31 replies to this topic

[Yervant1]

13:32 19/06/2015 » TOPIC OF THE DAY

Belgian Prime Minister recognizes Armenian Genocide on behalf of his government

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel considered the 1915 events in the Ottoman Empire as genocide. At a plenary session of Belgium’s House of Representatives yesterday, on June 18, on behalf of his government, he recognized the Armenian Genocide, Belgian DeMorgen reports. 

“I believe that the tragic events that took place in the Ottoman Empire in 1915-1917 should be considered a genocide, and this is also the position of the Belgian government ,” the Belgian Prime Minister said in response to a question of MP Peter De Roover – who drafted the resolution on recognition of the Armenian Genocide – regarding the government’s position.
 

Source: Panorama.am

[Yervant1]

18:50 19/06/2015 » POLITICS

Armenian Genocide draft resolution introduced in Belgian parliament expected to draw sharp reaction of Turkey

As was reported, on behalf of his government, Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel recognized the 1915 Armenian Genocide committed in the Ottoman Empire. 

The Belgian parliament ought to adopt a relevant resolution officially stating the kingdom’s position, the online version of Le Soir wrote, adding that the draft resolution has already been introduced to be voted on. 

Belgian diplomats, for their part, expect a sharp reaction from Turkey, the media reported.
 

Source: Panorama.am

[Yervant1]

Same poo poo different day! Please recall the ambassador. 

Europe Online Magazine

June 20 2015

Turkey slams Belgian premier over Armenian genocide remark

Europe
20.06.2015


Istanbul (dpa) - Turkey`s Foreign Ministry on Saturday took issue with
Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel for reportedly accusing the
Ottoman Empire of carrying out a genocide against Armenians during
World War I.

The ministry said it was "neither acceptable nor justifiable" for the
Belgian leader to politicize the issue and warned of consequences for
Ankara`s relations with the European nation.

Ankara recalled its ambassadors in Austria, Brazil, Luxembourg and the
Vatican earlier this year after those countries also referred to the
genocide.

Armenia says up to 1.5 million people were killed during two years of
deportations and massacres targeting Christian communities starting in
1915. Turkey says the number is inflated and people were killed on
both sides.


http://en.europeonli...ark_397933.html

 

 

[Yervant1]

Times of India
June 20 2015

Turkey slams Belgian PM over 'Armenian genocide' remarks


ISTANBUL: Turkey on Saturday lashed out at Belgian prime minister
Charles Michel for recognising the massacres of Armenians by Ottoman
Turkish forces during World War I as genocide.

Michel, the youngest prime minister in Belgium's history, said during
a parliamentary session on Wednesday that the 1915 mass killings "must
be viewed as a genocide".

The Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement that the remarks were
"neither acceptable nor excusable", adding that the Belgian leader had
"politicized" the issue.

The remarks "distort the historical facts and overlook the law," the
ministry said, warning of consequences for Ankara's relations with
Brussels.

Michel's remarks came after the European Parliament in April adopted a
resolution to recognize the Armenian genocide, which enraged Turkey.

Turkey says it shares the pain of Armenians over the events but has
vehemently rejected the use of the term genocide, contending that
hundreds of thousands of Muslims and Christians were killed on both
sides in a wartime tragedy.

Ankara has been on a diplomatic offensive in recent months aimed at
preventing parliaments from recognising the killing as genocide for
the 100th anniversary of the tragedy.

In April, Pope Francis drew Turkey's wrath after describing the
killings as "the first genocide of the 20th century".

Ankara subsequently pulled its ambassador from the Vatican, as it has
from Austria, Brazil and Luxembourg.


http://timesofindia....ow/47750580.cms
 

[Yervant1]

BGN News, Turkey
June 20 2015

Turkish foreign ministry attacks Belgian PM's comments on 1915


Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel's recognition of the 1915
events as a "genocide," distorted historical facts claimed the Turkish
Foreign Ministry in a statement released Saturday.

Michel said during a parliamentary session on Wednesday that the
events perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire between 1915 - 1917 "must be
viewed as a genocide".

The Turkish Foreign Ministry slammed the comment, saying Michel's
remark was "neither acceptable nor excusable".

Ankara denounced the politicization of the genocide claims.

Michel's comment came a few months after the European Parliament
adopted a non-binding resolution on April 15 recognizing the 1915
events affecting Armenians as "genocide".

On May 29, Mahinur Ã-zdemir, a Brussels regional MP of Turkish origin,
was expelled from her party, the Humanist Democratic Centre (CHD)
after she refused to recognize the 1915 events as `genocide'.

June 20, 2015 | AA | Ankara


http://diplomacy.bgn...915-haberi/7003

[Yervant1]

Hurriyet Daily News, Turkey
June 19 2015

Belgian PM recognizes 1915 killing of Ottoman Armenians as `genocide'

BRUSSELS - Anadolu Agency


Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel has recognized on the behalf of
the Belgian government the killing of Ottoman Armenians in eastern
Anatolia from 1915 as `genocide,' Belgian media reported on June 18.

Belgian newspaper Le Soir reported June 18 that Michel, the youngest
prime minister in Belgium's history, stated in parliament that the
killings perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire between 1915 to 1917 `must
be viewed as a genocide.'

This comes a few months after the European Parliament adopted a
resolution on April 15 recognizing the 1915 events affecting Armenians
as `genocide.' The European Parliament resolution is not binding on
member states, but recommends that they follow the same path.

Turkey has repeatedly rejected the EU's definition of the killings,
saying Armenians died during a relocation process during World War I
after part of the Armenian population sided with the invading Russians
and revolted against the Ottoman Empire.

Armenia has demanded an apology and compensation for the killings,
while Turkey has said that although Armenians died, many Turks also
lost their lives at the hands of Armenian gangs in Anatolia.


http://www.hurriyetd...5&NewsCatID=351

[Yervant1]

BELGIAN HOUSE PANEL PASSES ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION

16:44, 07 Jul 2015
Siranush Ghazanchyan

The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Belgian House of Representatives
on Tuesday passed a draft resolution on the commemoration of the
centenary of the Armenian Genocide, Belgian websites report.

The resolution must now be voted in a plenary session of the House.

Three coalition parties abstained from voting.

Head of the MR group Denis Ducarme welcomed the vote.

A few weeks ago Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said the tragic
events committed between 1915-1917 in the Ottoman Empire should be
"considered a genocide."

http://www.armradio....ide-resolution/

[Yervant1]

BELGIAN ARMENIANS AND ARAMEANS CONCERNED OVER WORDING IN GENOCIDE DRAFT RESOLUTION

00:26, 15.07.2015

Armenian and Aramean communities of Belgium expressed their deep
concern over the wording in the draft resolution on the acknowledgement
of the Armenian Genocide by Belgium. The document was adopted on July 7
in Foreign Affairs Committee of Belgium's House of Representatives. The
Committee of Belgian Armenians, Committee of Hay Tad and the Aramean
Federation of Belgium criticize the ambiguity of the text, particularly
points 2 and 9, Nouvelles d'Arménie reports.

Point 2 demands the federal government of Belgium "to acknowledge
that modern Turkey cannot hold moral and historical liability for
the tragedy, survived by the Armenians in the Ottoman Empire." Point
9 urges to back the initiatives of NGOs in Turkey and Armenia, whose
work is aimed at normalizing the relations between the two countries.

The organizations of the Armenian and Aramaic communities labeled
the second point unsuccessful, noting that nowadays courageous
representatives of the intellectuals and members of Turkey's civil
society are advocating for truth, and struggling for the recognition
of the Armenian Genocide by their country despite threats.

"In contrast, the Turkish authorities rely on denial, continuing to
deny the proofs of the Armenian and Aramean Genocide, glorifying the
organizers. Thereby they make themselves successors of the actions
of the Ottoman Empire. At least the official Turkey holds moral
liability," the statement reads.

As to the ninth point, the authors of the statement said: "First of
all, it is necessary to contribute to bringing together the Belgium
Turkish associations, which recognize the Armenian Genocide, with
the Armenian and Aramean associations, to try to aligning the dialogue.

These kinds of initiatives will enhearten the Belgians of Turkish
descent, who don't dare to publicly acknowledge the Armenian and
Aramean Genocide."

Earlier, Foreign Affairs Committee of Belgium's House of
Representatives adopted a resolution on the Armenian Genocide
during the session on July 7. The draft resolution introduced by
the parliamentary majority was adopted. Following the debate, the
text was adopted, though not unanimously. Amendments proposed by the
opposition were declined by the majority of MPs.

http://news.am/eng/news/276914.html
 

[Yervant1]

BELGIAN CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES TO DEBATE A MOTION FOR RESOLUTION ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

15:08, 22 Jul 2015
Siranush Ghazanchyan

During its plenary session today the Chamber of Deputies of Belgium
will debate the draft resolution on the centenary of the Armenian
Genocide submitted by MPs Peter De Roover, Denis Ducarme, Tim
Vandenput, Sarah Claerhout, Peter Luykx Flahaux and Els Van Hoof.

It will also consider the motion on the genocide of Armenians in
Turkey in 1915 filed by Filip Dewinter, Barbara Pas and Jan Penris.

The Belgian Chamber of Deputies will discuss the motion submitted
by Georges Dallemagne Catherine Fonck, Benoît Lutgen and Olivier
Maingain on the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Belgium.

Finally, the Chamber will consider a motion filed by Stéphane
Crusnière, Ozlem Ozen, Gwen Philippe and Blanchart Grovonius on
the recognition of the Armenian genocide on the occasion of the
commemoration of its centennial.

To follow the debate on-line click here.

http://www.armradio....enian-genocide/

[Yervant1]

I watched the debate with my limited French, they were all pro Armenian to say the least and the vote is tomorrow Jul. 23rd.

[Yervant1]

BELGIAN PARLIAMENTARIAN: ARMENIANS IN OTTOMAN EMPIRE WERE EXTERMINATED JUST FOR BEING ARMENIAN

19:49, 22 July, 2015

BRUSSELS, JULY 22, ARMENPRESS. Denial of the Armenian Genocide proceeds
from Kemal (Mustafa Kemal Ataturk) to Erdogan. It is a state denial
which has become part of the Turkish history. As "Armenpress" reports,
Green Party member, member of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives
Benoit Hellings expressed such an opinion during the discussion of
the resolution on the Armenian Genocide at the plenary session on July
22. The plenary session started at 14:15 by Belgian time, discussion
of the resolution on the Armenian Genocide is the 8th issue of the
agenda. Author of the resolution, member of "New Flemish Alliance"
coalition party, MP Peter De Roover, member of Christian Democratic
Flemish party Sarah Claerhout, "Reform" movement member Denis Ducarme.

Ducarme reminded that the Prime Minister of Belgium had declared in
the Parliament that the Belgian Government recognized the Armenian
Genocide. "They were exterminated only because they were Armenians".

He had said. And Sarah Claerhout emphasized that the aim of the
resolution is to call Turkey to activate its efforts of recognizing
the Armenian Genocide.

Member of Humanist Democratic Centre Jorge Dalemain mentioned that
the Young Turks exterminated the Christian minorities in order to
create a homogeneous Turkish state.

Member of the Socialist party Stephen Krasner mentioned at his turn
that his party has always recognized the Armenian Genocide.

Foreign Affairs Committee of Belgium's House of Representatives voted
for the draft resolution of the Belgian Government on the recognition
of the Armenian Genocide sending it for voting in the plenary session
of the House of Representatives. The draft resolution recognizes
and condemns the Armenian Genocide of 1915 and calls on Turkey and
Armenia to seek for reconciliation.

The Armenian and Assyrian communities of Belgium had expressed their
deep concern over the wording in a draft resolution on the recognition
of the Armenian Genocide by Belgium. The adopted resolution had been
submitted by the ruling coalition. Drafts of the resolution had been
submitted also by opposition parties which did not pass.

The Prime Minister of Belgium Charles Michel recognized the Armenian
Genocide on behalf of his government on June 18

http://armenpress.am...g-armenian.html

[Yervant1]

Because of prolonged discussions, the voting is delayed to a later date Jul. 24 or even further.

[MosJan]

http://asbarez.com/1...nizes-genocide/

 

Belgian Parliament Recognizes Genocide

 

BRUSSELS–Belgian Parliament approved a resolution Thursday by majority vote to reognize the Armenian Genocide.

The resolution also stresses the need for Turkey to recognize the Armenian Genocide and urges Turkey and Armenia to “use the centenary of the Armenian Genocide to renew diplomatic relations, open the border and pave the way for economic integration.

The Resolution was filed by Member of Parliament Peter De Roover and passed the Foreign Relations Commission earlier this month.

The Belgian Senate recognized the Armenian Genocide in 1998.

Last month, the Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel recognized the Armenian Genocide in an address to parliament. The Turkish Foreign Ministry criticized the statement.

[MosJan]

Parqt Shat Ter Ays Orn el Tesanq 

[Yervant1]

BELGIAN CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES RECOGNIZES THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

01:11, 24 Jul 2015
Siranush Ghazanchyan

The Belgian Chamber of Deputies voted to adopt a Resolution condemning
the Armenian Genocide. An overwhelming majority of deputies, (124
out of 132) voted in favor of the measure, the European Armenian
Federation for Justice and Development (EAFJD) reports.

The Resolution was filed by MP Peter De Roover (N-VA) and passed the
Foreign Relations Commission earlier this month.

In June Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel acknowledged on behalf
of his government that the tragic events committed between 1915-1917
in the Ottoman Empire should be "considered a genocide."

The Belgian Senate recognized the Armenian Genocide in 1998.

http://www.armradio....enian-genocide/

[Yervant1]

BELGIAN PARLIAMENT APPROVES RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING ARMENIAN 'GENOCIDE'

Today's Zaman, Turkey
July 23 2015

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel recently said he thinks the 1915
killings of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire amount to a "genocide."

(Photo: Reuters)

July 24, 2015, Friday/ 00:31:37/ TODAYSZAMAN.COM / ISTANBUL

Belgian parliamentarians passed a resolution calling for the
recognition of the 1915 killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks as
genocide in a vote on Thursday.

The resolution was approved by the Belgian Parliament's Foreign
Relations Committee and was forwarded to the General Assembly. The
resolution submitted by the Belgian government calls the 1915 incidents
as "genocide" but stresses that the incidents should not be associated
with Turks livng in Belgium.

The resolution also calls on historians to continue their efforts to
shed light on the 1915 incidents.

The 1915 mass killings of Ottoman Armenians during the final days
of the empire remain a contentious issue, with Ankara rejecting the
term genocide. Armenians claim that Ottoman forces systematically
killed more than 1 million Armenians in a way that was tantamount to
genocide. Turkey insists that the killings do not amount to genocide as
they took place during inter-communal strife when the empire was locked
in a battle for survival during World War I. The events are described
as a genocide by the Armenian diaspora and more than 20 countries.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel has recently said he thinks
the 1915 killings of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire amount to a
"genocide," a statement which was criticized by the Turkish Foreign
Ministry.

Back in April, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused France,
Germany, Russia and Austria - whose leaders or parliaments also
described the killings as genocide - of supporting "claims constructed
on Armenian lies." He accused the United States of siding with Armenia
although President Barack Obama stopped short of using the term in
his annual message.

"They should first, one-by-one, clean the stains on their own
histories," Erdogan said during a speech in April.

The European Parliament in a vote in April also adopted a resolution
that referred to the killings of Armenians during the final years of
the Ottoman Empire as genocide and called on Turkey to recognize that
"genocide."

