DIASPORA NOT TO AGREE TO ESTABLISHMENT OF ARMENIA-TURKEY RELATIONS WITHOUT RECOGNITION OF ARMENIAN PEOPLE’S RIGHTS, AMERICAN ARMENIAN INTELLECTUALS INSIST

NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY
JULY 8, 2009
GLENDALE

GLENDALE, JULY 8, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. A discussion on the
theme "Armenia-Turkey Relations and the Role of Diaspora" took place
at the Glendale Public Library on June 30, on the initiative of the
Armenian Writers’ Association of California.

Among the well-known intellectuals, Jean Kosakian, Grish Davtian,
Armen Zatikian, George Christinian, Garush Hariants participated in
the discussion. Association Chairman, poet Grish Davtian conducted
the meeting.

According to the AWAC report, viewpoints were mainly expressed during
the discussion that it is impossible to establish fair relations
with the Turkish authorities based on mutual interests as since the
late 19th century the Turks have done their best to put an end to
the Armenian people’s existence at any price and to fulfill their
Panturkist purposes. The discussion participants emphasized that
Diaspora and Armenia are a whole and the longevity of Diaspora
depends on Armenia’s prosperous might, Diaspora must not save its
potential on the Homeland as "the Homeland of all Armenians is one
and the purpose and aim of all of us is one, on the way of achieving
our fair rights." It was mentioned that Diaspora can not agree to
establishment of the Armenia-Turkey relations without recognition of
the Armenian people’s rights.

American Armenian intellectuals expressed a viewpoint that though
Armenia wishes to establish good-neighborly relations with all its
neighbors, it may establish relations with Turkey if only "the latter
recognizes the Armenian Genocide, compensates and returns the seized
lands."