Armenians worldwide are outraged by Pres. Aliyev’s pardon following the Hungarian government’s release of Ramil Safarov—an axe-wielding Azeri Lieutenant who hacked to death Armenian officer Gurgen Margarian in his sleep, while attending a 2004 NATO course in Budapest.
One is at a loss to decide which country should be blamed more for this scandalous and shameful affair: Hungary or Azerbaijan? Part of the blame should go to the international community for ignoring the repeated protestations of Karabagh (Artsakh) Armenians that they never again could live under the repressive rule of Azerbaijan.
When Safarov committed his barbaric act in 2004, Azeris celebrated his cowardly crime and sang his praises. Since then, Azerbaijan has done everything possible to induce the Hungarian government to release the axe-man from prison, while Armenian officials have sought to ensure that Safarov serves his life sentence.
Hungary’s leaders repeatedly assured Armenia that the Azeri prisoner would not be released, despite Azerbaijan’s relentless pressures. Yet, on Aug. 31, 2012, without any prior notice, the Hungarian authorities broke their solemn pledge by sending Safarov to Baku.
Why this sudden turn of events? The likely explanation may be found in a brief news item released by Bloomberg a week earlier: “Azerbaijan is in talks with Hungary to buy as much as three billion euros worth of government debt. … The debt, which may be sold in Turkey at the request of Azerbaijan and denominated in Turkish lira, may be sold prior to Hungary coming to an agreement with the International Monetary Fund on a backstop. … Azerbaijan is willing to accept yields below the market rate on Hungary’s debt.”
Clearly, Hungary has betrayed Armenia for “30 pieces of silver”—in this instance, 3 billion euros ($3.77 billion)! Such a large sum would go a long way to rescue Hungary from financial ruin, but would not save Hungarian officials from moral bankruptcy. For Hungary, Azerbaijan’s oil money is more precious than Armenian blood.
To justify its sinister deed, Hungary leaked a letter dated Aug. 15, 2012 from Vilayat Zahirov, Azerbaijan’s deputy minister of justice, confirming that his country would not commute Safarov’s sentence after his transfer to Baku. Zahirov cited Article 57.3 of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code, assuring that a convict serving a life sentence can only be released after 25 years in prison.
Not surprisingly, Azerbaijan violated not only its commitment to Hungary, but also its own laws when Aliyev set Safarov free by granting him an immediate pardon upon arrival in Baku on a specially chartered flight of Azerbaijan Airlines. The Azeri lieutenant was promoted to the rank of major, received a free apartment, eight years of back pay, and a hero’s welcome for the cold-blooded murder of a sleeping Armenian!
In view of the worldwide Armenian outrage at this disgraceful development, Armenian President Serge Sarkisian called the National Security Council to an emergency session on Aug. 31, announcing Armenia’s suspension of diplomatic relations and all official contacts with Hungary. He further summoned the head of Armenia’s National Security Service and gave him a “special assignment!” Sarkisian then delivered a terse message to a gathering of foreign ambassadors in Yerevan, cautioning them that Armenia’s future relations with their governments would depend on their reaction to this incident! Russia and the United States responded by expressing their concern at Safarov’s release and pardon, and demanding an explanation from Hungary and Azerbaijan.
Since Azerbaijan will surely reject any suggestion of incarcerating its “national hero” or returning him to Hungary to serve out his life-sentence, Armenians should embark on a series of initiatives to convince the international community that Artsakh can never accept the rule of axe-wielding murderers and their state sponsors. Armenians should take advantage of the sympathy generated by this miscarriage of justice to strengthen their case for Artsakh’s independent statehood.
In the coming days and weeks, Armenians should step up the pressure on Hungary and Azerbaijan by holding demonstrations in front of their embassies and consulates, asking all countries as well as NATO, the EU, and OSCE to condemn the shameful manipulation of international norms of justice by Budapest and Baku.
Armenia should immediately suspend negotiations with Azerbaijan and recognize the independence of Artsakh, urging all other countries to do likewise. When Aliyev signed Safarov’s pardon, he unwittingly affirmed Artsakh’s quest for independence.
Armenians worldwide should join forces to strengthen Armenia politically, economically, and militarily to forestall Azerbaijan, Turkey, and all others from resorting to any future hostile action.
Harut Sassounian
Thank you Aliyev for pardoning the famous murderer.With this one act you showed your real face to the world,be it US, Russia, OSCE members, the whole of EU & the rest of the world. This magnificent act of yours put Armenia & our sacred cause on almost all the pages of the world. Thank you again & again for this great act.
Very well said VTiger:
this will become a gift to Armenians that keeps on giving.
Without strong retaliation by the EU or NATO against Hungary’s despicable action, who is the guarantor of Armenia? The United States? I’m afraid the US and its oil allies are too busy cozying up to Azerbaijan, similar to Hungary, to keep their military industrial complex viable.
For all intents and purposes, Armenia is a Russian satellite. So be it! The west had its chance and all that happened in the last 20 years is that ridiculous document signed in Switzerland.
The Armenian Diaspora can always count on Harut Sassounian to crystalize & clearly communicate the essence of an incendiary & developing issue…and offer lucid & reasonable suggestions on how to move forward.
The Armenian Government MUST insist on, taking the Hungarian and the Azeri President to the International Tribunal Court. Obviously they think they are above the law, and their money can save them. Well they have not changed
they are still barbaric to the core.
