Author: Harutyunian Christine

WHAT IS KARS AGREEMENT?

Armen Manvelian

AZG Armenian Daily
28/04/2009
Armenia-Turkey

Armenian-Turkish last statement has kicked up a fuss in Armenia. We can
underline that there is no neutral and impartial analysis here. Trying
to fill up the gap here, "Azg" daily publishes so-called Kars agreement
that according to the Turkish press is one of the preconditions that
the official Ankara puts forward for improvement of Armenian-Turkish
bilateral relations and opening of the border. And in this situation
the main question is – what is Kars agreement and what subject does
it touch upon?

Once more we want to underline that it is not clear yet if the Kars
agreement is a precondition or not, but we want to note that it is
signed on October 13, 1921, between Turkey, on the one hand, and Soviet
Republics of Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan, on the other hand. This
multilateral agreement was signed in the presence of Russian delegation
representatives and was actually the reflection of the Russian-Turkish
agreement signed in March of 1921. Foreign Minister Asqanaz Mravian
and Minister of Internal Affairs Petros Makintsian signed the
agreement on behalf of Soviet Armenia. After one year of signing
the agreement it was ratified by the Transcaucasian three republics
and the ratification documents were handed to the Turkish side in
Yerevan. Practically, the Armenian-Turkish present-day border has been
marked by this agreement. It is the only agreement that regulates
the relations between the two countries. Subsequently, a memorandum
of using drinking and irrigation water on Armenian-Turkish border,
and also other documents were signed on the basis of this agreement.

People, who are against this agreement’s reaffirmation, mention that
it is against our claim and with this agreement we actually recognize
modern Turkey’s territorial integrity. In 1991, when Armenia proclaimed
its independence, it was announced that the newly independent Armenia
is the legal successor of the Soviet Republic. It stands to reason
that the third republic recognizes all agreements signed by the
Soviet Armenia.

Besides, in March of 1991, when Armenia became a UN member, the
Armenian authorities actually recognized the territorial integrity
of the UN member-countries. It means that Armenia has already de
jure recognized the neighboring Turkey’s territorial integrity
for several times. Consequently, the clamor set up by the Armenian
political parties is only a PR and is delayed from the aspect of
international law.

However, the Kars agreement has defects as well. In particular,
it is underlined in the agreement that under concept of Turkey the
territories are kept in view that are involved in the National Oath
adopted by the Ottoman Parliament in Costandinopolis (Istanbul)
on January 28, 1920. It means that Armenia taking into account
the above-mentioned can renounce this agreement, because according
to so-called National Oath such territories were involved in the
borders of Turkey that today are not part of it and belong to Iran and
Iraq. Besides, the Kars state was out of the borders of that Turkey.

Therefore, the agreement needs detailed and impartial discussion and
analysis to understand if it is advantageous or not.

Nevertheless, I think that Armenia should step boldly forward and
carry on an active dialogue with Turkey that will not only solve the
issue of the border but also will create a new political situation
in the whole South Caucasus and will strengthen Armenia’s position
in the international scene.

"Azg" daily will touch upon the Kars agreement in detail in its
future issues.

The complete text of Kars agreement is available only in Russian. You
can read it on our website’s Russian section.

AAA IS DISAPPOINTED AT THE STATEMENT OF BARACK OBAMA

PanARMENIAN.Net
28.04.2009 00:11 GMT+04:00

On April 24, 2009, Armenian Assembly of America (AAA) Chairman Hirair
Hovnanian, sent a letter to President Barack Obama expressing profound
disappointment that the President had omitted the word Genocide in
his commemorative statement on the occasion of the 94th anniversary
of the Armenian Genocide, AAA reported to PanARMENIAN.Net.

That same afternoon, US Vice-President Joseph Biden, Jr. telephoned
Chairman Hovnanian and they exchanged views on the history and status
of Armenian-American community efforts to obtain affirmation by the
U.S. government of the Armenian Genocide.

The full text of the letter is presented below:

"Dear Mr. President,

I am writing to express the profound disappointment of the Armenian
Assembly of America and all Americans of Armenian heritage at the
statement you issued marking the 94th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide. Your use of the phrase Mets Yeghem was an inadequate
substitute for Armenian Genocide. It was a regrettable retreat from
the expressed promises you made as a candidate.

Armenians around the world applauded your forthright stance when,
on January 2008, you promised, "As President I will recognize the
Armenian Genocide." They were further heartened when in October 2008
you stated "I believe that the Armenian Genocide is not an allegation,
a personal opinion, or a point of view, but rather a widely documented
fact supported by an overwhelming body of historical evidence."

Both in Turkey and in today’s statement, you asserted that your view
of history with regard to what happened to the Armenian population in
Ottoman Turkey had not changed. Yet you clearly acquiesced to Turkish
demands to avoid using the word Genocide. And in so doing, may have
taken a step backwards in genocide prevention around the world. In my
telephone conversation with Vice-President Biden today, we candidly
discussed the history and status of efforts to obtain affirmation by
the government of the Armenian Genocide. I request an opportunity to
meet with you to review this problem and the concerns of the Armenian
community regarding United States relations with Armenia.

As you are aware, the Armenian-American community is actively pursuing
the passage of House Resolution 252 reaffirming the United States
record on the Armenian Genocide. As of today, 107 members of the House
of Representatives have signed on as cosponsors of the resolution. We
are hopeful that the legislation will reach the floor of the House
promptly and that your Administration wd support its enactment.

Mr. President, I am fully aware that issues in the South Caucasus
are at a sensitive stage. The governments of Armenia and Turkey are
in serious negotiations to restore their bilateral relations. That
process is understood to be without preconditions. It must be an effort
that is distinct and separate from the issue of the Armenian Genocide.

Clearly, any agreement between Armenia and Turkey will rest on Ankara’s
willingness to lift its blockade of Armenia and allow the free flow
of commerce and travel. Other aspects of the agreement can not be
dependent on issues unrelated to the direct relationship between
Armenia and Turkey. Specifically, Azerbaijan must not be allowed
to hold an agreement hostage to acquiescence of its terms for the
resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh problem.

I assure you that the Armenian Assembly of America will always support
America’s values and interests. Our mission is to strive to urge
close and enduring friendshp between our nation and the Republic of
Armenia. I look forward to hearing from you."

Respectfully, Hirair Hovnanian Chairman, Armenian Assembly of America

PanArmenian News, Armenia
April 24 2009

Could Armenian President recognize Kars agreement?

25.04.2009 17:59 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ ANC is the only political force that used Armenian
Genocide 94th anniversary commemoration to its advantage, Head of Hay
Dat Bureau Kiro Manoyan told a news conference in Yerevan, without
clarifying the meaning behind his words.

According to Kiro Manoyan, positions of ANC and current RA authorities
are mostly different.

`2 RA ex-Presidents were against Armenia’s recognizing Kars agreement,
and I hope there will be no Armenian president ever to recognize
it. Armenian people will not allow of this,’ he noted. `Millions of
people gathered at the memorial yesterday testify to resistance force
and survival instinct of the Armenian people.

Kiro Manoyan also emphasized that RA authorities have to decide
whether Genocide acknowledgement issue is still a part of RA foreign
policy.

Lab Law Weekly
April 24, 2009

ARMENIAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE OF AMERICA;
Armenian Genocide Recognition Key to Renewed U.S.-Turkey Relations

President Barack Obama’s trip to Turkey affords him an opportunity to
reset U.S.-Turkey relations based on a shared commitment to truth and
mutual respect, starting with a break from the gag-rule that Turkey
has long imposed on U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide – the
Ottoman Turkish Empire’s annihilation of over 1.5 million Armenians
from 1915-1923 (see also Armenian National Committee of America).

"President Obama is the right man at the right time to speak honestly
in Turkey about the Armenian Genocide," said Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA) Executive Director Aram
Hamparian. "President Obama, in honoring his pledge to recognize the
Armenian Genocide, will show the world that America’s leadership in
condemning genocide will never again be held hostage to threats from a
foreign government."

During talks with Turkey’s President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President Obama will discuss a range of
concerns, including Turkey’s 15-year illegal blockade of
Armenia. Recent talks between Turkey and Armenia remain tenuous, with
Erdogan, as recently as Friday, denying the Armenian Genocide and
setting the resolution of the Nagorno Karabagh conflict as a
precondition for establishing ties with Armenia. Armenian authorities
have long called for normalized relations with Turkey with no
preconditions.

As a Senator and presidential candidate, President Obama pledged
repeatedly to recognize the Armenian Genocide and promised "unstinting
resolve" to end the Darfur Genocide, stating, "America deserves a
leader who speaks truthfully about the Armenian Genocide and responds
forcefully to all genocides. I intend to be that President." View his
record on the issue at:
_Genocide.pdf

The ANCA has launched the "Fierce Urgency of Now"
() campaign urging anti-genocide activists
to ask the Obama Administration and Congress to take action to end the
Darfur Genocide and to recognize the Armenian Genocide. The effort is
inspired by President Obama’s campaign remarks: "I am running because
of what Dr. King called ‘the fierce urgency of now.’ I am running
because I do believe there’s such a thing as being too late. And that
hour is almost here."

The Armenian Genocide is commemorated worldwide April
24th. U.S. presidents traditionally issue statements on this day
honoring the victims of this crime. More than 20 countries, including
12 NATO allies, have recognized the Armenian Genocide, along with 41
U.S. states.

Keywords: Armenian National Committee of America.

This article was prepared by Lab Law Weekly editors from staff and
other reports.

Cyprus Mail
April 25, 2009 Saturday

Local events to mark Armenian genocide anniversary

Claudia Konyalian

CYPRUS’ Armenian community have been joining Armenians worldwide in a
series of activities commemorating the 94th anniversary of the 1915
Armenian Genocide, when over one and a half million people were killed
by Ottoman Turks, remembered annually worldwide on April 24.

Local activities began on April 22 with a blood donation at the Nareg
Armenian Elementary School in Nicosia in memory of the victims.

Yesterday, a youth march took place from Eleftheria Square through the
capital to Armenias Avenue, and on up to the Sourp Astvadzadzin (Holy
Mary) Armenian Church.

A community march followed along Armenias Avenue to the Genocide
Monument located near the entrance of the church, after which at
memorial service was held.

Later in the evening, a divine liturgy and memorial service took place
at the Sourp Astvadzadzin Church. Meanwhile CyBC2 screened Memories, a
documentary on the Armenian Genocide directed by Avedis Ohanian that
won Best International Political Documentary Award at the New York
International Independent Film and Video Festival 2008.

The main event remembering the genocide will take place this evening
at 7pm at the PASYDY Auditorium in Nicosia, under the auspices of
House President Marios Garoyian.

Tomorrow an Armenian Liturgy and Memorial will be held at the Saint
George Greek Orthodox church in Paphos.

Armenian Representative in Parliament Vartkes Mahdessian will address
the House on April 30 on the occasion of the anniversary.

CANADA SAYS RELATIONS WITH TURKEY REMAIN GOOD AFTER ANKARA RECALLS AMBASSADOR OVER ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Xinhua General News Service
April 22, 2009 Wednesday 5:10 PM EST

Canada’s relations with Turkey remain good although Ankara recalled
its ambassador over Ottawa’s position on the Armenian massacres in
early last century, a government official said Wednesday.

Turkish Foreign Ministry confirmed earlier Wednesday that its
ambassador to Ottawa had been called back after Canadian government
ministers and politicians took part in a ceremony Tuesday night
commemorating the tragedy that happened 1915-1917.

The recall does not represent a diplomatic breakdown and "we have good
relations with Turkey — they are allies," said Catherine Loubier,
spokeswoman for Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon.

Historians estimate that up to 1.5 million Armenians were killed by
Ottoman Turks, an event viewed by scholars as the first genocide of
the 20th century.

Turkey denies that the deaths constituted genocide and contends that
the toll has been inflated and the casualties were victims of civil
war and unrest.

Canada’s parliament passed a motion in 2004 recognizing the event
as genocide.

This has been the second time Turkey has recalled its ambassador
to Canada over the dispute. In 2006, Turkey briefly withdrew its
ambassador over remarks Prime Minister Stephen Harper made in support
of recognizing the mass killings as genocide.

TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE VICTIMS
Hasmik Dilanyan

"Radiolur"
24.04.2009 15:33

Today Armenians all over the world commemorate the innocent victims
of the Armenian Genocide of 1915. This morning the Catholicos
of All Armenian, Garegin II, offered a commemoration service at
Tsitsernakaberd in memory of the innocent victims. In attendance were
President Serzh Sargsyan, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, members of
Government, Deputies of the National Assembly.

