On Wednesday, Dec. 22, Ayzemig (Baghdigian) Gharibian of Farmington, Mich. passed away at the age of 97. She was part of that tremendously brave generation of women who survived the Armenian Genocide. In overcoming the horrors of their youth, these brave women rebuilt a nation. We owe a tremendous debt to them that can never be fully repaid.
A vote on House Resolution 252, the resolution that would have reaffirmed U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide, would have been a fitting way to honor Ayzemig and the very few remaining survivors. Instead, the non-vote on Wednesday, the day of her death, was a final desecration.
Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, should be ashamed for her role in blocking the vote!
Contrary to the recent press release by the Armenian Assembly which “applauded” the Democratic leadership for their supposed “tenacity,” Pelosi and her colleagues should more appropriately be vilified. After years of disastrous policy decisions which eroded what little support the Assembly held within the Armenian community, its supposed constituency, the latest misguided statement was nothing more than a transparent effort at trying to gain some relevance. The spinelessness of such a position is clearly contrasted by the strength Ayzemig and other survivors of the Genocide displayed throughout their lives.
The Armenian community is outraged. A week has now passed to let the dust settle and it is time to assess what should be done.
It is crystal clear to all involved that the resolution would have passed if given the chance. Turkey knows it, the U.S. state department knows it, and the Democratic leadership knows it! The Armenian Genocide is an accepted fact of history. Efforts by the government of Turkey and their agents cannot change that.
The time for such a resolution has passed; it is not needed anymore. We have achieved much, probably more than anyone could have hoped for over the past 50 years. However, our lobbying efforts should now be directed elsewhere. The focus should be on pushing the envelop with stronger demands.
In the meantime, steps must be taken to penalize those responsible. Here are my suggestions:
#1 The Armenian community put a moratorium on all political donations. Our money is better spent within our own organizations than attempting to gain political influence.
#2 Someone must take the fall and Congressman Adam Schiff and Congressman Frank Pallone are the most likely candidates. Congressman Pallone has enjoyed a long tenure as leader of the Armenian Caucus in Congress with little to show for it. In addition, following the failure to bring the 2000 version of the Armenian Genocide resolution to a vote, Republican congressman James Rogan was voted out of office by his Armenian constituency and Congressman Schiff took his place. A clear message was sent then and it needs to be sent again today. I am not saying that Congressman Schiff failed to be an advocate, but his party’s leadership let him, and us, down and now the piper must be paid. There is no other option.
#3 The government in Armenia must stop all negotiations with Turkey and clearly put an end to the Armeno-Turkish protocols which were signed last year. It is frequently claimed that any U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide will adversely impact relations between Turkey and Armenia. The message that needs to be reinforced at this juncture is that future relations between Turkey and Armenia, Turks and Armenians, cannot be based on a failure to acknowledge the past. The current paradigm is backwards and that must be changed.
#4 As a citizen of the United States, I believe the current approach to this issue by our government is wrong. We need to place people in positions of influence in the establishment so as to change the current mentality. An effective think tank would also go a long way in improving the current environment. The money saved from donating to politicians could be used in such an endeavor.
The anger we all felt following Wednesday should not turn into frustration. Instead, we must channel that energy into the next stage for justice for the Armenian Genocide. The memory of Ayzemig, and those like her, demands our commitment to see justice achieved.
George Aghjayan
Latest posts by George Aghjayan (see all)
- MP Andranik Kocharyan proposes a list of victims of the Armenian Genocide – why and how? - April 17, 2024
- Genealogy: “Useful in the toolkit of genocide education” - May 24, 2023
- Levon Boghosian: A story “both unique and universal” - March 9, 2023
I agree with all of Paron Aghjayan’s suggestions save for #3. I’d also add another point, that not only would Armenian-Americans money be better spent within the community rather than political donations but also investing that money into tangable results in Armenia. This is one of the core ways that the Diaspora can build a strong, and robust Armenia.
Dear Mr. Aghjayan,
I agree on some of what you say but not on the personal-vandeta part. It is better to have partial-friends rather than none.
The problems with the moral standards of the US Polithics and Polithics in general is that it is NOT MORAL. The United State has changed radically after President Wilson & Morgenthau – sadly true. INTEREST, MONEY & POWER are the PILLARS of the DEMOCRACY as practiced today. So yes we should STOP PAYING X-Y Z for their election camps. etc.. YES we should PUT OUR MONEY ON WHERE OUR INTERESTS ARE. YES WE SHOULD START SUEING : THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT, THE AZARI GOVERNMENT FOR ITS FALSIFICATION EFFORTS & its TERRORIST PAST & VIOLATIONS OF HUMAN RIGHTS together with TURKEY. YES WE MUST ALSO SUE ALL THOSE ‘BIG SHOTS – PRIVATE, CORPORATE OR INSTITUTIONAL’ that work inside the US and are paid by TURKEY and its friends as CONSULTANTS, LOBBYING BODIES, POLITHICAL MOVEMENTS within the main stream polithical frame of the US etc.. THIS WILL BE A MUCH NEEDED AND CONSTRUCTIVE ACTION – IF WE HAVE A WELL ORCHESTRATED & EFFECTIVE PLAN IT WILL WORK MARVELS. SOON ONE COULD IMAGINE ‘LOTS OF NEW FOUND SIMPATHISERS & MORALLY BOUND POLITHITIANS OFFERING THEIR SERVICES AND MORAL OBLIGATIONS FOR THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE, THE ARMENIAN IDENTITY, THE ARMENIAN RIGHTS & INTEREST and so on…
The Armenian Assembly is the Uncle Tom of Armenian-American organizations. That is all.
I have never trusted Schiff. I have never trusted Boxer. Obama is a liar. Hillary Clinton is also a liar.
Remember The Who song … we won’t get fooled again?
It would be fitting to do an interview with the Armenian Assembly leaders so that they may explain to the much larger Armenian sector of our community that was backing up this resolution why they stood against it, and who is benefitting from that stance?
I agree that had it passed the resolution would have been very meaningful for the few remaining survivors of the Genocide, but in my heart I strongly believe that we failed our Genocide survivors because we have so far not taken our case to the Hague and the International Justice Courts where our Genocide belongs! The US has accepted the UN Genocide resolution which lists the Armenian Genocide as one of the known Genocides in recent history. President Ronald Reagan has openly acknowledged it. We all know, including the Americans that the failure of the passing of this resolution has nothing to do with history or the way the Americans truly feel about the Genocide. It is stricly a US State Department policy to oppose it now because the US needs Turkey. Why waste our valuable and few resources going after a resolution that has no LEGAL value. Why aren’t we taking Turkey to court? Why are we waiting for all our Genocide survivors to perish and all of our property deeds to get lost? The US has made itself a joke in the eyes of the world already! If it’s best friend now is Turkey, the country with the worse human rights record, what does that say about its standing in the world? The US is shamefully lagging behind its own 44 states and 20 other countries that have already officially acknowledged the Genocide. Aren’t those states and countries enough for us. Do we even need any of these countries to acknowledge our Genocide if it is accepted history! We have a valid case. The victims of a crime take the criminal to court! They don’t go around asking people to acknowledge it first! I am afraid that in many ways our fight to get this resolution passed, and our lack of efforts to take it to the Hague is undermining our cause. The recent conventions at UCLA were more meaningful steps towards preparing our case for the Hague. Ultimately, that’s the step that I believe is feared the most by Turkey. The fact that we haven’t gone to the International Justice Courts so far has been a blessing for Turkey, which took advantage of the time and opportunity we offered it to destroy incriminating archives and spread distortions.
This time it was Nancy Pelosi’s time like a loyal Democrat on its way out to put her neck on the Turkish butcher’s board as the sacrifice lamb, to me she always looked like a confused battery operated doll, I guess Democrats after the midterm election learned their lesson and chose to throw Nancy in front of the Lions; that’s why this time we didn’t see any overt push and shove from Obama/Clinton in Congress because everything was done covertly.
BTW,
Dear G. A., your “#2” in regards of Schiff/Rogan smells a little more pro Republican than Armenian, nice try in between the lines my friend. :-)))
Excellent article! Now, I’d like to chime in with my two cents. I have been around lots of politicians in the past 25 years. As a television journalist, in the 1980s, I interviewed more than 100 Congressmen on Capitol Hill. I worked in Glendale/Pasadena/Burbank for a Member of Congress in the 1990s, AND educated them on Armenian issues in the 21st Century. Adam Schiff is one of the good guys. So many have failed us, whether it be opponents, in whom we had no faith or, worst of all, true friends like Pelosi and Biden, who stabbed us in the back.