How could someone commit such an atrocity? The azeri is a monster and has no heart, his heart is made of stone. He has absolutely no humanity or compassion towards another human being. When he chooses his victims, he
makes sure that they are defensless, and sleep. COWARD, AND NOT A HERO.
The Azeri will rot in HELL.
There is no hell my friend
The heaven is here
The hell is here…
Their dirty gene should change …
Bad genes should vanish
for people to live in peace…
The Armenians in Diaspora should heroically call on worldwide leaders and ask them how can Artsak’s Armenians live under the control of such criminals. We the Armenians displaced through the world should request the European and USA etc. countries to immediately recognize the independence of Artsak and the Armenian genocide. This brutal action has proved to the civilized countries that it is impossible for Armenians to live under the control of Turks and Azeris because of their hatred to Armenians
[Armenia’s President asks not to burn Hungarian flag]
“I would like to address our society, specifically to the youth, and ask them not to burn the flag of Hungary because the flag of Hungary is not the flag of Hungary’s party in power. Hungary’s flag is not the symbol of Hungary’s PM. We have had very good relations with the Hungarians for hundreds of years. And the inhuman act by one person, or one [political] party, [or by] one government should not be grounds for us to become enemies with the Hungarians.”
(RoA President Sargsyan speaking in the City of Gyumri, September 04, 2012.)
Avery, this is a gift and a slap in the face. But the gift will not keep giving. The world will forget. Hence, the time to act is now. Enough with the essays, speeches and diplomatic posturing. This pardon by Aliyev establishes the official state policy that “death to Armenians” is and has been their (Azeri-Turk) slogan. All Armenians within Azerbaijan are at risk and if the world or Armenia does not act, it condones this policy of annihilation. Indeed, there will be future hostile action perpetrated by Azerbaijan. Can you imagine the international indignation if Margaryan was an Israeli soldier and Safarov was a German soldier and Germany pardoned, rewarded and sang in the streets all because a Jew was killed. Azerbaijan is symbolically dragging through their streets in celebratory praise not just Magaryan’s body but the bodies of all the Armenians that suffered and died with the genocidal policy of the Turks. NOW IS THE TIME TO RECOGNIZE ARTSAKH. Act know or forever write your speeches and essays and listen to empty promises while we become bums wandering the world without a pace to call home.
I am Gougen Margaryan, my father was Margaryan and all Armenians are Margaryan. In addition, all victims of genocide and their descendants are Gourgen Margaryan!
Right on, Missak. —Enough with suspensions: defeatist Turkish-Armenian protocols suspended. Diplomatic relations with Hungary suspended. Is suspension and empty verbiage all the Armenian president can do? God damn! There so many Baku Armenians who lost everything when they were deported from Azerbaijan, filled with rage. Can’t they be recruited to trace and finish that Azeri bastard?
Sarkisian needs to stop all “peace” negotiations. Declare Karabagh an independent state. Let the Azeri’;s “come and take it”…Also Armenian national security team needs to take out this scum bag only after the Azeri’s give the 3 billion euro’s to Hungary… Make it a total lose lose for the Azeri’s..Once taken out, the Azeri’s will ask to cash in the bonds and see how Hungary and Azerbaijan hash it out..
Az. obtained Safarov’s release through fraud upon the state of Hungary if the Hungarian leaders are to be believed.
Hungary should therefore demand his extradition, and if that fails, seek an international arrest warrant for him and the leaders of Az.
Protests in the street fade, but warrants can be renewed indefinitely. Az. essentially engineered a diplomatic jailbreak. Hungary has interests in rectifying this insult to her sovereignty quite apart for what she feels about us.
NATO should also insist upon extradition because it was a NATO program in which Safarov murdered the Armenian officer.
I’ve seen & lived through war & I hate it. But sometimes in order to get rid of the cancer you have to pluck an eye,amputate an arm or a leg… This is an opportunity that I personally believe that our president & government should not miss. We have to act & hit & hit so hard & set this aliyevistan 50 years back.SUCH OPPORTUNITIES COME ONCE IN A THE LIFETIME OF HISTORY.
Missak:
You are correct: the world will soon forget; 1 week, 2 weeks max. Other events will take center stage.
However, you are also wrong: the gift will keep on giving in any behind-the-scenes horse trading, pressure/counter-pressure, and maneuvering regarding NKR. […assuming RoA and NKR Govs wave the pictures of Lieutenant Margaryan and the Psyaxopath – either literally or figuratively – every time there is a seatdown with the Armenophobe goons and their Western/NATO handlers] (new word: pronounced sikes-o-path)
Jews to this day wave to Holocaust Sword of Damocles over anyone who dares step on their toes: I say good for Jews; learn from them.
From now on, anytime there is pressure on NKR or RoA, we in the Diaspora scream: bloody (Lieutenant Margaryan) murder.
For the next 100 years if have to.
Regarding “the time to act is now”:
please tell us what is to be done specifically ?
Make sure you take into account the realistic, actual power RoA possesses, plus the realistic, actual power we in the Armenian Diaspora possess.
Please also remember: only Gold and Guns rule in the world we actually live in. Not some mythical ‘just’ world we all wish for.
You wrote “recognize Artsakh” in caps: I am assuming that is #1 on your to-do list. Let me give you my take on that; then you can punch holes in my premise:
1. Recognition by RoA.
Totally useless and meaningless: will not be recognized by anyone else. (although we should constantly demand it publicly: to keep Azeris off-balance and on the defensive)
Will not add one iota of security to NKR. Not one.
Did the fact that Cyprus was an internationally recognized country in Europe prevent its invasion by Turkey ?
