By Appo K. Jabarian
Managing Editor / Executive Publisher
USA Armenian Life Magazine
During a recent visit to Los Angeles, Hrant Dink, the
Istanbul-based Armenian Editor of “Agos” daily, made a
public appearance. He discussed current political
developments in Turkey. He also discussed his views
regarding the passage by the French Parliament of a
law punishing the denial of the Armenian Genocide.
After the lecture, members of the audience asked
questions and made comments. The following is the text
of the exchange between Mr. Dink and this writer:
Jabarian: A few years ago, when (“Marmara” daily’s
editor) Mr. Haddejian made a public appearance here
sponsored by the Organization of Istanbul Armenians,
he mentioned that the blue skies here (freedom in Los
Angeles – Ed.) do not resemble the blue skies there
(in oppressed Istanbul – Ed.). Now you’ve arrived in
(Los Angeles). And you’re welcome.The ideas that you
have expressed (recently) equating the Turkish
oppressive law no. 301 that suppresses the truth with
the French Parliament law that encourages the truth
about the facts of the Armenian genocide, have
troubled the readers (of USA Armenian Life Magazine).
How did you arrive at that conclusion? Are you really
convinced? Or is it under duress of fear (that you
have arrived at that conclusion)? Or, is the Turkish
government financing the “Agos” (daily)?
Dink: Ok, ok ok. Let me pretend that I haven’t heard
that (the last comment).
Jabarian: And my second question… Of course we do
not expect a courageous answer to that last question.
So, we’ll proceed to the second question.
At that point the pro-Dink individuals among the
audience, made much ado about this writer’s strongly
pointed question.
Jabarian: If we are gathered for a dialogue, let us
frankly discuss. If not, let me thank you and leave.
(Several audience members encouraged this writer to
carry on).
Jabarian: The second portion is the clear demand by
world Armenians that is comprised of two parts. No
Genocide recognition is included. I am agreeable with
you that we do not need Turkey’s or the Turks’
recognition (of the Armenian genocide), but we are
pursuing restoration of the occupied Western Armenian
lands to their rightful owners, the Armenians. Second,
we’re pursuing reparations. What is your position
regarding world Armenians’ two very important demands?
Dink: In regards of lands, the question that you are
presenting about land return, you’re asking the wrong
person. I am already living on these lands. That is a
wrong question. As for the reparations, let me tell
you, that’s a serious issue. But why are we waiting
for the recognition of the genocide? … I think that
the European Union’s courts can find a solution. As
for the insult that you hurled against me …
Jabarian: That was not an insult. That was a question.
Dink: As for the question about being in fear, ummm
… sometimes I forget what to say. Sometimes, yes I
am a human being, I have fears. I live in that country
(Turkey) with hardships. When the threats are directed
not against my self but against my family circle, then
I have fears. I say to my self ‘I have my right to do
my heroism. But can do heroism with the blood of my
child? I have second thoughts about that. Sometimes I
toy with the idea of taking my children and get out
(of Turkey). But I haven’t reached there. Later, we’ll
see. As for (…), for me it’s a serious question as
to how the (Turkish) law no. 301 is equated with the
France’s law. For me, that’s a serious question. The
answer to that is different: freedom of _expression.
… I expect that in that country (Turkey) every man
can speak the truth. … That’s our Armenian people’s
duty. I don’t know about yours, but it’s our duty to
them (the Turks) the truth. I work toward that end.
… Turkey does not compensate us. … Sometimes it
does compensate by imprisonment.
There is no question that individuals like Dink
deserve credit for enduring the Turkish occupation of
ancestral land. However, they are worthy of criticism
for going out of their way to please the denialist
Turkish government. On certain issues they can speak
volumes with their silence.
How can one reconcile the fact of previously existing
Jewish Holocaust anti-denial law in much of Europe
with Dink’s and Ankara’s unfair demand that the
veracity of the Armenian Genocide at the hands of
Turkey not be given the same treatment as the Jewish
Holocaust?
As for the denialist Turkish government’s tactics to
exploit individuals like Dink to perpetuate their
failed denialist state policy, one hopes that no
change in said policy occurs. With its obstinate
denialism, the Turkish government in reality
perpetuates self-inflicted political quick-sands.
The longer the Turkish political quicksand lasts, the
deeper the international political isolation of
Turkey.
As for Hrant Dink, I want to say: “I may disagree with
you fundamentally, but I still value your passion and
commitment. I just want to remind you to never
underestimate the deniers.”
Yorumlar kapatıldı.