Breaking news: gemeinsame tscherkessisch-armenische Erklärung!

Ich werde hier ausnahmsweise einen englischen Text einstellen und die deutsche Übersetzung nachreichen - die Ereignisse überschlagen sich.
Diese Meldung ist so unglaublich und bewegend, daß ich sie keine Minute länger hinter dem Berg halten möchte: Armenier und Tscherkessen, deren Beziehungen in der Vergangenheit mitunter auch alles andere als spannungsfrei waren, erklären sich solidarisch und sprechen sich gemeinsam gegen genozidale Gewalt aus. 

Zum Hintergrund dieses gemeinsamen Schrittes schreibt die armenische Webseite lragir.am folgendes:

What Have Armenians and Circassians Agreed?

What Have Armenians and Circassians Agreed?

Two days ago a group of representatives of the Armenian and Circassian communities in the United States visited the memorial stone to the victims of the Armenian Genocide and laid flowers in memory of victims of genocide of two peoples. Lragir.am talked to one of the participants of this action Edward Enfiajian, analyst at Geopolitical and Economic Institute of California, expert on the conflicts of the Caucasian and Black Sea regions. According to him, the genocide of Circassians is a sensitive issue for the Russians. “Eight months ago a group of veterans living in the United States met with the representatives of the Circassian community and agreed to support each other,” he noted. Two representatives of the Circassian community, the president of the World Circassian Congress Iyad Yugar and the head of the American Union of Circassians Ali Berkez met with the representatives of some Armenian organizations, including with Edward Enfiajian, the chairman of Hye Fund Bedros Hajian, veteran Vazgen Hovsepyan, Ashot Mirzoyan, Grigor Menejian. The representatives of the two peoples agreed to recognize the genocides and fight for recognition together. “Later on we decided to hold joint actions in the context of the common Caucasian home,” Enfiajian said. He draws parallels between the destinies of Armenians and Circassians. Both underwent genocide, only 15-20% of both peoples live in this homeland, and 80% is the Diaspora. The participants of the action expressed their fury with the treatment of Circassians in Russia as the Olympic town in Sochi was built in the place of a former Ubikh village while the Circassians were never mentioned. Besides, over 200 Circassian demonstrators were arrested. The Circassians are also angered by the Turkish Prime Minister Rejep Tayyip Erdogan who said to support them but eventually supported Vladimir Putin.

14:20 10/02/2014

Und hier der gemeinsame Aufruf, übernommen von http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/society/view/31892

Circassian Statement for Armenians
Circassians and Armenians, enduring tragedies, similar hopes
If anyone knows the Armenian people the way I know, my dear and lifelong Armenian friends, it is impossible not to be on their side. Once on their side there is an overwhelming emotions of respect, liking and trust for the sons and daughters of this Caucasian gallant small nation.Armenians always put their hearts and minds in everything they touch.They make the best of everything they do, and they never give up on perfecting life around them.I am a representative of the Diaspora of Circassians whose threatened and fearful people are losing their identity.  The courage and resilience of the Armenians in protecting their nation and its identity inside and outside Armenia is an example the Circassian people must follow.Just like Circassians, the Armenian nation has the overwhelming majority of its people living outside its fatherland. This is a result of a ruthless Genocide and forced expulsion committed against it and aimed at annihilating it. Away from Armenia, they adopted life in many countries attached to their culture and their identity, language and national aspirations. Bravely and tenaciously they will continue to survive.A human knowing the tragedy of the Armenians does not need any evidence whether there was genocide. Any living Armenian you meet outside Armenia is a living indisputable proof of the suffering and perseverance of this Caucasian nation and its people.As a Circassian, I know and recognize the suffering and the tragedy of my Armenian friends and their nation to be one of the worst Genocides in recorded human history. I have known countless credible stories of their sufferings.  There are many families among Circassians who adopted and raised as their own children orphaned Armenians who lost their parents in the Armenian Genocide.On behalf of many Circassians I fully recognize, without any exceptions, the suffering of the dear Armenian people to be a Genocide and urge all Circassians to know that recognizing the Armenian Genocide will serve preventing any future suffering of the Armenian , the Circassian people and all humanity.
Iyad YougharChairman,The International Circassian Council