Upon recognition by RoA, Azerbaijan may launch a war using it as an excuse: the so called world community may side with them: they’ll say “Armenia broke off the (fake) peace negotiations. Armenia does not want peace. Can’t blame Azerbaijan for resorting to force…we regret the loss of life, but…blah….blah….”
Turkey has recognized TRNC: nobody else has, and nobody gives a hoot that Turkey has. In fact, recognition has caused both countries a lot of grief.
Turks don’t care: their goal is to fuse TRNC with Turkey. They’ll wait it out 20-50-100 years if they have to.
They will keep sending more ethnic Turks from the mainland to take residence there. Facts on the ground.
They have correctly concluded that land on Cyprus is far more valuable in the long run than entry into EU or what the world thinks.
2. Recognition by EU, etc.
Assuming EU and the West did recognize NKR, do you believe for one second they would not demand that NKR give up all its territories outside of the old NKAO footprint in exchange ?
What would you rather have: (a) a piece of paper (recognition), or (b) real, defensible strategic land depth, vital to both NKR and RoA ?
Well said:
Armenia should immediately suspend negotiations with Azerbaijan and recognize the independence of Artsakh, urging all other countries to do likewise. When Aliyev signed Safarov’s pardon, he unwittingly affirmed Artsakh’s quest for independence.
Come on Armenia!
Do the right thing in the right time!
Very good article! This shows that Astsak can never be a part of a barbaric society!
<<We have to act & hit & hit so hard & set this aliyevistan 50 years back.<<
First Armenia should officially proclaim Artsakh part of itself.
How can we ask the world to do that if we don't ourselves?
Turkey officially recognizes "northern Cyprus", Armenia does not recognize Artsakh.
Why? Because Turkey is bigger and stronger, yes, but also because they don't suffer from the Christian slave mentality.
Also, Armenian recognition would most likely not lead to a Turkish invasion. If Turkey believed it could invade Armenia it would have done so in 1991 and finished us off a long time ago.
I know, it's naive to put all our hopes in Russia, but let's face it: the mere fact that Turkey hasn't invaded Armenia since it became independent points to a real obstacle, and that isn't the Armenian army.
No, Russia doesn't love Armenians. But I doubt it would be ready to give up Armenia to a united Turkerbaijan. Our soil is too important to Russia strategically.
As for now, the whole world is puzzled by Armenia's defensiveness regarding Artsakh. Lack of aggressive approach is perceived by onlookers as a sign of doubt in the rightness of the own cause.
In this regard, Safarov's unavenged murder of Margaryan has had a negative psychological impact on our cause internationally.
A lot of Armenians are brainstorming now what kind of response we should mount.
I say – none at this time! Really, if we are just thinking about how to respond to a 100% predictable event, we are too late. And when we are late and emotional we can make more mistakes.
The turks have advantage as they planned their action for years and they planned (with help) for our reactions too. We don’t want to get into their traps.
Look at the timing – they picked the eve of the Labor Day Weekend and the Democrats Convention start. This is the same brilliant planning that was used when Georgia’s Saakashvilli ordered attack on North Ossetia on 08/08/08 when all world leaders were at the opening of the Olympic Games in Beijing.
The best thing is to analyze how we got to this unprepared. Who was responsible for back up planning, analysis, etc.?
There is a good chance that Azeri Turks will try to kill that criminal and blame Armenians for this. Armenian government and organizations should announce that they will not get involved into vendetta activities and anything that happens to the killer is the continuation of the Azeri Turk show.
Think how US approached OBL – he was pronounced irrelevant and not a priority and he was still blamed for 9/11.
The killer should not be our priority. He is a criminal and will get justice at some point. The best way would be to arrest him and bring to Armenia for a trial.
However, the Sultan of Azerbaijan is the main criminal who ordered the murder as it is evident from his actions of promoting and rewarding his agent who was sent to Hungary to commit this crime. Only Ilham Aliyev can make such orders in Azerbaijan, therefore, he is an international criminal and threat to peace and well-being of Armenians in Artsakh, Armenia and around the world.
I say, carefully plan a special intelligence operation to abduct the bastard and bring him to trial in Armenia. This will be the best manifestation of Armenia’s wit and capabilities. The world will only respect us more for this.
In this case Armenians should be stand by, during Sochi Winter Olympic Games, who knows who will be driving Azeri Turks, caucasian Wahhabi Terrorists, Georgians, into sabotaging activities or disturb and embarrass Russians!! Right now I see some terrorist activities in N. Caucasus, supported and paid by Turkey and Saudis, although we don’t hear in Western News broadcasting!!
Sultan of the oil, the horsey of Azer baboons, is a toy in the hands of Oil cartel, they can twist him or kill him any moment if Savarov intend to admit the killing order came form directly by Sultan.
Safarov is a living dead person in Presidential Palace, in a strong Israeli made concrete banker, the dictator knows the real truth behind Savarov muder, he won’t let him go to public life, especially if captured alive, then he will confess about the truth behind the killing of Gurgen, then both will be killed by some special agents, who are specialized and paid by oil cartel!!I still believe if sultan start a war with Armenians he will be terrorized by his own circle, unless he re-position his coward soldiers and face them toward Iran!!
True, I couldn’t put it better way.
Armenian government and justice system should decide what to do with Safarov.
Also, we should look forward and prevent the mistake from repeating and be a more informed government and society about what our enemy is planning and trying to do.
Burning the Hungarian Flag won’t solve anything. We can hold the Hungarian government responsible and ask for explaination. We can be cautious regarding their future activities with Azerbaijan. But, we shouldn’t dismiss them as enemy as a whole nation.
The true perpetrators of this crime are the Azeri government leaders and officials, their media, their millitary high ranks. They need to be sent a message that we Armenians are not the weak gazel who are easy catch for the hungry lion.
We can only do this by being well informed and gradually counteract their attempts against Armenian causes or citizens or any Armenian internationally.
If Safarov had the opportunity to kill Gurgen Markarian and the Azeris could get him freed then that’s two events we could of prevented.
We Armenians must know we are already at war and any Azeri is zero percent untrustworthy.
Knowledge is power
Long live Armenia
This is poor analysis. The events will do nothing to benefit Armenia. You say, you could use this to justify the claim of Karabak Armenians for independence. Come on! I can stand enimosity, but I hate BS. Do you really think that for a second either the world or Azerbaijan beleived that Kabak would willingly accept being part of Azerbaijan … as if ONLY now, after the Ramil incident, the Karabak Armenians are like, “Well, that is it! We will never accept being part of Azb!” Nor will the OSCE process go in your favor. OSCE peace process? What peace process? It is a BS process set up not to resolve the conflict but to freeze it. Azeris have recently come to realize this, and now are basically saying, through such defiant actions as the Ramil release, “What? I cannot hear it? What? Go you know where.” The correct conclusion to draw from all of this is that Azerbaijan is now strong enough to say to OSCE, US, and all the other BS-ers, get lost, and we have gotten away with it. Yes, they will verbally reprimand us, they will express concern, but in the end they care about neither ARmenia or Azerbaijan … they have their own interests. Azerbaijan has oil, and Armenia nothing. When I heard Armenia cut all relations with Hungary, I wanted to laugh … What relations? Who cares! Good riddance.
Ali, keep in mind that the regions of Shahumyan, Getashen & Artsakh lowlands are in still your hands & inshallah very soon we will re-take these as well. Also we will clear the Talish region & send you few kilometers back. Remember the above when the time comes.
{Azerbaijan has oil, and Armenia nothing.}
Ali, when you’ll eventually mature, after being formed as a newly-cooked nation only in 1918, you, Azeris, will understand, hopefully, that having oil is a curse and not having oil is a blessing. Until then, continue daydreaming that ancient Armenian land of Artsakh will ever become a part of AzerBEYjan. Good luck!
“When I heard Armenia cut all relations with Hungary, I wanted to laugh … What relations? Who cares! Good riddance.”
Obviously, Hungarian people understand the value of reputation and care about our relations, unlike cynical Azeris like you. Otherwise, they wouldn’t massively and publicly denounce the action of their government. They are trying very hard to distance themselves from Azerbaijan. They don’t want to be considered by the international community as people being in the same league with you, when it comes to the level of civilazion and humanity. I suggest that your read their posts of apology if you haven’t read. Very touching.
Gina you say: “Obviously, Hungarian people understand the value of reputation and care about our relations, unlike cynical Azeris like you. Otherwise, they wouldn’t massively and publicly denounce the action of their government.”
Gina, do you really think an average Hungarian cares about Azerbaijan or Armenia? And dont mistate facts. 2000 protesters is not massive. At least, half of them were Armenians, who must have brought family and friends Hungarians. The remaining ones were Hungarian opposition supporters looking for a reason to trash the government. And of course, a few HUngarians truly angry. But think about it. Would you skip work and go and demonstrate in front of White House in Washingron if you learned that America transferred an Eriterian-killer to his native Ethiopia, where he was pardoned. Of course not. You have better things to do.
And dont worry about our reputation. Take the ISaeli spy sitting in America. ISrael wants him freed. Do you think they will not pardon him immediately afterwards? Or do you think they will be like “Oh, shoot, it will hurt our reputation?”
And yes, EU, White House have issued concerns. But again, who cares? They were probably written by interns? Or do you really think Safarov is on top of Obama’s mind while is in the Convention in NC?
I think the reason why this Safarov incidence has touched a nerve is that you see how brazen Azerbaijan is, and how weak Armenian diplomacy was. We simply do not care. All the congressmen letter you get written … we simply do not care. You, through the US congress et all, have no influence over us. We need nothing from the West. We are just waiting to buy Russia’s neutrality before we can take care of business.
To be frank with you, I would not have pardoned Safarov. Obviously there is something wrong with the guy. I know we are all enemeis and all. But to lose control like that? But still, seeing how the pardon has played out afterwards, I think it was the right decision. It was very well calculated by our government. It showed we can buy a country like Hungary, and, to the west we have shown that we dont give a damn about their protests.
Ali,
do you really assume just because Azerbaijan controlled Karabakh in the soviet era it really belonged to Azerbaijan?
That bring the question of Nakhijevan to the discussion.
Both locations had significant Armenian poppulation that out numbered the Azeris, but it was the soviets who assigned them to Azerbaijan as for the first time Azerbaijan was on the map.
And true, you did get away with it and you can do what you do best, to bragg all day. But, we are learning a new lesson that our war is deeper than it seems and we must be defiant.
Stepanakert was, is, and will always be Armenian. And in our memories the Cross stones Azeris thrown into Araks river in 2005 and the rest Azeris used to make schools and even mosques will always be alive long with countless other historic sights.
And for Oil, you only got that and Turkey who spoon feeds you. Once the oil wells Soviets almost used up run out in few decades Azerbaijan should bukkle up and face reality. Iran doesn’t think highly of you either since majority of Azeri polititicians and citizens think a big chunk of their country belongs to you.
