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STATE DEPT. 'DEEPLY TROUBLED' ABOUT THREATS TO KESSAB ARMENIANS
http://asbarez.com/121306/state-dept-%E2%80%98deeply-troubled%E2%80%99-about-threats-to-kessab-armenians/
Friday, March 28th, 2014
The U.S. Department of State building in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON--The US State Department on Friday said it was "deeply
troubled" by the violence in Syria that is endangering the Armenian
community in Syria.
"We are deeply troubled by recent fighting and violence that is
endangering the Armenian community in Kessab, Syria, and has forced
many to flee," said State Department spokesperson Marie Harf during
a press briefing on Friday.
The press conference came one day after a meeting between a delegation
of Armenian community representatives led by the Armenian National
Committee of America and Department of State officials, during which
the State Department was urged to act immediately to end the vicious
onslaught on the historically Armenian town of Kessab by al-Qaeda
affiliated extremists and to confront Turkey about its complicity in
aiding the extremists' attack on Kessab. Among the participants at
the meeting were Dr. Viken Hovsepian and Western Prelate Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian.
"The United States will continue its steadfast support to those
affected by violence in Syria and throughout the region, including
Syrian Armenians," Harf said in her press briefing. "We have long
had concerns about the threat posed by violent extremists and this
latest threat to the Armenian community in Syria only underscores
this further."
Harf acknowledged the role of the ISL, al Nusra, and other al-Qaeda
linked terrorist groups in the attacks and that they have targeted
Armenians and other minority groups, saying, "we're particularly
concerned about these minority communities and want to make sure that
their rights are protected."
Harf made no mention, however, of the State Department's stance on
Turkey's involvement in the attack on Kessab or their support of the
belligerent extremists.
Asked about the recent leaked phone conversations between Turkish
leaders, in which high level Turkish officials - including Foreign
Minister Ahmet Davutoglu - are heard planning military intervention
in Syria via a false flag, Harf said, "I don't have anything for you
on alleged calls or conversations that are out there among Turkish
officials."
Moreover, Harf echoed statements made by Syrian rebels that they will
respect minorities.
"We have seen some statements by groups fighting in Kasab [sic.]
saying they will not target civilians and will respect minorities
and holy places. We expect those commitments to be upheld," Harf said.
http://asbarez.com/121306/state-dept-%E2%80%98deeply-troubled%E2%80%99-about-threats-to-kessab-armenians/
Friday, March 28th, 2014
The U.S. Department of State building in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON--The US State Department on Friday said it was "deeply
troubled" by the violence in Syria that is endangering the Armenian
community in Syria.
"We are deeply troubled by recent fighting and violence that is
endangering the Armenian community in Kessab, Syria, and has forced
many to flee," said State Department spokesperson Marie Harf during
a press briefing on Friday.
The press conference came one day after a meeting between a delegation
of Armenian community representatives led by the Armenian National
Committee of America and Department of State officials, during which
the State Department was urged to act immediately to end the vicious
onslaught on the historically Armenian town of Kessab by al-Qaeda
affiliated extremists and to confront Turkey about its complicity in
aiding the extremists' attack on Kessab. Among the participants at
the meeting were Dr. Viken Hovsepian and Western Prelate Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian.
"The United States will continue its steadfast support to those
affected by violence in Syria and throughout the region, including
Syrian Armenians," Harf said in her press briefing. "We have long
had concerns about the threat posed by violent extremists and this
latest threat to the Armenian community in Syria only underscores
this further."
Harf acknowledged the role of the ISL, al Nusra, and other al-Qaeda
linked terrorist groups in the attacks and that they have targeted
Armenians and other minority groups, saying, "we're particularly
concerned about these minority communities and want to make sure that
their rights are protected."
Harf made no mention, however, of the State Department's stance on
Turkey's involvement in the attack on Kessab or their support of the
belligerent extremists.
Asked about the recent leaked phone conversations between Turkish
leaders, in which high level Turkish officials - including Foreign
Minister Ahmet Davutoglu - are heard planning military intervention
in Syria via a false flag, Harf said, "I don't have anything for you
on alleged calls or conversations that are out there among Turkish
officials."
Moreover, Harf echoed statements made by Syrian rebels that they will
respect minorities.
"We have seen some statements by groups fighting in Kasab [sic.]
saying they will not target civilians and will respect minorities
and holy places. We expect those commitments to be upheld," Harf said.