Frequently-asked questions on Armenian demands from Turkey

23:30 | In the world Angelina Jolie stunt double launches News Corp phone-hacking lawsuit

News Corporation is facing its first phone-hacking lawsuit in the US after a former stunt double for Angelina Jolie launched a lawsuit alleging her mobile phone messages were intercepted by the now defunct News of the World and the Sun.
Source: The Guardian
23:20 | In the world German 'should be a working language of EU', says Merkel's party

The inferior status of German is a long-standing grievance for Berlin, which points out that it has over 100 million speakers, including German-speaking minorities in Belgium, Denmark, Italy and Poland.
Source: The Telegraph
23:12 | Armenia Mali and Tuareg rebels sign accord

The nation of Mali signed an accord with Tuareg separatists who still control the country's northernmost province, paving the way for the Malian military to return to the areas that remain under rebel control.
Source: Associated Press
23:05 | In the world Obama opens 24-Hour trip to Germany

US President is opening a 24-hour visit to Germany, the culmination of which will be a speech Wednesday at Berlin's iconic Brandenburg Gate.
Source: ABC News
22:58 | In the world Putin ‘not lonely’ at G8 summit

Russian President played down assertions that, regarding how to deal with the Syria conflict, he alone was opposing all other leaders of the Group of Eight powerful economies in talks this week in Northern Ireland.
Source: Ria.ru
22:50 | In the world Laurent Koscielny will snub Bayern Munich AND Barcelona to remain at Arsenal

Koscielny’s agent, Stephane Courbois, had fuelled talk of a move by confirming that the defender is a summer target for Europe’s top clubs.
Source: The Sun
22:37 | Armenia G8 leaders agree tax evasion measures

Leaders of the G8 major economies have agreed new measures to clamp down on money launderers, illegal tax evaders and corporate tax avoiders.
Source: BBC
22:30 | In the world U.S. to hold Afghan peace talks with Taliban in Doha

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, warned that the process would likely be lengthy.
Source: Reuters
20:27 | Region Freedom House again registers democratic progress in Armenia and regression in Azerbaijan

While neighboring Azerbaijan aggressively stifled political opposition, Georgia and Armenia conducted parliamentary elections under new electoral laws that emphasized equal access to campaign resources and media coverage, the Freedom House new report on “Nations in Transit 2013” reads.
Source: Freedom House
19:01 | In the world Messi tax fraud case could be extended

The Spanish Tax Authority could expand its investigation into Leo Messi’s fiscal affairs to the years 2010, 2011 and 2012.
Source: AS
18:38 | In the world UN: Turkish government and civil society must work to defuse tensions

“The atmosphere is still clearly highly combustible,” said the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay.
Source: UN
18:06 | Armenia New stamp dedicated to Armenian brandy

A new stamp dedicated to the foundation of the brandy production in Armenia was cancelled and introduced into circulation today.
Source: Haypost
18:02 | Region ‘‘Committee to Protect Journalists,’’ condemns Azerbaijani authorities for banning journalist M. Huseynov to leave the country

Authorities in Azerbaijan should lift the travel ban imposed against journalist Mehman Huseynov and allow him to travel freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CJP) said today.
Source: CJP
17:53 | Armenia Armenian chess players in Golden Sands

GM Tigran L. Petrosian scored 6.5 points out of 9 and took 13th place among 220 participants at the 2nd Grand Europe Open.
Source: armchess.am
17:19 | In the world Report: Henrikh Mkhitaryan flying in for Liverpool medical

Armenian international midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan will undergo a medical at Liverpool in the next couple of days to complete his switch from Shakhtar Donetsk.
Source: News Liverpool FC
16:19 | Armenia Ruben Hayrapetyan to meet with representatives of blogosphere and social networks

All those football fans who express various opinions of Armenian football and challenges faced by the Armenian national team in the blogosphere, football forums and social networks are invited to a free format meeting and discussion.
Source: FFA
16:19 | Armenia Spayka company to buy apricots from villagers for AMD 500 per kg

