050324 - AGENZIA DI ARMENI CIPRIOTI, GIBRAHAYER

AGENZIA DI NOTIZIE DI ARMENI CIPRIOTI
GIBRAHAYER = Armeni Ciprioti

THE ARMENIAN COMMUNITY RESPONDS TO THE CYPRUS MAIL
Nicosia - Thursday 17 March, 2005. On Thursday March 10, 2005 The Cyprus Mail published a letter from Nicos Margolis from London which touched important political issues related to the Armenian community of Cyprus, the Annan Plan, as well as prospects for reunification.
A campaign in a local English-language newspaper initiated by Gibrahayer e-magazine last week, sent a loud and clear message to all Cypriots.
The Cyprus Mail is receiving tens of letters from the Armenian community of Cyprus.
With this special edition, Gibrahayer are publishing the emails received until today and the responses from community members, that have appeared in the Cyprus Mail during the past week.

Gibrahayer e-magazine
Simon Aynedjian
_________________
THE LETTER: ARMENIANS TOO MUST WORK FOR REUNIFICATION

Sir,
While 75% of Greek Cypriots voted against the Annan plan, a far higher figure - almost 100% - of Armenian Cypriots voted "NO".
However, according to reports, Armenian reasons were not based upon economics, the return of refugees or territory, but on a visceral distrust of Turks (and Turkish Cypriots - they fail to distinguish between the two).
Much as I sympathise with the Armenian suffering at the hands of the Turks and condemn the 1915 Genocide, I believe as a "YES" voter and a Greek Cypriot, that they have no right to hinder reunification efforts in Cyprus today.
It makes me angry that they voted, to keep my country and my people divided. Preservation of the wall of divide is both unforgivable and against the interests of Cyprus.
I have many good Turkish Cypriot friends who in the face of intimidation are bravely fighting for reunification. Ancestral hatreds have no place in Cyprus, an island that needs more love, not hate. Armenians should contribute toward unification efforts.

Nicos Margolis - London
_________________________

THE RESPONSE
Dear sir,
It was with great interest that I came across a letter by Nicos Margolis of London re the reunification process in Cyprus published in The Cyprus Mail on 10 March 2005.
He distinguishes between Armenians and Greek Cypriots suggesting that 'only' 75% of the latter voted no whereas almost 100% of the former voted yes. He then goes further to suggest that Armenians 'have no right to hinder reunification efforts in Cyprus today' suggesting that they are doing so for the wrong reasons. He is directly implying that brave Turkish Cypriots are working hard to reunite the island whereas the Armenians are being singled out as obstructing the process.

May I make three succinct(ish) points.
Firstly, in a democratic process people are allowed, by secret ballot, to vote according to their views. If Mr Margolis thinks that Armenians vote collectively (ie like a herd of sheep incapable of weighing the pros and cons of a particular issue as individuals) he is guilty of simplistic generalisation. I know Armenian Cypriots who voted yes and many more who voted no. That is their right and should be respected. For many of us the Armenian experience simply cannot be ignored when voting and it is, frankly, unsurprising that many Armenian Cypriots voted no. Individual Armenian Cypriots are as capable as any hyphenated Cypriots of weighing the pros and cons of the reunification package before them before casting their votes.
'Wrong' reasons simply mean 'at times different' here and Mr Margolis, if he possesses any shred of intelligence, ought to be able to grasp that.
Secondly, Mr Margolis initially refers to us as Armenian Cypriots and later as Armenians. May I remind him, for clarification purposes lest he be confused, that we are Armenian Cypriots. Cyprus welcomed our grandparents after the Genocide and many of us, 3rd and 4th generation Cypriots, feel 100% Cypriot and 100% Armenian. Many of us can and do distinguish between Turks and Turkish Cypriots.
Thirdly, Mr Margolis's argument that singles out Armenians as indeed hindering the reunification process is wholly bankrupt. I personally find it rather racist that he singles the Armenians out in this way and it strikes me as if he desperately needs to find a scapegoat for a result he disagrees with.
Does he seriously believe that the votes of 2000 Armenian Cypriots are the reason why Cyprus is being kept divided? If he really does I have just wasted 10 minutes of my life composing this letter instead of enjoying an asado and a cheeky malbec in the Buenos Aires sunshine.
With all best wishes,
Yours sincerely,

Vazken K Davidian - London, Buenos Aires
Mr Kosta Pavlowitch
The Editor
Cyprus Mail
Dear Sir,

I refer to the letter of Nicos Margolis of London, in the Cyprus Mail of 10th March entitled "Armenians Too Must Work for Reunification"
On the face of it, this was a benign letter, giving the impression that Mr Margolis was simply thinking of spreading love and not hate (a sentiment with which I thoroughly concur).
Upon more careful consideration however, there seems to be more to this than meets the eye. He says: "..they voted to keep MY country and MY people divided..." (my capital and bold letters). How are his people divided? How many Greek Cypriots live in Turkish Cyprus - unless he is considering the Turkish Cypriots as HIS people also?
Mr Margolis says: "they" (the Armenians) "have no right to hinder...."
Does this mean that Mr Margolis considers that 75% of the Greek Cypriots have the right to vote as they choose but not the Armenian Cypriots?
I do not know whether Mr Margolis lives permanently in United Kingdom or he is only a temporary resident. Whichever it is, there are many thousands of Cypriot Greeks who permanently live in Britain. Does he think that these Greeks do not have the right to vote as they see fit in matters that concern Britain, of which they are part?

Whatever his reason to attack the Armenians, I think he had better declare the true reason for his letter.
Presumably 75% of the Cypriot Greeks do not agree with him that the Armenians should have voted in accordance with the wishes of Mr Margolis.

Tatto Couligian - United Kingdom
My comments:
Nicos Margolis reminds me of the perennial appeaser. "If I am nice to you, then maybe you will be nice to me." However, it never works. Nicos claims to have Turkish friends. Are they on Cyprus or are they in London where he prefers to live? "I have many good Turkish Cypriot friends who in the face of intimidation are bravely fighting for reunification," says Nicos. Of course, they are "bravely fighting for reunification," since it is in their own best interest that the pro-Turk Cyprus plan was developed by Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the most corrupt organization in U.N. history!
Nicos writes of "ancient hatred." However, as recently as 1974, Turkish troops invaded Cyprus where they went on a killing rampage, so this is not "ancient hatred." During a call-in show on the well-respected C-SPAN program here in the states, a Greek Cypriot woman called into the program and said that her 8-year old twin sister was beheaded by Turks right before her eyes. This is not "ancient hatred." This is within her own lifetime.
During a visit to Constantinople (now Istanbul), it was only towards the end of the evening did our tour guide tell us that she was not a Turk - that she was of Greek ethnicity. However, she had to take a Turkish name in order to get a job or an apartment. This is nothing less than ethnic cleansing, perhaps an indication of what the Turks have in mind for the Greek and Armenian Cypriots?
As for Asia minor, not only do the Turks refuse to apologize for their barbarity, they refuse to even acknowledge that they committed the genocide of Armenians, Pontic Greeks and Assyrians.
If Nicos truly has the good of Cyprus in mind, then he should move there permanently, without his haven in London to escape to should the Turks renew their efforts to eradicate or subjugate all Christians on Cyprus.

Stella L. Jatras - USA
Dear Mr Kosta Pavlowitch,
I am writing to you in response to a letter you published by Nicos Margolis on his comments about Armenian Cypriots hindering reunification of the island.
I believe this is the misguided opinion of one person and I would love to know where he got his “almost 100% - of Armenian Cypriots voted "NO" “ figure from – unless he was standing over every Armenian at the ballot box. However the tone and attitude of his letter is indicative of the type of behaviour that has divided Cyprus into two parts already.
Not all Armenians voted NO, but as it was obvious at the time, the media and public intimidation of the “NO” voters was very strong, and most YES voters kept their opinions for the ballot box, Armenians included.
Cyprus is not only the home of Mr Margolis (he doesn’t even live here from what I gather), but to all people who by fate, chance, luck or misfortune happen to have temporary custody of this small island in the Eastern Mediterranean.

I for one, with my family, campaigned for a YES vote throughout all the hysteria leading up to the referendum, which happened to be held on the day (24 April) when the Armenian Nation as a whole remembers the Genocide perpetuated against them by the Ottoman Empire in 1915.
Mr Margolis’ labeling and demonising the Armenians for voting NO is wholly indicative of the xenophobic and racist attitude of many people living on Cyprus. The Armenians of Cyprus, who despite tracing their roots back to the 10th century, are still classified as 3rd class citizens under the 1960 segregationist constitution of Cyprus, which by law and design, has systematically marginalised all minorities, and trying to blame the for preventing Mr Margolis from enjoying a rdink in a London café with his friends is all but a joke!
Everyone is responsible for the re-unification of Cyprus, and I suggest as he is so passionate about his convictions, he take the next flight to one of the 3 airports on the island and give us all a helping hand.
Arto Malian www.arto.com.cy Larnaca - Cyprus

Cyprus Mail,
The Editor,
Mr. Kosta Pavlowitch,
Nicosia, March 11, 2005
Dear Sir,
With regret, amazement and a healthy doze of amusement I read a letter published in the Cyprus Mail on March 10 signed by a Nikos Margolis of London.
First of all, I would like to point out to Mr. Margolis that unfortunately, in my opinion, not all Armenians voted ‘No’ to the infamous ‘Anan 5’ as I personally am familiar with at least 20 families who voted ‘Yes’ to that concoction.
Second, economics and financial considerations, contrary to what Mr. M seems to think, should never be the primary consideration when deciding crucial national issues such as the acceptance of plans which would set the path for generations to come. As for the matter of the return of refugees to their homes, I suggest Mr. M reads the plan one more time and gets his maths correct. Furthermore, I would like to point out to Mr. M that before passing judgments and expressing opinions, he should familiarize himself with the history of the communities and the actual facts.
Third, Mr. M should know that the Armenian community in Cyprus, despite having very strong feelings towards the Turks regarding the Genocide and the return of the Armenian historical homeland in Eastern Turkey to its rightful owners, was probably the only community in Cyprus who had so close and friendly relationships with the Turkish Cypriots, who used to live in Cyprus. Armenians and Turkish Cypriots used to live side by side and trade together, despite all that divided them. I suggest that Mr. M (living in the UK), should stop giving lessons of behavior to Cypriots (Armenian or not) who continue to live and work in Cyprus.
And last but not least, the ‘Anan 5’ was judged by the majority of Cypriots as not being the plan which would reunify Cyprus. The majority of Cypriots felt that ‘Anan 5’ did not address the aspirations of the people of Cyprus for a unified, homogeneous and stable country. Mr. M seems to forget a crucial – no, the most crucial - part of the equation: Turkey, who has total control of all in the north - in the occupied parts of Cyprus. As a result, the Turkish Cypriots, for all their doubtful
intentions and desires for a solution, have no say in their present or future. It seems to me, that the sole concern a lot of the Turkish Cypriots have is their economic well-being and that they would be very happy if the south, the lawful government of Cyprus and the population under that government, poured aid into the North. They would be happy if countries like the UK and the US continue sending aid to them and continue pampering them.
Voting ‘Yes’ would have constituted legalizing Turkish involvement and hegemony in Cyprus and would have constituted putting our signature for a ‘carte blanche’ for Turkey to continue its stay in Cyprus.
Armenians, Greeks and all those who said ‘No’ to ‘Anan 5’ said just that. They rejected that particular plan.
I believe it is the wish and resolve of all Cypriots to see their island reunified, so that all the people and communities on the island can live together, prosper together and build their future together.
The object is, and should be, to find a solution acceptable by the majority of the people of the island, for the sake of all the people of the island.
Mr. M would be wise to have this in mind in his future choices and judgments.
Regards,


Jean Ipdjian Nicosia - Cyprus
Dear Kosta Pavlowitch,
I am an Armenian Cypriot that has been born and raised here in Cyprus. I am writing you about the letter of Nicos Margolis from London regarding the Armenian Cypriot Community of Cyprus voting in the Referendum of the Anan Plan.
As a person feeling great pride for both my ethnicities it is my duty to defend myself and my people with any means necessary.
Mr Margolis said that he is angry because we have voted 'NO' and have affected the results of the Referendum. Also that we voted 'NO' due our personal hate towards the Turks, and not because of "economics, the return of refugees or territory".
First of all 75% of the Greek Cypriots have voted 'NO'. The Armenian Community of Cyprus barely reaches the number of 3000, so i find it hard to believe that it has really affected the result.
Second, we ourselves are also respected, and recognized by the Government, as Cypriot citizens. I believe that we have all been greatly offended by the accusations of Mr Margolis. As Cypriot citizens we do care about Cyprus, and all the problems it faces. Cyprus is our home.
Third, the spokesman of the Armenian Community Mr Kalaydjian has called on Armenians to vote 'YES' in the Referendum. How can Mr Margolis then say that every single Armenian Cypriot has voted 'NO' 100%.
I personally am a 'NO' vote, but not because of my Armenian pride, but because of my personal opinion on what the results of a 'YES' vote would be.
Mr Margolis should apologize to the Armenian Cypriot community for all of his accusations.
We are Cypriot citizens, we live here, Cyprus is our home and we greatly love this island. We also have the right to vote and speak our minds. Cyprus is a Democracy not the Soviet Union.
Thank you for your time,
Yours Sincerely,

Garabed Meguerdijian Limassol - Cyprus
The Editor
Cyprus Mail
For Publication.

Dear Editor,
Regarding the letter of Nicos Margolis of London telling the Armenians of Cyprus to work for the reunification of the island, sadly Mr Margolis hasn't learned the hard lessons of history, reunification of the island cannot and should not be at the expense of the majority Greek population, the fact of the matter is that Turkey should pull it's illegal troops out of northern Cyprus in order to let the two communities sort their problems out freely instead of holding the barrel of gun at the head of the Greeks.
The Armenians don't need any lectures from Mr Margolis or anyone else when they have been fighting throughout the years for the unification of the Armenian Nation under one roof, sadly seven tenths of Armenia is now occupied by Turkey. Mr Margolis should reflect on these points before writing such offensive articles.
Your sincerely,

Mihran Keheyian - London - United Kingdom
Sir,
It is not by ancestral hatred that Armenians voted NO, but because the Turks have nothing to do in Cyprus, let them return where they came from in 1974 when they invaded Cyprus. I know Armenian families who lost their house and shop and had to go in foreign countries with their children, just because the Turks were bad against them. They just wanted to live in peace !
Yours truly,
Louise Kiffer - France
Dear Mr Kosta.
I am e-mailing you referring back to the article that was published in the Cyprus Mail on the 10th of March 2005 concerning the reunification of Cyprus written by Nicos Margolis of London. I would like to ask Nicos the following:
As you have stated in your opening paragraph, 75% of all Greek Cypriots voted NO to the Annan plan. That means that 75% of all eligible Greek Cypriot voters in a population of about 750 000 people voted NO. Now, my question to you is, why attack the Armenian Cypriot community with a population of about 3000 ? Shouldn't you be more concerned with the Greek Cypriots ??? And you say that it makes you angry that a handful of Armenian Cypriots voted no, what about your people ?
I am not the type of person to read any article that is anti-Armenian ( with no right ) and do nothing about it. I believe that after 1.5 Million Armenians were brutally murdered during the genocide in 1915, all Armenians should stand together throughout the world and try to educate people like you that for one or other reason, have something against Armenians.
Just to finish off my response to your anti-Armenian article, I would like to add this comment. I would be more than happy to meet with you and discuss the above over a cup of coffee sometime but that can not happen as I am in Cyprus ( Your country as you mentioned in your article ) and you are in London.

Antranig Paroian - Nicosia - Cyprus
Sir,
One might have dismissed the recent letter of Nicos Margolis, of London to the Editor of The Cyprus Mail as unfortunate, lacking in substance and therefore unworthy of a response but when The Editor of The Cyprus Mail sanctions the printing of a letter that makes completely unfounded allegations against members of the Armenian community of Cyprus, the matter becomes more serious.
One could argue that the Cyprus Mail is simply making its columns available to its readers to facilitate their democratic right, to express publicly their personal views. Mr. Margolis, however, is not expressing an opinion or a view, but is making wild and unsubstantiated accusations and the Cyprus Mail is providing the platform for this venomous attack. Is the upholding of democratic rights tantamount to allowing individuals with an imagined grievance to attack others through the medium of a letter to the editor without offering a shred of evidence for their outburst?
And now some pertinent questions. Armenian Cypriots voted at polling stations spread all over the island and their votes were mixed with those of the Greek Cypriots and other communities. How does Mr. Margolis reach his conclusion that almost 100% of Armenian Cypriots voted "NO"? Also, what reports is Mr.Margolis quoting to reach the conclusion that Armenian Cypriots voted "NO" based on their visceral distrust of Turks? And what evidence does Mr. Margolis have to claim that Armenian Cypriots failed to distinguish between Turks and Turkish Cypriots?
But let us for arguement's sake assume for a moment that Mr. Margolis' claims are correct. Is Mr. Margolis telling us that Armenian Cypriot individuals do not have the same right as other Cypriots to vote whichever way they prefer? Is he telling us that no one can vote "NO" based on economic reasons or the return of refugees or territory but not on distrust of Turks? Does Mr. Margolis believe that the Cyprus problem is simply an issue between Greek and Turkish Cypriots with Turkey a mere uninterested party?
Mr. Margolis is also very angry with the Armenian Cypriots and warns them that they have no right to hinder a solution. It seems that a solution is just around the corner and these evil Armenian Cypriots who do not even make up 1% of the electorate are hindering the solution!
Armenian Cypriots also get lectured about the need to fight to bring down the wall of divide and bring about re-unification. Mr. Margolis should be reminded that Armenian Cypriots do not need his lectures, because they have never been involved in putting dividing lines between communities in the first place.
The Armenian Prelature of Cyprus
Sir,
Mr. Margolis has no clue what he is talking about. 100% voted "NO"? And how does he know that? He apparently must have talked to someone who voted "no" and deduced that everyone else did.
One could just as well claim that all Cypriots that live in London are narrow minded and ignorant, just on the basis of one letter...

Baret Kouyoumdjian - Nicosia
Sir,
I was very surprised and disappointed to read the letter sent to the Cyprus Mail by a Mr. Nicos Margolis on March 10, under the headline "Armenians too must work for reunification". Mr.Margolis claims that almost 100% of Armenian Cypriots voted "no" to the Annan Plan because they distrusted the Turks and the Turkish Cypriots and that "they have no right to hinder reunification efforts in Cyprus."
The Armenian Cypriots are an integral part of the Greek Cypriot community and most of them are affiliated with Greek Cypriot political parties and are naturally influenced by the media, as is everyone else. During the referendum they did not vote separately as Armenians but voted along with the Greek Cypriots, Maronites and Latins. How can anybody, especially Mr.Margolis, who is not a resident of Cyprus, but lives in London, know what percentage of the Armenians voted "yes" or "no"? I personally know many Armenians Cypriots who voted "yes" as well as many who voted "no" but after a free democratic referendum nobody is in a position to know exactly what percentage voted "yes" or "no".
I cannot understand how Mr.Margolis came to the conclusion that almost 100% of Armenian Cypriots voted "no" to the Annan Plan. I think it would be more appropriate for Mr.Margolis to have some facts or proof before making such statements. I can only assume that Mr. Margolis has been misinformed in London or is making unsubstantiated assumptions, otherwise he would not have written that letter.
Armenian Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots have always had good and friendly relations in the past and now that the border is open many Armenians and Turks who were old friends or acquaintances visit each other just as the Greeks and Turks do. I can assure Mr.Margolis that the Armenian Cypriots are hoping that there will be a fair solution before the end of this year so that our country can once again be united without borders where all Cypriots can live harmoniously just as they used to before the inter communal troubles began.

Bedros Kalaydjian
Armenian Representative,
House of Representatives
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