Part I (The Armenian Weekly, Jan. 15, 2011) explained why genocide recognition is a flawed political strategy based on resource allocation and the limited political advantage that can be expected. The emphasis on genocide recognition has precluded consideration of more immediate issues and needs of vital importance to the future viability of the Armenian nation.
Presently, several issues and needs exist that take precedence over genocide recognition. Failure to resolve these issues will make moot consideration of a non-binding genocide resolution by the U.S. House. Although Artsakh (Karabagh and the liberated territories) has made tremendous progress during its years of de facto independence, certain significant needs still exist that are not being met. These include the need (1) for Artsakh to strengthen its claim to the liberated territories (the territories referred to as the “security zone”) and (2) to develop a case for de jure recognition based on historical, political, and human rights principles.
The political necessity to increase the population is obvious. Does anyone believe that claiming land (the liberated territories that form Karabagh’s “security zone”) without a resident population increases the prospect of success? Since the ceasefire with Azerbaijan in 1994, no comprehensive resettlement program has been developed by Artsakh to establish a resident population in these liberated lands. In 16 years there has been no appreciable growth in population within the entire Artsakh region. This is an unacceptable situation. The ARF should take the lead and establish an Artsakh Resettlement Committee that would reach out to individuals with relevant expertise to develop a workable program to settle a minimum of 5,000 families each year in Artsakh during the next five years. This would increase the population by some 75,000 to 100,000 people. This is an absolute requirement in terms of numbers and the limited time span available.
The program must be coordinated with Stepanakert and seek the cooperation of such entities as the Tufenkian Foundation, Fund for Armenia Relief, Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenian Relief Society (ARS), and the Armenian Missionary Association of America that have a stake in providing aid to Artsakh. The committee would develop plans to expand existing settlements as well as determe strategic locations to build new settlements. Participating organizations would contribute to creating fully functioning settlements in terms of the physical, economic, and cultural infrastructure required. Settlers must be provided the where-with-all to succeed in their new environment and to be able to contribute to an expansion of Artsakh’s gross domestic product. Otherwise it is unrealistic to expect any resettlement program to succeed. Supporting this infrastructural requirement is the absolute necessity that potential settlers feel assured Artsakh will never revert to Azerbaijani control. If these requirements do not exist, what would motivate families to settle in Artsakh?
The genocide by the Ottoman Turkish government emptied Armenia’s historic western provinces of its resident Armenian population to weaken any future irredentist claims by Armenia (or by the Russian Bolsheviks ostensibly in the name of Armenia). A current example is Israel’s continued settlement of contested East Jerusalem and the West Bank to strengthen its claims to these lands while continuing negotiations with the Palestinians. An effective resettlement program is a logistically ambitious and financially challenging objective that can only be achieved through a cooperative effort. If historic Artsakh cannot be permanently secured as Armenian land, how credible can Hai Tahd be?
Under the aegis of the ARF, scholars and practitioners should be convened to discuss the relevance for Artsakh of the principles of self-determination and remedial secession referred to in the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on Kosovo. The findings of such an elite group of scholars and practitioners could then be publicized in the court of world opinion to support Artsakh’s right to de jure recognition. A legitimate basis for recognition would encourage an in-migration of Armenian families to settle in Artsakh. Does this not comport with Hai Tahd’s objectives? The importance and the immediacy of this objective far outweigh H.Res.252 (see “Artsakh and the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion on Kosovo,” the Armenian Weekly, Aug. 21, 2010). Although time may be a valuable ally in that the longer Artsakh maintains its de facto independence, the greater the likelihood that it will remain free should not preclude preparing a well-crafted case for its de jure recognition.
Within Armenia, the ARF has an opportunity, in cooperation with the ARS, to expand its political base by working with the several international and domestic women’s organization to file legislation supporting gender equality and the identification of domestic abuse as a distinct and separate crime. The circumstances surrounding Zaruhi Petrosyan’s death is not an aberration. It cannot be ignored. There is a demonstrative need to establish “safe havens” and supporting infrastructure to assist women who are victims of domestic violence or violence per se. Expanding its base of support is an obvious need if the ARF wants to increase its representation in parliament or to mount competitive campaigns in future municipal or presidential elections. The social democratic principles that guide the ARF commit it to creating a system of social and economic equality and justice for the Armenian worker. This noble objective cannot be achieved if unfettered equality is denied to any subset of society.
