Turkish-Armenian conflict rears its head in Lebanon

assalam12 31/03/2015

Turkish-Armenian conflict rears its head in Lebanon - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
▻http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/03/lebanon-position-turkey-armenia-conflict-genocide.html

In this context, Lebanon has received two invitations: an invitation from Armenia to attend the official Yerevan ceremony, and another one from Turkey to participate in the ceremony commemorating the Battle of Gallipoli. This has ignited the Armenian-Turkish conflict within the Lebanese state. Christians are more inclined to refuse to participate in Ankara’s ceremony, in solidarity with the Lebanese Armenians who are represented in Beirut’s government and parliament, and to condemn Turkey’s role in Lebanon under the Ottoman occupation. Meanwhile, Sunnis are likely to take part in the Turkish ceremony, to maintain friendly ties and nurture political and economic co-operation.

Two different points of view are now expressed by two communities within the Cabinet and by two individuals who have received an Armenian and Turkish invitation — namely the prime minister, a Sunni, and the minister of foreign affairs, a Christian. The latter is expected to boycott the Ankara event, and the former or his representative is expected to boycott the Yerevan ceremony.

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