06 08 2006 - PRESENCE OF TURKISH TROOPS IN LEBANON WOULD PERPETUATE INSTABILITY IN NEAR EAST

The European-Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy welcomes with relief the cease-fire that has put an end to the Israeli bombings of Lebanon and to the suffering of the people. The Federation also supports the International Community’s current efforts aimed at the normalization of the region under the aegis of the United Nations.

However, the European-Armenian Federation is gravely concerned about the possibility of Turkish troops participating in the peacekeeping force in this sensitive region.

«Let’s remember that Turkey is the old colonial power of the Near East with clear territorial ambitions vis-à-vis Arab countries. Turkey’s record of genocide, torture and suffering is permanently inscribed in the collective memory of the Lebanese. Furthermore, Turkey’s current abuse of its own ethnic minorities, including those of Arab nationality, is a well-known reality in the region,» declared Hilda Tchoboian, chairwoman of the European-Armenian Federation.

«The presence of Turkish troops in an international force would be a serious mistake with dire consequences for the peacekeeping operations. Turkey is not a peacemaker. Turkish forces will only aggravate the current delicate situation in South Lebanon by adding Turkey’s own regional liabilities to
the present complexities in Lebanon. After so much suffering, the Lebanese people deserve better,» added Hilda Tchoboian.

The European-Armenian Federation also emphasizes that Turkish troops would be particularly ineffective and inappropriate due to the fundamental conflict of interest between their responsibility as credible and responsible peacekeepers and the higher national interests of Turkey anchored in the extensive requirements of its military and strategic alliance with Israel.

The Federation therefore urges the International Community to make a more suitable choice for the makeup of the UN peacekeeping force.


EUROPEAN ARMENIAN FEDERATION
for Justice and Democracy
Avenue de la Renaissance 10
B-1000 Bruxelles
Tel: +322 732 70 26
Tel/Fax: +322 732 70 27
Email: contact@eafjd.org

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
August 23, 2006
Contact: Vartenie ECHO
Tel: +322 732 70 26

V.V