The non-binding resolution, which was approved by a show of hands of
a large majority of the MEPs, said, "Armenia and Turkey should use
the centenary of the Armenian Genocide to renew diplomatic relations,
open the border and pave the way for economic integration." The MEPs
stress the need for Turkey to recognize "the Armenian genocide," so as
to pave the way to "genuine reconciliation." They also commended the
statement by Pope Francis on April 12 honoring the centenary of the
"genocide."

http://www.todayszam...ide_394453.html
 

[Yervant1]

BELGIAN PARLIAMENT PASSES RESOLUTION REGARDING THE SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE CLAIMS

Daily Sabah. Turkey
July 23 2015

EMRE BAÅ~^ARAN

The Belgian Parliament accepted unanimously the resolution late on
Thursday regarding the so-called Armenian genocide claims.

The resolution was previously accepted two weeks ago in the Foreign
Relations Commission of the Parliament and the draft was accepted by
unanimous vote after the amendments were talked over. In the resolution
presented in the name of the Belgian Government, the 1915 incidents
have been described as "genocide." The newly accepted resolution also
states that the "genocide" should not be associated with or correlated
to the 'Turkey of today' and Turks living in Belgium.

The resolution also emphasizes that historians should put in more
effort to reveal the truths regarding the 1915 incidents.

At the end of May 2015, Belgian deputy of Turkish origin Mahinur
Ozdemir was expelled from her party Democratic Humanist Centre (CDH)
because of her stance on the genocide allegations. CDH's "ethical
committee" expelled her from the party because of her decision to
reject the so-called "Armenian genocide" claims.

Ozdemir also said that CDH secretary-general Eric Poncin demanded
that she signed a document that recognizes the deaths of Armenians
in 1915 as 'genocide' and added that the secretary-general also said
she would be dismissed from the party otherwise. Standing behind her
word and views on the matter, Ozdemir chose to continue her political
life as an independent deputy.

http://www.dailysaba...genocide-claims

[Yervant1]

EUROPEAN ARMENIAN FEDERATION
For Justice and Democracy
Avenue de la Renaissance 10
Bruxelles, 1000
Belgique

Tel./Fax : +32 (0) 2 732 70 26 / 27
E-mail : contact@eafjd.org
Web: http://www.eafjd.org
http://www.eafjd.eu/
https://twitter.com/eafjd
https://www.facebook...nian.Federation

Belgian Chamber of Deputies Recognises the Armenian Genocide

http://www.eafjd.eu/...n-genocide.html


Brussels, 23 July, 2015: Today, the deputies at the plenary session of the
Chamber of Deputies of Belgium with an overwhelming majority voted for the
resolution recognising the Armenian Genocide.

After yesterday's passionate debate in the plenary session, where all party
representatives in their speeches condemned the Genocide perpetrated by
Ottoman Turkey and stressed the need for Turkey to recognise the Armenian
Genocide, and by today's resolution, Belgium's both Parliaments (Senate,
1998) and the federal government (June 2015) have now recognised the
Armenian Genocide. The Flemish Parliament has also recognised the Armenian
Genocide on 22 April, 2015.

Mr. Peter De Roover (N-VA) was the first to speak. He showed his solidarity
with the Armenian people, by wearing the `forget-me-not' commemorative pin
of the centenary of the Genocide. He called on the Turkish authorities to
recognise the Armenian Genocide and to stop the denial policy. Stephane
Crusnière of the Socialist Party said that his party has always recognised
the Armenian Genocide.

Mr. Denis Ducarme (MR) mentioned the fact that from this very podium on
June 18th the Belgian Prime Minister Mr. Charles Michel recognised the
Armenian Genocide in the name of the Belgian government. Mrs. Sarah
Claerhout (CD&V) noted that this resolution is a call to Turkey to
intensify its efforts to recognise the Armenian Genocide; Mr. Benoit
Helling (Ecolo-green) in his turn, reminded that there is a historic
consensus on the issue and a political recognition is needed, as well.

Mr. Dallemagne (CDH) in his speech made a long historic review of the
Genocide against the Armenian and the rest of minorities of the Ottoman
Empire. He also reminded the fact that genocides are still going on today,
100 years after Armenians were butchered. Jan Penris (VB) called on the
Turkish government to recognise the reality of the=80ª Armenian Genocide;
Olivier Maingain (FDF) said, that it's time to be brave & recognise =80ª the
crime of Genocide against Armenians, he also mentioned Jean Jaures, Orhan
Pamuk, and Hrant Dink.

Marco Van Hees (PTB-GO) said that Turkish leftist, progressive parties
recognize the =80ª =80=8EArmenian Genocide and believe this is the
way forward. He
also mentioned, that by doing so, Belgium will gain credibility. Dirk Van
Der Maelen (sp.a) stressed the need to be precise and use the proper
terminology and include all victims of =80ª=80=8EGenocides.

During the debate there were calls that this resolution will assist in the
dialogue between Turks and Armenians as well as this resolution is in
support to the progressive, democratic forces in Turkey. It was repeatedly
said that this resolution is not against the current Turkish people, but
against the Turkish state denial policy.

`We welcome this resolution in the Chamber today, by which the Belgian
state recognises the Armenian Genocide by its government and both chambers
of the parliament', said Mr. Kaspar Karampetian, president of the European
Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD). `On the centenary of
the Armenian Genocide, we have seen more and more countries recognising the
historic fact of the Genocide committed by Ottoman Turkey. This is another
clear message to Turkey that Genocide denial has no place in Europe and
Turkey needs to reconcile with its past sooner or later. This resolution of
the Belgian Chamber will also put an end to the denial rhetoric in
Belgium', noted Karampetian, and concluded saying, that this resolution was
also in part the result of well-coordinated efforts of the Republic of
Armenia Embassy, the Armenian National Committee of Belgium, as well as the
Committee of Armenians of Belgium and AGBU Europe.

#####

An overwhelming majority of historians as well as academics on Holocaust
and Genocide Studies recognise the Armenian Genocide. As of today, the
governments of 28 countries, including Russia, Brazil, France, Austria and
Canada as well as 43 states of the USA have recognised the Genocide. The
governments of Turkey and Azerbaijan continue to deny the Armenian Genocide.
 

[Yervant1]

12:51 24/07/2015 » POLITICS

Foreign Minister of Armenia hails unconditional recognition of Armenian Genocide by legislative and executive authorities of Be

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian has issued a statement over the adoption by the Belgian Chamber of Representatives of a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide committed in the Ottoman Empire in 1915. 

According to the press service of Armenian Foreign Ministry, the statement says: 

“Seventeen years ago the Belgian Senate recognized the Armenian Genocide by a special resolution. On June 18 this year the Prime Minister of Belgium reaffirmed the position of the Government on the unconditional recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

The resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide adopted today by the Chamber of Representatives completes the process of recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Belgium. The unconditional recognition of the Armenian Genocide by legislative and executive authorities of the Kingdom of Belgium is commendable”.
 

Source: Panorama.am

[Yervant1]

ARMENIA WELCOMES BELGIUM'S UNCONDITIONAL RECOGNITION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

11:34, 24 Jul 2015
Siranush Ghazanchyan

Armenia has welcomed the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by
Belgium.

"Seventeen years ago the Belgian Senate recognized the Armenian
Genocide by a special resolution. On June 18 this year the Prime
Minister of Belgium reaffirmed the position of the Government on the
unconditional recognition of the Armenian Genocide," Armenian Foreign
Minister Edward Nalbandian said in a statement.

"The resolution recognising the Armenian Genocide adopted by the
Chamber of Deputies completes the process of recognition of the
Armenian Genocide by Belgium," the Foreign Minister said.

"We welcome the unconditional recognition of the Armenian Genocide
by legislative and executive authorities of the Kingdom of Belgium"
Minister Nalbandian concluded.

http://www.armradio....enian-genocide/