Armenian Issues

August 10, 2006

The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada,
Honourable Peter MacKay, Foreign Minister of Canada,

The human tragedy in Lebanon and Israel is reminiscent of Guernica. Most sacred assets of humankind, people, are being sacrificed because of gross miscalculations on both sides of the conflict. Irrespective of what euphemistic terms are used, war crimes are being committed. As Canadians of Armenian descent, we are acutely aware of the implications of being under the threat of terror and perceived annihilation of a nation, a country or territories since we share similar genocidal experiences. However, when the right to defend one’s country transforms into indiscriminate killing then it is abhorrent.

Without eventual implementation of all United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding the Middle East Crisis, it is highly unlikely that peace will prevail in the area. It is beyond comprehension not ending the present slaughter in a just manner, and which has all the potentials of solidifying resistance primarily against western interests in the region. It will render all the more difficult to accept mediation efforts in future.

Soon the United Nations Security Council will pass new resolutions. One of the elements will include deployment of an international military force. In addition to others, incorporating Turkish soldiers has been suggested. This is an extremely ill-advised proposal. It will be looked upon as a provocation which in itself may cause further destabilization. The Martyrs’ Square in the heart of Beirut is dedicated to the Lebanese victims, Christians and Muslims alike that suffered in the hands of the Ottoman Turks. Turkey may be an ally of USA or Israel, but the vast majority of the Lebanese will be unfriendly towards the presence of any Turkish units.

Signatories of this open letter do not represent any particular political party and they are not motivated by any political agenda. They have no illusions that power brokers will take this letter seriously, but they feel compelled to voice their conscience against war crimes in general and against atrocities committed thus far. They are strongly committed to Canada and Canadian values, and they are convinced that Canada can and will play a constructive role for brokering peace and eventual peacekeeping in the region.

Respectfully,

Ani Boghossian, Business Owner, Toronto
Artin Arzoumanian MD, Montreal
Artin Boghossian PhD, North York
Berge Minassian MD CM FRCP(C), Toronto
Dikran Abrahamian BA, MD, Penetanguishene
Haig Misakyan P. Eng, North York
Harry Dikranian LLB, BCL, MA, Montreal
Jack Sevakian, Management Consultant, Thornhill
Katia Peltekian MA, Toronto
Marie Injeyan BSc, Kingston
Vahe Balabanian MS Eng, Ottawa
Vako Nicolian BE, BSc, Scarborough
Viken L. Attarian P. Eng., MSc, MBA, Mount Royal

http://www.varnitec.com/OpenLetter/index.php