But, we don’t got nothing, we have much more than you think we do and we have friends. And we don’t need to reach them by riding on a donkey and crossing Azerbaijan or Turkey for that matter. It is twentieth first century.
Armenia has potential and we are working towards tapping intor that potential for true progress which is not dependant on having oil wells.
In the international map Armenia is not exactly the complete looser you are hopping for or assuming.
I was deeply shocked by the Hungarian and Azerbaijani attitude. It is very harmful for the reputation of Azerbaijan. Varoujan Garabedian served his sentence and was never made a hero on his return in the same way. But for Azerbaijan the loss of reputation in the world will be considerable. And yes – I believe it can be used as a valid argument for the independence of Artsakh…
Several flaws, ragnar naess.
1. [It is very harmful for the reputation of Azerbaijan […] But for Azerbaijan the loss of reputation in the world will be considerable] —Is this some sort of a joke? Azeris already have a firm reputation as savages after what they have done to Armenians in Sumgait, Kirovabad, Maragha, and Baku, as well as in Budapest. What reputation?!
2. [Varoujan Garabedian served his sentence and was never made a hero on his return in the same way.] — Although terrorism is deplorable in any form, but at least Varoujan Garabedian, born into a family of refugees from the Armenian Genocide, was avenging for his whole nation–mass slaughtered or forcibly deported by the Turks. And he did this, again however deplorable it was, during the daylight against the Turkish Airlines check-in desk at Orly, not against a sleeping person.
Ragnar,
I am surprised that you were shocked. I can’t say anything about Hungarian government, as I am not familiar with it, but what Azerbaijani government did came as no surprise.
It is very important to note that Safarov did not become hero, in Azeri eyes he was hero from the moment he axed the sleeping Armenian officer.
When Safarov was serving his prison time in Hungary, Azeri government and nation had made him an hero already. Azeris named their newborns, schools and streets after Safarov and made films about him long before his release.
Hungarian government was informed of all these and assured the Armenian side that they will not extradite him to Azerbaijan. However, it did, and put a shame on its own people.
“inbreeding”.
“disposed of”.
{I agree that the word “genocide” should not figure as prominently in the Armenian accusations against Turkey as it does. However, to simply scrap the word does not make sense. There is a real debate on whether a genocide occurred.}
(Rangar Naess @Hurriyet 2011-9-12)
We should separate between people and politics…
“Politics play and people pay…”
Sylva
People should not pay any more through new ways…
They are getting educated through the Internet not to pay…
But still there are long way to go…
Armen, to my mind reputation has to do with what reaches the world at large, and this news is coming even to Norway, and our press has generally next to nothing on Azerbaijan. I also see the news is in all international agencies and the role of the state is evident. In 1988, top take one of your examples, the state was the Soviet Union. Regarding Garabedian I fail to see the difference of our positions. He committed a crime and served his sentence. And he had reasons for his act which we may empathise with, and which of course makes him different from any mass killer like e.g. Breivik in Norway
Nares,
There is nothing in mere dictatorship, and nothing in the Aliev kleptocracy which also requires Genocidal hatred of Armenians, as is so perfectly represented in the Azeri state Deification of the axe murderer. That hatred and Genocidal fury is throughout the Turkish culture, it’s state, and Azerbaijan.
Armenians and their friends, even neutral observers have seen the axe murderer’ s smile many times. We have seen it when state-sanctioned crowds rampaged through Armenian districts throughout the 20 years before 1915, and in the slaughter conducted in a cold manner intended to inflict as much degradation and cruelty as possible.
We have seen that smile in the eyes of the police officer who posed with Hrant Dink’s murderer?
Do you see now what and who is out to kill us?
Do you see there is an unbroken chain over 150 years in Turkish culture dedicated to killing us?
Do you see now why your quibbles and defense of Genocide are immoral?
Do you see how pleased Mr. Safarov would be with your aid, no matter how faint?
Artsakh has been liberated and is an Independent republic with all its related establishments as such. Few indeed realize that whether OSCE, or the like and even the adversary(s) like it or not we still have lands to liberate and/or wait for it further.However Artsakh is one issue with all its pending recognition issues etc., another what our main HIMNAHARTS (BASIC QUESTION) IS…THAT OF
RECOGNITION BY GREAT TURKEY the genocide they èrètrated upon our fathers and grandparents. WE D E M A ND B L O O D M O N E Y
FIRST OF ALL .Also few realzie that these are matters that shoulñd not UNDERSHADOW OUR REAL ISSUE, THAT OF ALL CHURCHES MONASTERIES DESTROYED, HOUSES LANDS FARMS CONFISCATED IN WESTERN ARMENIA ETC., ETC., ETC.,
THIS WILL COME AND PASS, BUT WE SHOULD THINK OF THE 100TH anniversasy approaching and get organized.The int´l wheeling and dealing is a part of daily maneuvres of many a diplomat and their affairs are theirs .
Whether occuring in Europe,the Middle East and elsewhere. WE have a very impofrtant mission .THAT OF DEMANDING JUSTICE FROM THE WORLD RE OUR 1.5 MILLION MARTYRS …they are shouting from outer world for J U S T I C E FOR THEIR ANNIHILATION!!!! by the Ottoman Turks & Kemalist Turkey.nothing has been forgotten ,nothing will be forgotten!!!!!NO OTHER ISSUE CAN UNDERSHADOW THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RECOGNITION!!!
FOR THE WORLD OWS ARMENIANS J U T I C E!
