Frequently-asked questions on Armenian demands from Turkey

21:38 | In the world Hollywood actor Brad Pitt to promote new film in Moscow

The 35th film festival will kick off with the premiere of the upcoming apocalyptic horror film, World War Z, to be attended by producer-star Pitt and film director Marc Forster.
Source: Ria.ru
21:30 | In the world North Korea fires missiles into sea

The missiles posed no danger to neighboring countries.
Source: The Wall Street
21:10 | In the world Iran Exporting Medical Products to 40 World Countries

An Iranian health official said on Saturday.
Source: Fars
21:03 | In the world Rome protest turns up heat on new PM Letta

Thousands of people protested in Rome on Saturday against austerity policies and high unemployment.
Source. Reuters
20:43 | In the world EU to ban refillable olive oil jugs and dipping bowls

From 1 January 2014, restaurants may only serve olive oil in tamper-proof packaging, labelled to EU standards.
Source: BBC
20:30 | In the world Bashar al-Assad: 'We can't negotiate with fragmented rebels'

The Syrian president says that the opposition could not uphold any peace deal, and blames the west for supporting them.
Video: The Guardian
20:22 | In the world Saudi woman makes history by reaching Everest summit

It took a lot of persuading before Raha Moharrak's Saudi family agreed to let her climb.
Source: BBC
20:08 | In the world France's Hollande signs gay marriage law

France's official journal announced on Saturday the bill had become law after the Constitutional Council gave it the go-ahead on Friday.
Source: Reuters
16:19 | Region Iranian President to visit Moscow

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will visit Moscow on July 1, Iran's Ambassador to Russia Mohammad Reza Sajjadi said.
Source: Fars
16:18 | Region Azerbaijani analyst: Allahshukur Pashazadeh’s Iran visit will be unproductive

“Iran wants Azerbaijan to take practical moves and justify its expectations. But Azerbaijan is unable to do it,” Vafa Guluzade said.
Source: haqyolu.com
15:18 | Region Haqqin.az: Schools and enterprises are forced to buy Ilham Aliyev’s new portraits in one of Azerbaijani regions

Yesterday, in the social networks and media information was spread that by the order of the Chief Executive Ahmed Mukhtarov the portrait of the president was to be renewed in all the grades of schools and enterprises in Hajigabul region of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani news agency "Haqqin.az" reported.
Source: Haqqin.az
14:29 | In the world Incoming Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho wants to sign Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is at the centre of a bidding war after it emerged the Manchester United target is wanted by Chelsea.
Source: Daily Mail
14:03 | In the world France opposes Syria conference if Iran attends

Apart from the question of which countries will attend, it is also far from clear whether the Syrian foes would accept it.
Source: The Daily Star
13:25 | Armenia Museum Night involves 88 museums from Armenia and Artsakh

“We would like museums to be a space for non-formal education not one day only,” said the director of the Museum of Russian Art.
Source: Panorama.am
12:34 | Armenia Robert Aghasaryan fulfills grandmaster norm

19-year-old Armenian chess player Robert Aghasaryan fulfilled grandmaster norm at the 14th European Individual Championship held in Legnica, Poland.
Source: armchess.am
11:34 | In the world Balotelli: I'm a normal guy

“But I don't see anything that would make people think that I'm bad or I'm crazy. I'm a normal guy,” he said.
Source: Sky Sports
11:33 | Armenia Tsarukyan’s statement eases anxiety of PAP businessmen

Representatives of Prosperous Armenia Party’s business circles are now more confident about their future following party leader Gagik Tsarukyan’s statement that PAP cannot be opposition.
Source: 168 Hours
10:36 | Armenia Ex-minister owes Belarusian tractor manufacturing plant

Bobruysk plant of tractor parts and units intends to sue former Armenian Deputy Minister of Agriculture, member of Prosperous Armenia Vardan Karapetyan unless he pays for tractors imported to Armenia.
Source: Zhamanak
10:35 | Region NKR Foreign Ministry delegation attending anniversary events in Abkhazia

