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Bolivia Unanimously Approved a Resolution on the Armenian Genocide


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#1 Yervant1

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Posted 30 November 2014 - 05:18 PM

Prensa Armenia
Armenia 1366, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel: (5411) 4775-7595
Email: prensa@diarioarmenia.org.ar
Web: http://www.diarioarmenia.org.ar
Bolivia Unanimously Approved a Resolution on the Armenian Genocide


Agencia Prensa Armenia
http://www.prensaarm...resolution.html

On Wednesday 26 November the Plurinational Legislative Assembly of
Bolivia unanimously passed a resolution in solidarity with the claims
of the Armenian people and condemning "all denialist policy regarding
the genocide and crimes against humanity suffered by the Armenian
nation."

Speaking to Prensa Armenia, Senator Zonia Guardia Melgar, acting
chairperson of the Senate of Bolivia, explained that "the camaral
statement was taken unanimously by both the Senate and the Chamber of
Deputies, with the approval of the Foreign Ministry".

"We offer our full support, solidarity and comradeship to the Armenian
people and the Kurdish people, because our State Constitution, which
is the law of laws, says no to discrimination, violation of human
rights and genocide" she added.

The unofficial translation of the full text of the resolution reads:

"The Plurinational Legislative Assembly of Bolivia share and is in
solidarity with the Armenian people for the fight of their claims, the
preservation of human rights, and the establishment of truth and
justice.

Declares: its firm commitment to human rights, truth, justice,
solidarity and condemnation against all denialist policy regarding the
genocide and crimes against humanity suffered by the Armenian nation."

 

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#2 Yervant1

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Posted 01 December 2014 - 10:40 AM

10:38 01/12/2014 » POLITICS

Armenian FM thanks Bolivia for recognition of Armenian Genocide

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian issued a statement on Bolivia’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide.  
“We express our gratitude to both Chambers of the Parliament, the government and people of Bolivia for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide committed in the Ottoman Turkey.
“Ahead of the 100th Centenary of the Armenian Genocide, Bolivia by this step has brought its important input in the noble cause of restoration of historical justice, recognition, condemnation, prevention of crimes against humanity and in the fight against denial,” the statement reads, according to the press service of the Armenian Foreign Ministry.
Related: Bolivia unanimously approves Resolution on Armenian Genocide

 
 

Source: Panorama.am


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#3 Yervant1

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Posted 02 December 2014 - 10:23 AM

 
tert.jpg
Year 2015 to prove test for entire world – Ruben Melkonyan
 

The coming year 2015 will prove a test for the entire world, and Bolivia’s step must prove to be an example to others, expert in Turkish studies Ruben Melkonyan told Tert.am, as he commented on the Armenian Genocide resolution adopted by the Parliament of Bolivia.

“As the year 2015 is nearing, the civilized world has to face the truth, condemn the global evil. It is a necessary step for any civilized state,” Mr Melkonyan said.

With respect to the resolution adopted by the Bolivian Parliament, the expert pointed out two aspects: first, the authorities’ political will and right approach to historical problems; secondly, coordinated work by Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora, which produced the result. 

“I can say it is one more significant step in the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide,” Mr Melkonyan said. 

As regards the role of particular states’ political interests in the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and, specifically, in the case of the resolution approved by the Bolivian Parliament, the expert said:

“Bolivia has very little to do with our regional problems and can evade Turkish blackmail or advances. Moreover, Bolivia’s authorities may prefer reputation to political calculations now. I think our authorities and lobbying have played their role as well.” 

Diplomacy is an area where results are not obvious at once. Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has for a long period been making steps toward that region, to improve and expand relations. Armenian lobby and diasporic structures are quite active in that region. 

As regards the probability of other states recognizing the Armenian Genocide, Mr Melkonyan said:

“In any case, I am inclined to think that we must highlight the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by different states because the Armenian Genocide has widely been recognized. I think that some countries will clearly state their positions before the end of this year.”

Politically, in the context of recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Armenia should hold expectations about four states – Great Britain, Germany, Israel and the United States. 

“Besides moral problems, there are other ones with the states in question. Specifically, Turkish-German tensions over the Turkish community in Germany. As to the United State, it is the president’s pledges and our lobbying,” Mr Melkonyan said. 

Now that the world is fighting such a global evil as terrorism and Islamic extremism, it is the United States, that has declared itself a beacon of democracy, must make a clear assessment of the evil that is the root of all present-day evils.

“That is, it is hypocrisy to condemn the present-day extremism without condemning the Armenian Genocide in 1915,” Mr Melkonyan said. 

www.tert.am



#4 Yervant1

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Posted 03 December 2014 - 10:02 AM

TURKEY CONTINUES ITS POLICY OF DENIAL

18:21, 2 December, 2014

YEREVAN, 2 DECEMBER, ARMENPRESS. The signals from Turkey ahead
of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide go to show that
Turkey continues its policy of denial. This is what Deputy Speaker
of Armenia's National Assembly Eduard Sharmazanov said during the
hour of announcements at the National Assembly.

"Evidence of that is Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlut
Cavusoglu's recent statement, according to which Turkey will impede
the process of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide,"
the NA Deputy Speaker emphasized, according to "ArmenPress".

According to Sharmazanov, despite Ankara's efforts, there are and
there will be countries that actually support the protection of human
rights. Brilliant evidence is Bolivia since the two chambers of the
country's parliament unanimously condemned the Armenian Genocide and
the policy of denial yesterday. The Deputy Speaker of the National
Assembly expressed certainty that the crimes against humanity must be
condemned since any act of denial is as criminal as the crime itself.

http://armenpress.am...-of-denial.html



#5 Yervant1

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Posted 03 December 2014 - 10:06 AM

TURKISH MEDIA REACTS WITH DELAY AT ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RECOGNITION BY BOLIVIA

11:07, 2 December, 2014

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS. The Turkish media reacted with delay
at the adoption of bill on the Armenian Genocide recognition by the
two chambers of the Bolivian Parliament. As reports "Armenpress",
the Turkish media cited the words of the Deputy President of the
Senate of Bolivia, the President-in-Office of the Senate Zonia Guardia
Melgar, who stated that the adopted bill is in full conformity with
the Bolivian Constitution.

The Turkish dokuz8haber.com had put forward an interesting observation
stating that there is no Armenian population and Armenian Embassy in
Bolivia. Another Turkish media, turkiyegazetesi.com, highlighted that
the Armenian Diaspora and Armenia make huge efforts for the Armenian
Genocide recognition advancing the 100th anniversary.

Previously it was reported that on November 30, after the Sunday
Mass at the St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Cathedral
in Buenos Aires, the ceremony of handing over the documents on
the recognition of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 committed by the
Ottoman Empire, by the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies of Bolivia
to Vahagn Melikyan, the Ambassador of Armenia to Argentina, and His
Eminence Archbishop Gisak Muradyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese
in Argentina took place.

The Deputy President of the Senate of Bolivia, the President-in-Office
of the Senate Zonia Guardia Melgar and a member of the Chamber of
Deputies Farides Walla Suarez de Suarez were invited to the event as
special guests.

In her speech Mrs. Zonia Melgar, touching upon the recognition of
the Armenian Genocide by the Parliament of Bolivia, stressed that
the people and the authorities of Bolivia not only express their
solidarity and support to the Armenian people for the sake of the
struggle for justice, but also condemn any demonstration of denial of
the fact of the Armenian Genocide implemented by the Ottoman Empire
in 1915. She also underlined that only through the recognition and
condemnation of the Armenian Genocide it will be possible to prevent
the repetition of such crimes in the life of peoples and states.

In his speech Ambassador Melikyan in the name of the Government of
the Republic of Armenia expressed deep gratitude towards the people
and authorities of Bolivia regarding this important and historic event.

According to the Ambassador, this recognition by Bolivia on the eve of
the 100th Centenary of the Armenian Genocide opens a new page in the
process of the international recognition and condemnation of Armenian
Genocide and once again proves that the denialist policy is not in
power to struggle against the establishment of justice and truth.

In the documents, adopted by the two chambers of the Bolivian
Parliament, it is particularly stated that, "on the night of 24 April
1915 the government of the Ottoman Empire, the leadership of the
"Unity and Progress" party, the Young Turks started the arrests and
planned deportations of the Armenian intelligentsia, politicians,
scientists, writers, artists, priests, doctors, public figures and
specialists, and afterwards the large-scale massacres of the Armenian
civilian population on the territories of the historic Western Armenia
and Anatolia."

The two chambers of the Parliament "confirm their adherence to human
rights, the values of truth and justice, express their support and
condemn the denialist policy towards the Armenian Genocide and the
grave crime against the Armenian people.

http://armenpress.am...by-bolivia.html



#6 Yervant1

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Posted 10 December 2014 - 11:38 AM

DER GHOUGASSIAN DISCUSSES BOLIVIA'S RECOGNITION OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

By Rupen Janbazian on December 9, 2014
http://armenianweekl...enian-genocide/

Special for the Armenian Weekly

On Nov. 26, the two Houses of the Bolivian Parliament (the
Plurinational Legislative Assembly of Bolivia) unanimously approved
measures recognizing the Armenian Genocide. The resolutions express
solidarity with the Armenian cause and condemn "all denialist policy
regarding the Genocide and crimes against humanity suffered by the
Armenian nation."

Khatchik Der Ghougassian

In an exclusive interview with the Armenian Weekly, Khatchik Der
Ghougassian, professor of international relations at Universidad
de San Andres in Argentina, discussed the passage of the resolution
and outlined the potential for strengthened Armenian-South American
relations in the coming years.

***

Rupen Janbazian: The Buenos Aires-based "Agencia Prensa Armenia"
reported that on Nov. 26, 2014, the two houses of the Bolivian
Parliament unanimously approved measures to recognize the Armenian
Genocide with the approval of the Bolivian Foreign Ministry. It
is interesting that this resolution passed in Bolivia, a country
with no major Armenian population, or even any Armenian diplomatic
representation. How did this resolution come about? Was the greater
South American-Armenian community involved in any way?

Khatchik Der Ghougassian: Not only does an organized Armenian community
not exist in Bolivia, but I also doubt if there are any Armenians
actually living in the country. While there may be some Armenians
involved in business in Bolivia, it is evident that the idea for the
resolution came from the Bolivians themselves. Two members of the
Argentine-Armenian community traveled to La Paz during the last phase
of the initiative to help write the final resolution. One of them,
Roberto Malkasian, is an expert in law and, as far as I know, had a
big part in putting the resolution into words. It must be emphasized,
however, that the initiative came from the most progressive sector
of the ruling party in Bolivia, and not from Armenians. It is also
very interesting that the resolution is unique in the fact that it
emphasizes aspects of the Armenian cause that have not appeared in
similar resolutions in other countries.

R.J.: The Bolivian Parliament is dominated by political allies of
President Evo Morales, who has been in power since 2006. How does
the passage of this resolution fit into the foreign policy agenda of
President Morales and his Movement for Socialism Party?

K.D.G.: To understand the initiative and the way it fits into the
foreign policy agenda of President Morales, we have to consider the
importance of ethical considerations for small countries like Bolivia
and Uruguay in taking positions in international affairs. This sounds a
little bit naive, as foreign policy is usually based on more practical
and "material" interests. But the Movement for Socialism Party came
into power with a strong commitment for justice. For almost 500 years,
the native Bolivians were enslaved--first by Spanish conquerors, then
by the ruling elite after independence. Bolivia was and continues to
be a country rich in natural resources. For centuries, conquerors have
looted the silver of Potosi and left the population in poverty. In the
1980's, Bolivia became the first country where [U.S. President Ronald]
Reagan's so-called "war on drugs" policy was first implemented, using
the military to repress ethnic communities. It was also where, in the
1980's, the neoliberal policies of "shock therapies" were applied
for the first time, leading to further concentration of wealth and
power in the hands of a minority.

'Unfortunately, Armenian diplomacy in South America has not been as
strong as it should have been over the past decade...[when there were]
important breakthroughs in Uruguay, Argentina, Venezuela, and Chile.

While focusing on Moscow, Washington, and Brussels, Yerevan has
ignored the south in general and South America in particular, even
though Argentina was among the first countries where Armenia had
diplomatic representation right after independence. ... Armenia has
never considered the potential of alternative strategic alliances
with emerging powers like Brazil, or champions of human rights and
anti-imperialism such as Argentina, Uruguay, or Venezuela.'

However, Bolivia is also a country with a rich tradition of popular
uprisings and a quest for justice. Ernesto Che Guevara was killed in
Bolivia; leading guerilla figures, such as the current vice president,
Alvaro Garcia Linera, were also well-known intellectuals. Neoliberal
policies in the 1990's were particularly harmful for the people. It
was at this time that Evo Morales, a simple peasant, rose as a
representative of the emerging social protest. He was harassed and his
candidacy for presidential elections was "vetoed" by Washington. The
final episode of the privatization process came in 2003, when the
then president, Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada, wanted to sell Bolivia's
natural gas to a Californian firm, prompting popular protests and
what became known as the bloody "gas war," which eventually led to
the president's resignation and exile to the United States. It is this
strong alliance of progressive intellectuals and popular leaders that
came into power in 2006, when Bolivia joined the "left-turn" process
in South America, despite foreign pressure. Morales received strong
support from Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, Nestor Kirchner of Argentina,
and Inacio Lula Da Silva of Brazil. Since then, not only has he been
consistent in addressing centuries-old injustices, but has also put
the country on the developmental path and sustained a principled
approach in international affairs. The ethical commitment to just
causes shapes Morales' Bolivia's identity.

Bolivia's Palace of Congress in La Paz

Following the passage of the resolution, the head of Bolivia's
Senate, Zonia Guardia Melgar, was invited to Buenos Aires by the
Argentine-Armenian community. While there, she spoke at the Saint
Gregory Church and mentioned Che Guevara as an example of commitment
to just causes, and in her interview to Prensa Armenia, gave full
support to Armenians and Kurds in their struggle.

R.J.: While relations between Turkey and Bolivia are limited,
trade volume between the 2 countries totals about $8 million. Do you
believe the passage of the resolution will affect relations between
the two countries?

K.D.G.: Actually, both Turkey and Azerbaijan have been actively
promoting investment and economic cooperation in the field of energy
and other sectors of Bolivia. Considering the lack of Armenian
diplomatic representation in the country, Turkish and Azeri activism
has been successful in lobbying in Bolivia, though this has been
based on mostly empty promises and falsifications. For example,
they have pushed to pass a resolution on the so-called "genocide"
in Khojaly [Karabagh], as they did in Mexico. However, they must have
underestimated the commitment to righteousness of the ruling party.

While it is true that Turkey has some trade with Bolivia, the volume
is actually very small. Still, it is important, considering that
Armenia has no trade whatsoever. I do not think that the resolution
will have any impact on the trade relationship of the two countries.

Moreover, the Turkish-Azeri neo-denialist strategy will probably
promise to invest even more into the country--perhaps try to buy
political will, seduce some soccer team, etc. In other words, they
will try to do more to try to show that Bolivia's real interests lie
with them, not Armenia and the Armenians.

R.J.: Armenia's Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian has issued a
statement commending the passage of the resolutions. What does the
recognition of the genocide mean for Armenia-Bolivia relations and
Armenia-South America relations in general?

K.D.G.: Nalbandian's statement was much appreciated in Bolivia and is
a good starting point for relations. Unfortunately, Armenian diplomacy
in South America has not been as strong as it should have been over the
past decade. During this time, there have been important breakthroughs
in Uruguay, Argentina, Venezuela, and Chile. While focusing on Moscow,
Washington, and Brussels, Yerevan has ignored the south in general
and South America in particular, even though Argentina was among the
first countries where Armenia had diplomatic representation right
after independence. Diplomatic protocols have always been properly
respected; however, Armenia has never considered the potential of
alternative strategic alliances with emerging powers like Brazil,
or champions of human rights and anti-imperialism such as Argentina,
Uruguay, or Venezuela.

South America has been very important for Armenia's economy, especially
when considering the Argentine businessman Eduardo Eurnekian, who is
the first individual investor in Armenia.

Unfortunately, Yerevan never considered the relationship as a means
to open doors in South America to look for new opportunities. While
I understand that serious material limitations may exist, I am sure
that strategic planning can overcome these limitations. The situation
has seemed to change since 2011-12. Azerbaijan has been pursuing an
aggressive diplomatic campaign, investing their petrodollars in the
social, economic, and political sectors of countries from Mexico to
Argentina, all while their representatives publically declare that
their objective is to counter-balance the presence of organized
Armenian communities in the region.

Today, Armenia has embassies in three Latin American countries,
and President [Serge] Sarkissian's visit to Argentina, Uruguay, and
Chile last July was a great success. Nevertheless, there is still a
lot that could be done. Bolivia's passage of the resolution proved
that it is possible to think outside of the box when it comes to
their foreign policy.

R.J.: Leading up to the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide, do
you foresee any other countries in the area taking similar steps
recognizing the genocide?

K.D.G.: It all really depends on how active Armenia's diplomacy is in
the area. There is much to capitalize on considering the important
political and juridical successes that local Armenian communities
have achieved over the years.

One thing I am sure of is that Turkey's policy of denial will be very
active in the area over the coming year, and they will surely combine
their efforts with Azerbaijan. We already see a sort of division
of labor in this respect: While Azerbaijan remains in charge of the
"hard" denial, such as questioning the historical existence of Armenia,
Ankara promotes a "softer" brand of denial, such as [President Recep
Tayyip] Erdogan's offerings of condolences of a so-called "common
suffering." Moreover, Turkish organizations, such as the Gulen
movement, which are falsely branded as humanitarian initiatives,
are very actively penetrating civil society and promoting a false
image of a tolerant Ottoman past with important investments in the
educational field. While the relations between the Gulen movement
and the ruling party seem to have been turbulent in recent days,
they are both actively working to deny the Armenian Genocide.

http://armenianweekl...enian-genocide/
 



#7 Yervant1

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Posted 17 February 2015 - 10:10 AM

ANCC THANKS BOLIVIAN GOVERNMENT FOR SPEAKNG THE TRUTH ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

February 16, 2015
http://www.horizonwe...s/details/61655

Ottawa (Feb. 5) - A delegation of the ANCC (Armenian National Committee
of Canada) had the opportunity to personally thank Bolivian Ambassador
to Canada for his government's recent adoption of a strongly worded
Armenian Genocide legislation.

It was important for the ANCC delegation to discuss with H.E. Edgar
Torrez Mosqueira Ambassador and First Secretary Claudia Rocabado
Mrden, who reiterated the importance for President Evo Morales and
the Bolivian government to condemn the genocide and all human rights
atrocities. The two parties exchanged on similarities (both countries
being landlocked, for example) and between the two countries and
insisted on establishing a more lasting and active friendship between
the Armenian Canadian community, Armenia and Bolivia.

Before leaving, Ambassador Torrez insisted that he would remind
President Morales of the Armenian government's invitation to attend
the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in Armenia.



#8 Yervant1

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Posted 21 September 2016 - 10:12 AM

September 21, 2016  14:19
Armenian acting FM thanks Bolivian Parliament for Armenian Genocide recognition
On September 20, on the sidelines of the 71st regular session of the UN General Assembly, Acting Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bolivia David Choquehuanca, press service of the Armenian MFA informed. 52067.jpg

 

STEPANAKERT, SEPTEMBER 21, ARTSAKHPRESS: The sides discussed issues concerning the bilateral relations and cooperation within the framework of international organizations, attached importance to the establishment of friendship group in the parliaments and the holding of regular consultations between the Foreign Ministries of two countries.

Edward Nalbandian expressed gratitude for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by both houses of the Bolivian legislative body back in 2014 and emphasized that it was an important input of the Bolivian people in the fight for the international recognition of crimes against humanity.

In course of the meeting, views were exchanged on the current international and regional issues.

http://artsakhpress....ecognition.html






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