TURKISH TROOPS IN LEBANON WOULD CREATE INSTABILITY, SAYS BRUSSELS GROUP

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23/08/2006

The European-Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy has added
its voice to those opposing Turkey’s participation in any peace-keeping
contingent in southern Lebanon, because of its continued abuse of
human rights, continued occupation of the north of Cyprus and Turkey’s
close military ties with Israel.

The EAFJD announced in Brussels that it "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, it 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.