RAPA CHAIRMAN PROPOSES WORKING OUT ACTIONS PLAN IN DEFENSE OF ARMENIAN PROPERTY WORLDWIDE

Noyan Tapan

Nov 27, 2008

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27, NOYAN TAPAN. The pressures upon the Armenians in
Jerusalem are not new: it has a history of years, as strong Christian
states cannot tolerate that in difference to them, the Armenians have
wide rights in Jerusalem. Haroutiun Arakelian, the Chairman of the
Ramkavar-Azatakan Party of Armenia (RAPA), stated at the November 27
press conference.

According to him, the Armenians of Jerusalem, as well as the
Patriarchate have huge estates, property of billions, but they are
unprotected, as the government of Israel does not grant citizenship
to the Armenians. According to H. Arakelian, it is time that the
RA government and Armenian organizations worldwide jointly work out
actions plan in defense of the Armenian property worldwide.

H. Arakelian said thay by that program first of all any Armenian
community of the Diaspora should have a protection by Armenia
stipulated by interstate agreements and the law. And the newly created
Ministry of Diaspora, according to him, should make an inventory of
Armenians’ property.

Touching upon the incidents to the Christians two months ago in
Iraq, in consequence of which two Armenians died, H. Arakelian said
that though Armenian press touched upon that fact, nevertheless the
Armenians of Iraq wish to once more stress that those incidents had not
been planned specially against the Armenians. "The leadership of Iraq
said during the meeting with RAPA members that they do not consider
the Armenians a minority, but full members of their state. And there
is no dislike for the Armenians in their country," H. Arakelian said.

He also said that RAPA is the only Armenian party, which has officially
received a registration in Iraq. The party representatives, according
to H. Arakelian, have established serious contacts with the local
leadership and have an important role in Iraq’s political life.