Armen, I disagree with you regarding the people (Armenians) leaving their fatherland to USA or other Western countries. You cannot blame the rulers for
its citizens leaving the country. A real citizen should fight for his rights and clean the corrupted system. For example, Jews, Philistines and other nations are sacrificing for their land but we Armenians are migrating to other countries for our fun.Therefore, you should blame the (voters) the citizens for bringing to power such rulers instead of running for enjoyment to a certain country.
A-ha, sedentary Armenians, who for millennia adored and cherished the notion of “ojakh”, leave their ancestral habitat for fun and enjoyment. Not because there are no jobs, income, affordable education, civil order, legal protection, and justice, but just for fun and enjoyment. And yes, a-ha, we cannot blame the rulers for their citizens leaving the country, how can we? After all, it is the ordinary citizens that line their pockets, build castles, drive luxurious cars, create lawlessness, take bribes, rig elections, and sign defeatist protocols with the Turks. Poor rulers, how do they survive under such unbearable circumstances? They must be picking trash cans in search for food. It is easy to say that a citizen should fight for his or her rights when you’re not hungry. As for cleaning the corrupt system, may it be cleaned by those who created it. And if you say that a bribe-giving citizen is part of that system, then we’d like to see both the bribe-giver and the bribe-taker in jail. Even if I try I cannot blame the voters for bringing to power such rulers, because in none of the past elections (except for the very first one after independence) voters brought to power the current rulers. If I vote for one person, but as a result of governmental rigging, a thug is elected, am I to blame for this? If I boycott the election altogether (which is my constitutional right), showing my apathy and disgust for the state of affairs in the government-ruled country, but my vote is stolen and given to someone else, am I to blame? When I go to the streets to protest the rigged election, how many times the Diaspora Armenians have supported me by condemning the illegal government practices?
Armen,
You can blame people in power in Armenia day and night -I still think that those who have left Armenia (I being one of them) for better life, do not have the moral right to blame them that harshly.
Unlike many who left, those people chose to stay and build Armenia. And, it is Armenians who stayed in Armenian are keeping our borders from Azeri invaders, not the once who have left.
When I compare, what my family has gone through, when my brother and cousins were serving in Artsakh in the first line, with Armenians who have left and their children never served in army in Armenia, everything becomes clear.
You cannot have a perfect government when your society is not ready or able to produce them. It is that simple. Look at every government in the world, and you will see that they are reflection of their society. Germany and Italy are perfect examples.
Sella,
It is so routinely human to find better life for your children, that you cannot bring this argument in an attempt to justify Armenia’s ruling regime. Had more or less affordable conditions been created in Armenia by now, a few would be willing to leave their homeland, their natural habitat, relatives, and friends. Is it not clear? As for the moral right to blame the rulers harshly, I clearly have such a right: I’m a citizen of Armenia. Again, when Armenians who stayed in the country raise their outrage against the injustices of the government, how many Diasporans support them?
It is also somewhat cynical to state that it is Armenians who stayed in Armenia are keeping our borders from Azeri invaders, not the once who have left. But, dear friend, many of those who have left support dozens of their relatives in Armenia because the government cannot (or wish not?), as well as contribute funds for different projects in Armenia and Artsakh, including the combat effectiveness of the army. Does the fact that they had to leave the country makes these people less patriotic than those who stayed?
You say: “you cannot have a perfect government when your society is not ready or able to produce them. It is that simple.” And what if your society is ready or able to produce them, but their votes for more perfect representatives or presidents are trodden? Just one example. In 1998 the society was both ready and able to produce a leader like Karen Demirchian and I still believe he won the elections. But what happened? Bobby Kocharian was announced the winner. When the will of the majority is not accounted for, what do the people do? Unfortunately, many leave in desperation, and I cannot blame them for that.
And I despise it when the twisted argument “every government in the world is the reflection of their society” is brought forth. Do you mean to say that since the majority of our MPs are self-centered, narrow-minded thugs and oligarchs, such composition of the parliament accurately reflects on our society at large? Are the majority of your people semi-educated thugs, Sella?
S.I.K.,Armen & Sella,Very interesting arguments & criticism.Very healthy & my only oblection is not to be negative.To that effect a joke about ‘negative’ people & hope that the AW publishes it:
This is something to think about when negative people are doing their best to rain on your parade.
So remember this story the next time someone who knows nothing and cares less tries to make your life miserable.
A woman was at her hairdresser’s getting her hair styled for a trip to Rome with her husband.. She mentioned the trip to the hairdresser, who responded:
“Rome ? Why would anyone want to go there? It’s crowded and dirty.. You’re crazy to go to Rome . So, how are you getting there?”
“We’re taking BA,” was the reply. “We got a great rate!”
“BA?” exclaimed the hairdresser.. ” That’s a terrible airline. Their planes are old, their flight attendants are ugly, and they’re always late. So, where are you staying in Rome ?”
“We’ll be at this exclusive little place over on Rome’s Tiber River called Teste.”
“Don’t go any further. I know that place. Everybody thinks its gonna be something special and exclusive, but it’s really a dump.”
“We’re going to go to see the Vatican and maybe get to see the Pope.”
“That’s rich,” laughed the hairdresser. You and a million other people trying to see him. He’ll look the size of an ant.
Boy, good luck on this lousy trip of yours. You’re going to need it…”
A month later, the woman again came in for a hairdo. The hairdresser asked her about her trip to Rome
“It was wonderful,” explained the woman, “not only were we on time in one of BA’s brand new planes, but it was overbooked, and they bumped us up to first class. The food and wine were wonderful, and I had a handsome 28-year-old steward who waited on me hand and foot.