The declaration for a stick-on-a-head…in the greater Glendale-Burbank area…should be reserved for Brad Sherman. Having watched him up-close in Burbank, has made my stomach turn, on numerous occasions. His alliance with anti-Armenian State Assemblyman Mike Gatto reeks of cynicism and opportunism. Unlike Schiff, the Sherman-Gatto outreach into the Armenian Community is not sincere. I will spell-out their heartless concern for victims of the Armenian Genocide in a forthcoming documentary. In the meantime, former Sherman employee Mike Gatto, will continue to handsomely pay Sherman’s relative, Stacey Brenner, to perform tasks in Gatto’s Burbank office.
The Armenian-American Community has been deceived by many elected officials recently, Schiff is not one of them, while Sherman definitely is. And Mike Gatto? He’s the the worst of the bunch. Run from him whlle there is still time.
PETER MUSURLIAN, Globalist Films
Dear Katia,
You said Interview with Armenian Assembly leaders? Don’t even think about it; fortunately it’s been a while that they are off the stage; please don’t invite them back to the limelight.
I disagree with a number of points several of you have posted.
The first things my grandmother Seranoush told me in broken English were what the Turks had done and that the Allied powers had abandoned and betrayed the Armenians. Of the two, she was horrified for life by the former and angry for life at the latter. The betrayals always surprised her.
They should not surprise us. We have had six generations, since 1880 to learn both lessons. Our enemies will kill us, and our friends will not help us. Only Armenians will help Armenians. And even that conclusion can be doubted, given the lack of unity from which we suffer.
Asking Congress to pass resolutions it passed before does nothing except put the issue before the Turkish people, some of whom are brave, most of whom are not, and many of whom are fascists and racists. This is a very indirect way to obtain justice. It also indirectlt helps the Turks build strength in Congress for this and more important strategic issues.
I disagree with attacking Schiff. Like Pallone, Menendez, Boxer, Dole, and a few others, they have been friends. If you stop supporting him, the message goes out that we are unrelaiable, whereas Turkey spreads lavish cash everywhere. We do need Congress to help Armenia in every conceivable way, and there is no point burning bridges. Even if the resolution is questionable strategically, aid for Armenia in every other way is not debatable. If we lose the friends we have in the US congress, Armenia’s only friends are us, the Russians and the Iranians, and we know their friendship is subject to betrayal at any time.
I hope every armenian could read Mr. Papian’s article and educate themselves. In order to solve a problem we need scholars, politicians, sociologist and right minded people. We are a toy in the hand of naive partisans who are brain washed and can not see anything else, only their obsessions lead them to a dead end.It is our failure, or lack of luck not to have a leader or leaders with wisdom and knowledge.Instead of this committee or party, we need to form an independent group before doing anything that can cause humiliation to our nation. Enough is enough.
Wonderful to hear from you Peter.
It is high time for the Diaspora, especially the Diaspora in the U.S., to make several decisive steps aimed at embarking on a new course. They are difficult, yet not impossible, and somehow I feel their implementation is gaining momentum (some of them are not new and I’m obviously not their author, I just try to compile them in one comment).
First, all three traditional political parties and their affiliates need to put behind differences and declare unification under one Diasporan entity: a party, a movement, a charitable organization, a non-governmental organization, you name it.
Second, and we’ve recently seen efforts being made in that regard, this newly-created body needs to form a volunteer army to ensure security of Armenia and Artsakh’s borders.
Third, two Mother Sees in Etchmiadzin and Antelias must start thinking of the ways for re-unification as one All-Armenian Holy See.
Fourth, and the most pressing: models and infrastructures should be thought of to enable Diasporan Armenians to influence the leadership of the Republic and gradually partake in the decision-making process.
Fifth, citizenship of Armenia for all Armenians is long overdue. Consequently, legislative acts should be contemplated to enable Diasporans to invest and obtain ownership in Armenia without aggravating the locals.
In brief, I believe stronger and better-governed Armenia has the potential of becoming the center from which the Cause and legal demands can be advanced. Inevitably, there will be detractors for such unification both from within and from the outside. But Armenians as a nation are at a critical historical juncture, and I somehow sense a pattern towards tighter national consolidation after protocols, recent congressional betrayal, etc. If these failures will help us achieve consolidation, then be it.
mjm,
I love your ideas but I have almost no hope regarding your first point. Unfortunately, the traditional political parties think their differences are very important. I am sure we could’ve achieved a lot more by now if we were more united as a nation.
MJM:
Your 5th point will never happen because of national security reasons. Sadly, in our long history our nation has had many trators, and giving Armenian citizenship to any Armenian based on blood will let in many scum bags to peddle their trade for their foreign masters. Rather, Armenians interested in becoming a citizen should make use of the current law which in fact has not been utilized by enough of the Diaspora.
AR: I disagree. One of the prerogatives of national security is to secure a state from infiltration of traitors, scum bags, etc., who’d peddle their trade for their foreign masters. National security depends on how well the state bolts off traitors and scum bags, not on the fact that traitors and scum bags exist in any society or that their number may increase as a result of giving citizenship to outsiders based on blood.
Besides, if you think in the modern Armenian society there aren’t many scum bags peddling their trade for their foreign masters, you’re gravely mistaken. Even in the highest echelons of power there are such people. But I think along with traitors and scum bags a number of public-spirited Armenians will flow in, and it is them who can make the difference.
Lastly, is it not possible for traitors and scum bags to infiltrate making use of the current citizenship law? Why wait?
There will always be traitors, as they have been in history of ANY nation, but it shouldn’t scare us away from making steps that are necessary. After all, human resources are an element of national security, especially for Armenia confronting 7-mln Azerbaijan and 73-mln Turkey.
Gina: I understand. But commotions play an important role in human history. God forbid, but immediate threat to the Homeland or the very existence of the nation can serve as the basis for unification. History knows many cases when different political movements united for the sake of a common cause as a result of a commotion. Armenia currently is in the critical historical juncture: warmongering from Azerbaijan, nonstop hostilities from genocide-perpetrator Turkey, peculiar geopolitical position as epicenter of a possible clash of civilizations (borrowing from Sam Huntington) with interests in the broader region, as well as inability to govern responsibly by the local rulers that represents danger for the national security. I’m not advocating for such a commotion, I’m just saying that modern tough times for Armenia should become a wake-up call for the Diasporan parties.
Dear mjm,
I’m sorry to say that your comment is totally off the subject and unfortunately you dragged some people with you.
The subject is about what Nancy Pelosi failed to do for Armenians and what you are saying although it relates to Armenian issues but it is totally a different subject.
In other word the “Anger” in subject is not the anger that you brought here.
Your “First” point is referring to our 3 parties in diaspora (which I’m not member in any) and like a father talking to his 3 sons; you are suggesting them to end their disputes and become one; that is as ridicules as if I say Democrats, Republicans and Greens in US for good of the country must put their ideological differences aside and become one.
Where did you get that ideas from?
It looks like you attended that USC seminar and liked some of the ideas that was discussed over there; but if I’m not mistaking when they introduced the idea of creating a new National Representative body for US; like the one in France; before getting to any details they clearly emphasized that the intention in not to make any changes in what we have now.
I’m not going through all you “Numbers” but in general you sound imaginative like late John Lennon in his “Imagine” song, he after stacking his millions in banks; in his hallucinations was seeing The World that we live in as a big LEGO structure and he was wishing one day to demolish it and build one from scratch (of course naked).
That was wishful hallucination.
Osik: The article particularly states in conclusion that “we must channel energy into the next stage for justice for the Armenian Genocide” and, like I said, I compiled in one short comment what was on the surface for some time with regard to that next step. Whether or not they are hallucinations, these ideas are not mine. They were floating in the air in the diasporas and I’m surprised at your question as to where I got them from. Is the logo “Mer uzh@ mer miasnutyan mej e” also alien to you? Democrats, Republicans and Greens in the US are not facing the centuries-old threat of nationhood extermination, Armenians are. Modalities for unification can vary, but I believe more emphasis on national consolidation in the Daispora and Armenia could be an answer to those indecent politicians in the US and elsewhere who manipulate with our dignity. As such, my compilation of other people’s ideas was, I think, relevant to the article. But if the very notion of national consolidation as a locomotive for advancing the Cause has so angered you, then apparently you’d need to check if you have a problem with that inside you very self.
Dear George
Yes, the Armenian community should be outraged by what happened but this is a wake up call that our strategy should change. Let us channel our energies in researching America’s response to the Armenian Genocide at the LOCAL level. The Near East Relief organisation had committees in every state in the U.S. and sub-branches in almost every city. Many civic, religious and political figures supported the Armenians during WW1 and its aftermath. We should remind Americans that current pro-Turkish position is an insult to the memory of their ancestors who supported the Armenians.
