KESSAB
Aram I Proposes Kessab Demilitarization to UN On March 27, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia had a phone conversation with Jeffrey Feltman, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs. Jeffrey Feltman told His Holiness that the UN is concerned about the situation in Kessab and added that he discussed the issue with United Nations-Arab League Special Representative for Syria Lakhdar Brahimi, as well as the Armenian and Turkish Ambassadors to the UN. Aram I briefed the UN representative on the current situation in Kessab, especially emphasizing the role of the Turkish government. The Catholicos suggested that
the UN discuss the demilitarization of Kessab. Feltman said the suggestion was constructive and promised to consult with Lakhdar Brahimi on the issue. Aram I also received on Firday a delegation of Armenian members of parliament. His Holiness discussed the situation in Kessab and Latakia with the lawmakers and explained the work that the Catholicosate of Cilicia is doing, including consultations with political and diplomatic leaders. The Catholicos voiced his appreciation for President Serzh Sarkisian s support and particularly his political and diplomatic activity.
Statement from NDP Foreign Affairs Critic Paul Dewar on attacks in Kessab
NDP Foreign Affairs critic Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre) has issued the following statement regarding the attacks in Kessab: "New Democrats continue to be shocked by the terrible violence of the conflict in Syria, which has killed over 120,000 people and displaced millions of civilians. I am deeply saddened by the recent attacks by extremist militants on the ancient and culturally
significant Armenian community of Kessab and the forced evacuation of its residents. "Such attacks on civilians, and the targeting of ethnic or religious minorities, are unacceptable and must be vigourously condemned by the international community. The perpetrators should be brought to justice. "The NDP has written to the Minister of Foreign Affairs to request that Canada set aside a portion of its humanitarian assistance for the conflict in Syria to specifically ensure that minority groups, including ethnic and religious minorities such as Armenian and
Christian populations, receive the help they need. Canada should show leadership in targeting its assistance to help those most at risk from the devastating physical, social, and economic impacts of the Syrian conflict. "The Government of Canada must also work in concert with its international partners to maximize civilian protections in Syria and the surrounding region. Canada should also play a leading role in pursuing a lasting political solution that includes security, justice, and peace for all people in Syria."
²äðÆÈ 2014 Â. î²ðÆ, ÂÆô 102
27
Australian politician speaks in support of Kessab Armenians The Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia) reports that the Member for Davidson, Jonathan O Dea has raised the plight of Syrian-Armenians in the Kessab region in the New South Wales Parliament. On the floor of the Parliament, O Dea stated: "I recognise the substantial number of Armenians in the Davidson electorate who contribute positively and constructively to our society. Some of my constituents have recently raised concerns about reported various ongoing attacks by Al-Qaeda affiliated foreign fighters targeting the civilian population in the predominantly Armenian region of Kessab in Syria. Churches, homes and livelihoods have reportedly been destroyed and people have been taken hostage, forcing the population to flee to neighbouring towns. Common among the innocent civilians targeted are the descendants of Armenians who settled in the local towns after escaping from the Ottoman Turkish authorities between 1915 and 1923. I recognise and endorse the view of people in my electorate that the international community should assist to cease any human rights violations in Syria." ANC Australia Executive Director, Vache Kahramanian, remarked: "On behalf of the Armenian-Australian I thank the Mr. O Dea for his firm stance on the Kessab issue. The international community has a moral obligation to condemn Turkey for its aggression against the Armenian community of Kessab, who are direct survivors of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Kahramanian added.