million (euro2.29
million).
Descendants of the policy holders have until March 16 to file claims.
The settlement, approved last year by a federal judge in Los Angeles,
is believed to be the first involving the events of the era.
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01/26/05 17:03 EST