Spayka company is willing to buy apricots from villagers for AMD 500 per kg, Armenian Deputy Minister of Agriculture Robert Makaryan told our correspondent following a visit to Ararat province.
Source: Panorama.am
15:22 | Armenia New head of Nubarashen district introduced to staff

Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan has introduced newly appointed head of Nubarashen district Arthur Kirakosyan to the staff and thanked former head of the district Mher Hovhannisyan for collaboration.
Source: Panorama.am
14:39 | Region Bulent Arinc: Army could be used against protesters

Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc said on Monday Turkey could deploy "elements of the armed forces" to help quell anti-government protests if needed.
Source: Reuters
14:19 | Armenia Farmers block roads leading to Kakhtsrashen and Aygezard villages, Ararat province

Residents of several villages of Artashat region, Ararat province of Armenia, blocked today the roads leading to the villages of Kakhtsrashen and Aygezard in protest of low prices offered for apricots by truck owners.
Source: Panorama.am
13:31 | Armenia Levon Ghazaryan: Some measures should have been taken to rehabilitate Armavia

“It is very important that the air communication field is being liberalized, and 3 national air carriers are going to be introduced,” said the member of Air Communication Subcommittee of the Public Council of Armenia.
Source: Panorama.am
12:09 | Armenia Authorities trying to reconcile Budaghyan with Khachatryan

“But for this moment, the only thing Budaghyan wishes is revenge.”
Source: Haykakan Zhamanak
11:42 | Armenia Hermine Naghdalyan: China is becoming important partner in our region

A delegation of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) will visit China on July 13-21, aiming to develop interparty cooperation.
Source: Panorama.am
10:51 | Armenia Large amount of money transferred to account of hail-affected villagers

The management of French-owned Yerevan Brandy Company has transferred AMD 20 million for hail-affected villagers.
Source: Hraparak
10:23 | Armenia Prosperous Armenia actively cooperates with RPA

Despite Prosperous Armenia Party’s criticism of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) and Yerevan Mayor in the pre-election period, Prosperous Armenia and RPA were actively cooperating during a regular meeting of Yerevan Council of Elders on Saturday.
Source: Zhamanak
09:21 | In the world U.S. right to arm Syrian rebels, says Israeli president

Israeli President Shimon Peres has thrown his weight behind U.S. plans to arm Syrian rebels, shrugging off fears the weapons could be turned on Israel and exacerbate the conflict.
Source: Reuters
09:15 | In the world U.S. says it will buy Russian helicopters for Afghan military

The Pentagon said on Monday it will spend $572 million to buy 30 Russian-built military helicopters that will be used by Afghan security forces.
Source: Reuters
09:03 | In the world Anger in China over attack on students in France

A violent attack on a group of Chinese students in a small town in southwest France has prompted anger and condemnation in China.
Source: CNN
09:03 | Region 'Standing man' inspires silent demonstration in Turkey

For more than five hours, he appeared to stare at a portrait of Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the modern Turkish state.
Source: CNN
08:57 | In the world G8 summit to focus on tax, trade and transparency

Monday's meetings in Northern Ireland focused on the conflict in Syria.
Source: BBC
08:53 | In the world Protests spread throughout Brazil

Tens of thousands of people marched through Brazil's largest city, Sao Paulo, on Monday as protests spread over rising public transport prices and the cost of staging the 2014 World Cup.
Source: BBC
08:47 | Armenia Air temperature will go down

Transitory rains and thunderstorm is possible from time to time after midday in the most of regions on June 18.
Source: Meteo-TV
23:00 | In the world Arms for Syrian rebels won't fall into extremist hands, says William Hague

Foreign secretary says no decision made to arm opposition to President Assad, but insists it can be done in containable way.
Source: The Guardian
22:45 | In the world Anger in Southern Egypt over islamist governor

Workers, opposition politicians and activists in the southern city Luxor said they plan to seal off the office of the governor to prevent Adel el-Khayat from entering.
Source: ABC News
22:33 | In the world The Russian and US presidents started their discussion on the sidelines of the G8 summit

The US said last week that it would back the rebel forces because it had “high confidence” that the Syrian government used chemical weapons in the conflict.
Source: Ria.ru
22:25 | In the world Russia issues warning on Syria as G8 summit begins

UK PM David Cameron said he hoped to find "common ground" but Russia, which has already said it opposes US plans to arm rebels, said on Monday it would not allow a no-fly zone over Syria.
Source: BBC
22:18 | In the world Greek PM offers to reopen state broadcaster: government source

Greece's prime minister has offered to quickly restart state broadcaster ERT under temporary management in a bid to defuse a political crisis and avoid snaps elections.
Source: Reuters
22:12 | In the world Syria: Where is Britain's national interest?

Every other commentator seems clear about whether to intervene in Syria: for one side, it's a case of straightforward ethics. Details: The Telegraph
22:05 | In the world Edward Snowden Guardian Chat: Leaker Defends Decision To Release Documents

Congressional leaders have called Snowden a traitor for revealing once-secret surveillance programs two weeks ago in the Guardian and The Washington Post.
Source: The Huffington Post
21:55 | In the world Borussia Dortmund general manager has slammed reports that Robert Lewandowski is heading for a move out of Germany

The highly-rated Pole looked set to follow Mario Goetze and switch to domestic rivals Bayern Munich but his club put the brakes on the move.
Source: The Sun
21:50 | In the world North Korea on Sunday called for high-level talks with the U.S.

At the same time country offered no indication it would move to wind down its nuclear-weapons program to initiate dialogue.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
21:40 | In the world Europe 'would pay price' for arming rebels: Assad

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad warned on Monday that European powers would "pay the price" if they sent weapons to rebel forces seeking to topple him.
Source: The Times of India
21:30 | In the world Saudi Arabia: 4 more deaths from SARS-like virus

Overall, nearly 40 people have died from the virus since September, mostly in Europe and the Middle East.
Source: Associated Press
21:24 | In the world Moscow seeks clarification after Egypt cuts Syria ties

Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said on Monday.
Source: Ria.ru
21:18 | In the world Venezuelan president seeks canonization for doctor

Nicolas Maduro has asked Pope Francis to canonize a doctor who tended to the poor in Caracas and is considered a saint already by many Venezuelans.
Source: ABC News
21:12 | In the world Stuart Hall jailed for 15 months for sex assaults

The disgraced former BBC presenter Stuart Hall has been jailed for 15 months for a 20-year reign of sexual abuse against young girls.
Source: The Telegraph
21:05 | In the world Protests to give new turn to Egypt revolution

Millions more are ready to defend Egypt's first freely elected leader.
Source: Reuters
21:00 | In the world Turkish government says it may use army to end protests

The government would use "all its powers" and the armed forces if necessary, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc said on state-run television.
Source: BBC
19:59 | Armenia FIDE Women’s Grand Prix was held in Dilijan

FIDE Women’s Grand Prix is going to be held in Dilijan, on June 16-28, 2013.
Source: Armenian Chess Federation reports
19:55 | Armenia 6th Memorial of Olympic Champion Karen Asrian was held in Jermuk

The 6th Memorial of Olympic Champion Karen Asrian was held on 16th June in Jermuk, Armenia.
Source: Armenian Chess Federation
19:53 | Armenia Tigran L. Petrosian has scored 5 points out of 7

Tigran L. Petrosian has scored 5 points out of 7 at the 2nd Grand Europe Open that is being held in the Golden Sands Resort, Bulgaria.
Source: Armenian Chess Federation
19:48 | Region Bako Sahakyan meets Arman Mkrtoumyan

On 17 June Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan received the delegation of the Republic of Armenia Court of Appeals headed by the chairman Arman Mkrtoumyan.
Source: NKR president's press office
19:44 | Armenia Bako Sahakyan sent congratulatory address to newly elected President of Iran

On 17 June President Bako Sahakyan sent a congratulatory address to the newly elected President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hassan Rohani.
Source: NKR President's press office
19:38 | Region Disposition of newly elected president of Iran on Syrian crises

The Syrian conflict should be resolved by the participation of Syrian people.
Source: MEHR
16:37 | Armenia Ishkhan Zakaryan refuses to answer any questions

The head of the Control Chamber Ishkhan Zakaryan refuses to answer the questions of the journalists.
Source: Panorama.am

14:13 14/08/2012 » Politics

The approaching Centennial of the Armenian Genocide in 2015 raises some fundamental questions, particularly on Armenian territorial demands from Turkey. In the weeks and months ahead, editor of The California Courier Harut Sassounian will address these issues by presenting the rationale for these demands and provide answers to frequently-asked questions.

Question 1: Is it true that all claims arising from the crime of genocide become invalid after one hundred years?

Answer: Not true! On November 26, 1968, the UN General Assembly adopted “The Convention on the Non-Applicability of Statutory Limitations to War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity,” which includes the crime of genocide. Article 1 of this Convention states that “No statutory limitation shall apply to [these crimes] … irrespective of the date of their commission.” Therefore, no matter how much time has elapsed, war crimes and crimes against humanity, including genocide, can still be prosecuted. However, for logistical reasons, it would be wise to refer such crimes to the courts as quickly as possible.

Question 2: Isn’t it a fantasy to expect that Armenians will ever regain Western Armenia?

Answer: No one should be under the illusion that Turkish leaders would voluntarily hand over to Armenians a single inch of land, let alone the territories of Western Armenia. Peaceful transfers of land are extremely rare in the practice of international relations. All too often, land is taken by force. Since Armenia is not militarily more powerful than Turkey, and is not expected to be so anytime soon, Armenians have to wait for unforeseen developments to occur in and around Turkey, such as civil war, global or regional conflict, revolution, Kurdish insurrection, natural disaster or nuclear catastrophe, to bring about a power vacuum and possible border changes in that part of the world. Meanwhile, Armenians have to keep alive and transmit their territorial demands to future generations until the opportune moment when they can claim their lawful rights.

In the meantime, it is unwise for Armenians to make minimalist demands from Turkey. Since Turkish leaders are not willing to make even the smallest territorial concession, there is no point in telling them that Armenians would be satisfied by the return of only Ararat or Ani. Armenians should ask for nothing less than “Armenia from sea to shining sea” (dsove-dsov Hayastan)! Rather than minimizing their demands, Armenians should claim the maximum, so that they can end up getting a portion of what is rightfully theirs. As all good Armenian businessmen know, you don’t start negotiating from your bottom price!

Question 3: If Western Armenia is freed, wouldn’t the overwhelming majority of the population and elected officials be Kurds and Turks, making Armenians a small minority in their own homeland?

Answer: Yes, that would be true if Western Armenia was handed to Armenians today! However, this is not likely to happen. As explained earlier, before Armenians have the opportunity to regain their historic lands, calamitous events must first occur in that part of the world. No one knows the impact of such developments on the local population. Demographic changes resulting from unforeseen circumstances in the region shall determine how many Kurds, Turks or even Armenians remain in the area. One cannot simply assume that the status quo will remain unchanged forever. Therefore, one cannot automatically conclude that Armenians would become a minority in Western Armenia.

Question 4: If someday Western Armenia is liberated, would Armenians be willing to leave their comfortable homes in the West and resettle on those inhospitable lands?

Answer: The issue here is the right of Armenians to settle in their historic homeland. Once these lands are returned, it is up to each Armenian to decide whether to relocate. This should not be a Turkish concern! Do all Jews live in Israel? Since most Lebanese, like Armenians, live outside of their homeland, do people question the reason for the existence of Lebanon as a state? Someday, when Western Armenia is freed, most Armenians who live in nearby Middle Eastern countries will probably choose to relocate there. However, there is no problem if every single Armenian from around the world does not head for the homeland. Those who remain in the Diaspora will surely play a critical role in strengthening the newly-established country economically and politically, just as Armenians worldwide are currently assisting their compatriots in the Republic of Armenia!

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier