Armenian Assembly of America
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PRESS RELEASE
November 18, 2004
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
Email: ckojoian@aaainc.org
FMR. ASSEMBLY BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN VAN KRIKORIAN TESTIFIES ON
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM OF ARMENIANS IN TURKEY ON CAPITOL HILL
Washington, DC – The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
(CSCE) convened a hearing on Capitol Hill this week to examine freedom
of religious issues in Turkey, including the glaring property crisis
facing the Armenian Orthodox Church and the unrecognized status of the
Armenian Patriarchate there.
Former Assembly Board of Directors Chairman Van Krikorian, joined by
Rev. Father Archpriest Vertanes Kalayjian of St. Mary’s Armenian
Apostolic Church in Washington, DC, offered testimony on the situation
of Christian Armenians in Turkey, noting at the outset that the hearing
is especially meaningful, “as April is the month in which the Armenian
Genocide is commemorated.”
Commission Co-Chairman Rep. Christopher Smith (R-NJ), also a member of
the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, submitted written remarks
highlighting the serious problems which restrict religious liberties to
Armenians in Turkey.
“The Armenian Orthodox Church has suffered the loss of important
properties through government expropriations,” Smith said. “Similar to
the situation of the Greek Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox and Catholic
Churches, the Armenian Orthodox Church has lost much under current laws
that enable the government to assume direct administration of properties
that fall into ‘disuse’ when the size of the local community falls below
a certain point. In addition, the Armenian Patriarchate continues to
seek recognition of its legal status.”
Krikorian, in his testimony, reinforced Smith and said that Armenians
for centuries have paid and in many places continue to pay a high price
for their Christianity.
“In 1914, there were approximately 5,000 Armenian Churches, seminaries
and schools registered by the Patriarchate…less than 50 Armenian
Churches remain under the jurisdiction of the Armenian Patriarchate
today.”
“The seizure and often destruction of Armenian Church property, of this
Christian legacy, thus presents a ripe area to demonstrate reform and
begin building confidence,” Krikorian added. Krikorian also noted
that there have been improvements within civil society to discuss
Armenian issues more openly as well as recognition that the border
should be open, both of which should be encouraged by the CSCE.
Recognizing that the Armenian presence in Turkey is and has been
tenuous, Krikorian offered three main problem areas that require
immediate attention.
* The ability to conduct services, including training and
employing clergy.
* The ability to maintain Armenian schools without censorship and
allow any Armenian student to attend.
* The ability to fund, administer and operate the Church and
properties.
Additionally, Krikorian offered a recommendation by the Turkish Armenian
Reconciliation Commission (which completed its work in 2004) which says
that opportunities should exist for religious leaders to develop
contacts and engage in promoting reconciliation between Turks and
Armenians. Such activities should include the restoration of religious
sites and supporting the rights and functioning of religious
foundations, according to the group.
The population of Armenians in Turkey is approximately 70,000 to 82,000
and the Turkish government estimates that another 30,000 to 40,000
Armenians from Armenia currently work in Istanbul.
The Commission hearing also addressed the situation faced by other
religious minorities in Turkey, including Muslims, Protestants and Jews.
Testimony was also provided by Merve Kavacki, former member of the
Turkish Grand National Assembly, Jeff King with International Christian
Concern and Barry Jacobs with the American Jewish Committee.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership
organization.
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NR#2005-041
Editor’s Note: To download the complete text of Van Krikorian’s
testimony, as well as other related documents, log onto the CSCE Web
site at
Photograph available on the Assembly Web site at the following link
Caption: Former Assembly Board of Directors Chairman Van Krikorian,
center, testified on Capitol Hill before the Commission on Security and
Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) on April 12, 2005. At left is Rev. Father
Archpriest Vertanes Kalayjian of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in
Washington and Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL), is at right.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress