In a few weeks, when high-priced Turkish lobbying firms file their mandatory reports with the Justice Department, important revelations will emerge about their behind-the-scenes role in pushing through Congress a bill that would give Turkish companies a monopoly for investments in American Indian tribal lands.
These reports would disclose the chain of contacts leading to the approval of Resolution 2362, the “Indian Tribal Trade and Investment Demonstration Project Act of 2011,” by the House Committee on Natural Resources by a vote of 27 to 15, on Nov. 17.
One should not be surprised to learn that this innocent-sounding resolution, meant to “facilitate economic development by Indian tribes and encourage investment by Turkish enterprises,” glided through Congress helped by the lavish flow of funds—the mother’s milk of politics—to some House members.
Of course, there is nothing wrong in helping Native Americans to attract foreign investments, except that Congress was being asked to give preferential treatment to a single country: Turkey! Strangely, the majority of the Committee members were willing to go along with this unusual and illegal request, ignoring strong warnings from the Congressional Research Service that extending special privileges to only one country would violate provisions of major U.S. trade agreements—Most Favored Nation (MFN), North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and World Trade Organization (WTO).
Moreover, there was no need whatsoever for Congress to approve a pilot program for any one country, when the same Committee was simultaneously considering a more inclusive bill—House Resolution 205—that would provide to all countries an equal opportunity to trade with and invest in Indian tribal lands. In fact, the director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs testified that he had serious reservations about Resolution 2362. That is why he preferred to support Resolution 205, which would “foster the same goals…on a broader scale.” When Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) tried to introduce an amendment to expand the scope of Resolution 2362 beyond Turkey, it was ruled out of order due to a technicality.
Before the vote, several Armenian American and Greek American organizations submitted letters in opposition to Resolution 2362 to the House Committee, pointing out the impropriety and illegality of giving Turkey monopolistic access to Indian tribal lands. These organizations raised five key objections to Congress extending special privileges to Turkey because that country:
1) Remains an unrepentant perpetrator of genocide against millions of Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians.
2) Continues to blockade Armenia, occupy Cyprus, confront Israel, attack Kurds, and undermine U.S. regional interests.
3) Threatens U.S. commercial interests in the Mediterranean region.
4) Is linked to American-Turkish entities suspected of involvement in illegal activities.
5) Supports Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions.
The possible aim of the proponents of Resolution 2362 is to pass this particular bill before the more inclusive Resolution 205 is approved, in order to give Turkey a head start and undeserved advantage over all other nations. Turkey could then strike exclusive trade deals with Indian tribes for up to 25 years, renewable for two additional terms of 25 years each, for a total of 75 years. This means that by the time companies from other countries have a chance to sign contracts with Indian tribes, Turkish firms will have snatched up the most lucrative deals, leaving the others empty-handed.
Immediately after the Committee’s adoption of Resolution 2362, Turkish Americans and the Turkish Embassy in Washington rushed to celebrate a premature victory. The Turkish Coalition of America issued a press release on Nov. 17 expressing its joy that the Resolution was approved by the Committee, and would soon be adopted by the full House. That same night, the Turkish Embassy hosted a reception in Washington “to mark American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month and celebrate the successful passage of H.R.2362 out of the House Natural Resources Committee.” Turkey’s illustrious Ambassador Namik Tan was personally tweeting pictures of American Indians in their native costumes as the festivities took place at the embassy.
The ambassador should be reminded that a victory celebration is premature because there are no guarantees that this defective bill will ever reach the House floor, let alone the Senate, since it grossly violates a number of U.S. trade agreements. Even if the bill receives Congressional approval, American civic organizations and many countries will file lawsuits to block this discriminatory piece of legislation.
Harut Sassounian
Well well well.. yet another example of how Turkey shuts up US with money.. then money they stole by murdering a nation and lie about it almost 100 years.. and US continues to kiss TUrkey’s hand by allowing such illegal matters to take place.. I am embarrassed for my host country.. Shame on US…
THat is all I can say…
Core activism at its best. Monitoring, researching and taking action against the fundamental power base of influence…economics. Thank for bringing this to our attention.
Another very important point > Last year, Erdogan passed a law in Turkey that discriminates – by forbidding the sale of land or property in Turkey to Greeks and Jews.
This is blatant discrimination. Anti semitism. An insult to Greeks who were victims of the Turk genocide in Thrace, Pontus, Marmara, Anatolia and Smyrna….robbed also, of all their possessions and land, as the Armenians………
The same conduct in Cyprus – where, to this day, since 1974, Cypriot mothers and wives are still waiting for accountability for the 1,619 Greek Cypriot POWS, who “disappeared” while in Turkish military custody, with no accountability to date for their murder – in crass violation of the Geneva Convention. Erdogan has further ILLEGALLY transplanted over 300.000 Anatolian Turks to fraudulently alter the Turk population of Cyprus, has looted and stolen vast land, properties, defaced and desecrated their historic churches…….
and is now DEMANDING EQUAL SHARE of Sovereign Cypriot minerals and resources – (50%) – for the documented actual Turk Cypriot population which was never higher than 18%………..
