Harut Sassounian
BY HARUT SASSOUNIAN
Armenian communities around the world are gearing up for the
Centennial of the Genocide on April 24, 2015, by coordinating their
commemorative plans at the local, regional, and international levels.
A Pan-Armenian Centennial Committee was established in Armenia two
years ago consisting of the leadership of the Republics of Armenia and
Artsakh (Karabagh), heads of religious denominations, and
representatives of major Armenian political, charitable, and cultural
organizations. Local committees have also been formed throughout the
Diaspora. As reported earlier, the international committee of Armenian
Genocide experts met in Yerevan last month to recommend specific
projects to be adopted by the Pan-Armenian Centennial Committee during
its May 30 meeting.
On April 6, the Centennial Committees of eight Middle Eastern
countries (Cyprus, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria, the United Arab
Emirates, and Iran represented by committees in Tehran, Esfahan, and
Tabriz,) met in Beirut to coordinate their plans on a regional basis.
Also attending was Hayk Demoyan, Secretary of the Pan-Armenian
Centennial Committee in Armenia.
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia, presided over the meeting
and gave a timely keynote address outlining the principles that should
guide the regional committees in planning for the Centennial. Aram
Vehapar succinctly formulated the objectives in three key Armenian
words: “Hishel, Hishetsnel, yev Bahanchel” [To Remember, To Remind, and
To Reclaim].
His Holiness went on to explain: “for 100 years, we stressed the
remembrance of the Genocide. We lit candles, organized commemorative
evenings, and published books. These important activities will imbue our
youth with the sacred testament and souls of our martyrs. Yet, we
should not singly focus on this subject. For 100 years, we reminded
people through demonstrations, lobbying, and raising our voices. We aim
to continue
these activities with different approaches. However, it is imperative that we stress our demands for restitution.”
The Vehapar reminded the attendees about the international conference
organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia a year ago with the theme:
“From Recognition to Restitution,” with the participation of
international legal experts. “We need legal experts in order to present,
defend, and pursue our claims appropriately in international courts,”
the Catholicos stated.
Aram I went on to suggest a division of labor between the Republic of
Armenia and the Diaspora: “We should work in unison. Our approaches and
emphasis could be different from one another; and sometimes they must
be different! Let’s not forget that Armenia is a state, and the Diaspora
is a diaspora. Neither the state nor the diaspora can speak on each
other’s behalf. Each has its own unique voice and function. But, there
should be intra-Armenian harmony and coordination. In other words, we
should plan and work with a common purpose, holding on firmly to our
demands for restitution.”
The Catholicos then urged Armenians to include the far-flung regions
of Africa, the Far East, and South America within the scope of the
Centennial activities. Turning to the Middle East, Aram I made three
important points:
1. The pursuit of the Armenian Cause in the Islamic world requires a special approach, because Turkey is a Muslim state.
2. Turkey’s ever-increasing and penetrating influence in the region
is a serious problem. “In my meetings with leaders of countries in the
region, I always tell them: ‘you have kept your doors very wide open in
front of Turkey. The day will come when you will recognize your mistake.
Turkey uses different masks.’ Therefore, we must be alert as the
genocidaire is closely following our steps. We will not retreat and will
not weaken in the face of Turkish meddling.”
3) Genocide is not an event that belongs to the past. The Diaspora is
a consequence of the Genocide, and in a sense, it is still continuing.
Catholicos Aram I concluded by categorizing the Armenian efforts for
recognition and restitution into three dimensions: historical,
political, and legal. “The time has come, without ignoring the first
two, to place a clear priority on the legal aspect. In this regard, we
have a massive amount of work to accomplish,” he stated.
Significantly, Hayk Demoyan, Secretary of the Pan-Armenian Centennial
Committee, also speaking at the regional meeting in Beirut, noted: “We
know that we cannot undo some of the consequences of the Armenian
Genocide, such as the lost lives and destroyed churches, nevertheless,
the major consequence is the loss of the territories!”
