In his speech AGBU Europe Chairman Alexis Govciyan said, “The United Kingdom plays an important role in the European Union on both political and economic levels. Its position in favor of Turkey and Azerbaijan should be changed and a balanced policy must be established, taking into account Armenia’s role in the region. This powerful European country should be more interested in the recognition of the Armenian genocide and should support the historical truth. The recent action of the Parliament members from Northern Ireland and Scotland towards the recognition of the Armenian genocide is a very important step. We should work even more actively with the Armenian community in London on various Armenian issues and coordinate our efforts”.

During the days in London, AGBU Europe leaders met with various individuals and organizations including RA Ambassador to UK Vahe Gabrielian, Baroness Caroline Cox, Bi-shop Nathan Hovhannisian, members of the Armenian Community & Church Council of Great Britain, and AGBU Young Professionals of London.

The main purpose of these meetings was to present the goals and the mission of AGBU Europe, exchange views on important issues and explore opportunities for partnership and collaboration.

MEETING WITH BARONESS COX
Baroness Caroline Cox is a member of the British House of Lords and avid crusader for the Armenians of Karabakh. She has continuously supported the Karabakh cause, visited the region for seventy times and knows very well its strategic, political and economic issues.

During this meeting the AGBU Europe campaign for Nagorno Karabakh was discussed, the main purpose of which is to force the European Union to establish contact with the authorities of Nagorno Karabakh and to provide humanitarian and economic assistance to Karabakh.

This initiative was welcomed with enthusiasm by Caroline Cox, who has expressed desire to cooperate with AGBU Europe to counterbalance the strong Azeri propaganda.

MEETING WITH ACCC REPRESENTATIVES
The issue of the Armenian Genocide recognition by the UK was widely discussed during the meeting with the members of the Armenian Community and Church Council of Great Britain and its Chairman Ara Palamoudian.

The British Armenian community has some difficulties to get this recognition especially because of the strong relations between the UK and Turkey. To foster the activities in this field a committee for the Armenian Genocide recognition campaign was established in London.

The focus of the meeting between the AGBU Europe Board members and the Ambassador of the RA to UK Vahe Gabrielyan was the aggressive policy of Azerbaijan and Turkey, with a special emphasis on the activities of a London-based organization called the “European Azerbaijan society”.

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Already home to the largest community in the worldwide Armenian diaspora, Moscow will be the location of AGBU’s newest summer intern program, which joins the organization’s successful programs in New York and Yerevan.

The first Moscow Summer Intern Program is scheduled to begin on June 26, 2010, and it will continue for five weeks, concluding on July 31.

The program will offer students of Armenian descent from around the world a once-in-a-lifetime professional experience in a global hub of trade, commerce, diplomacy and innovation.

Participating students will experience the exhilaration of the Russian capital, which is home to hundreds of international corporations and leading organizations.

They will stay at the dormitories of the internationally renowned Moscow State University with the best and brightest Armenian students from around the world. They will be immersed in the thrill of modern Russia and discover a world of opportunity they could only dream of.

Like its sister programs in New York and Yerevan, students participating in the Moscow program will explore the Armenian character of the city and meet local Russian Armenians who are a driving force in the revitalization of this former capital of the Soviet Union.

In addition to local outings, educational seminars and cultural workshops, participants will travel to St. Petersburg to explore the cultural riches of czarist Russia. Among the treasures they will encounter during their trip to Russia’s second city will be the famed Hermitage Museum and St. Catherine’s Armenian Apostolic Church.

Students are not required to know Russian to participate as they will be placed in English-language work environments. For more information, please visit, agbu.org/msip, or email, msip@agbu.org.

The AGBU Armenian Virtual College (AVC) is pleased to announce the opening of its enrollment period for Winter Term 2010.  Courses in Eastern Armenian, Western Armenian, History of Armenia and Introduction to Armenian Architecture are offered in multiple languages, including: Eastern Armenian, Western Armenian, English, French , Russian and Spanish.