The NKR Foreign Minister delivered a speech at the ceremonial meeting on May 17.
Source: NKR MFA
09:44 | Region Artsakh President, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister discuss cooperation

On May 17, Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan met with Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Shavarsh Kocharyan.
Source: presidential press service
09:35 | In the world Greeks and Armenians call for conditions on Turkey trade deal

The leaders of the Greek and Armenian American communities have joined together in formally calling upon the White House to set strict legal conditions on any new trade agreements involving Turkey.
Source: Asbarez.com
09:17 | In the world One dead, dozens wounded in sectarian clashes in Egypt

A quarrel between two young men, one Christian and one Muslim, morphed into a family feud that sparked clashes in a western district of Alexandria.
Source: Reuters
09:12 | In the world Two blasts at Iraqi Sunni mosque kill 43

Two bombs exploded outside a Sunni Muslim mosque in the Iraqi city of Baquba as worshippers left Friday prayers, killing at least 43 people.
Source: Reuters
09:07 | In the world U.N.: More than 1.5 million flee Syria

Since the start of 2013 alone, UNHCR has registered close to 1 million refugees -- which amounts to about 250,000 people each month.
Source: CNN
09:03 | In the world Blanks fired at Cannes; actors scramble

A man was arrested Friday at the Cannes Film Festival after firing a gun loaded with blanks during a live television interview, sending an Oscar-winning actor running for cover.
Source: CNN
08:56 | In the world Dozens injured in US train crash

About 60 people have been injured, five critically, after a head-on, rush-hour collision between two commuter trains near New York City.
Source: BBC
08:52 | In the world Afghanistan MPs to debate law on women's rights

Afghan MPs are to debate a law to prevent violence against women, amid a fierce argument between leading Afghan women over tactics.
Source: BBC
08:46 | Armenia Air temperature will go up by 3-4 degrees

No precipitation is expected in the most part of the day in the whole territory.
Source: Meteo-TV
02:26 | Region BigCaucasus’ survey: Armenian men will protect Karabakh and will go even further

The "BigCaucasus" portal published a video survey conducted in Yerevan with the inhabitants of the city in connection with the statement of the head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov.
Source: BigCaucasus
22:05 | In the world More than 70 percent of Russians are against the justification and public display of homosexual relations

Only 12 percent are in favor, according to a survey by the Levada Center independent pollster published on Friday.
Source: Ria.ru
21:50 | In the world Jennifer Lopez: I'd love to have more kids

The 43-year-old singer already has five-year-old twins Max and Emme with her ex-husband, singer Marc Anthony.
Source: Music-news.com
21:42 | In the world Bill Gates regains title of world’s richest person

The founder of Microsoft and co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, hit a five-year high on Thursday at $72.7 billion, topping that of Slim, 73, according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Source: ABC News
21:35 | In the world Syria begins to break apart under pressure from war

In the northeast, the Kurds have effectively carved out an autonomous zone.
Source: The New York Times
21:28 | In the world Eurovision 2013: 30 things you need to know

The Eurovision Song Contest was first staged in Switzerland on 24th May 1956.
Details: The Telegraph
21:20 | In the world Cannes film festival suffers $1m jewellery theft

The jewels were to be loaned to stars appearing at the famous annual film festival on the French Riviera.
Source: BBC
21:13 | Region Mob disrupts gay activist rally in Georgia, 30 injured

Some 30 people were injured when an angry mob led by clergymen broke through police cordons and clashed with gay rights activists in the Georgian capital Tbilisi on Friday, the country's health minister said.
Source: Ria.ru
21:06 | In the world Toyota retakes crown as Asia’s biggest manufacturer

Among the companies leading the charge is none other than the country’s biggest auto maker, Toyota Motor Corp-its share price soaring 50% this year.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
21:00 | In the world Pro-Assad hackers attack Financial Times

The website and Twitter feed of the Financial Times were hacked on Friday by a group of online activists who say they support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Source: Reuters
20:55 | In the world Rights Groups: Syria holds thousands incommunicado

About 30 security agents showed up just after midnight, breaking down the door to an apartment in the town of Daraya near the Syrian capital of Damascus.
Source: ABC News
20:42 | In the world Russia's FSB reveals identity of CIA Moscow station chief

Speaking to Russian media about the recent capture of an alleged CIA spy in a wig in Moscow, an FSB spokesman named the CIA "rezident", or station chief, in the capital.
Source: The Telegraph
20:30 | In the world Boko Haram crisis: Nigeria air raids 'kill militants'

At least 30 militants have been killed during air raids on their training camps in north-eastern Nigeria, officials say.
Source: BBC
20:11 | Region BigCaucasus about how Armenian volunteers defeated Chechen mercenaries in Karabakh who fought for Azerbaijan

The president of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, has recently made a rather interesting statement. Kadyrov has declared that the Chechen mercenaries have been involved in hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Source: BigCaucasus
18:52 | Armenia New Zealand ambassador presents credentials to Armenian President

Hamish Cooper assured the President that he will do his best to develop cooperation between the two countries in all possible areas.
Source: presidential press service
18:27 | Region OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs meet with Armenian and Azerbaijani FMs

The Co-Chairs and the Foreign Ministers discussed possible ways to advance the peace process.
Source: OSCE
18:26 | Region Iran election: Cleric rules out women candidates

Mohammad Yazdi, a clerical member of the Guardian Council, said the constitution ruled out the participation of women.
Source: BBC
18:24 | Armenia Increase in price for Russian gas not political decision – Gagik Makaryan

“The development of Armenian economy is becoming vulnerable and superpowers can always use it for their purposes,” said the chairman of Republican Union of Employers of Armenia.
Source: Panorama.am
18:22 | Region New sports complex to be built in Stepanakert

Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan held a consultation on the construction of a new sports complex in capital Stepanakert.
Source: presidential press service
16:53 | In the world Germany fears return of European jihadists in Syria

Up to 700 Europeans are fighting the Assad regime in Syria mainly as militant Islamists.
Source: The Guardian
16:49 | Armenia Rise in gas price may lead to economic recession but social riot unlikely to occur, Khosrov Harutyunyan says

The MP said that this issue should not be viewed in the context of Armenian-Russian relations.
Source: Panorama.am
16:10 | Armenia Khosrov Harutyunyan: After defeat at elections, opposition needs to reconsider its role

“Armenian opposition is looking for a new format but unifications among the opposition are not ruled out,” said the MP.
Source: Panorama.am
15:18 | Armenia Sergei Movsesian and Hrant Melkumyan at World Cup

GMs Sergei Movsesian and Hrant Melkumyan have qualified to participate in the World Cup 2013 that will start on August 10, 2013 in Tromsø, Norway.
Source: armchess.am
15:01 | Armenia Political analyst: Rise in gas price should not be viewed as an attempt by Moscow to punish Yerevan

“Currently there are two processes: dynamic relations with Russia in parallel with the worsening of the relations with Azerbaijan and renewal of relations with Europe,” Alexander Iskandaryan said.
Source: Panorama.am
14:08 | Armenia Grigory Ayvazyan says Aliyev is his main rival at Azerbaijani presidential elections

The Assembly of Azerbaijani-Armenians has decided to nominate the candidacy of head of the Assembly Grigory Ayvazyan for the upcoming Azerbaijani presidential elections.
Source: Panorama.am
13:26 | Armenia Armen Martirosyan: Gagik Tsarukyan honestly said that PAP cannot be opposition

“A situation was formed when the voters chose Prosperous Armenia as opposition,” the Heritage deputy chairman said.
Source: Panorama.am
12:06 | Armenia Republicans rewarded for ensuring good election results

Those Republicans who ensured the highest results in the polling stations have received up to $20-25,000.
Source: Zhoghovurd

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