MJM: Yes, preventing spies and others who wish to do harm is certainly one of the key tasks of national security agency. I am confident Armenia’s national security aparatus along with the Russian FSB is doing this well.
My point remians the same though, that allowing any Armenian citizenship just because they are Armenian, and is not a good idea. The current method is fine, it is essentially the same thing but one has to prove that they know the constitution, and the language to a certain extent.
So I do not understand what your issue is with the current citizenship law. It is actually quite easy to become an Armenian citizen now, especially if you are Armenian and can prove it.
mjm,
George in his article is clearly chastising Pelosi and equally if not more the Armenian Assembly.
Therefore people like you who disagree whit him either are pro Pelosi or A. A. or both.
Since I already expressed my opinion in regards of Pelosi therefore I don’t have to do it again.
Now let’s see what does Armenian Assembly has in its profile.
Armenian Assembly after that disastrous failure of so-called Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission (TARC); and after failing to join all Armenian groups & population in the Wilshire Blvd demonstration against so-called “Protocol” and became part of the Armenian Presidents entourage inside the Hotel instead; was sort of isolated and was fading out from memories; and the final nail on A. A. coffin was when the “Protocol” after one year became a piece of useless paper; since then it totally invisible in the Armenian political arena of the United States.
Now since you by your comments are sort of disputing with above mentioned chastisings; I would like to know which group you belong to; Pro Pelosi, A. A. or both?
If you leave it to me; my guess is Pro A. A. or both and if I’m right then the first thing that Armenian Assembly must do is to beg apologies for all its wrong doings specifically in regards of above mentioned anti recognition of the Armenian Genocide mistakes and wait to see if people are accepting their apologies instead of making suggestions for Unity of parties and Churches and so and so.
Really, Osik, why go after mjm like that? Why do so many Armenians feel the need to discredit those who disagree with their view point? Are we really that intolerant? We are not a monolithic body with only one opinion. Like any nation, we are individuals who are free to examine our lives and our surroundings and to draw our own conclusions. Our diversity is not a threat; rigidity is.
May I interject a few useful suggestions to dear compatriots.I have been an Armenian activist in Europe for quite a few years and formed part of non-partisan establishemtns such as ¨Groupement Inter-Profecionelle Armenien¨ from its inception in Paris,France more than 25 years ago.Then also assisted,nay presented ¨paper¨¨ agt Lst World Armenian Congress in 1979,in Pairs again where close to 380 participants from near all Community countries participated-28 presented ¨papers_ 7 of us got elected to temporary Executive Board, after 3 days 6 long sessions of deliberations.My SUGGEDSTIONS BELOW, ARE BASED ON EXPERIENCE IN Euro-POLITICS etc.,& in response to mjm who outlined 5 points above.
1. There is no such thing as unification of political parties.These have different ideologies, Agendas etc. They only cooperate and become ONE,when Nation faces danger and it is needed that they muster up clout to confront it.So? ours too,that-wise.
2.Some,like mjm are probably aware that recent Armenian movements indicate -especially in Paris and L.A. that the need for a re-structuring of the Diaspora(s) Armenian is a necessity and different views and ¨paper´s are presented to that effect.Thje one in Paris further displays ,rather clearly expresses a ¨Western Armenian Council,or Congress with main objective its recognition by U.N. This movement will definitely gain more ground when a few such ¨suggestions¨,¨proposals¨are put FWD and considered by Armenian public and indeed our present establishmdents-especially the politico.
3.Our Two Spiritual (Apostolic) Sees at ST. Etchmiadzin and Gredat House of Cilicia.Actually latter was as result of Western Armenian HABITAT,(millenia old)destruction,its population´s EVICTION.Well thought of to re-establish it -just like the small village of AYNJAR nearby .We need it there until such time as we have UNSOLVED CASE-TAHD with great Turkey.Once that is resolved then ….
4.Mysuggestion for having more enhanced Relations with RA,has been and is ,through Diaspora(s) 5 main ones. N.& S. Americas,Russian FEd.,EU and Middle East,having one permanent appointed delegate at the Diaspora Ministry,since not only these communities have many differences amongst themselves, language,cultural,behavorial and other charecteristics but also with Fatherlands-They can then on daily basis attend to each one´s ¨suggestions¨etc., and indeed have a VOICE thereat.But always in conformity with ea other and Ministry´s.Other much more important issues such as -after a ¨National Investment Turst ´is established in Geneva,CH(neutral country and Tax free) through and by our PCA´s Professional colleagues assoc.First most important Mission organize ,well fund by latter,REPATRIATION.Not by slogans of ¨Visit Armenia.But this way.
5. I agree, totally.The dual Cisitizenship -though approved in RA Parliament, has to be thoroughly worked at to be much moe accomodative and a FAST PROCESS.Mine has been sitting pretty there, for over 576 months there at the OVIR(the offices for same) .There are many ways of passing each applicant through a crystalization system.First Birth certificates,then Religious(Armenian Diioceses) confirmation etc.,also even half Armenians ought to be allowed to become Dual citizens.
best wishes for a NEW prosperous Year for all
anmd Merry armenian Xmass.
Dear Boyajian,
Our diversity is our power and when in past there was any need; our 3 parties were able to sit behind one table, but when one side negotiates with Turks taking us back to the very first step and that is to put a large “?” after Armenian Genocide? then the rest become intolerant.
How can we tolerate when some Party agrees to open the borders with Turkey and agree to set the USSR era borders as Independent Armenia’s boarders with Turkey? In other word how can we tolerate when someone is willing to put the Western Armenia in a golden plate and hand it to Turks?
If our Rigidity wasn’t present at Paris, NY, LA, Beirut then in one month the “Protocol” was going to be ratified by Armenia and Turks.
About the unity of the Sees, At that time that Armenia was behind the “Iron curtain” and because of East/West Blocs the See at ST. Etchmiadzin was not available to Diaspora; then the See of Cilicia was a God given gift to us.
Don’t we all know that Vehapar Aram the 1st pioneered the boycott of the Turkish Cross-less Akhtamar Cathedral fiasco?
That’s why I said “Our diversity is our power”.
If you read Gaytzag Palandjian’s comment he also says the Unity of Parties is not doable, it’s been a while that in Los Angeles some people who don’t have any knowledge about the role of our 3 parties; just for the sake of the “Freedom of Speech” are calling such slogans.
I have nothing personal against mjm because I don’t know him; but if you know that he is knowledgeable person then you should also be surprised by some of his “Numbers”.
To my knowledge at this point “The Armenian Issue” and The Armenian Genocide should become the Sole Property of the Armenian Government and they have to take it over and start working actively to gain the World recognition.
Dear Osik,
Perhaps you know something I don’t. I see your point and agree that one party should not be able to dictate policy over the others. You recognize that our ‘diversity’ has served to preserve our nation at times in our history, correct? It is natural to suggest that “The Armenian Issue” and The Armenian Genocide should become the Sole Property of the Armenian Government and they have to take it over and start working actively to gain the World recognition.” But what about diasporan input?
No offense meant but Osik,but here on the forum no one ought to be ägainst¨anybody-We are debating,deliberating rather issues that are of interest to all of us.Main issue here at this juncture is to drive home our MAIN OBJECTIVE.that of Recognition of the Armenian Genocide.Now to points raised in your post,anti chronologically:-
The PURSUIT OF THE ARMDENIAN GENOCIDE is not cannot be as ¨Sole Property¨as you write of RA Govt. Actually the dispersed all over the Globe remnants of the Genocide,mainly orphans were those who by and by recovered and through our political parties and spiritual establishments commenced same.While Soviet Armenia could not do so quite so ¨boldly¨ for reasons known.
The Diaspora, thus has played the major role in this matter and will hopefully with a much more organized fashion carry it FWD -in conjunction with RA,which by and by is turning towards the Diaspora(s).
So far Govt. of RA has won ONE BOUT with regard to the protocols(however badly in itiated) that of great turkey not ratifying it , putting FWD Azerbaijan issue, which the international community knows well,especially the diplomacy ,was not is not to interfere or have any bearing on same.
The not going through at U.S. Congress the resolution 252 should not and will not weaken our stance whether in Diaspora or RA. if anything it should ¨Despertar¨¨ awaken us to realities and seek our supporters in mainly small and medium size countries.This will definitely hve more MUCH MORE effect on the overall status of it.
“To my knowledge at this point The Armenian Issue and The Armenian Genocide should become the Sole Property of the Armenian Government and they have to take it over and start working actively to gain the World recognition.”
Osik: But this is exactly what different modalities of national consolidation are aimed at and it’s not essentially different from the core objective of the various viewpoints that I’ve summed up in my comment above. Armenian parties each played their important historical role, as did the See in Antelias, but time may come when with direct Diasporan participation, the Republic of Armenia, as a subject of international law, may become the beacon of the Cause and all-Armenian consolidation. Again, ways and means may, and certainly will, vary, but I sense this is coming. In no way this consolidation should undermine the historical mission of the parties and the Cilicia See, rather it should re-direct their energy towards the next stage for justice. Aren’t united efforts stronger than segmental ones?
I find it funny that mature/well educated Armenians are only now coming to the realization that Washington is only interested in giving us lip service – at best. How many more decades are we to waste our limited resources in a utterly corrupt place like Washington – the very nest of anti-Armenian vipers?
I have news for you people!
Washington is run my a conglomeration of mega corporations (oil, defense and pharmaceuticals industry), Wall Street Banksters, the Federal Reserve (a private entity) and Zionist organizations. And American presidents are “appointed” (Republican and Democrat parties are two sides of the same coin) to represent the interests of the aforementioned. Until Armenians wake up from their “American Dream” and realize this simple fact, the will forever be treated like pathetic little children by Washingtonians.
Folks,
Unfortunately you guys forgot that “our” first president LTP told diaspora “You just supply money and we don’t want you and your ideas; and you guys are not Armenians” and as soon as FM Raffi Hovannisian talked about Armenian Genocide he got kicked out and since then we haven’t seen much from Kocharyan & just a little from Sarkissyan and everything is just in paper.
My friends we in USA being in a democratic country can say whatever we want and go to the streets as much as we want but the sad reality is that’s how far can we go? Clinton, then Bush and now Obama are clearly playing with us and one day a President will tell us look what are you guys talking about when Armenia other than an annual march of flowers to Tsitsernakabert doesn’t do/claim anything.
Folks, I didn’t say to stop our activities; we can continue to keep everything alive but when it’s time for International judgment then we don’t have anything to say because the International Community will talk to Armenian Government only, so far the host countries are just listening to us with no answer; but when they are ready to talk; then they won’t talk to any of us and would talk just Government to Government.
Now as we are; since AR is not ready it would be embarrassing for us if for example under our pressures; our host Countries pressure Turkey to agree to the ultimate concession that is returning our lands to Armenia and Armenian Government surprise us by refusing.
Right now as in the Farsi saying we in diaspora are like a “Bowl that is much hotter that the Soup inside”
In USSR era both “Bowl & Soup” was diaspora but now legally everything is different we are The “Hot Bowl” and our Soup the Armenian Government is cold and needs some warm up period.
In conclusion I think regardless of how loud Diaspora screams its voice remains in their host county boundaries therefore it is time for AR to rollup its sleeves and become a “Hot” leader in this uphill struggle with diaspora; and that’s when the DM “Diaspora Minister” job becomes as important as the FM.
The last time the Armenians Genocide Resolution came up the word from those we naively believed to be friends and others was ‘if you don’t agree with it, don’t say anything.’ Negative attention and noise the Turks make gets more notice than when the issue is ignored.
I want to add to Osik and Boyajian’s comments for The Armenian Genocide should become the Sole Property of the Armenian Government and they have to take it over and start working actively to gain the World recognition.” It wasn’t Israel that promoted Holocaust recognition, it was the Jews in America who saw the need for this to happen. Jewish survivors were in no position for such effort, they were in greater need for getting their lives in some order as did the Armenians. Those who were lucky enough to be more comfortable were in a better position for that work.
mahderos, your last sentence… Armenians the world over, today, are better able to further Hai Tahd than the misdirected/incapable leaderships today of fledgling Haiastan nation… Manoooshag
Obviously here we have varied viewpoints,which is good very good.Peter Musurlian,e.g. exemplifies the Media/spokesperson(which we need like another is harut Sassounian and my friend Asbed (GROONG) and a host of others.This ONLY THE MEDIA.Then we also have,perhaps not on this forum, the IT,then the Transport 7Travel, The Construction field,The Banking & Fiance , the Agro etc., which this servant of the Armenian people has been advocating now over 30 years. WE need the Agroupement¨ of these in their respective groups then ELIE of 3 -person from each to form the Inter-Professional Colleagues Assoc. then on to NATIONAL INVDESTMENT TRUST FUND!!!
No,I shall not cease, to trumpet above now and then,since few if any at all realize that we need BOTH HUMAN RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC POWER IN GROUP FORMAT.Not haphazard individually expressed proclamations.(please forgive me) like here.
In spanish ex- Euro foreign functionary Javier Solana homeland Spain has this very useful phrase.¨Todos tenemos razon¨¨ we all have some reason(read logic) so LET US TRY TO RE-ORGANIZE THE DIASPORA(S).
AS RGDS ABOVE debate,No RA as yet is not in a position to act on behalf of the ARMENIDAD-Armenity the world over.Since latter is lame…Once latter become as set forth by this servant,civil servant, thenShe will consider us as LI IRAV Fukll fledged partner and then ACT SHE WILL,having as Support the Re-organmzied Spyurk with Head ,i.e. Supreme Council oif Diasp. as ´GRANK¨vertebral column<, WHATEVER..
mahderos, your last sentence… Armenians the world over, today, are better able to further Hai Tahd than the misdirected/incapable leaderships today of fledgling Haiastan nation… Manoooshag
I don’t disagree one bit with your comment. My last sentence was in reference to Jews in the United States during WWII who were better off than those who saw worse.
Mjm.. i have to agree with you.. it would great to see us united… it is our separation and “we will do what we see fit” mentality that ruins any success in our Cause..
To work together and produce ONE voice should be the goal now… or should have been the goal since the beginning..
Osik, i know you mean well as you care for our case; however it seems like you just don’t know how to keep your annoyance with your other fellow Armenian under control huh? Mjm was simply expressing what he would like to see happen.. he was not calling for such strong response from you..
God Bless…
Instead of talking (writing) each one of you should contribute one cent for each letter typed in these comments!
Go work, raise money, resettle and find work for families who want to live and work in Armenia.
Strong Armenia is your key to political and economic influence.
Dear Gayane,
First of all I think mjm is a mature person and doesn’t need any Motherly protection.
2> Our 3 parties each has different ideology therefore regardless what; I don’t see logical to call on them to unify permanently but if you think mjm is calling for case by case unification like what they used to do on April 24 in diaspora, then I disagree with you because there was no need to emphasize.
3> Although in the first glance to all newcomers unification of our two religion centers seems easy but if you look at it more closely you will agree with me that it is equally impossible like the above “2> ” is, because each center worth like billions of dollars or more and is politically/financially related to one of those 3 parties in a way that even any political “Child” like me can correctly say which party is suggesting this unification.
4> To me the only things that are not tolerable are uncalculated, unilateral actions by any party which directly harms the Armenian Cause, Armenian Genocide or Motherland and that’s exactly what one of those 3 parties did one after another as followings (and Sorry for repeating myself but I must):
A. TARC, that was putting an approval stamp on the Turkish denial strategy and sittin in a conference with them to see IF the Genocide did happen and then IF it qualify as a Genocide.
B. Uncalculated, without having any positive points in it, and without foreseeing the damages that so-called “Protocol” can cause to Motherland, Armenian Cause and Armenian Genocide, Instead of joining the 2 other parties and Armenian populations in the streets of Paris, NY, LA, Beirut (forget about the last one) against “Protocol” signature and ratification; they chose to go inside Hotels, raised their Champaign glasses with Armenian President just to make him, Turkey, Obama and H. Clinton happy.
And neither are tolerable mistakes
Therefore if in the process of these explanations I got rough on mjm; first of all he/she on his/her first reply started properly but at the end got rough on me too, now that you are taking him/her under your motherly wings Please see if he/she is waiting for an apology let me know, and I’ll think about it! :-))
PS, Svetlana if you are reading this please send my bill! :-)) But be careful because I know exactly how many words I’ve used of course not counting this PS.
Osik jan.. sorry to dissapoint but i am not a Mother yet.. i am not even married.. so don’t know how Mother anyone but hopefully soon.. Astvats metsa..:) so sorry to say your assumption of me mothering MJM is inaccurate.. I am simply pointing out that just because MJM has different opinions or suggestions, it does not mean one should be rough on the person.. we are working toward one goal and that should be our focus… that is all my dear.. :)
It is due to us having so many organizations/parties/this and that that we can’t get to the bottom of this.. i mean seriously.. be unique but work together to accomplish a goal.. it seems it is very hard for our affiliations/parties/organizations/religion groups to do… i just don’t get it…
Thank you and Merry Christmas everyone..
Gayane