Another message from Markar Melkonian in regards to the possible deployment of Armenian troops to Iraq.

Dear Friends,

Judging from reports we have received from Armenia, there is enormous opposition to the proposed deployment of Armenian troops to Iraq. If you were among the many people who sent an email opposing the deployment, you might have received the following message from the office of the foreign ministry of Armenia:

Dear _________,

Thank you for taking the time to write about your concerns regarding the issue of Armenians being sent to Iraq. It is indeed a complicated issue and your thoughts are useful and valuable.
Thank you.

Office of the Minister

Here is my response to that message:

Dear Madam/Sir:

Thank you for confirming receipt of my message.

I beg to differ with you, however: The issue at stake is no more complicated than many others. You might well be under a great of pressure from a foreign state, but this in no way mitigates the fact that, for the sake of Iraqi Armenians and for the sake of the Republic of Armenia, the conclusion is crystal clear: Do not send so much as one pair of Armenian boots to Iraqi soil. Any other decision will amount to incitement of violence against Iraqi Armenians and the voluntary political isolation of Armenia from its most valuable allies and neighbors.


Sincerely,

Markar Melkonian


When ministers use the phrase “complicated issue,” it often means that they are getting ready to make the wrong decision. In the wake of the U.S. election, we need to redouble our efforts to oppose the proposed deployment. If you have not yet sent a message expressing your opposition to the deployment, please take a moment to do so. Write to:

The Embassy of the Republic of Armenia, Washington DC:
amembusadm@msn.com

and

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia:
office@armeniaforeignministry.com
Attn: Mr. Vardan Oskanian

Explain that you oppose the proposed deployment of Armenian troops to Iraq. Remind them that such a deployment will adversely affect Armenia’s relations with its neighbors, especially Russia and Iran, and that it will isolate Armenia from its long-standing friends in the Arab countries. Remind them, too, that the deployment could precipitate bloodshed and a mass exodus of Armenians and other Christians from their country, Iraq.

Opposition to the deployment plan extends to Armenia’s own Defense and Foreign Ministries. We are indeed in a position to make a difference.



With much appreciation,

Markar Melkonian