  CNN-Turk: vote for return of Christian churches is “America’s slap in Turkey's face” July 21, 2011 - 16:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Just a few hours ago, Armenian community of America won a battle for justice. The House Foreign Affairs Committee despite heavy attacks from the Turkish Lobby, voted 43 to 1 to press Turkey to return Armenian and other Christian churches. “We won this landmark victory in the face of years of Turkish lies about its supposed "tolerance," and despite its token conversion of a few ancient churches, like Akhtamar, into tourist museums,” Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Chairman Ken Hachikian said. According to Mr. Hachikian, Turkish government even tried to justify its confiscation of so-called "disused" churches by blaming Christians for abandoning them, entirely ignoring that thousands of parishes were destroyed through pre-meditated mass murder. “Our overwhelming victory has set off a firestorm in Turkey. CNN-Turk broke the news by calling it "an American slap in Turkey's face." The truth, of course, is, that it was simply a stand for freedom,” ANCA press service quoted him as saying.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia  Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28.Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia.Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports.Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |
