NEW YORK—Over 300 Armenian Americans gathered at the New York Hilton on March 7 to discuss “Armeno-Turkish Relations: Pitfalls and Possibilities,” at a public forum organized by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) New York and New Jersey committees.
The event featured insights by a diverse panel of speakers, including the former U.S. ambassador to Armenia, John Evans; the chairman of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), Ken Hachikian; the chairman of Armenian Education Foundation in Modern Armenian History, Dr. Richard Hovannisian; and emeritus professor of history at the University of Michigan, Dr. Dennis Papazian.
“We appreciate the views and analysis of each of our panelists as we explore the serious implications of the Turkey-Armenia protocols for the Armenian nation,” said Raffi Mahserdjian of the ARF New York, who opened the forum. “We look forward to hosting similar events in the future to tackle fundamental issues facing our community in the New York-New Jersey area and around the world.”
Prior to the presentations, community leaders were invited to a reception hosted by Virginia Davies and Sue Aramian in honor of the panelists. Ani Tchaghlasian of the ARF New Jersey served as mistress of ceremonies, moderating the program that focused on the ramifications of the protocols. Signed last October amidst great controversy and marred by preconditions put forth by the Turkish government, the protocols are largely viewed as having been used to secure Armenian concessions in the Karabagh peace process and derail international Armenian Genocide recognition efforts. Panelists also discussed Armenian American efforts to affect policy in the United States as well the power dynamics at play in the Caucasus region.
Ambassador Evans addressed some issues in the protocols and the steps taken throughout the process. He commended the Armenian government’s impulse to engage in the process, arguing that establishing diplomatic relations with a neighboring state and seeking an open border is normal. He noted, however, that the preconditions set by the Turkish government had been clear from the very beginning. One of the major flaws of the protocols, he said, is that they are supposed to be based on international principles, yet completely omit the words “self-determination” while including “territorial integrity.” Evans also spoke about the troublesome lack of transparency and proper public education in the effort.
Hachikian spoke about the uneven balance of power between Turkey and Armenia—economically, militarily, and geographically—and how Turkey has used this reality to punish Armenia, citing the illegal blockade as just one example. “What we have here, I would argue, is an abuser-abused relationship that is ultimately based upon threats and a bed of lies.” Hachikian also spoke to the heightened Obama Administration opposition to the Armenian Genocide Resolution following passage by the House Foreign Affairs Committee last week. “This position is morally and practically equivalent to the U.S. being explicitly complicit in Turkey’s genocide denial posture,” argued Hachikian.
Hovannisian spoke to the preconditions that are implicitly referenced in the protocols. “Even though the words ‘Armenian Genocide’ or ‘Treaty of Kars’ are not mentioned, we know they clearly run through every aspect of the document,” he said. Hovannisian also argued that the Armenian Diaspora should have been more involved with the process since it addresses Armenian-Turkish reconciliation—an issue pertinent to Armenians worldwide.
Papazian spoke about the power dynamics that exist in the Caucasus region, explaining that it is not just Armenia-Turkey relations that must be considered, but also the role of Russia, Iran, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, as well the interests of Europe and the United States. He argued that to be effective, Armenians must be aware of all the geopolitics involved. In regards to the protocols, he noted that despite the imperfect nature of the agreement, Turkey should not be allowed to secure a public relations victory for supporting it.
Very nice, but did any of the presenters say anything new – something that we didn’t already know?
Please watch out for Ambassador Evans, whom I respect for his saying the G word while he was ambassador to Armenia. But elsewhere, Evans has cited the part of the TARC/ICTJ report that attempts to take away Armenian rights to land and reparations.
And while I’m at it, have our 1/2 Armenian Congresswomen Anna Eshoo and Jackie Spier had anything to say about the possibility that the full US House will not vote on or pass the Genocide resolution, thanks to Obama and Hillary Clinton, or have they just uttered the usual “gee whiz”? Why don’t they speak out loud and clear? Afraid they may put their jobs on the line? Recall thr courageous David Krikorian who did a great job in using the Sibel Edmonds case to go after the awful Cong. Jean Schmidt.
Why don’t Eshoo and Spier bring the Sibel Edmonds case before the Congress? Because they’re afraid of losing their jobs, that’s why. They put their jobs above principle.
I am so sick of do-nothing Armenian American elected officials. I am waiting until Republican candidate for Senate Danny Tarkanian in Nevada gets elected and probably becomes yet another do-nothing Armenian American politician. At a fundraiser around Boston, he was asked about Karabagh, and he told his Armenian American audience that he did not know much about the issue. True story.
Thanks to Ambassador John Evans.
We should not forget …
He lost his job because of us.
This is a small contribution to his dedication.
You should remember that P. Barrak and Lady Hilary have both doctorate in Law!
Ambassador John Evans*
America is the symbol of freedom,
Country signs human rights,
Country is open to every race,
Country prides in its fairness, shines!
Nobody can change “Evans,”
From Greek name cries yet says,
Equalization is centurial real mean;
Hence, no superiority takes thy scene.
His name proved his weighed crane;
He acts evenly, relieves scorns, ethnic pain.
Nobody can ever engulf to turn him insane.
Even the scimitar dangled beside recent Turk men.
In the sixteenth century,
Sir Henry Wotton announced,
“Ambassador is an honest man, sent
to lie abroad for the good of the motherland.”
EVANS is “ambassador and humane.”
He could not shelter known slain
By clouding his dignified fan
To vanish genocide, still bleeding rain.
He believes in eternity,
In paints, signs, truth, and equality:
“Humanity could never replace
his ambassadorial vanity.”
He has been fired from hurricane sites
To our sincere, welcome trustful hearts,
To be remembered by honest ancestries of Gomidas**,
Spelling his name by Mashtotsian*** alphabet, on shrines.
Sylva Portoian, MD
June 6, 2006
From book:”A Poetic Soul Shined of Genocides”
_________________________
*
John Marshall Evans: American ambassador to Armenia (2004-2006), dismissed from the diplomatic circle because he used the word genocide and not massacre.
In my opinion as a medical trained human, I cannot see any difference as far as lives are concerned. I think the geneticist will say the same, however, the justice court system should stamp their names.
I repeat to say, “Killing a person is to kill genes.
Hundreds, thousands, millions or more
Does it make incongruity?
Aren’t all beating tissues, souls?
That can breathe create—
Help humanity to lore, galore!”
** Gomidas/Komitas
(1869-1935): Founder of Armenian classic music.
***
Saint Mesrop Mashtots: Inventor of the Armenian alphabet
(AD 405).