The classes for the Winter Term 2010 start on Monday, January 11, and end on March 16. For enrollment, please visit the AVC portal at www.avc-agbu.org, create your log-in and submit your enrollment application.

The enrollment is open until December 27, 2009.

For more details, please contact: enrollment@avc-agbu.org

AVC enables Armenian education anytime anywhere!

On November 27, in the Alex Manoogian Cultural Center of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) in Paris, Mr. Hayk Demoyan, Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute (AGMI), presented his new illustrated book entitled “Armenian Sport and Gymnastics in the Ottoman Empire” and other books published by the AGMI.

Mr. Demoyan thanked AGBU Europe for providing him with an opportunity to present his book in Paris. This was Mr. Demoyan’s second meeting with the Armenian community of France in Alex Manoogian Center. The first one took place in 2008, during which he delivered a lecture entitled “Armenian-Turkish relations: new developments, new challenges”.

Speaking about the book Mr. Demoyan said that the gymnastic movement and sport development of the Armenian population in the Ottoman Empire is an underexposed but very interesting and important area, which once again proves the leading role of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire. Rare sources and photos are used in the book. Mr. Demoyan expressed his special gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Patrice and Seda Djololian,
who provided to the AGMI the whole collection of Mr. Grikor Djololian.

In attendance were AGBU Europe and France Chairman Alexis Govciyan, members of the AGBU Europe Board, Councilor of the RA Embassy to France Hamlet Gasparian, Chairman of the Parish Council of the St. Baptiste
Armenian Apostolic Church of Paris Patrice Djololian, Director of the Institute of Ancient Armenian Manuscripts Hrach Tamrazian and representatives of the Armenian communit

After Barcelona in Spain and Frankfurt in Germany, AGBU Europe is continuing its European policy of establishing a new representation office in Brussels.

For Alexis Govciyan, AGBU Europe Chairman, “after the launch of AGBU Europe on January 1, 2008, we needed a physical presence and visibility in Brussels where many European institutions are headquartered. This office will provide a permanent presence and implement AGBU strategies with European institutions.”

The inauguration ceremony was held on October 23, 2009 in the new AGBU Brussels office (131 Stassart Street). More than 70 individuals attended the event, including Alexis Govciyan, Chairman and AGBU Europe Board members; His Excellency Avet Adonts, Ambassador of Armenia in Belgium; Michel Mahmourian, Chairman of Belgium Armenian Committee; and Reverend Father Zadig Avedikian.

Ambassador Adonts congratulated AGBU Europe for establishing a representation office in Brussels, at the heart of Europe, which will closely follow the European agenda on Armenian issues. “I think this is very important for all Armenians,” he said.

Alexis Govciyan welcomed the guests “AGBU is not a political party, but we do have an agenda: the recognition of Armenian Genocide by Turkey; the preservation of identity, heritage and interests of all Armenians; whether in Armenia, Karabakh or the diaspora. Therefore, the opening of this office in Brussels is very significant.”

On this occasion, the AGBU Europe also held its sixth Board meeting.

During those two days, AGBU Europe leaders met with various individuals and organizations, including Ambassador Adonts at the Armenian Embassy in Brussels, the Inside Europe organization, as well as the association of European Friends of Armenia and Belgium Armenian Committee, with the objective of presenting the goals and mission of AGBU Europe, exchanging views on important issues and exploring opportunities for partnerships and collaboration.

The AGBU Europe Board members also had the opportunity to attend Divine Liturgy at the St. Mary Magdalene Armenian Church in Brussels and meet with the pastor, Father Zadik Avedikian.

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The EU can contribute to alleviating suffering and in preventing war: it should help reduce tensions by sponsoring confidence-building measures between the two sides; it should engage with Karabakh by establishing contact with the territory’s authorities and providing assistance, as it does in all other territories with a similar status, including neighbouring Abkhazia and South Ossetia; and it should send observers to monitor the cease fire.

2.    The Armenian Republic and the European Union. The Republic of Armenia, a member of the Council of Europe, belongs in Europe by virtue to its geography, of its identity and of the aspirations of its people. The EU is an indispensible driver of economic and political modernisation in Armenia and its region, and the Eastern Partnership represents a major opportunity for the country.

We wish to make sure that this opportunity is not missed, that the Eastern Partnership maintains its momentum and effectively deepens relations between the EU’s and Armenia’s peoples and economies. We wish agreements on deep free trade and visa facilitation to be concluded as early as possible. And we also wish to look beyond the short term negotiations and look to Armenia’s future as a Member of the Union.

The multilateral and civil society dimensions of the EaP are particularly important, and should be used to encourage neighbouring countries to cooperate at all levels and in all relevant policy areas.

3.    Armenian culture. There are more than one million EU citizens of Armenian origin live within the EU. Though well integrated, they are usually keen to retain their Armenian identity and culture. We will work with the European institutions, in the wake of the European Year for Intercultural Dialogue, on ways in which Diaspora cultures can be nurtured and acknowledged as an integral part of Europe’s cultural heritage.

4.    Turkey and Armenia. After a blockade of 16 years, Turkey now envisages to normalize relations with Armenia. AGBU has welcomed the prospect, but warned that the international community should press for a quick and effective implementation of the protocol and should hold Turkey to account, should it seek to delay its implementation. The Nagorno Karabakh peace process should remain separate from Armenia-Turkey negotiations. Finally, the recognition in Turkey of the 1915 genocide of the Armenians should not be entrusted to an intergovernmental commission. Rediscovering a long-suppressed truth will be achieved through free public debate and ultimately for political leadership in Turkey.

From October 31 to November 3, 2009, the third Diocesan Representative Assembly of the Armenian Apostolic Church was held in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and with the participation of representatives from the Armenian Patriarchates of Jerusalem and Constantinople; Diocesan Primates from Armenia and the Diaspora; high ranking clergy; Members of the Supreme Spiritual Council and representatives of the laity. President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Mr. Berge Setrakian also arrived in Armenia to participate in the meeting.

On October 31, the opening ceremony of the meeting was held under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II. In attendance for the opening session were Mr. Bako Sahakian, President of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh; and Mr. Tigran Sargsian, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia; and Mr. Berge Setrakian, President of AGBU. In his remarks, His Holiness reflected on the current process of development of general guidelines for the Armenian Church.

Welcoming speeches were made by President of Nagorno Karabakh Mr. Bako Sahakian and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Mr. Tigran Sargsyan. The Prime Minister reflected on the relations and close cooperation between the Church and State, stressing the significant role of the Armenian Apostolic Church in the preservation of the national identity.

On November 2, the Diocesan Representative Assembly convened in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin continued its work under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. Present for the morning session was the President of the Republic of Armenia, Mr. Serzh Sargsyan.

President Sargsyan addressed the clergy and participants of the assembly, wishing them success in their meetings. He welcomed all the steps being taken for the reinforcement of the mission of the Armenian Church and for the fulfillment of the spiritual needs of Armenians living in the Diaspora. He also reflected on the 10th Anniversary of Consecration of His Holiness, expressing his gratitude for the enormous works that were implemented during the last decade.

Wishing His Holiness long-lasting Pontifical years and new achievements, President Sargsian granted to His Holiness the Order of St. Mesrop Mashtots - the highest order of the Republic of Armenia - for his efforts in the preservation and development of national and spiritual values and virtues. Also present at the meeting was AGBU President Mr. Berge Setrakian.

In his speech on November 3, the third day of the session, Mr. Setrakian reflected on the role of the Armenian Apostolic Church in the history of the Armenian people and the cooperation between the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the AGBU in the national-political life of our nation.

“Armenian Apostolic Church, as a national church, has had an undeniable role in the history of our people. Today, towards the new challenges of the Diaspora, our national and spiritual life is in need of revival and in this sense we all need to act with new approaches and modern solutions”.

Speaking about the relations and cooperation between the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and AGBU Mr. Setrakian said, “Traditionally our relations have been strong and enduring. Our cooperation has always been based on the fact that the joint activities of the Mother See and AGBU have always been favorable for the nation in the Diaspora. In the course of the history, headed by pan-Armenian interests, we’ve walked hand in hand with the Mother See with love unbiased and impartial. We are united in our endeavors and goals and certainly we are more powerful together”.

Mr. Setrakian praised the activities of His Holiness Karekin II in the past decade. “In the past ten years we witnessed important achievements in reviving the spirituality and spreading the faith. You’ve not only been a builder, a Catholicos who raised new churches on our mother land, but also a true Spiritual Leader, who consecrated 240 young clergymen for national-spiritual service.  Due to Your active organizational skills You are loved, respected and highly valued by everyone. I wish You good health and well-being, and I wish unwavering strength to the Mother See of Holy Ecthmiadzin”, said Mr. Setrakian.

Continuing its traditional support to various cultural programs, particularly its contribution to the development of Armenian literature and book publishing both in Armenia and Diaspora, Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) expands cooperation with the Writers’ Union of Armenia (WUA). During the years with the financial support of AGBU the Writers’ Union of Armenia has published works of Armenian writers and organized pan-Armenian conferences.

With a new initiative to promote book publishing Armenian General Benevolent Union has sponsored the establishment of a printing house at the Writers’ Union of Armenia, which will carry the name of prominent Armenian-American writer Levon Zaven Surmelian.

Funds have been provided by the “AGBU Levon Zaven Surmelian Fund” for the purchase of the necessary printing equipment. Months ago the same fund had also sponsored the publication of Levon Zaven Surmelian’s “Techniques of Prose: Measure and Madness” book in Eastern Armenian as part of the “History of Literature: XX Century” series.

The official opening ceremony of the “AGBU Levon Zaven Surmelian Printing House” took place at the Writers’ Union of Armenia on November 3 with the participation of AGBU President Berge Setrakian and Chairman of the WUA Levon Ananian.

“Having their own printing house has been the dream of our writers for decades. Even in the Soviet times we could not realize this dream. And today, despite all the hardships, despite the global economic crisis, Armenian General Benevolent Union extended a helping hand and so we have our modern printing house. Surmelian is one of our prominent writers and his name will be on every book published here”, said Levon Ananian in his speech.

“Levon Zaven Surmelian was a great writer and a great philanthropist.  This is our tribute of respect to keep his memory alive in his homeland”, said AGBU President Berge Setrakian emphasizing the efforts of Torgom Postajian, Surmelian’s executor of will, towards the foundation of this printing house.

“The most important is that in this printing house we will be printing literate books, books that will educate, without spoiling our mother language,”, said Vahagn Mughnetsian, Director of the printing house.

The call follows the publication of a legal opinion by Geoffrey Robertson QC, an authority of matters of international criminal law, on the British government’s long-held policy of considering that there is “insufficient evidence” to consider the 1915 mass slaughter of the Armenians in Turkey as genocide. The United Kingdom is the only government in Europe that effectively denies the Armenian genocide.
Based on a thorough investigation of the written confidential/secret internal documents obtained under Freedom of Information Act (FIA) from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office since 1997, the Opinion concludes that the “advice [upon which the government’s opinion is based] reflects neither the law on genocide, nor the demonstrable facts of the massacres in 1915-1916, and has been calculated to mislead Parliament into believing that there has been an assessment of evidence and an exercise of judgement on that evidence”.

In fact, internal FCO documents make it abundantly clear, according to Mr Robertson’s analysis, that the British government’s position was adopted exclusively to placate its ally Turkey and that the UK’s stance is, as the FCO diplomats themselves put it “open to criticism in terms of its ethical dimension”.

The legal opinion published on Tuesday also refers to the agreement signed on October 10 between the Presidents of Turkey and Armenia to establish relations, which it terms a “welcome development” but warns that debate among historians about the Armenian genocide would be a “pointless exercise” and that the matter cannot be suitably addressed with Turkey until article 301 in its criminal code, which restricts public debate on such matters as the Armenian Genocide, remains in force.

AGBU Europe believes that the British policy of pandering to Turkey’s Armenian complex is not only unethical but also ineffective and short-sighted. The UK can play a role in promoting trust and stability between neighbours in the South Caucasus and in Turkey, but their policy must be based on the values and standards they would apply to fellow European nations.

In particular, the UK must support the forces of democracy and tolerance in Turkey. Earlier this year, for example, a group of Turkish intellectuals took the unprecedented step of issuing a public apology for the World War I extermination of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, even though they evaded to use the word genocide, perhaps understandably under 301, which, nevertheless helped to challenge the taboo about the Genocide in Turkey; in the face of such a bold public collective move, the Ministry of Justice took the equally unprecedented decision not to prosecute the initiators of the petition.

Genocide denial, by contrast, further casts doubt on Turkey’s questionable reputation, delays the transformation and modernisation of its society and institutions and feeds tensions and distrust between neighbours. The 2007 assassination of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink and the justice system’s dismal management of the prosecution of his murderers, for instance, have severely tarnished Turkey’s reputation abroad, particularly among the European public and decision-makers.

The Mr Robertson QC’s legal opinion Legal Opinion concludes by regretting that “there is no recognition at all [on the part of the British government] of the importance of nations acknowledging Genocide and their past crimes against humanity or of supporting the descendents of victims who still, almost a century later, have to live with the consequences”, suggesting that the contemporary relevance of the recognition of a past crime is self-evident to a prominent expert in international justice.

The outcome of the struggle between the forces of tolerance and democracy in Turkey and those who oppose them is by no means a foregone conclusion. As one of Turkey’s closest partners and advocates, the UK is ideally placed to help the country overcome its Armenian Genocide taboo. In doing so, the UK can furthermore continue to pursue its own long-term interests with Turkey and stay true to its values.

The Legal Opinion was drafted by Geoffrey Robertson QC, for of Doughty Street Chambers. It was requested commissioned by the Armenian Centre, London.

The report can be downloaded at: http://www.doughtystreet.co.uk/
For further information : j.flint@doughtystreet.co.uk
AGBU Europe press contact: Flora Hakopyan, email press@agbueurope.org, tel: 00 33 1 45 20 03 18

Background
The Armenian Genocide and relations between Turkey and Armenia

Armenians represented a substantial minority in the Ottoman Empire, of roughly 2 million people, both in their historic homeland and in the Empire’s major cities. They played an important part in the Empire’s economy as well as in its intellectual and artistic life and in the professions. In 1915, the Young Turk government of the Ottoman Empire, fearing foreign interference in Armenia, initiated the extermination of the Armenian population of the Empire, which led to the death of an estimated 1.5 million ethnic Armenians. After the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923, a policy of denial of the Armenian genocide was establish and accompanied by a sustained effort to remove all trace of their presence. Thousands of buildings were destroyed, place names changed and public reference to Armenians became a taboo. Across the world, the survivors of the slaughter were increasingly confronted with the efforts of Turkish diplomats to prevent them from commemorating and sharing their story, a policy which continues to this day.

Since 1993, Turkey has maintained a blockade of Armenia in an attempt to pressure the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh to surrender to the Azeri forces and to stop the campaign for the recognition of the Armenian genocide across the world. This policy was inspired by “Turkic” solidarity between Azeris and Turks against Armenians. It produced no result because it was premised on the idea that the Republic of Armenia should control the actions of all ethnic Armenians, whether in Karabakh resisting Azeri special forces or lobbying for genocide recognition in the Diaspora.