If America awards this slimy thief ANY such deal – it would be granting exclusive privileges to a country (Turkey) that DISCRIMINATES against Greeks and Jews
and would be violating the very core of democracy. No Turk should even have the right to own property in the USA – if it discriminates against ethnicities in it’s own country.
Rebbeca,
It sure would be nice if you had even a CLUE as to what you’re talking about!! The last I checked, in Istanbul alone, most of the PRIME real estate is owned by ARMENIANS and/or GREEKS!! Many major businesses are owned and operated by Turkish Jews! There are Greek and Armenian orthodox churches, as well as synagogs! How many Mosques are there in Greece and Armenia Rebecca? How many businesses are owned by Turks in Greece and Armenia Rebbeca? Come back when you get a clue!
Rebbeca,
You mention Cyprus. Tell us please, how many years did the Greek-Cypriots treat the Turkish-Cypriots and their community as second class citizens (from the 1950’s until the liberation of 1974), attacking them, killing them, denying enough water and food sources to them, assaulting, raping, murdering them? Rebbeca, can you say the “AKRITAS PLAN”? Can you say “MAKARIOS”? Can you say “GRIVAS”? Can you say “NICOS SAMPSON”? Can you say “EOKA-A”? How about “EOKA-B”? Can you say “ENOSIS AT ALL COSTS”? Come back when you know what you’re talking about!!
Harut Sassounian is well known to many,as a political commentator that pinpoints especially great Turkey´s sneaky and stealthily planned approaches to such juicy and lucrative objectives that would benefit her. He has the ability and will to cope with any such attempts especially towards Armenian issues,bring them to light and strip them.
Bravo indeed.
Question arises then who ,other than the ANC and Armenian Assembly ,will take the necessary measures/steps to thwart their these like efforts,which if not stopped will make great Turkey really GREAT. Fact of the matter is-whether we like it or not-their economy ,thanks ,no not only what some Armenians attribute only to riches confiscated from legal owner Armenians ,but their thrust with their goods into marketsthat were previously supplied with other countries and/or locally.they are registering growth. In light of this,is it not time Mr. Sassounian that you would -if you wished and decided-to give a try to what I a have been advocating for yeasrs now. Namely Re-organization of our Diaspora(s) around PCA´s ¨Professional Colleagues associations¨, five on the scen already (ten more to come) thus untapping the Huge collectivities of the aforemenioned, i dare sary a 100,000 strong with an objective of cooperation heretofore unknown amongst these , the Inter professional Colleagues Associations,the ask the political parties to join in for establishing The ¨National Investment Trust Fund ¨- Nucleus of which by our 6/7 magnates, investing a total of one billion dollars amongst these,then the millionaires to chip in ,all the way down to hundred thousand to thousand and 100 dollar investors.Readers here pleasse go calculate how big an iNVESTMENT FUND THAT WILL BE ,ESPECIALLY IF THROUGH MONETARY EXPERTS OF THE MAGNATES AND INT´L ATTORNEYS,RE INVESTED IN OTHER secure Govt Funds. For in light of the main adversary of the Armenian Nation we will have sprung up with our own ECONOMIC POWER OF THE DIASPORA .Something that would help us organize properly A REPATRIATION to begin with and then Loans to those who wish to repatriate and later a s permanent National Invest Fund to Loan to Armenians (indeed against mortages through banks) for 10 /15 year periods at a low interest. This would be our REAL TRIUMPH AGAINST THE creeping Adversaies´advancdes towards our Tiny Armenia.for yesterday yes only yesterday they had already CREPT INTO YEREVAN-THOUGH A SMALL bizNESS DELEGATION WITH WHOM THEIR COUNTERPART OF aRMENIAN bizNESS MEN KISSED UPON DEPARTURE FROM ARMENIA AND AS YET ANOTHER SHOW,THEY HAD VISITED our monument to the martyrs of tzitzernakazpert…
I am not surprized at all.I wrote a few years ago(like you soemtimes like to say, NOW AND THEN)that they would COME KNEEL DOWN THERE AND APOLAGIZE.But please N O T A L K O F COMPENSATION/RESTITUTION!!! A COUPLE SAMPLE cases such (anyhow not many left to repair) as Akhtamar,St. Giragos O.K but no more…
Do please opine on my repeated call for re-organization and National Invest FUND.
Thanks for reading me
Dear Gayztag
How about if Turkey creates a national trust fund against your national trust fund? A new law has passed in Turkey, according to this law, half a millions of people will be exempt from the military service if they pay some $17000. A research shows that most people who are entitle to get exemption are willing to pay this $17000. which means Turkey is expecting to receive $5 billions to $6.5 billions. If you need any loan I am sure they will provide for your national trust fund
Folks ,You know why I end up making errors around mid way to end of my posts???
simple,I get to ask mysself ¨Will there be a reply to my post/Project?