 Armenian statement for Circassians
ABOUT CIRCASSIAN GENOCIDE PERPETRATED BY RUSSIAN STATE IN 1861-1864 - Based upon irrefutable historical facts testifying to the crimes committed by the Russian officials against the Circassian population, within their ancient Motherland, Circassia, during the years of 1861-1864; Being aware of the resembling destinies of Circassian and Armenian nations, which experienced similar tragedies, Being aware that part of the Armenian population of Western Armenia had resulted to live within the territories of Circassia in the course of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923.Acknowledging the annihilation of Circassians in Circassia according to the plans of Russian Administration, which further initiated "peoples' exchange" between Russia and Turkey, triggering the reasons for the tragedy of Armenian nation.Sharing with the brotherly Circassian nation, mutual Caucasian values and moralities.Remembering about the equality of the identities of Circassians and Armenian community of Circassia, known in history under the name of Cherkeso-Ghay.We, the representatives of Armenian communities of USA, united into organizations and associations,1. Condemn policies of Russian State, which organized the annihilation and deportation of the Circassians in 1861-1864, resulting into the drastic changes of the demographic situation in the Caucasus, and consider May 21st as a day of the Circassian Genocide.2. Urge the Governments of the Republic of Armenian, Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, and all the Armenian organizations worldwide join to and undersign our statement.
              
 2-nd Circassian statement Ali Berzeg
 STATEMENT OF THE CIRCASSIANS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Armenian communities of Circassia known under the name of Cherkeso-Ghai and Armenian Nation in general has been always considered by Circassians as friendly and brotherly people.Circassians and Armenians went through similar tragedies. Both nations undergone massacres and mass expulsions from their ancestral lands with further scattering worldwide.Armenian States the Republic of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh Republic constitute only smaller eastern part of the historical proper of Armenia.Situation with real Armenia and existing Armenian States resembles the one of Circassia and three Circassian Republics under the Russian colonial rule. All three Circassian Republics - Adyghea, Kabardey-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia are situated on an insignificant part of the actual Circassian proper.Since the 1915-23 Armenian population of the western Armenia has been predominantly lived apart of their Motherland and those few managed to stay home had to change their religion, assuring thus their loyalty to the Turks.People were forced to change their ancient ethnic marker "Armenian - Ermenli" into different one - Hemşinli, which is the name of sub-ethnic group. Exactly the same things were imposed upon Circassians by Russian rule . Millions of Circassians live outside of Circassia mainly in Turkey (about 5-6 millions) and those 10-12% who stayed in their country are administratively separated, given 4 different ethnic names, and are subject to inevitable assimilation if conditions will not change.Both nations Armenians and Circassians are deprived of their rights of unconditional repatriation to their respective Motherlands.It is clear to all civilized world that Armenian People were put through the Genocide committed by the Young Turks of the Ottoman Empire. Large number of various documents prove the intentional character of that crime. Even though Armenian Genocide is recognized by many countries members of UN and present Turkish Republic itself demonstrates more and more freedoms to discuss the issue of Armenian Genocide it is still remains unrecognized by the Turkey itself.We, the Circassian activists of USA proclaim our full support to the Armenian people in their noble cause to regain their right of restoration within the ancestral lands of Western Armenia. We also call our Circassian brothers residing in Turkey to follow our initiative and support the Armenians in their struggle as it is of the same nature as our own of returning to our beloved Circassia.