Another issue that is being neglected is the plight of our brothers and sisters in Javakhk. Who speaks of their struggle to maintain their identity in an historic Armenian land? The discriminatory policies of the Georgian government parallel the policies crafted by Turkey and Azerbaijan that harassed and discriminated against the Armenians during the decades following the genocide. Yet, knowing this, little is being done to ameliorate the condition of the Javakhkahayer (Javakhk Armenians) or to challenge Tbilisi in appropriate venues for their egregious violations of the personal, economic, political, and cultural rights of their Armenian citizens. Failure to respond to these conditions guarantees that Javakhk will be irretrievably lost within the next generation or two. Doesn’t saving Javakhk come under the purview of Hai Tahd? How can we justify allowing historic Javakhk with its resident Armenian population to become another Nakhitchevan?
To support its expansive agenda, there is an absolute need for the ARF to create an effective information dissemination system using various media to provide a continuous stream of information capable of informing both general and targeted audiences (including Armenians) of issues confronting the Armenian nation. The ARF maintains an excellent system of print publications in the diaspora, but this should be augmented by using various formats to present information that will elicit a favorable response from its audience. There are many “issues” of concern that need exposure and needs that must be met. Who, other than a handful of people, knows what is happening to the Armenian citizens of Javakhk and why? Or about the circumstances that led to the declaration of independence by the Karabagh Armenians? Or why Karabagh meets the “requirements” for recognition as an independent political entity? Do Armenians and others know the value of the lands and businesses that Armenians were forced to abandon when they were rounded-up with no more than a moment’s notice for their death march to Der Zor? What is Article 22 of the Treaty of Lausanne? Why has Turkey been allowed to ignore Article 22? Who knows what tremendous strides the Karabagh Armenians have made in establishing democratic institutions and a sustainable economy during these past 16 years? Gaining support for the ARF agenda is a critical need, and whether that support is sought from legislators, businesses, the media, private institutions, the general public, or Armenians, it is based on knowledge and knowledge comes from a constant flow of relevant information properly presented.
The Dec. 22 sell-out by the Democrat House Leadership should have sent an unambiguous message to the ARF/ANCA that something is amiss. For 120 years the ARF has been the one constant in the political landscape that Armenians have come to expect will protect the interests of their nation. That expectation still exists, but the interests of mer Hayrenik neither begins nor ends with H.Res.252.
Michael Mensoian
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Good food for thought Mr. Mensoian.But please let us give exact definitions to assignments as proposed by you in your 2nd above portion of post.
I beg to differ immensely with these proposals, since even the names of the entities(w/all due respect to works carried out by them) testify the objectives they pursue.The AGBU,(benevolent)the ARS (similar) the FAR,also so,etc., these can indeed and will continue in their very distinguished/ appreciated tasks/efforts.Praise be upon them.
But a serious Repatriation,for that is what you are conveyiung,i take it should be ,as I have indicated by NEW ,nationally supported endevour through an organization TO BE ESTABLISHED (hopefjully) by an ELEMENET-heretofore entapped- which I ¨¨suggest¨it to be by a very large segment of our societies which are there TO BE ORGANIZED.
That of our over a 100,000 people who are engaged in some 15 major Professions all over the Diaspora and in Fatherland. These people can and should bring new blood and breath, so to speak to an otherwise already MULTI FACET ,however small percentage comprising Diaspora compatriots. For I do believe you will readily agree that those who form part of the establishments that you mention are few as compared to the HUGE Collectivities of the PCA´s Professional Colleagues Associations-just beginning to move hopefully.
You then go on to bringing in samples of discriminations by our ¨wonderful¨ neighbours to our brethren and sisters,even from a christian neighbour ,Georgia.Yes this same Georgia ,whose president Mr-Sahagashvili is today i HYerevan and with counterpart are talking and pronouncing very amicable discourses as to promoting centureis old kind neighbourliness. While the other ,small brother of great Turkey,namely Azerbaijan with its presidnet in his end of the year address ,openly threatening, thus.-WE SHALL KEEP ARMENIA IN FEAR,as long as we have not liberated azeri territories.
FLAWED strategy is the following:-While turco azeris are keeping us if not in fear-for our brethren DO NOT FEAR THEM there,they are thus telling the world and to some naive Armenians also that indeed We are the agressors..whereas the Armenian politico,whether in RA or Diaspora DO NOT COUNTER THEIR SUCH LIKE THREATS,RETORTING ,E.G. ¨¨be in fear yourselves as long as WE HAVE NOT AS HYET LKIBERATED OUR NAKHIJEVAN ,SHAHHUMIAN, KARS ,ARDAHAN SASSOUN AND KARIN…
This flawed strategy ought to be rectified indeed.If RA for reasons that are understandable.AND THEY UNDERSTOOD IT VERY WELL INDICATEING TO THE TRIO OF HILLAY CLINTON,LAVROV AND JAVIER SOLANA AT THE PROTOCOL SIGNINGS that …thius is from me´´ÝOU WANTED US TO ,KISS AND MAKE UP?we did that too—so what now as Saaroyan would have said to these nice diplomats…
Hama haigaagani SIRO
The resettlement project should be done differently from the previous failed attempts e.g. repatriation of Armenians from the Middle East to Soviet Armenia – we need to learn on the past mistakes. For example, villages should be formed by the country of origin/language/culture. It is naive to expect the first generation of settlers to easily mix together and adopt a new Artsakh identity. Only their children born and raised in Artsakh would feel that way. Before that there should be Little Lebanon, Russia, USA, France, etc. communities.
The efforts need to focus on Armenians who live in worst situation now elsewhere around the world. Refugees from Iraq? Armenian children living in orphanages in Russia, Ukraine and even Armenia? Victims of the earthquake still living in temporary housing in Armenia? Retirees bored to death? The rest of Armenians should participate in the effort through a voluntary tax and temporary contracts to use their expertise.
Settlers would need housing, infrastructure (roads, water, internet), social/medical services and jobs. To achieve that we need to overcome the negative effects of the NATO-member imposed blockade. There should be subsidized flights in and out of Artsakh, good roads to Iran and the possibility of the settlers to travel, send their kids to colleges around the world on scholarships, etc. In other words they don’t have to feel like going to live on a moon isolated from the rest of the world for the rest of their lives.
Actually, there are many benefits of being de-facto independent but not recognized state that Artsakh should use to the full extent possible!!
With all these goals in mind, it seems an ARF membership drive is needed!
Only the recognition campaign causes debate within the Turkish civil society. If there was no campaign, the issue would submerge under the waves never to be seen again.
These are all excellent suggestions by Menosian.
I have a questions. What exactly does the ARF in Armenia do?
Does it have an imaginative leadership or a ho-hum one?
Mensoian offers no practical solutions. I thought that he surely would have something to offer in Part II or why else would the Weekly have given him so much space. I was sadly disappointed.
Mensoian says we should not push for genocide recognition, but instead should focus on repopulating Artsakh. But he does not offer one practical solution on HOW. The article was focused on what the ANCA should do from DC. How does one practically go about repopulating Artsakh from DC? The ANCA should be focused on influencing U.S. policies. Mensoian could have advocated for the ANCA to push for more aid to Karabakh, which is what it does and has secured for decades. In fact, the ANCA successfully stripped congressional restrictions on aid to Karabakh, which had originally been limited to only humanitarian assistance.
The ANCA was also not just focused on genocide recognition, but spearheaded the hold on Matt Bryza to be Ambassador to Baku, because of his policies towards Artsakh, not the genocide. Bryza was all about Artsakh. Because of ANCA’s effective advocacy, a hold was placed on Bryza. Obama circumvented that hold, but only for a year and Bryza goes to Baku handicapped and less able to create problems for Artsakh.
Furthermore, genocide resolutions are an offensive strategy, which help keep Turkey on the back of its heels as it continues to try to weaken Armenia. If Turkey did not have to fight off genocide resolutions, it would be far more able to push Armenia and the United States to force Artsakh under Azeri rule. The genocide resolutions, even when not past, help educate members of Congress and the American public on the historical atrocities committed against Armenians, which make them more sympathetic to Armenia’s cause in Artsakh today.
Mensoian seems to be completely ignorant of the ANCA’s efforts on Artsakh. He should do his homework, before shooting from the hip and the Weekly should be more than a place to just rant, but offer thoughtful reflection.
1 – Replace the current leadership of fledgling Haiastan (still learning on the job) and, of course, to be replaced with honest and patriotic men and women;
2 – When the two entities, the patriotic Haiastansi leaders and the our diasporans, who together, seek to advance Haiastan for ALL their citizens, including the farmers, the villagers, more – as all Armenians are worthy of honest leaderships.