And the hotel was great! They’d just finished a £5 million remodelling job, and now it’s a jewel, the finest hotel in the city. They too, were overbooked, so they apologized and gave us their owner’s suite at no extra charge!”
“Well,” muttered the hairdresser, “that’s all well and good, but I bet you didn’t get to see the Pope.”
“Actually, we were quite lucky, because as we toured the Vatican, a Swiss Guard tapped me on the shoulder, and explained that the Pope likes to meet some of the visitors, and if I’d be so kind as to step into his private room and wait, the Pope would personally greet me.
Sure enough, five minutes later, the Pope walked through the door and shook my hand! I knelt down and he spoke a few words to me”
“Oh, really! What’d he say ?”
He said: “Who the F… is your hairdresser?”
Prs.of Azeris is intoxicated – drinking all day and night – oil – oil and oil – that is why he freed and promoted the axe murderer of an Armenian soldier who worths the head of Prs. of Azeri.
Of all these passionat brainstorming, I share the most the standpoints which propose the recognition of Artsakh, but without as yet going to war with Azerbaijan. We should of course be prepared for war, as we are, but should avoid it as far as we can. At this very auspicious time when Azerbaijan has given us a most opportune moment for the hardest diplomatic strike, Mr Sariksian and the Armenian leadership, all their domestic shortcomings notwithstanding, should act decisively and resolutely. They are bound to have the wholehearted support of the nation in this. Besides, the world public opinion could not be as favourable as it is now.
I am sure Azeris wiil commit a similiar stupid act in the combat zone sooner or later giving us the desired reason to embark on uprooting this cancerous entity in our neighbourhood, but now the efforts should be directed to placing the world, the Minsk group, the OSCE and the rest before a fait accomplit i.e. recognition of Artsakh. Long live the independent Republic of Artsakh!
Sella
when I say I am shocked I want to convey a moral outrage, it has nothing to do with reaction to a piece of news. Apart from this I believe the Azeri government’s action must be interpreted as a message that they are willing to go to war to regain Nagorno-Karabagh. I cannot say I am surprised, I just note that Azerbaijan go against all international established morality.
Aliev learned from Hitler that after a few feeble protests come from a few nations, all is forgotten. Hungary will also forget.
And you, Ragnar, in your tiny but real way, have helped the Alievs of the world by explaining. softening, and making Genocide of Armenians more acceptable or so complex that nobody cares. You cozy up to the apologists for Genocide, attend their conferences and discussions, and falsely hold yourself out as an authority.
You are similar to the American Bund members who were Hitler apologists. The types who said ” Well, maybe Hitler is a bit hard on the Jews, but I am sure he means no lasting harm.”
When 10,000 Safarovs start trying to kill our women, at which they will fail, they, like the SS who stormed Norway, will know that people like you won’t much care or stand in their way.
These are not insults against you. These are facts.
No person is capable of moral outrage who denies the Armenian Genocide: it is logically impossible. How can it be ? similar acts of hacking by ax and yatagan were repeated 100s of thousand of times 1895-1923, which Denialists like Naess now claim did not happen, or that was fault of the victims, because they supposedly sided with Russians: they had it coming, you see.
and I second [jda]: AG Denialists enable murderous Psyaxopaths like Safarov and those that praise and reward them – Azerbaijan MPs and Sultan Aliyev.
Ragnar,
I do not think that their message was that they were willing to go to war. They know that they are not ready, otherwise they would have started it long time ago. They are waiting. When Iran will be bombed they will attack, however, Russia and other European countries are well aware of their pan-Turkic plans. Turks want to connect to their Azeri-Turk brothers through Armenian Zangezur.
Erdogan says that Karabakh is a sore place for Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Entire Azerbaijan got labelled as murderers by pardonning” Ramil $afarov”
They could’ve done it more politically without fanfare .
This indicates that the ruling regime are just bunch of amateurs .
I will surprised if “Febreze air freshener ” commercials
by the Azerie Olympic wresteling team will continue to air .I don’t think the company can produce enough quantity to eliminate the bad odor that Azerbaijan reeked recently.
Ever notice that when Russia is having manuveurs in Armenia, Azeri cross border violations go silent?
Sella, The comments which you have made are from my heart – According to what I have read millions of Armenians left their country for no reason. I am not from Armenia, born in Middle East. After couple of decades the fatherland will be emptied because of our brother and sisters leaving the country in which they will be melted. Sella, thanks for phrasing my words to the readers; let them understand they are leaving the country for their pleasure and rulers have nothing to do with their running away.
M.S.K,
No need to thank me-I was merely expressing my opinion. I am one of those Armenians who left Armenia, but unlike many who criticize Armenian government harshly from their new “homeland”, I do not feel that I have the right to do so.
Having said that, I do not mean that I am happy with our government or oligarchs. But, I also know our people so cannot blame our government too much. Luckily, our new generation is “socially” and politically more mature. Everything will get better gradually. It just takes time. It is just that majority of us is inpatient-we want everything and right now.
After thinking about Safarov’s release a lot, I came to a conclusion that all these was done by Turkish government or Turks in an attempt to take revenge for their assassinated diplomats by ASALA members-some of whom have been released without serving their full term.
I do not think that his release has anything to do with possible war renewal. Azeri’s cannot start war on their own-they need to get permission from Turkey, Israel and US, so it is unlikely that they would stage this for that purpose. And besides, Russia has warned Azerbaijan that she will have Georgia’s fate should she restart the war.