09:49 10/02/2014

Circassian Statement for ArmeniansCircassians and Armenians, enduring tragedies, similar hopesIf anyone knows the Armenian people the way I know, my dear and lifelong Armenian friends, it is impossible not to be on their side. Once on their side there is an overwhelming emotions of respect, liking and trust for the sons and daughters of this Caucasian gallant small nation.Armenians always put their hearts and minds in everything they touch.They make the best of everything they do, and they never give up on perfecting life around them.I am a representative of the Diaspora of Circassians whose threatened and fearful people are losing their identity.  The courage and resilience of the Armenians in protecting their nation and its identity inside and outside Armenia is an example the Circassian people must follow.Just like Circassians, the Armenian nation has the overwhelming majority of its people living outside its fatherland. This is a result of a ruthless Genocide and forced expulsion committed against it and aimed at annihilating it. Away from Armenia, they adopted life in many countries attached to their culture and their identity, language and national aspirations. Bravely and tenaciously they will continue to survive.A human knowing the tragedy of the Armenians does not need any evidence whether there was genocide. Any living Armenian you meet outside Armenia is a living indisputable proof of the suffering and perseverance of this Caucasian nation and its people.As a Circassian, I know and recognize the suffering and the tragedy of my Armenian friends and their nation to be one of the worst Genocides in recorded human history. I have known countless credible stories of their sufferings.  There are many families among Circassians who adopted and raised as their own children orphaned Armenians who lost their parents in the Armenian Genocide.On behalf of many Circassians I fully recognize, without any exceptions, the suffering of the dear Armenian people to be a Genocide and urge all Circassians to know that recognizing the Armenian Genocide will serve preventing any future suffering of the Armenian , the Circassian people and all humanity.Iyad YougharChairman,The International Circassian Council Armenian statement for CircassiansABOUT CIRCASSIAN GENOCIDE PERPETRATED BY RUSSIAN STATE IN 1861-1864 - Based upon irrefutable historical facts testifying to the crimes committed by the Russian officials against the Circassian population, within their ancient Motherland, Circassia, during the years of 1861-1864; Being aware of the resembling destinies of Circassian and Armenian nations, which experienced similar tragedies, Being aware that part of the Armenian population of Western Armenia had resulted to live within the territories of Circassia in the course of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923.Acknowledging the annihilation of Circassians in Circassia according to the plans of Russian Administration, which further initiated "peoples' exchange" between Russia and Turkey, triggering the reasons for the tragedy of Armenian nation.Sharing with the brotherly Circassian nation, mutual Caucasian values and moralities.Remembering about the equality of the identities of Circassians and Armenian community of Circassia, known in history under the name of Cherkeso-Ghay.We, the representatives of Armenian communities of USA, united into organizations and associations,1. Condemn policies of Russian State, which organized the annihilation and deportation of the Circassians in 1861-1864, resulting into the drastic changes of the demographic situation in the Caucasus, and consider May 21st as a day of the Circassian Genocide.2. Urge the Governments of the Republic of Armenian, Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, and all the Armenian organizations worldwide join to and undersign our statement. 2-nd Circassian statementAli BerzegSTATEMENT OF THE CIRCASSIANS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICAArmenian communities of Circassia known under the name of Cherkeso-Ghai and Armenian Nation in general has been always considered by Circassians as friendly and brotherly people.Circassians and Armenians went through similar tragedies. Both nations undergone massacres and mass expulsions from their ancestral lands with further scattering worldwide.Armenian States the Republic of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh Republic constitute only smaller eastern part of the historical proper of Armenia.Situation with real Armenia and existing Armenian States resembles the one of Circassia and three Circassian Republics under the Russian colonial rule. All three Circassian Republics - Adyghea, Kabardey-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia are situated on an insignificant part of the actual Circassian proper.Since the 1915-23 Armenian population of the western Armenia has been predominantly lived apart of their Motherland and those few managed to stay home had to change their religion, assuring thus their loyalty to the Turks.People were forced to change their ancient ethnic marker "Armenian - Ermenli" into different one - Hemşinli, which is the name of sub-ethnic group. Exactly the same things were imposed upon Circassians by Russian rule . Millions of Circassians live outside of Circassia mainly in Turkey (about 5-6 millions) and those 10-12% who stayed in their country are administratively separated, given 4 different ethnic names, and are subject to inevitable assimilation if conditions will not change.Both nations Armenians and Circassians are deprived of their rights of unconditional repatriation to their respective Motherlands.It is clear to all civilized world that Armenian People were put through the Genocide committed by the Young Turks of the Ottoman Empire. Large number of various documents prove the intentional character of that crime. Even though Armenian Genocide is recognized by many countries members of UN and present Turkish Republic itself demonstrates more and more freedoms to discuss the issue of Armenian Genocide it is still remains unrecognized by the Turkey itself.We, the Circassian activists of USA proclaim our full support to the Armenian people in their noble cause to regain their right of restoration within the ancestral lands of Western Armenia. We also call our Circassian brothers residing in Turkey to follow our initiative and support the Armenians in their struggle as it is of the same nature as our own of returning to our beloved Circassia. - See more at: http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/society/view/31892#sthash.HRr03Hfh.dpuf

Circassian Statement for ArmeniansCircassians and Armenians, enduring tragedies, similar hopesIf anyone knows the Armenian people the way I know, my dear and lifelong Armenian friends, it is impossible not to be on their side. Once on their side there is an overwhelming emotions of respect, liking and trust for the sons and daughters of this Caucasian gallant small nation.Armenians always put their hearts and minds in everything they touch.They make the best of everything they do, and they never give up on perfecting life around them.I am a representative of the Diaspora of Circassians whose threatened and fearful people are losing their identity.  The courage and resilience of the Armenians in protecting their nation and its identity inside and outside Armenia is an example the Circassian people must follow.Just like Circassians, the Armenian nation has the overwhelming majority of its people living outside its fatherland. This is a result of a ruthless Genocide and forced expulsion committed against it and aimed at annihilating it. Away from Armenia, they adopted life in many countries attached to their culture and their identity, language and national aspirations. Bravely and tenaciously they will continue to survive.A human knowing the tragedy of the Armenians does not need any evidence whether there was genocide. Any living Armenian you meet outside Armenia is a living indisputable proof of the suffering and perseverance of this Caucasian nation and its people.As a Circassian, I know and recognize the suffering and the tragedy of my Armenian friends and their nation to be one of the worst Genocides in recorded human history. I have known countless credible stories of their sufferings.  There are many families among Circassians who adopted and raised as their own children orphaned Armenians who lost their parents in the Armenian Genocide.On behalf of many Circassians I fully recognize, without any exceptions, the suffering of the dear Armenian people to be a Genocide and urge all Circassians to know that recognizing the Armenian Genocide will serve preventing any future suffering of the Armenian , the Circassian people and all humanity.Iyad YougharChairman,The International Circassian Council Armenian statement for CircassiansABOUT CIRCASSIAN GENOCIDE PERPETRATED BY RUSSIAN STATE IN 1861-1864 - Based upon irrefutable historical facts testifying to the crimes committed by the Russian officials against the Circassian population, within their ancient Motherland, Circassia, during the years of 1861-1864; Being aware of the resembling destinies of Circassian and Armenian nations, which experienced similar tragedies, Being aware that part of the Armenian population of Western Armenia had resulted to live within the territories of Circassia in the course of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923.Acknowledging the annihilation of Circassians in Circassia according to the plans of Russian Administration, which further initiated "peoples' exchange" between Russia and Turkey, triggering the reasons for the tragedy of Armenian nation.Sharing with the brotherly Circassian nation, mutual Caucasian values and moralities.Remembering about the equality of the identities of Circassians and Armenian community of Circassia, known in history under the name of Cherkeso-Ghay.We, the representatives of Armenian communities of USA, united into organizations and associations,1. Condemn policies of Russian State, which organized the annihilation and deportation of the Circassians in 1861-1864, resulting into the drastic changes of the demographic situation in the Caucasus, and consider May 21st as a day of the Circassian Genocide.2. Urge the Governments of the Republic of Armenian, Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, and all the Armenian organizations worldwide join to and undersign our statement. 2-nd Circassian statementAli BerzegSTATEMENT OF THE CIRCASSIANS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICAArmenian communities of Circassia known under the name of Cherkeso-Ghai and Armenian Nation in general has been always considered by Circassians as friendly and brotherly people.Circassians and Armenians went through similar tragedies. Both nations undergone massacres and mass expulsions from their ancestral lands with further scattering worldwide.Armenian States the Republic of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh Republic constitute only smaller eastern part of the historical proper of Armenia.Situation with real Armenia and existing Armenian States resembles the one of Circassia and three Circassian Republics under the Russian colonial rule. All three Circassian Republics - Adyghea, Kabardey-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia are situated on an insignificant part of the actual Circassian proper.Since the 1915-23 Armenian population of the western Armenia has been predominantly lived apart of their Motherland and those few managed to stay home had to change their religion, assuring thus their loyalty to the Turks.People were forced to change their ancient ethnic marker "Armenian - Ermenli" into different one - Hemşinli, which is the name of sub-ethnic group. Exactly the same things were imposed upon Circassians by Russian rule . Millions of Circassians live outside of Circassia mainly in Turkey (about 5-6 millions) and those 10-12% who stayed in their country are administratively separated, given 4 different ethnic names, and are subject to inevitable assimilation if conditions will not change.Both nations Armenians and Circassians are deprived of their rights of unconditional repatriation to their respective Motherlands.It is clear to all civilized world that Armenian People were put through the Genocide committed by the Young Turks of the Ottoman Empire. Large number of various documents prove the intentional character of that crime. Even though Armenian Genocide is recognized by many countries members of UN and present Turkish Republic itself demonstrates more and more freedoms to discuss the issue of Armenian Genocide it is still remains unrecognized by the Turkey itself.We, the Circassian activists of USA proclaim our full support to the Armenian people in their noble cause to regain their right of restoration within the ancestral lands of Western Armenia. We also call our Circassian brothers residing in Turkey to follow our initiative and support the Armenians in their struggle as it is of the same nature as our own of returning to our beloved Circassia. - See more at: http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/society/view/31892#sthash.HRr03Hfh.dpuf

Circassian Statement for ArmeniansCircassians and Armenians, enduring tragedies, similar hopesIf anyone knows the Armenian people the way I know, my dear and lifelong Armenian friends, it is impossible not to be on their side. Once on their side there is an overwhelming emotions of respect, liking and trust for the sons and daughters of this Caucasian gallant small nation.Armenians always put their hearts and minds in everything they touch.They make the best of everything they do, and they never give up on perfecting life around them.I am a representative of the Diaspora of Circassians whose threatened and fearful people are losing their identity.  The courage and resilience of the Armenians in protecting their nation and its identity inside and outside Armenia is an example the Circassian people must follow.Just like Circassians, the Armenian nation has the overwhelming majority of its people living outside its fatherland. This is a result of a ruthless Genocide and forced expulsion committed against it and aimed at annihilating it. Away from Armenia, they adopted life in many countries attached to their culture and their identity, language and national aspirations. Bravely and tenaciously they will continue to survive.A human knowing the tragedy of the Armenians does not need any evidence whether there was genocide. Any living Armenian you meet outside Armenia is a living indisputable proof of the suffering and perseverance of this Caucasian nation and its people.As a Circassian, I know and recognize the suffering and the tragedy of my Armenian friends and their nation to be one of the worst Genocides in recorded human history. I have known countless credible stories of their sufferings.  There are many families among Circassians who adopted and raised as their own children orphaned Armenians who lost their parents in the Armenian Genocide.On behalf of many Circassians I fully recognize, without any exceptions, the suffering of the dear Armenian people to be a Genocide and urge all Circassians to know that recognizing the Armenian Genocide will serve preventing any future suffering of the Armenian , the Circassian people and all humanity.Iyad YougharChairman,The International Circassian Council Armenian statement for CircassiansABOUT CIRCASSIAN GENOCIDE PERPETRATED BY RUSSIAN STATE IN 1861-1864 - Based upon irrefutable historical facts testifying to the crimes committed by the Russian officials against the Circassian population, within their ancient Motherland, Circassia, during the years of 1861-1864; Being aware of the resembling destinies of Circassian and Armenian nations, which experienced similar tragedies, Being aware that part of the Armenian population of Western Armenia had resulted to live within the territories of Circassia in the course of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923.Acknowledging the annihilation of Circassians in Circassia according to the plans of Russian Administration, which further initiated "peoples' exchange" between Russia and Turkey, triggering the reasons for the tragedy of Armenian nation.Sharing with the brotherly Circassian nation, mutual Caucasian values and moralities.Remembering about the equality of the identities of Circassians and Armenian community of Circassia, known in history under the name of Cherkeso-Ghay.We, the representatives of Armenian communities of USA, united into organizations and associations,1. Condemn policies of Russian State, which organized the annihilation and deportation of the Circassians in 1861-1864, resulting into the drastic changes of the demographic situation in the Caucasus, and consider May 21st as a day of the Circassian Genocide.2. Urge the Governments of the Republic of Armenian, Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, and all the Armenian organizations worldwide join to and undersign our statement. 2-nd Circassian statementAli BerzegSTATEMENT OF THE CIRCASSIANS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICAArmenian communities of Circassia known under the name of Cherkeso-Ghai and Armenian Nation in general has been always considered by Circassians as friendly and brotherly people.Circassians and Armenians went through similar tragedies. Both nations undergone massacres and mass expulsions from their ancestral lands with further scattering worldwide.Armenian States the Republic of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh Republic constitute only smaller eastern part of the historical proper of Armenia.Situation with real Armenia and existing Armenian States resembles the one of Circassia and three Circassian Republics under the Russian colonial rule. All three Circassian Republics - Adyghea, Kabardey-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia are situated on an insignificant part of the actual Circassian proper.Since the 1915-23 Armenian population of the western Armenia has been predominantly lived apart of their Motherland and those few managed to stay home had to change their religion, assuring thus their loyalty to the Turks.People were forced to change their ancient ethnic marker "Armenian - Ermenli" into different one - Hemşinli, which is the name of sub-ethnic group. Exactly the same things were imposed upon Circassians by Russian rule . Millions of Circassians live outside of Circassia mainly in Turkey (about 5-6 millions) and those 10-12% who stayed in their country are administratively separated, given 4 different ethnic names, and are subject to inevitable assimilation if conditions will not change.Both nations Armenians and Circassians are deprived of their rights of unconditional repatriation to their respective Motherlands.It is clear to all civilized world that Armenian People were put through the Genocide committed by the Young Turks of the Ottoman Empire. Large number of various documents prove the intentional character of that crime. Even though Armenian Genocide is recognized by many countries members of UN and present Turkish Republic itself demonstrates more and more freedoms to discuss the issue of Armenian Genocide it is still remains unrecognized by the Turkey itself.We, the Circassian activists of USA proclaim our full support to the Armenian people in their noble cause to regain their right of restoration within the ancestral lands of Western Armenia. We also call our Circassian brothers residing in Turkey to follow our initiative and support the Armenians in their struggle as it is of the same nature as our own of returning to our beloved Circassia. - See more at: http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/society/view/31892#sthash.HRr03Hfh.dpuf

Circassian Statement for ArmeniansCircassians and Armenians, enduring tragedies, similar hopesIf anyone knows the Armenian people the way I know, my dear and lifelong Armenian friends, it is impossible not to be on their side. Once on their side there is an overwhelming emotions of respect, liking and trust for the sons and daughters of this Caucasian gallant small nation.Armenians always put their hearts and minds in everything they touch.They make the best of everything they do, and they never give up on perfecting life around them.I am a representative of the Diaspora of Circassians whose threatened and fearful people are losing their identity.  The courage and resilience of the Armenians in protecting their nation and its identity inside and outside Armenia is an example the Circassian people must follow.Just like Circassians, the Armenian nation has the overwhelming majority of its people living outside its fatherland. This is a result of a ruthless Genocide and forced expulsion committed against it and aimed at annihilating it. Away from Armenia, they adopted life in many countries attached to their culture and their identity, language and national aspirations. Bravely and tenaciously they will continue to survive.A human knowing the tragedy of the Armenians does not need any evidence whether there was genocide. Any living Armenian you meet outside Armenia is a living indisputable proof of the suffering and perseverance of this Caucasian nation and its people.As a Circassian, I know and recognize the suffering and the tragedy of my Armenian friends and their nation to be one of the worst Genocides in recorded human history. I have known countless credible stories of their sufferings.  There are many families among Circassians who adopted and raised as their own children orphaned Armenians who lost their parents in the Armenian Genocide.On behalf of many Circassians I fully recognize, without any exceptions, the suffering of the dear Armenian people to be a Genocide and urge all Circassians to know that recognizing the Armenian Genocide will serve preventing any future suffering of the Armenian , the Circassian people and all humanity.Iyad YougharChairman,The International Circassian Council Armenian statement for CircassiansABOUT CIRCASSIAN GENOCIDE PERPETRATED BY RUSSIAN STATE IN 1861-1864 - Based upon irrefutable historical facts testifying to the crimes committed by the Russian officials against the Circassian population, within their ancient Motherland, Circassia, during the years of 1861-1864; Being aware of the resembling destinies of Circassian and Armenian nations, which experienced similar tragedies, Being aware that part of the Armenian population of Western Armenia had resulted to live within the territories of Circassia in the course of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923.Acknowledging the annihilation of Circassians in Circassia according to the plans of Russian Administration, which further initiated "peoples' exchange" between Russia and Turkey, triggering the reasons for the tragedy of Armenian nation.Sharing with the brotherly Circassian nation, mutual Caucasian values and moralities.Remembering about the equality of the identities of Circassians and Armenian community of Circassia, known in history under the name of Cherkeso-Ghay.We, the representatives of Armenian communities of USA, united into organizations and associations,1. Condemn policies of Russian State, which organized the annihilation and deportation of the Circassians in 1861-1864, resulting into the drastic changes of the demographic situation in the Caucasus, and consider May 21st as a day of the Circassian Genocide.2. Urge the Governments of the Republic of Armenian, Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, and all the Armenian organizations worldwide join to and undersign our statement. 2-nd Circassian statementAli BerzegSTATEMENT OF THE CIRCASSIANS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICAArmenian communities of Circassia known under the name of Cherkeso-Ghai and Armenian Nation in general has been always considered by Circassians as friendly and brotherly people.Circassians and Armenians went through similar tragedies. Both nations undergone massacres and mass expulsions from their ancestral lands with further scattering worldwide.Armenian States the Republic of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh Republic constitute only smaller eastern part of the historical proper of Armenia.Situation with real Armenia and existing Armenian States resembles the one of Circassia and three Circassian Republics under the Russian colonial rule. All three Circassian Republics - Adyghea, Kabardey-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia are situated on an insignificant part of the actual Circassian proper.Since the 1915-23 Armenian population of the western Armenia has been predominantly lived apart of their Motherland and those few managed to stay home had to change their religion, assuring thus their loyalty to the Turks.People were forced to change their ancient ethnic marker "Armenian - Ermenli" into different one - Hemşinli, which is the name of sub-ethnic group. Exactly the same things were imposed upon Circassians by Russian rule . Millions of Circassians live outside of Circassia mainly in Turkey (about 5-6 millions) and those 10-12% who stayed in their country are administratively separated, given 4 different ethnic names, and are subject to inevitable assimilation if conditions will not change.Both nations Armenians and Circassians are deprived of their rights of unconditional repatriation to their respective Motherlands.It is clear to all civilized world that Armenian People were put through the Genocide committed by the Young Turks of the Ottoman Empire. Large number of various documents prove the intentional character of that crime. Even though Armenian Genocide is recognized by many countries members of UN and present Turkish Republic itself demonstrates more and more freedoms to discuss the issue of Armenian Genocide it is still remains unrecognized by the Turkey itself.We, the Circassian activists of USA proclaim our full support to the Armenian people in their noble cause to regain their right of restoration within the ancestral lands of Western Armenia. We also call our Circassian brothers residing in Turkey to follow our initiative and support the Armenians in their struggle as it is of the same nature as our own of returning to our beloved Circassia. - See more at: http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/society/view/31892#sthash.HRr03Hfh.dpuf