3 – Then, as a Turkey ( now a very wealthy Turkey who pays great amounts to the USA lobbyists and to many others) meets their obligations for their reparations and more for the Turkish Genocide of the Armenian nation… our Haiastan will be stand tall amongst all the advanced and civilized nations of the world… for historically, our Haiastan has shared all their advances and endeavors with all the civilized nations of the world… Armenians thus worthy and deserve to be recognized for their centuries of Christianity, since 301 AD…. the first to become Christians (Rome followed in 307 AD) over these 1700 plus years… Christians hated by the muslims…
Finally, as out from under the claws of a Turkey who – until today – has been seeking to eliminate and end all signs of our ancient and advanced peoples, destroying all that evidenced the existence of the Armenians – but yet, so great were these sites that today a Turkey endeavors now to convert our Christian churches to mosques and museums of a Turkey… but these sites still bear well, since antiquity, the fact that these sites were of the Armenians… stolen by a Turkey. Manooshag
P.S. When Haiastan, becomes a member of the civilized and advanced nations of the world… then too, more of those who had to leave our homeland will find that our Haiastan has much to offer ALL Armenians… and ALL Armenians have much to offer to bring our Haiastan to greater glory… worthy in all that we do in memory of all those lost to us, slaughtered, tortured and our Survivors, who lived all their lives with the memories of the horrors of the Turkish Genocide of the Armenian nation… Paitz, aysor gank, yev hosenk!. Manooshag
Very good article and to the point. It is more than “food for thought”. It is a strategic direction that Armenia, Diaspora, ARF and other parties need to follow. The Diaspora Armenians have been so preoccupied with the “Genocide Recognition” that they have lost their real purpose. The Turkish government is more than happy to spend money to keep the debate going. This diverts attention from the real issues and actions. The Armenian Genocide should be considered closed for discussion or debate. The concentration should be on survival and gaining strength for Armenia. Currently there are no plans to do this outside occasional academic conferences with invited Turkish guests. The original thought, after liberation of the occupied lands, was to be be ready to return some of the lands in exchange for Azeri kindness of accepting Artsakh. This is an unrealistic, lazy and meek approach. History has proven time and time again that weakness promotes aggression. Armenia should work closely with Artsakh and populate all the regions. There should not be any plan to give any of the land back to Azeris. There is no reason for it. It is considered a sign of weakness. Does anyone see Turkish government giving an inch of Northern Cyprus back to the Cypriot government? I would like to quote two remarks from George Santayana which are most appropriate here as it pertains to the Armenian government’s policy about Artsakh and the current conditions. First one is “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”, and the line “only the dead have seen the end of war”. War with Azeris is inevitable. Therefore Armenia, Artsakh and the Dispora should adjust their approach and policies to make sure Armenia and Artsakh are strong and survive.
“P.S. When Haiastan, becomes a member of the civilized and advanced nations of the world…”
Armenia is a civilized and advanced country as we speak. The current troubles are caused by an illegal NATO-member imposed blockade and threats of war organized by the multinational OIL mafia corporations that control the governments and military of the so-called civilized West.
One important point, Frederick – the territories are not occupied but rather liberated. Hundreds of thousands of Armenians who lived there were slaughtered by Turkish army and Azeri mobs in 1918. This is Armenian land all the way to the river Kur!!
Voskanapat, I agree with you. However, if you read the language of the discourse between Levon TP, the international community and the Azeris following the liberation of Artsakh, there were five territories that were said to be occupied for future negotiations and return to Azeries. I agree that the whole area is Armenian historical lands and should never be looked at as Armenian occupation.
To Fredrick & VOSKANAPAT,
Fredrick!!!! Voskanapat is right all through his above two posts…
Go please study history a bit then discuss issues Armenian.
Then, if you still wish to mis interprete history.GO GRIND YOUR OXYDATED AXE ELSEWEHRE.
vOSKANANPAT aveli mi spasek indzme ays meg yergu shabat,kanzi tor@ mahacav yev
SIRDS NMAN E EN PLADZ BADER…
Voskanapat: “Armenia is a civilized and advanced country as we speak”. I’d agree that the nation is civilized, but the country and its Diaspora still have a lot to do to make the country advanced. And the Turkish blockade is not the only cause of the Republic’s problems. I’m appalled when anyone attempts to explain the Republic’s troubles by exogenous causes only. To a greater degree Armenia’s troubles are caused by the incompetence of the ruling elites—past or present, their narrow-mindedness, self-centeredness, and absolute mismanagement. One always needs to look into oneself before accusing others. The West has its own portion of blame, but Russia is not all saints either. The conflict in the Caucasus is artificially maintained by Moscow to advance its “divide-and-rule” policy and secure presence in the strategically important region. No nation is “civilized” when it comes to protection of its national, economic, or geopolitical interests. Therefore, your one-sided accusation of the West is biased, to say the least.
