Lettre Ouverte à Charles Aznavour

34 comments

1. Dear HAYRENAGITSNER, I agree

   Dear HAYRENAGITSNER, I agree with everything you wrote to mister Aznavour. Please pay attention to the exiled Armenian Writers’ cause too. They are issuing statements since 2006, one after the other, but for some reason (not having party affiliation according to me) they are totally silenced and forgotten. These people were and still are politically persecuted and ask the support of their compatriots.

   1. The exiled writers
      I think the exiled writers are only happy to be out of the country. There has never been a democratic Armenia. Fight or no fight, some diseases have no cure.

2. I agree to free all political

   I agree to free all political prisoners except  those that are held as common criminals and hide themselves behind the image of being political.

3. BRAVO BRAVO BRAVISSIMO
   BRAVO BRAVO BRAVISSIMO

   Varoujan Knouni

4. Cher Monsieur Aznavour,
   Je

   Cher Monsieur Aznavour,

   Je vous souhaite une très BONNE et HEURUSE ANNÉE 2009 de santé, de joie et de gaitée et Joyeux Noel armenien.

   J’éspère que cette année soit une année de paix pour notre jeune République, pour ses citoyens ainsi que pour tous les arméniens dans les quatres coins du monde.

   Vous avez fait beaucoup pour l’Arménie, mais, je vous prie, Monsieur Aznavour, ne les cessez pas.

   Votre fidèle admiratrice arménienne d’Allemagne

5. Quelle bonne idee Dikran

   Quelle bonne idee Dikran jan.Getsess!

   J’espere qu’elle fera effet !

   Amicalement,

   Raffy Dikranian, C. Tr. Montreal

6. We should not have any

   We should not have any political prisoners in Armenia, for the sake of developing a healthy democracy.

   Armenian Authorities should start demonstrating highest degree of tolerance to the fundamental issues of human rights and freedom of speech.

   Yes I agree with what you wrote to Mr. Charles Aznavour.

   Siamanto Oknaian

7. There should not be any

   There should not be any political prisoners in Armenia. However, common criminals hiding behind the political prisoner status is unacceptable.

   In the case of the people who were arrested as a result of their activities that led to death of Armenians in the streets of Yerevan, we should let the courts decide. There is so much international attention on the proceedings that it will be difficult for the Armenian government to hide the truth.

   The most vocal for the release of their cohorts has been the party of Mr. Ter Petrossian who caused the death of the innocent people.

   Armen Karapetian

8. Dear Mr. Aznavour,
   I too join

   Dear Mr. Aznavour,

   I too join with the above salutations in wishing you a Happy New Year and Merry Armenian Christmas.

   Please consider the action as stated below by the PACE. We need your continued positive assistance and intervention to help improve the political arena of our small nation. Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly or PACE Moves To Sanction Yerevan Over ‘Political Prisoners’ Dec. 19, 2008 …….

   "In its proposed resolution, the Monitoring Committee noted that a ‘significant number’ of those sentences were based solely on police testimony, a practice condemned by the PACE earlier this year.

   It also said that many of the opposition detainees have been prosecuted under articles of the Armenian Criminal Code dealing with organization of ‘mass disturbances’ and attempts to ‘usurp state authority.’"

   "The draft resolution says there are ‘strong indications’ that these criminal cases were politically motivated. ‘It follows that persons convicted on these charges can be considered political prisoners,’ it adds, rejecting Armenian government claims to the contrary."

   A Visitor

9. Small nations like us, have

   Small nations like us, have to demonstrate adherence to democratic values, such as the rule of law, freedom of expression and respect for human rights, in order to gain some level of sovereignty in shaping their own destiny. The Armenian Intelligentsia should play a vital role in spreading this conviction. Regretfully, so far it has failed to make any significant difference.

   A major factor of this failure has also been the ruling regime in Armenia. The fact that during 10 of the 17 years of independence, the helm of the republic has been occupied by a person who has proudly declared that he is the only MALE – deghamart – in the country, is a total negation of democratic values.

   Therefore, for the sake of Armenia and Armenians worldwide, we have to strive to change this ruling mentality. Like any other noble cause, this will entail sacrifices. The tragedy of March 1 should be viewed in this context. Rather than blaming the people for standing for their rights, we should help them in any way we can. Helping Armenia regain its status as "an island of democracy" means helping ourselves and ensuring a bright future for the coming generations.

   Harut Der-Tavitian, host of Nor Serount TV, Glendale, CA USA

10. Dear Mr Aznavour,
    I join with

    Dear Mr Aznavour,

    I join with the above signatories and ask you if you could help Armenia to have fair law and order and free speech. Those of us living in the western world are enjoying these previleges and improving our status where we live.

    I beleive we need also to help Armenia to promote free speech even if we may not agree.

    Thank you

    Ara Nahabedian BS, MS, MD,(Orthopaedic Surgeon) Crewe, England UK

11. SR. AZNAVUR; DESDE LA
    SR. AZNAVUR; DESDE LA DIASPORA TODA SOLICITAMOS SU INTERVENCION ANTE EL GOBIERNO DE LA RCA. DE ARMENIA PARA QUE SEAN LIBERADOS LOS PRISIONEROS POLITICOS, TODA VEZ QUE ENTENDEMOS QUE LA POLITICA AL IGUAL QUE LAS EXPRESIONES INTELECTUALES Y ARTISTICAS DEBEN TENER LIBERTAD DE EXPRESION Y NO PADECER SANCIONES APLICANDO LEYES COMO A DELINCUENTES COMUNES.- POR OTRA PARTE, ESTAMOS OBSERVANDO AL GOBIERNO TURCO Y A LAS INSTITUCIONES DE DERECHOS HUMANOS PRETENDIENDO QUE SEA ABOLIDO EL ART. PENAL 301 Y NO QUEREMOS QUE EN LA MADRE PATRIA SUCEDA SIQUIERA ALGO IGUAL O PARECIDO.- Atte; Miguel Angel Nalpatian(1942).- Mar del Plata.- Buenos Aires.- Rca Argentina.-

12. Dear Mr. Dikran Abrahamian, I

    Dear Mr. Dikran Abrahamian, I highly appreciate your honest efforts for a democratic nation where there will no more exist violations of human rights and political freedoms.  However,  the road to realize that dream is not limited to releasing Political Prisoners. Were they acting democratically and in accordance with the national constitution? If yes, then they should be released; otherwise it is the job of the courts to make a decision.

    Karnig W. Sarkissian Civil Engineer Damascus, Syria

13. Dear Mr Aznavour,
    I join with

    Dear Mr Aznavour,

    I join with the above signatories, and ask you if you could help Armenia to have a fair law and order and free speech.

    Karine Avedissian, Glendale CA, USA

14. Bonne et Heureuse Mr
    Bonne et Heureuse Mr Aznavour, je suis persuade que vous pouvez faire la difference en intervenant aupres des autorites Armeniennes, pour faire liberer les prisoniers politiques. Dans un monde ou nous vivons, ou nous sommes temoins a des pays qui ne respectent pas l’opinion individuelle et qui ne sont pas necessairement de leur propre opinion, c’est regrettable et inadmissible de constater que l’Armenie libre ne respecte pas a son tour,cette doctrine.

15. Dear Sir,
    I endorse the above

    Dear Sir,

    I endorse the above letter, and would add that the RoA must be very circumspect in not giving our many detractors any pretext to criticize us.

    In asking the world community to clear a huge burden of guilt off its collective conscience for having turned a blind eye to the Genocide of the Ottoman Armenians and Ethnic Cleansing of Western Armenia by the Young Turk interim government that bridged the transition from Ottoman to Kemal Ataturk’s Republic of Turkey, whose direct heir and successor is present-day Turkey, and for having aided and abetted all intervening administrations within Turkey with their criminal denial of the Genocide, we Armenians hold the high ground.

    As such, we Armenians must, like Ceasar’s wife, be above reproach, in the way the Republic of Armenia conducts itself and must continue to face the world community with our heads held high.

    Edward Sarafian, Toronto, Canada

16. Dear compateriots,
    Of course,

    Dear compateriots,

    Of course, none of us would like to see any political prisoners in our homeland. Unfortunatly, in the so called the most democratic countries in the world, like the United States, there are also many political prisoners who are in custody for many years whithout beig tried.  Look at Guantanamo Bay where the prisoners are being martialled and mistreated.

    Not so long ago, in our Armenia, there were signs of a revolution.  If it were an attempt of "A Dance And A Song Revolution" or a "Hit And Kill Revolution" or whatever, then there is a sensitive problem. On that day murders were committed and we lost many of our brothers.  My belief is that the killers must be punished whether they were Ter Petrossian’s or Serge Sarkissian’s fans – that doesn’t matter.  There were many cameras; most of the crimes were filmed and the murderers should be brought to justice.

    I am in favour of releasing the political prisoners, but also ask for lawful punishment,  and long term imprisonment for all the killers no matter who they were.

    Respectfully & Very truly yours,

    Nicolai Romashuk

17. I am pleased and honored to

    I am pleased and honored to sign the petition for the immediate release of political prisoners in Armenia, in total conformity with the resolutions of  PACE – Parlementary Assemby of the Council of Europe.

18. Cher Monsieur Aznavour,
    Vos

    Cher Monsieur Aznavour,

    Vos paroles raisonnent plus que celles d’une centaine d’expatriotes Armeniennes (et le votre est certainemet plus attrayant que les notres), et vous pouvez faire une difference immense pour l’image de l’Armenie! Les affaires politiques ne vous interessent pas, certes, et il n’est jamais facile de s’impliquer dans ces affaires complexes, mais il faut le faire pour ameliorer la credibilité de l’Armènie dans les yeux de pays comme la France, l’Angleterre, et les États… Allez, courage!!!

    Merci,

    Hagop Kazarian, Montreal

19. Dear Mr Aznavour,
    I join with

    Dear Mr Aznavour,

    I join with the above signatories, and ask you if you could help Armenia to have a fair law and order and free speech.

    Viktor A Badalyan, Glendale CA,  USA

20. January 6, 2009
    I fully
    January 6, 2009

    I fully endorse the contents of open letter to Mr. Aznavour.

    Dr. Haig Khatchadourian
    Emeritus Professor of Philosophy
    University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
    Milwaukee, WI 53201, U.S.A.

21. I join to sign the petition
    I join to sign the petition for the immediate release of political prisoners in Armenia, in conformity with the resolutions of Parlementary Assemby of the Council of Europe.

    B.Mesrob, PhD
    Retired prof. of Organic Chemistry, Univ. of Chem.Technology, Sofia Bulgaria

22. Being a well-known celebrity,

    Being a well-known celebrity, Charles Aznavour can be helpful.

    However, I would have first asked Armenian Church authorities to pursue this matter aggressively. Perhaps they are doing so. Confessing ignorance, I request information from Published articles.

    Has the Armenian Church boldly adressed political corruption in Armenia, and employed a prophetic voice for the sake of political prisoners?

    Eli Takesian, Retired US Navy Chaplain, Reston, Virginia, USA

    1. Rev. Eli Takesian raises a
       Rev. Eli Takesian raises a very pertinent question.

       To my knowledge no such effort has been made in relation to the prisoners; however both vehapars, Karekin II and Aram I made a plea to address issues of poverty at the 2006 Armenia-Diaspora Conference in Yerevan. Beyond that I am not personally aware of any publications or plans that deal with a comprehensive solution.

       Sometimes I wonder whether our clergy may learn a thing or two from their colleagues of other denominations, such as the hundreds of volunteers in South America that visit remote villages and towns. They make a tremendous difference in the day to day lives of the poor. Some paid the ultimate price in defending human rights and freedom for people.

       Dikran Abrahamian, Penetanguishene, Ontario

23. We have an obligation to

    We have an obligation to ourselves to create a free society where dissent is part of our social & political life. The current political status quo in Armenia is not within the realm of imagination of the free fatherland we have all dreamed and aspired for.

    Zaven Khanjian 1934 Erin Way Glendale, California

24. I do agree to sign the

    I do agree to sign the petition.

