‘Anguish and Policy’ Over Martyrs Day Resolution

Your editorial stated that the Armenian community has “not matched the fervor of their denunciation of the Turks with a denunciation of the Armenian terrorism that still, 70 years after those dreadful events, preys on Turkish nationals.”

In my remarks to more than 500 persons at an Armenian National Committee dinner on Jan. 22, 1984, I said the following:

“How painful it is, for me, to observe the expenditure of the lives of our youth on commando raids in an undeclared war across the world. To thirst for justice is one thing, to be bloodthirsty is quite another.

“Let me be blunt, and I make no reference to any specific instance. In my view, when the life of one human being is diminished we are all diminished. Unfortunately, in certain quarters, there has been a smug acceptance and encouragement of terroristic acts--accomplished in the Armenian name and under the cover of various disguises and motives.

“On this occasion then, as you honor me, let my voice be heard. These acts of violence covering the last decade, should have never begun and must be stopped--everywhere. We should remember from whence we came and who we are. As the first nation to adopt Christianity as its religion, it is not our destiny to join ranks with historical killers and try to outdo them. For when we do, we become no better, and in sorryful fact--are perceived by the world community--as something even worse.”

ARMAND ARABIAN

Encino

Arabian is a justice of the 2nd District Court of Appeal.