Manooshag, Haiastan is a member of the civilized and advanced nations. The only difference is that Armenia is more transparent than the rest of them. In the so called civilized and advanced nations, corruption is institutionalized while in Armenia it is still in its infancy!!!
If southern Sudan can hold a referendum and separate from the north, Karabagh can and should also hold one and separate from Azerbaijan, not for ‘independence’, but to reunite w/ Armenia. This will help Armenia overall in many untold ways. The time is now and to postpone this any longer is a real danger. Pres. Sarkisiyan should ask the UN and other international bodies and governments to support such a referendum, as a way of resolving the issue once and for all, and for a peaceful outcome. If this can be done legally and under international supervision, everyone will benefit.
Fredrick: I’d agree that in civilized and advanced nations corruption is institutionalized, while in Armenia it is still in its infancy. But you bypass the most important point here. In civilized and advanced nations governmental corruption does not principally affect the well-being of ordinary citizens. In Armenia it does, and very painfully so. In Italy, only political activists, opposition, and some social groups may complain about the thug called Berlusconi, because on the social level Italians live relatively well. Armenian citizens do not, and they rightly accuse their ruling thugs because it is the corruption that enriches the few and impoverishes so many. Comparing Armenia with the developed societies in terms of domestic corruption is absurd, I’m sorry to say…
Karekin,
After reading your suggestion in your post, I must ask you if you’ve thought your idea/suggestion through? Can you see the obvious flaw in it?
Referendum schmeferendum.
Artsakh and Arsakhtsi have already held a ‘referendum’ – when they threw out the invaders at a cost of the lives of thousands of our young men – and are united with Armenia in everything but name. I see no advantage at all for Armenia to recognize Artsakh.
On the other hand, there are tremendous advantages to being unrecognized and not bound by international ‘law’ (in quotes), which is always, always used to legally rape the weak and defenseless, and then label it ‘fair and just’.
The only justice in this world comes thru the barrel of a gun (or cannon).
We, in the Diaspora, must do everything to strengthen both Armenia and Artsakh, so that both can always negotiate – if and only if they want to – from a position of absolute strength.
I agree with Real Solutions. ANCA has done good work with their limited budget and manpower.
And the suggestion to give up the Genocide Recognition efforts is ludicrous: with very little money and effort we are forcing Turks to spend millions, and commit forced errors. As Mr. Harut Sassounian mentioned in another article, Turks themselves admit the AG recognition is a “Sword of Damocles” hanging over their heads.
Every time they turn a corner, we should be there with the reminders of what they did … they should experience a fraction of the Hell their ancestors visited on our nation.
The State of Israel is very powerful and wealthy, yet anytime someone steps on their toes, they smash them over the head with a Holocaust 2×4: why should we give up such a potent lever ?
People assume it’s one or the other: it isn’t. We can do both and more.
So, Avery, are you saying that AG Recognition is one of our cannons against Turkey?
Avery: “People assume it’s one or the other: it isn’t. We can do both and more.” Exactly. Both are important, but there certainly is misbalance between the two that needs to be corrected by putting more emphasis on Armenia and Artsakh. After Armenia became independent, one just can’t go without the other…
Dear Gaytzag, the way I read your post, you disapprove of my postings. Because you do not agree with my understanding of some point of history. You are suggesting that I move on and stop posting here. For your and everyone’s information, I am Armenophil. A term that is not used very often!!!
No, Boyajian:
The reference to barrel of the gun and cannon was not in relation to AG: it was in relation to comments about ‘referendum’ and such. Some still harbor the illusion that if Artsakhtsi held a referendum, or if Republic of Armenia de jure recognized Artrsakh, somehow it would make Artsakh more secure.
I am saying that is nonsense: reason Artsakh is secure is because of their and Armenia’s demonstrated military capability – nothing else. No international law, no referendum, no agreement; all that is just window dressing. Without military capability all that is worthless puff of smoke.
I invite people to look around the world and see for themselves what actually takes place.
To wit: Iraq, an independent, UN recognized nation – that had not even remotely threatened, much less attacked the West – was illegally invaded, occupied, devastated, looted and destroyed. After the illegal act, UN put their stamp of ‘legality’ on a patently illegal occupation.
Next example: North Korea; despite all the hysterics and foaming at the mouth, the Anglo-American warmongers and their sycophants are scared s_______less of attacking North Korea, because NK has a million man,battle ready, tough army, ready and willing to fight (and not forgetting possible possession of WMDs).
They know that they may win, but South Korea will be devastated and their 100s of US$ Billions of investments and infrastructure will go up in smoke.
We must, absolutely must do everything for Armenia and Artsakh to have absolute military superiority vis-à-vis Azerbaijan. Based on the results of their last attempt to exterminate Artsakh, Azerbaijan and their masters can’t be sure what will happen if they try again: maybe they’ll gain some ground, or maybe Artsakh’s tanks will race to Baku, like they almost did last time – before Russia asked them to stop. Maybe those crazy Artsakhtsi will put a torch to the multi-billion dollar investments of Aliev’s masters….if they get cornered.
On AG:
I applaud Mr. Mensoian for bring up the subject: our community discussing and debating it is very healthy; I have learned a lot, and believe others have to.
However, maybe I am missing something, but just don’t see that we are expending enormous amounts of money and effort on AG recognition.
I have emailed and called Sen. Boxer and Rep. Schiff: takes only a few minutes at a time, a few times a year.
I have sent donations to ANCA, a couple of hundred dollars a year. That amount is dwarfed by the money I donate to Armenian charities, Armenia Fund, and personal remittance to relative and friends in Armenia. And I don’t think I am atypical.
I understand some funds and time are expended on AG recognition efforts. However, the ROI is huge.
Don’t know what their budget is, but ANCA-DC office has a full time staff of 4 people, and some part time staff: less than 10 people total.
And finally, so as not to repeat what others said, please re-read RealSolutions’ next to last paragraph on the benefits of AG rec. efforts (‘Furthermore, genocide resolutions are an offensive strategy…’)
mjm: I agree, we need to ramp up – massively – efforts towards Armenian and Atrsakh.
Karekin, don’t be naive – Southern Sudan has lots of OIL and this is enough reason for Uncle Sam, BP & Co to independ them from anyone and use for themselves.
The people of Southern Sudan will not gain anything except “freedom from their OIL” – there will be charities and USAID visiting them, getting paid western salaries and stealing whatever funds were meant for the population.
At the same time very few local mobsters will get extra rich and deposit their oil revenues in Swiss banks. The country will be in poverty giving all the OIL to the West in exchange for empty pieces of paper called $$.
Artsakh has no oil, but Azerbaijan does, so the West is on the dictator Aliyev’s side because he does exactly what the West needs – keeps his population busy thinking about Garabag while stealing OIL $$ and depositing it in Swiss bank accounts.
There cannot be a peaceful outcome until Azerbaijan runs out of Oil and collapses into several states where the native people of these lands (Tolysh, Lezgi, Tsakhur, etc.) get rid of the Turkic Azeri Yoke. And the so called “international community” will not do anything to help them in their struggle because remember – THERE WOULD BE NO OIL THERE.
Voskanapat: No doubt, oil is a determinant in the world politics, but by no means is it the ONLY determinant.
If Diaspora Armenians get into Armenia’s life, I will guarantee that corruption will die within few years, that will give Armenia a dynamic position for improvements, in the field of economy, politics, sciences, military and above all “human rights” and freedom of speech….Armenia is deserved to be one of the best places in the world, where her beloved children spread in four corners of the world because of our disastrous Genocide!!
Minister Outlines Plans to Include Diaspora Armenians in Legislature
Grish – you sound like that Russian WWI general who said that Russia needs Armenia, but… without Armenians.
I think that corruption is “in the water”… In other words, take Armenians from Armenia to the least corrupt country in the world (check the USA ranking – it wouldn’t qualify) and they will live normal lives there.
Bring Diaspora Armenians to Armenia and put them in the government and they will get corrupt – there will be no miracle there.
Diaspora organizations are not immune from corruption and nepotism – just look at them closely – have you heard about the $25,000/month “expert” that was milking the Armenian Genocide Museum project? Or how about people who happened to be all relatives running our organizations here for generations? Are they the best qualified? I doubt.
