Խորհրդածութիւններ ՀՀ-ի Քսանամեակին Առիթով

18 comments

1. Russian Batallion

   It would be very interesting to know Sassounian’s opinion with respect to the participation of the Russian KGB batallion in the September 21 military parade.

   Mleh Ishkhanian – Beirut

   1. Armenia and Russia

      Armenia and the Russian Federation are natural allies.   In the same fashion as Canada, US, UK and Australia view each other as natural allies.

      Most Armenians were just as proud of the Russian Federation Army as they were proud with the Armenian Army.

      The 102nd Russian military base in Armenia has some 5,000 combat ready troops with joint command with the Armenian Army.  In addition, there are four more detachments of Russian frontier troops numbering 4,700 servicemen, on the defense of Armenian borders – three of them patrol the Turkish border, and one – the Iranian.

      In case some of you forget, in 1993 during the Artzakh war, Turkey mobilized its tanks on the frontiers with Armenia.  Rest assured if an opportunity presents itself, Turkey will roll its tanks over Armenia without any hesitation, and the hostile-US-State-Department with spineless-Europe will justify Turkey’s aggression as a self-defense measure. 

      Looking forward to greater expansion of military ties with the Russian Federation.

      1. Do Not Try To Terrorize Us With The Turkish Scarecrow

         Berge,

         For God’s sake do not terrorize us with the Turkish scarecrow…. The Turks massacred us, the Turks will rape us and so on… Your complexed mentality belongs to the past and is irrelevent to the ideal of Proud and Independent Armenian Statehood that was created in 1991. It failed by the 1998 coup d’etat, further collapsed by "October 27" 1999 Armenian Parliament Massacre guided and orchestrated by the Russian GRU (Military Intelligence) and finalized by March 1, 2008 Massacre in downtown Yerevan.

         Although this squint-eyed mentality was in great demand during the Soviet domination of Armenia (the Soviet-Armenian court intellegentsia marketted it unceasingly) and sadly also has a certain market demand today, during the reign of the ex-komsomol, ex-communist and Russian KGB remnants that rule today’s "Independent" Armenia, I believe that the will of the Proud Citizens of Armenia will soon successfully overcome it. 

         1. Genocide scholars note

            Genocide scholars note that the Armenian genocide is on-going and only ceases when the perpetrators, the Turkish government and its people stop their denial of genocide of Armenians.

            Turkey has maintained a militarized hostile border blockade on Armenia’s Western frontiers for two decades. According to the IMF (International Monetary Fund) Turkey’s hostile economic border blockade is costing Armenia US $1 billion loss in trade on an annual basis.  That means loss of jobs and economic survival of Armenians in Armenia. The economic border blockade imposed by Turkey is an act of war under international law, and is an ongoing act of genocide. 

             

            — The Turks have not only murdered humans, destroyed an ancient culture, civilization and rewritten history, but 99.7% of Turks continue to legitimize the act as well as the racist ideology that led to the act. —  Denial is not just the simple negation of an act; it is much more the consequent continuation of the very act itself. —

             

            Genocide should not only physically destroy a community; it should likewise dictate the prerogative of interpretation in regard to history, culture, territory and memory, as the victims Armenians never existed.

             

            The impact of the Turkish land blockade prevents Armenia from connecting to Europe and the Middle-east for trade, imports and exports across Turkey to Europe and the Middle-east. A nation cannot sustain a healthy economic survival without direct access to the outside world. Turkey is in violation of many international organizations that prohibit member states to have closed borders such as the WTO (World Trade Organization) and TRACERA (Trade Route Access).

             

            — Armenians are forced to seek economic survival elsewhere outside their natural environment, language, culture, customs, etc.  This is in fact genocide. —  Genocide is a coordinated plan of different actions aiming at the destruction of essential foundations of the life of national groups, with the aim of annihilating the groups themselves, to bring about the disintegration of the political and social institutions, culture, language, national feelings, religion, and the economic existence, and the destruction of the personal security, liberty, health, dignity, and even the lives of the individuals belonging to such groups.

            1. Regarding the Blockade -Borders being closed—-

               I  am basing  my this info on what the Armenian H1 T.V.  channel  only a few  hours ago showed…

               There was a  landslide  on route  out  of Vanadzor to both Georgian and Turkish borders and one truck  had fallen into the river  next to the roadway down showing wheels up , above  water. 5  persons  missing  so far.

               There were two more  very long  trucks still on the road, plus  many other vehicles that did  not slide  down. Then I noticed  and read  on one  of the large trucks NAKLIAT and other Turkish words…a Transport  Truck this was.

               Borders  are  in fact  open  and business is carried  on despite  all the NOISE  for border  opening!!!!

               Go figure  that  out. Indeed  many, including  self  knew and know about  this illegal contraband  business, but  I did  not imagine the scope  of  it would include  huge trucks hauling heaven  knows  what Turkish cheap stuff  into Armenia. Why, didn´t you read what  Harut Sassounian  said  about  T-Shirts  handed  out to attendees  of 20th Anniversary? They had  "Made  in Turkey" labels  on them.

               I have two Armenian made T-Shirts, each from my attending the High Tech Expos  3 months ago and last  year at  the Marriott, Yerevan. Much better quality purchased this side  of the ocean.

               So  the saying goes  "Cug@  Klukhen  g´hodi" – the fish stinks from head.

         2. Turkish Terror Galore

            "Serious reforms were first attempted during Ottoman Turkey’s Tanzimat (Reorganization) period of 1839 to 1876. Pushed by Europe, Turkey declared measures, quickly proven ineffective to safeguard the rights of its subjects, including Armenians.

            A Turkish constitution was then declared in 1876 but suspended, along with parliament, just two years later.
             

            Article 61 of the Treaty of Berlin, signed in 1878 by the European powers, Turkey, and Russia, guaranteed the safety of Ottoman Armenians but was dead before the ink dried.

             

            Turkish "reforms" reached new levels in the 1890s with massacres of hundreds of thousands of Armenians.
             

            In 1908 came the "reformist" Young Turk party. Inspired by European ideals. It pledged liberty, equality, and fraternity. "Reform" culminated in the cataclysm of 1915.

             
            Turkey’s next European-inspired "reformer" was Kemal Ataturk, who all but finished off the country’s remaining Armenian, Greek, and Assyrian Christians, not to mention thousands of Muslim Kurds.

             

            He seized historical western Armenia, which Europe had promised to Armenians, and attacked the just-reborn Armenian Republic while Europe looked on.

             

            Ataturk’s "reformist" legacy endures to this day: Genocide denial, the blockade of Armenia, and 80 years of military coups, human rights abuses galore, and even massacres, all tolerated by Europe.

             

            Today comes yet another collection of Turks pledging European-approved "reform." This too will end in disaster if history is any guide. Given Europe’s wretched record regarding Armenians, there is little evidence that the EU will ever restrain Turkey against Armenia."

             

            The Turks have not only murdered humans, destroyed an ancient culture, civilization and rewritten history, but 99.7% of Turks continue to legitimize the act as well as the racist ideology that led to the act. Denial is not just the simple negation of an act; it is much more, the consequent continuation of the very act itself. 

             

      2. Talking On Behalf Of “Most Armenians”

         Dear Berge, and please, do not speak on behalf of "most Armenians" – "Most Armenians were just as proud of the Russian Federation Army as they were proud with the Armenian Army", you declare. 

         One of the reasons of the 1998 February coup, strengthened by the next phase – assassination of the creator of the Armenian National Army  Sparapet Vazgen Sarkissian by Russian KGB’s and GRU’s medal-bearing agents in Armenia, was to provide those "most Armenians" the opportunity to watch proudly today the parade, Russian KGB border batallions marching on Armenian Independence Day.

         I do not deny that those who bear such mentality are very sadly many in Armenian Reality, but they do not constitute at all "most Armenians" as you very mistakenly try to convince on behalf of "most Armenians".

         Fortunately!

2. Anniversary

   I’ve been waiting 20 years for the government to uphold the constitution. Frankly, the time ran out a long time ago.

   Article 65 states,

   "Deputies may not engage in entrepreneurial activities, hold a position in state or local self-government bodies or in commercial organisations, perform other paid work except for scientific, pedagogical or creative work."

3. A Diasporan´s viewpoint

   The Diasporas (North America, South America, EU, Russian Federation and Middle East) need to make a real effort to have a Central Council each, around which all existing and future establishments gather irrespective of ideology.

   As explained elsewhere in my various postings these Central councils can be formed through the professional associations with the participation of other existing cultural, compatriotic, benevolent organizations and parties. A primary objective of the Council should be the establishment of the National Investment Trust Fund that would loan funds to achieve various critical objectives.

   In order that our voices are heeded, we need to be in Armenia by proxy. This, I believe can be realized by having our permanent delegates from our 5 main Diasporas in the Ministry of Diaspora.

4. Armenia forever

   For Armenia and Armenians worldwide, PanArmenianism should partner in the various Armenian centers of the world.  Should we dedicate effort and energy to interact much more intergenerationally and Globally? Develop ownership of our common culture? Strengthen schools?  Create investment opportunities?

   Once we begin tackling these visions, missions, and goals, then we can really celebrate!!!

5. No need of “Western Armenia”!

   Sassounian states, "Two decades ago, Armenians did not have a single independent Republic. Now they have two, and look forward to the day when the two republics are joined by a third — Western Armenia — to form the Republic of United Armenia!"

   It’s time really to rejoice. But is it? I would argue that it’s only superficially so for a variety of reasons about which here in Keghart.com and elsewhere people have spoken up.

   Mr. Kalsahakian of Azad-Hye points out ten years ago people argued that the Republic was too young and faced innumerable problems right from the start. What the Ministry of Diaspora says now it’s not any different when she claims that the Republic is only an adolescent. One wonders when will it grow up?

   As to looking forward to the day for a yet another republic, "Western Armenia", I would have expected Sassounian to be more careful for what he wishes for, instead of making a boisterous  statement with an exclamation mark at the end to add a bit of more pomp. Who needs a "Western Armenia" if it will be similar to RoA and RNK? Are western Armenians, the Diasporan Armenians happy with what they already see?

   If it will be more of the same then no need of such a third republic called "Western Armenia". God forbid! (Աստուած չընէ).

6. Assumptions

   I agree with Mleh’s assertion about the Turkish "scarecrow". The problem is that the Turkish tanks did advance towards the Armenian borders in early 90s. Didn’t they? Yet again, despite that fact I think the Turkish boogeyman has been overly used to manipulate public opinion and create a favorable atmosphere towards whoever has been in power in Armenia, whether during the Soviet period or at present.

   With respect to KGB’s and GRU’s involvement in several crucial periods and assassinations during contemporary history of Armenia, I think it’s an assumption, neither proven nor disproven. Yet again, there is merit to the claim. It is not uncommon to subjugate or "tame" an "unruly" country so close to a superpower through coup d’etats, assassinations and direct military expeditions. It’s in the nature of politics. After all such measures are extensions of diplomacy when it fails.

   Throughout central and southern America US implemented such an approach for decades, and as far as Russia is concerned the latest example was showing a stick to Georgia. Was Armenia immune to such measures? I believe the answer is no, and for the sake of argument, several "unexplained" events that happened, whether the assasination of Vazgen Sargsyan, or the massacre at the parliament or the March 1-st tragedy, should be viewed on a broader scale and not only as the result of "internal" bickering between competing forces within Armenia. Alternative possibilities should not be excluded no matter how hard they are to swallow.

   1. Regards to Shant

      Dear Shant,

      I highly appreciate your healthy and substantiated approach. An advance of the Turkish tanks indeed happened, however only after they sensed the possibility of a decision which was about to be taken by the then HHSh leadership to storm into Nakhichevan.

      Concerning the involvement of the KGB & GRU in 27 Terrorist Attack, you should be aware not only of late KGB Col.  Alexader Litvinenko’s revelations (assassinated by the GRU in London), but also read Free Investiogative Journalist Vahagn Ghoukassian’s analyses http://against-terror.narod.ru/skaut.htm and Avetis Harutyunian’s (Vano Siradeghyan’s) "Gyadaneri Zhamanak@", as well as make proper judgements in the light of the failed attempt of the "Alpha" Elite Brigade brought from Moscow to liquidate Nayiri Hounanyan’s group and efface the traces.

      Respects and best regards,

      Mleh Ishkhanian

      1. Turkey Lethal Threat

         Azerbaijan attempted to attack and enter Armenia on three fronts: from Nakhichevan (Sadarak-Yeraskh); from the eastern frontier at Degh in the south; Noyemberian in the north.

         There was a coordinated plan by the Turkish army and Azerbaijan for the attacks. Azerbaijan’s Aliyev had high hopes that Turkish tanks would roll over Armenia from the west. 

          

         Turkey’s determination was encouraged by the serious crisis of power in Russia, where Moscow was occupied with internal conflict between Boris Yeltsin and Khasbulatov, and the storming of the Russian parliament. Turkey was trying to exploit the political crisis in Russia to attack Armenia, under the pretense of a fight against the Kurds.

          

         Turkey, like the so-called “Mleh Ishkhanian,” was hoping Russia would be occupied with its own internal turmoil. Ankara hoped to attack Armenia and force Russian frontier guards to withdraw, leaving the newborn independent Republic of Armenia defenseless.

          

         Sounds familiar? It should.

          

         Kemal Ataturk, who all but finished off Turkey’s remaining Armenians, seized historic Western Armenia and attacked the just-born first Armenian Republic (1918-1920) and occupied nearly 60% of the Armenian republic’s territory.

          

         Another example? 

         Turkey’s occupation of Cyprus.

   2. A Few Facts

      With due respect to some views expressed here under differernt titles such as "Assumptions", "Russian Allies", I offer the following:

      In 1993, during Turkish Prime Minister Ecevit’s tenure, when the NK war was tilting towards us, he brought up some forces near the RoA border. Exactly then Russian Gen. Shaposhnikov, in charge of the Caucasus, told him, "You just dare—" in response to the former´s threats to enter Nakhichevan.

      Though there  may have  been many speculations as to the killings at the RoA Parliament by Nairian…that  this or that  power or even our adversarries might  have set him up…his answer was (right after the killings when the correspondents of several news agencies interviewed him), "Enough sucking the blood of the people…"

      A tragedy indeed for all Armenians, but then you see when the people rebel or stand up, nothing can stop them.

      I only hope that our government will steer away from all shortcomings and address much-needed reforms immediately. This, for internal  issues.

      As regards to the most disturbing and dangerous issue at hand–the Protocols. If all of a sudden Turkey ratifies and sends it to our side to do so, we will be in real big trouble.

      Hasgtsoghin parev. 

       

   3. Turkey is a growing threat to peace

      October 3^rd (18 years ago) marks a historic day when all the armed forces of Armenia were on hair-trigger alert for a possible air attack from Turkey.

      Turkey concentrated a solid military contingent at the Armenian border. The Turkish army deployed armored vehicles and artillery of the 220th mechanized and the 9th artillery alignment of the Sarighamish division of the Turkish army at Bayraktaran border village.

       

      Heydar Aliyev was counting with high hopes on opening a second front against the Armenia state. Turkish premier Tansu Ciller, openly demonstrated her annoyance with the Armenians’ success, stated that Turkey “is not going to sit back and do nothing”.

       
      Turkish newspapers voiced open threats of genocide, one columnist Mustafa Ozfatura wrote "we will make sure that the number of the Armenians in Armenia becomes as much as a museum statistic.

      1. General Shaposhnikov

         General Shaposhnikov  responded  to Mr. Ecevit  the Prime Ministre  of great Turkey and I quote "You just  dare…" Shaposhnikov was  the general of the Russian army stantioned in the Caucasus  then.

         I happened  to be in the Armenia  hotel in Yerevan when the news was broadcast.

7. Armenia’s Foreign Policy

   During the 8th to 10th centuries, one fundamental point of Byzantine diplomacy emerged very clearly, that on no account could the Kingdom of Armenia be allowed to fall into rival Arab or Persian hands. Armenia’s independence was so essential to preserve regardless of the difficulties in dealing with it were.  

   Medieval Armenia was bounded on the west by the Byzantine Empire, on the south by the Arabs Caliphate of Baghdad, and to the east by the Persian Empire. 

    

   Armenia’s foreign policy conduct was complimentarian to the three neighboring superpowers of the era.  In the interest of achieving peace – a state alien to Armenians – Armenia carefully balanced the influences of its rival neighbors.  This foreign policy resulted in the golden age; Armenia’s capital city Ani flourished; Armenia became a populous and prosperous nation, exerting political and economic influence over surrounding states and nations. 

    

   Its existence depended on these rival empires desiring an independent Kingdom of Armenia as a buffer state, and Armenia itself being strong enough to maintain this status.

    

   Fast forward to the 21st century, replace the Arab Caliphate of Baghdad with the Russian Federation; replace the Byzantine Empire with the West (US State Department and EU); and replace the Persian Empire with the modern state of Iran. 

    

   When Armenia’s relations with the Russian Federation reach a new height, the West (US & EU) acts alarmed and seeks to increase ties with Armenia via NATO and EU associations.  When that happens, Armenia sways few degrees from its central-neutral position towards the West.  

    

   Iran in turn would be alarmed and seeks to deepen relations with Armenia via trade and mutually beneficial energy projects.  Armenia then sways back few degrees in a reconciliatory move towards its  eternal and friendly neighbor Iran.

    

   Armenia’s foreign policy remains neutral-central and follows a conciliatory approach towards the superpowers de jure.  Its mature and stable foreign policy only sways few degrees in any one direction, then returns back to its central neutral position.  No taking sides! – Armenia cannot and will not chose any sides; Armenia’s foreign policy is complimentarian.

    

   Armenia is about to enter a new level of cooperation with NATO (binding agreements), Iran will soon approach Armenia and seek mutually beneficial agreements on trade and energy projects.  Russia will return with greater enticement to pull Armenia again towards its sphere of influence with security related agreements beneficial to both countries.

    

   One thing for certain that has not changed for centuries are the Turkish and Azeri lethal threat to annihilate Armenia.  They are real.  It is all driven by the West’s thirst for Central Asia/Caspian Basin oil and gas reserves.  It is all about access routes and control of the world’s largest oil & gas reserves.

    

   For a quick comparison say to Georgia’s foreign policy, it made a fatal mistake by aligning its foreign policy 100% with the US State Department.  Georgia’s deficient foreign policy alienated a major superpower that shares 723km with the Russian Federation on its northern borders.  As a result, the Russia Federation whacked Georgia on August 8, 2008, and it is not over yet.

    

   Here is a 3 minute video that proudly displays Armenia’s key accomplishment guaranteeing security & stability:
   http://www.youtube.com/armenia2011

    

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