Here is what I think has transpired.
Turkish government brokered Safarov’s release to take revenge from Armenians for their assassinated diplomats. Turkey wanted to teach a lesson to the world-something they have been doing every time they got the chance. Of course, Turkey had the chance to release Hrant Dink’s murderer, but that would have caused huge damage to Turkey’s reputation, so Turkey chose Azerbaijan. Azeri-Turks as a second sort Turks perfectly fit their plan. What can be better than executing a dirty plan without suffering any further reputation loss?
Aliev was a beneficiary from this plan as well-finally he has done something for NKR. He has been threatening NKR and Armenia with possible war for a decade, but has done nothing. Finally he did something, and not just something, but something which only a “brave and great ” leader can afford to do. As a bonus, Safarov’s release produced so much national delight and joy, that it is likely to distract the society from current corruption and human right’s abuse in Azerbaijan. Rest assured, Aliev’s brave act will help the upcoming election as well.
In closing, Turkish government and Aliev were the beneficiary of this plan, while Azeri-Turks as a nation paid for it dearly-they did manage to put their name in every news headline as a savage nation who embraced the murderer of a sleeping officer with wreaths.
My two cents.
THE LIFE OF EVERY ARMENIAN COST THREE BILLION.OK
Why is nobody talking about the sermon in Akdamar that took place yesterday?
Ahmet,were you blessed?
Ahmet, I am glad you brought up the sermon at Akhtamar so let’s have a go at it. It’s obvious to me you introduced this topic to take credit for your “good” deeds and show your benevolence toward the Armenians. Now let’s uncover the truth behind this. First of all, I assure you any good deed shown toward the Armenians in Turkey has an ulterior motive because we already know how Armenians are viewed in Turkey.
How much of a good deed can this be from the Turkish government to spend $1.5 million dollars, a drop in the bucket and most likely donated by the Armenians themselves, to renovate an Armenian landmark and a sacred monastery but to only allow worship once a year and use this sacred ground for tourist site for the rest of the year to fatten the Turkish treasury. Also, need I remind you, Akhtamar sits on lake Van and the city of Van (Vaspurakan in Armenian) used to be the capital of the Armenian kingdom.
How did the decision to renovate this church come about all of a sudden when it was ignored for decades, not to mention hundreds of other Armenian landmarks, in desperate need for repairs and upkeep, which were deliberately ignored or used by the Turkish military for target practice? You see the Turks are wolves in sheep’s clothing when it comes to the Armenian affairs. The stronger the world condemnation gets toward Turkey for her treatment of its minorities in general, and the Armenians in particular, and the tighter the rope gets around Turkey’s neck in regards to the Armenian Genocide exposure and recognition, the more desperate and phonier Turkish government’s gestures become toward the Armenians.
The Akhtamar renovation is just a show and a symbol of Turkish insincerity and part of a bigger design and deceptive games to misinform the world and to falsely portray Turkey as a tolerant and a benevolent state when in fact all the good gesture shown by Turkey is to accomplish the exact opposite. There is not an ounce of doubt in me that if these landmarks were not registered and the world was not watching Turkey closely, they would have leveled to the ground each and every non-Turkish places of worship and historical landmarks because, unlike most true democracies around the world where their democratic ideals are measured by how their minorities are treated, the more transparent Turkey is made to become and the more freedom the native and the indigenous people of this land acquire the more threatened and vulnerable Turkey feels. Turkey’s strength, as viewed by its own public, is measured by how tight of a control Turkey has on its non-Turks as opposed to how much freedom and equality they enjoy.
What would you like us to talk about denialist Ahmet ?
That invading Turks who exterminated the indigenous Armenian population – the same people who designed and built the magnificent Christian Church (got that ? CHRISTIAN church) are ‘allowed’ by the magnanimous Muslim Turks to hold a service ?
Has the State of Turkey returned the Church to its true owners, the Armenian Apostolic Church ? Who are you guys kidding ? The huge Turkish flags flying outside Akhtamar Church are more than enough talk for Armenians.
You guys are invaders. You are on Armenian land. Get out.
I understand how the Armenians feel about the release and promotion of the ax murderer. But the West is hypocritical and couldn’t care less. And that creep Obama, who bowed to the king of Saudi Arabia, is a very very cynical hypocrite. You know that he promised in 2008 to recognize the Armenian genocide. Then, after being elected, his first foreign trip was to Ankara. Since taking office he has been toadying to the Musims in general and Arabs and Turks in particular.
The British are probably worse, they are probably the world’s worst hypocrites and bloodthirsty, diabolically clever in getting other nations to fight among themselves. They encouraged the Arabs against the Jews way back. And then they pretend to be moral and humane and civilized and all that.
Now given their pro-Muslim policy they are not going to help Armenia. Look at what they did in the Balkans, encouraging the Kossovo Albanians [mainly Muslims] against the Christian Serbs. By the way, US recognition of Kossovo as an independent state is probably what led the Russians to attack Georgia in 2008.
Jack, The history witnesses the western countries have never helped Armenians or other Christian minorities. For instant, they prefer Turkey
and Azeris. Why they are not recognizing Artsakh as an independent country
(self determination) as they did to the rest countries as you have mentioned? The Artsakh was granted as gift to Azeris by Stalin. Are the western countries
following Stalin’s steps not recognizing Astrakh as an independent state? This
is really ridiculous. The whole world knows Turks race hates us “Armenians”.