Dear Fredrick,
Firstly,I did not come even close to hint even that you leave the forum.Wherefrom did you get or assume such a thing.
2.I am in mourning.My dearest grandson passed away near 2 weeks ago…
No one on this civilized forum took the pains to post a few words of condolences…
3.Never mind,those who have ethics,did so,even yes Harut Sassounian through mutual friend,when his mind is occupied with many an important issue..
4.Why so, because we may be EDUCATED evesn to a very high standard BUT WE LACK FORMACION SOCIAL …..I knew a Bolsahay in europed w/plenty of knowledge but he lacked ethics…thence this person IN ARMENIAN IS CALLED ANDASH, not polished if you will or so..ç
5.We need to get to TEAM WORK, in classified(by work profession type)I know I have said a dozen times,but that is the only solution .Our large very large collectivities have to be grouped in such .We have 5 on the scene,The health/Medical, the BAR, The Engineeres& sciences, The Sportive and the Jewellers.latter to inlcude all furnishings then 10 more such,etc., etc.,
Political comments from me ,many have correctly opined that .
A.We help Armenia/Artsakh in every way.This ought tobe conducgted ,in a programmed wasy such as to each sector of FIELD OF PROFESSION through counterpart, etc.,try to undertstand what kind of disciplinary fashion I am speaking about.
B.We need to re-organize the Diaspora through above structure,then through ELITE of each of these Groupings come up to a Regional , capital city (of ea Diaspora country9 ON TO THE SUPREME COUNCIL OF DIASPORA WITH 5 Dept.s .
C. Legal Political in Strasbourg,next to RA delegates,not sitting together,but in same town.
D.Executive in NY as above, E. Economic in Geneva,CH,
F.SSocial Services and Repatriation organizing in Moscow, G.Only one we have at St. Etchmiadzin,to be in conjunction with Great House of Cilicia.All ion constant contacgt with ea other.
The Main objective of the ¨PROFESSIONAL COLLEAGUES ASSOCIATIONs is to then strive to have National Invdestment Triust fiund. through which we can indeed proceed further into AG recognition, Int´l court of Justice, while strengthening our position in both Hayaastan/Artsakh and diaspora wioth the FUND´´s aid.All rest is just views a dn discussions and debates.All welcome but LET US THINK OF REALIZING ABOVE.
THANKS FOR READING ME.PLEASE ESXCUSE ERROS AND OMMISSIONS..
Dear Gaytzag, thank you for your posting and clarification. My condolences on passing of your grandson. My heart goes out to you. . May god give you patience and ease your pain of this loss.
Dear Gaytzag: Commentators here must have overlooked the line in your usually lengthy posts re: the passing of your grandson. My deepest sympathies to you for your loss…
My condolences Gaytzag. May his soul be enlightened and his family be comforted.
Thank you mjm,Boyajian and Fredrick for your kind words.I admit it was because I wrote that part in Armenian and also adding that my heart was like those run down walls or torn down walls.In Armenian it is SIRDS NMAN E EN PLADZ BADER…
Anyhow ,I am comforted by soothing words from friends and family and shall continue my quest for Armenidad-Armenity´s final victory as rgds AG recognition.By the by just entered french armenian site,famous for french speaking Armenians,the Cover photo is quite telling.Hope dear Harut Sassounian enters.- France Armenie.com
respectfully,
G.P.
ORPHANS OF THE GENOCIDE…
Dear forum members, On 8th february in Cambridge MA,a trailer will be shown and presentation offered by three ARMENOID TEAM wherein yet another important proof is shown how Jemal pasha and his entourage ran an orphanage in Antoura , near Beirut,where some 1500 Armenian (mainly) orphans were being viciously turkified.
I appear there too for a few minutes,alongside a fellow Armenian.It is intended to have important personalities such as Robert Fist ¨¨The Independent¨s journalist/activist, -who has always defended our cause, plus Jack kevorkian and yet other important commentators and survivors speak and give account how they were rendered orphans and what hell they went through ,before somehow settling in adopted countries.
One friend of mine has located another such in Europe, 104 years old whose daughter has agreed that an interview be carried out with her.She survived the ADANA massacres. On this same PAGE of AW you can see to the right hand side column the ad re above and where it is taking palce .Please go ,if you can and help them forge ahead.
Hama Haigagani SIRO,
G.P: