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ARAM I WARNS AGAINST TURKISH 'INFILTRATIONS,' VOWS NOT TO GIVE RIGHTS OF ARMENIANS
NaharNet
http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/37945-aram-i-warns-against-turkish-infiltrations-vows-not-to-give-rights-of-armenians
April 24 2012
Lebanon
The head of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia, Aram I,
warned on Tuesday that Turkey began "infiltrating" different parts
of the world to silence the Armenian people.
"Turkey began to infiltrate not only the countries of the East and
the Arab and Islamic worlds but also Europe, Africa and America,
using its international tools, diplomatic relations and economic
power to silence the Armenian people that is asking for justice,"
Aram I said on the 97th anniversary of the genocide of Armenians by
Ottoman Turks during World War I.
"We expect from our Arab friends and western states - Christians
and Muslims alike - to defend the right and the truth and stay on
course with justice" leaving behind the Turkish diplomatic stances,
he said in his sermon at the seat of the Catholicosate in Antelias,
north of Beirut.
There is documented proof that the genocide took place although the
Turkish government continues to deny it, he said.
"All Armenians should hold onto their faith and continue with their
struggle" he stressed, saying "we won't give up our legitimate rights
as long as justice hasn't been achieved."
Aram I asked for compensation and said Turkey should return to
Armenians occupied lands and church properties.
After the service, around 7,000 to 10,000 Armenians marched to the
Turkish embassy in Rabieh, carrying banners in Arabic, Armenian
and English demanding Ankara's official recognition of the Armenian
genocide.
In front of the embassy, Armenian MPs gave speeches and the crowd sang
the Armenian and Lebanese national anthems, with all three Armenian
political parties participating.
Several Turkish flags were torn up and set ablaze and some
demonstrators threw water, eggs, sticks and firecrackers onto the
embassy premises.
Party leaders and fellow demonstrators prevented a confrontation with
the Lebanese security forces when some attempted to break through
the barbed-wire barrier.
Armenians say up to 1.5 million people were killed in 1915 in what is
now Eastern Turkey as the Ottoman Empire was falling apart, a claim
supported by several other countries.
But Ankara only argues that there was heavy loss of life on both
sides during fighting in the area.
NaharNet
http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/37945-aram-i-warns-against-turkish-infiltrations-vows-not-to-give-rights-of-armenians
April 24 2012
Lebanon
The head of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia, Aram I,
warned on Tuesday that Turkey began "infiltrating" different parts
of the world to silence the Armenian people.
"Turkey began to infiltrate not only the countries of the East and
the Arab and Islamic worlds but also Europe, Africa and America,
using its international tools, diplomatic relations and economic
power to silence the Armenian people that is asking for justice,"
Aram I said on the 97th anniversary of the genocide of Armenians by
Ottoman Turks during World War I.
"We expect from our Arab friends and western states - Christians
and Muslims alike - to defend the right and the truth and stay on
course with justice" leaving behind the Turkish diplomatic stances,
he said in his sermon at the seat of the Catholicosate in Antelias,
north of Beirut.
There is documented proof that the genocide took place although the
Turkish government continues to deny it, he said.
"All Armenians should hold onto their faith and continue with their
struggle" he stressed, saying "we won't give up our legitimate rights
as long as justice hasn't been achieved."
Aram I asked for compensation and said Turkey should return to
Armenians occupied lands and church properties.
After the service, around 7,000 to 10,000 Armenians marched to the
Turkish embassy in Rabieh, carrying banners in Arabic, Armenian
and English demanding Ankara's official recognition of the Armenian
genocide.
In front of the embassy, Armenian MPs gave speeches and the crowd sang
the Armenian and Lebanese national anthems, with all three Armenian
political parties participating.
Several Turkish flags were torn up and set ablaze and some
demonstrators threw water, eggs, sticks and firecrackers onto the
embassy premises.
Party leaders and fellow demonstrators prevented a confrontation with
the Lebanese security forces when some attempted to break through
the barbed-wire barrier.
Armenians say up to 1.5 million people were killed in 1915 in what is
now Eastern Turkey as the Ottoman Empire was falling apart, a claim
supported by several other countries.
But Ankara only argues that there was heavy loss of life on both
sides during fighting in the area.