    Lena Karaguezian Urneshlian, Dipl.Inf. Lecturer, Haigazian University, Beirut Lebanon

25. Dear Mr. Aznavour,
    It is

    Dear Mr. Aznavour,

    It is unimaginable these days that political activists are behind bars because they oppose the Armenian government’s handling of the state and the presidential elections. How are we going to be a member of the European Community when this  government is the cause of corruption and people’s dissatisfaction? Is Armenia a fourth world country or still in the middle ages?

    Minas Kojayan PhD,Teacher, Los Angeles, USA
     

26. I endorse the letter.
    Felicia
    I endorse the letter.
    Felicia Waldman, PhD, Lecturer, University of Bucharest, Romania

27. Dear Dikran,

    Thanks for
    Dear Dikran,

    Thanks for doing this…

    I’d like to say that the layout of the page is a bit confusing… A few days ago I checked the page wishing to add my name to the list, but didn’t see how it could be done. I think many people have assumed, just like me, that the comments area is for comments, not for adding their names to the list. That’s probably the reason why the list is short.

    Just a thought. Thanks.

    Vigen

28. I add my support to the
    I add my support to the letter to charles aznavour however it would need more than aznavour to push the government to open up the political system and put armenia to the ranks of true democracies. I believe there should a major effort by all armenians of diaspora especially the major financial donors and supporting organizations.

29. I endorse the contents of

    I endorse the contents of the open letter to Charles Aznavour. Restoration and development of the democratic institutions is a national security issue for Armenia today. The country will not survive without a strong civil society and a genuine commitment to European values.

    Rouben Shougarian

    Tufts Univeristy, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
    Lecturer

30. Politicians who do not accept

    Politicians who do not accept political opposition are cowards and menace to national security. Dictators come and go. Long live Democratic Armenia and freedom of speech.

31. Wrong address

    I don’t believe this Petition would do any good with Mr. Aznavour, because if he would have acted by his human conscience, he would have done it right after witnessing with his proper eyes the cold-blooded asssassination of Boghos Boghossian from Javakhq in "Aragast-paplavok" cafe in Yerevan by Malkhass (Levon Malkhassian)  jazz fan Robert Kocharian’s bodyguards Kuku (Aghamal Harutyunian) & Co., in the sinister September 13, 2001, for the sole reason that he had saluted Kocharyan saying "privet Rob" (hi, Rob)… Unfortunate waste of time with this Frenchman.

32. Ce sont les grandes taches qui incombent les petits hommes

    Je suppose qu’il n’est plus necessaire de presenter ses remerciements a ce compatriote national et de renommé mondiale; Meme si certain trouvent a redire ( ca fait partie des genes armeniens ) pour ceux qui veulent bien regarder la verité en face vous avez fait pour l’Armenie autant que ce que dieu pouvait faire ; Avec un calendrier de rdv et de recital vous avez toujours du temps a consacré pour la cause Armenienne; Je regrette qu’une chose c’est qu’il y aucun dirigeant de la diaspora qui ai songé a faire interpreté votre chanson "ILS SONT TOMBES " lors des ceremonies du 24 avril devant chaque stele ; J’ai bien essayé de convaincre Mr Nicolas Sarkozy en 2001 qui m’a orienté vers le ministere des anciens combattants et que lui meme m’a rediriger vers le ministere de la culture ; alors je me suis adressé  au deputé maire de ma commune du 13 , et part la voix de sa secretaire j’ai pu apprendre que ma demande etait rejeté a cause d’une phrase de la chanson qui accuserait la France" L’europe decouvrait le jaz et sa musique le son des trompettes couvraient les cris des enfants" quelle belle excuse pour interdire cette chanson qui retrace integralement le genocide de nos parents et grands parents ; je n’ai pas voulu polimiquer mais le chant qui est l’hitme national Francais est plus agressif que votre chanson; Je demande donc a tout nos politiques et dirigeants d’imposer lors des ceremonies du 24 avril le passage des 2 hytmes nationaux suivi ensuite de " ILS SONT TOMBES " pour les ceremonies patriotiques Francaises apres LA MARSEILLAISE  on passe bien le chant des partisans, ou le chant des Africains, ou la marche de la legion etrangere ; ou le chant des deportes ; y a t’il en France 36 poids et 36 mesures????????????????

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