PRESENCE OF TURKISH TROOPS IN LEBANON WOULD PERPETUATE INSTABILITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST
ArmRadio.am
23.08.2006 13:22
The European-Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy welcomes
with relief the cease-fire that has put an end to the Israeli bombings
of Lebanon and to the suffering of the people. The Federation also
supports the international community’s current efforts aimed at
the normalization of the region under the aegis of the United
Nations. However, the European-Armenian Federation is gravely
concerned about the possibility of Turkish troops participating in
the peacekeeping force in this sensitive region.
"Let’s remember that Turkey is the old colonial power of the Near East
with clear territorial ambitions vis-a-vis Arab countries. Turkey’s
record of genocide, torture and suffering is permanently inscribed
in the collective memory of the Lebanese. Furthermore, Turkey’s
current abuse of its own ethnic minorities, including those of Arab
nationality, is a well-known reality in the region," declared Hilda
Tchoboian, chairwoman of the European-Armenian Federation.
"The presence of Turkish troops in an international force would
be a serious mistake with dire consequences for the peacekeeping
operations. Turkey is not a peacemaker. Turkish forces will only
aggravate the current delicate situation in South Lebanon by adding
Turkey’s own regional liabilities to the present complexities in
Lebanon. After so much suffering, the Lebanese people deserve better,"
added Hilda Tchoboian.
The European-Armenian Federation also emphasizes that Turkish
troops would be particularly ineffective and inappropriate due to
the fundamental conflict of interest between their responsibility
as credible and responsible peacekeepers and the higher national
interests of Turkey anchored in the extensive requirements of its
military and strategic alliance with Israel.
The Federation therefore urges the international community to make
a more suitable choice for the makeup of the UN peacekeeping force.