Indeed, so far not a single one? and you know why?
I shall restrain myself to mention two of our worst traits.for it is shamefull.But sum up like this:-
The armenian mindset is not yet ready for C O O P E R A T I O N . eACH PERSON OR A GROUP have to come forthe s e p e r a t e l y anmd advocate their own!!!
One in PaRIS ANOTHER ION mOSCOW, ANOTHER IN Los Angeles and who knpow s soon may be in Alaska .S.Africa U.K. and the cities such as. …..
We simply have to join in the Colleagues association.THAT IS WHERE
CIVIL SOCIETIES (AGANJ KHOSI mR. xxxx) IS WHO COPIES THE WEST.i DO NOT I KNOW THOSE ARE HOT AIR.wE CAN DO IT THROUGH OUR OWN aRMENIAN pROFESSIONAL cOLLEAGUES aSSOCIAITON .wHEREIN PEOPLE OF SAME KIND OF WORK TYPE GET TO KNOW EA OTHER BETTER INTERMINGLE, PROFIT FROM EA OTHER S KNOWLEDGE AND AND STRIVE TOWARDS C O OPERATION!!!
tHAT IS WHERE THE CLASS ROOMS ARE…
OTHERWISE THROUGH WHAT WE AT PRESENT HAVE ,COMPATRIOTICS,. bENEVOLENT POLITICO THESE ARE c e n t r i f u g a l THAT aRDAZIG…EACH ON THEIR OWN AND TRUMPETING THEIRS ONLY.sTUPID US….
Please forgive me above making that many errors.I shall write slower and evade errors.
My ¨Projections on a New Statute for the Armenian Diaspora¨ automatically takes care of the Power8so to say) distribution.Rather meticulously thought of same.
The Supreme council that it aims to reach to,will be in Five Departments.-
1.Legal political(comprised of our political parties reps,plus a few non -partisan and international attorneys) in Strasbourg,France,where the Euro Parliament is.Not sitting with RA delegation but in same town(always in contact with aforementioend intheir premises which the national Investment Trust Fund will provide,more to latter ,ahead.
2.The Executive Dept. in NY, as above(and in constant contact with other three Dept.s
3.The Economic Supreme council in Geneva,CH with 15 offices of the PCA´s professional Colleagues associations.Also next to premises Headquarters of the nat´l Invest. Trust Fund:Indeed first funding towards an organzied REPATRIATION!!!as loans
4.The Social Services and Repatriation organizing(from near aborad,Russian Fed.for the thick majority of emigrants there,awaiting such Fund to LOAN them to Repatriate ,start work in Homeland and Artsakhj/Javakhq.
5.The Spiritual Supreme Council(only one we have ,but to be reorganized to have permanent Great House of Cilicia within Council.
AS to those who are already on the Armenian Diaspora ,especially political and Media and/or Economic scene,they are automaticall ,but democratically re elected/a`ppointed to important posts/positions, such as an example:- Mr. Ara Abrahamian of Moscow will indeed be there as he is a very apt perosn with networking capacity and so will Mr. hovnmanian as the most advanced Cosntruction field perosn and/or his also other proprieties etc., etc., etc., oh neafr forgot(please forgive me ) persons such a s Harut Sassoiunian with his perfect capacity as to be Media head,political commentator, will be in that position in Strasbourg, as Diaspora spokesperson officially.So on so forth .rest can be accomplished ,I am sure by many participating in the Project to overhaul the over 160 year old Sahmanatrutyun with the NEW STATUTE. much more compatible with a Dynamic Diaspora with the Young Taking over…
Please don´t silent and opine give your viewpoints-negatively as well-for Silence bodes one of our bad tgrasits let´s get rid of that AND CO OPERATE!!!
Hama Haigagani SIRO
John Turk,
I´m sure it will work out perfectly,less military expenditure8anyhow whom to fight agaisnt the RRRRRusians) when that menace was on,viz.soviet union, your country very cunningly kept neutral position-however lending to U.S. bases against cash.Now pretty much same way getting OIL transit duties around I understand 1.6 billion dollars(easy money again).
In this your diplomats are the best, no doubt. They will change positions to extort8shall we say) monies.Indeed, part is for the (K.Backs) none the less good idea.Do it.
However, my Project is one that will be governed not by Statesmen,but Magnates, who neither need our medium small invesments nor our advice.They have and will have more monetary experts and attorneys to suggest to them what to do,so as K.backs will be evaded(not a Govt. fund, mind you…)
Mr. John Turk,believe you me ,you ain´t seen nothing yet what the Armenians can do if they set aside theri un cooperativeness and let in new blood new directors in their structures…old ones will have to retire and watch with nostalgia old days…
Gayztag
Armenians aren’t my favorite people as we have conflict but you are a great man. I hope your wish comes true