A group calling itself "Young Turks" is organizing an anti-Armenian demonstration April 22 on Times Square in New York under the slogan "Halt Armenian Lies." This demonstration is one more channel through which the anti-Armenian policies of Turkish authorities are being expressed.
In their quest for European Union membership–Turkish authorities are softening their positions and are allowing conferences in Turkey to discuss the history of Armenia’s–are stopping legal proceedings against Turkish intellectuals who acknowledge the Armenian genocide–and are expressing willingness to start bilateral talks. On the other hand–however–under the leadership of extremist organizations–the Turkish diaspora is embarking on an anti-Armenian crusade. The work of the Grey Wolves extremist organization is apparent in the anti-Armenian rally in Lyon–followed by the gathering in Berlin and now the demonstration in New York.
This Turkish initiative is a new challenge facing the Armenian nation. The Turkish authorities are embarking on this effort in order to influence public opinion and political authorities of various countries by using extremist elemen’s of the Turkish communities living in these countries.
This Turkish initiative cannot be allowed to continue and to grow. It is imperative that we act against it. You are all invited to a demonstration on April 22 to protest Turkish denial in all its forms–and to protest against local authorities which officially permit public expression of such denial.
Let us all stand together–confront–and put an end to any and all anti-Armenian and denialist Turkish policies.
–ARF Central Committee Eastern Region USA