Starting from 7 a.m. people have been coming to Tsitsernakaberd to pay
tribute to the memory of the innocent victims. They all are assured
Turkey will once recognize the Armenian Genocide.

Representative of the ARF Supreme Body Armen Rustamyan noted that
the Party does not mind the normalization of the Armenian-Turkish
relations. "The question is at what price it is going to take place,"
he said.

Secretary of the Prosperous Armenia Party Aram Safaryan noted that they
were closely watching the further development of the Armenian-Turkish
relations.

According to him, the first step has already been taken, but the
Party is also aware of the existing obstacles.

ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MUSEUM WAS REPLENISHED WITH A NEW EXHIBIT – DAGGER THAT ONCE BELONGED TO ANDRANIK OZANYAN’S COMRADE-IN-ARMS

PanArmenian News
April 25 2009
Armenia

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today, a resident of Yerevan Haykanush Sarsyan,
who came to Tsisernakaberd to commemorate 1915 Genocide victims,
made a gift of her father’s dagger to Armenian Genocide Museum.

The dagger once belonged to comrade-in-arms of Andranik Ozanyan,
Armenia’s National Hero.

Sargsyan family from Western Armenia had been witnesses to tragic
events of 1915.

Says Haykanush Sargsyan to PanARMENIAN.Net reporter, "I’m proud of
my ancestors who bravely fought against Turkish vandals. I’m happy
the museum will become a new home for our family relic."

"I believe that the Armenian Genocide must be acknowledged and
condemned by world countries, specifically Turkey, whether Turkey
wills it or not. Its important that we were prepared for it, as there
are may questions to which we ourselves don’t know the answers,"
Haykanush Sargsyan stressed.

CANADA WELCOMES THE RECONCILIATION EFFORTS BETWEEN TURKEY AND ARMENIA

PanArmenian News
April 23 2009
Armenia

The federal government of Canada says Turkey’s decision to recall
its ambassador does not represent a diplomatic breakdown between
the countries.

The spokeswoman for Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon insisted
Canada’s position on the issue is "not an indictment of modern Turkey."

"Turkey is a democracy, we have good relations with Turkey — they
are allies," said the spokeswoman Catherine Loubier. "We welcome the
reconciliation efforts between Turkey and Armenia."

Turkey pulled Ambassador Rafet Akgunay from Ottawa after it learned
that a cabinet minister attended an event this week commemorating
the Armenian Genocide by Turks during the First World War.

Akgunay was called home for "thorough evaluations and consultations,"
Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Burak Ozugergin said in Ankara.

However, another Turkish official, speaking on condition of anonymity,
said the ambassador was being withdrawn temporarily to protest the
Canadian government’s presence at the event on Parliament Hill.

Aris Babikian, executive director of the Armenian National Committee
of Canada, said Immigration Minister Jason Kenney and Liberal Leader
Michael Ignatieff attended the group’s event Tuesday.

The ceremony marked the fifth anniversary of Canada’s recognition of
the genocide.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper did not attend, but he sent a letter
of support saying Canada hopes "tolerance and openness . . . will
guide Armenia and Turkey in developing their relations."

"We remember the terrible loss of life during the demise of the Ottoman
Empire in 1915, and in particular the horrific suffering endured by
the Armenian people," Harper wrote in an annual message officials
said was virtually unchanged from his original comment in 2006.

Ignatieff said the memory of the "Great Calamity" is "a reminder of
the destructive power of animosity between nations."

"The memory of the victims of genocide must never be an incitement
to hatred," he added.

"On this day, we commemorate that condemnation of the Armenian
genocide of 1915 as a crime against humanity. In our own time, we
commit ourselves to the intolerance of hatred and the defence of our
shared humanity."

101 CONGRESSMEN SUPPORT RESOLUTION NO 252 ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

ArmInfo
2009-04-23 15:29:00

ArmInfo. At present 101 congressmen have supported Resolution No
252 on Armenian genocide, Regional Director of Armenian Assembly of
America [AAA] in Armenia and Nogornyy Karabakh Arpi Vardanyan said
at today’s press-conference.

She also added the number of the congressmen that support the
Resolution is growing.