News From Around the World
Brian O'Connor
Issue date: 4/27/05 Section: News
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Last weekend, hundreds upon thousands of Armenians gathered to recognize the 90th anniversary of the genocide still under political contemplation around the world. As Turkey, the nation Armenians hold responsible for the genocide, comes up for European Union consideration, many questions revolving around the issue go unanswered.
In the capital of Yerevan, Armenians from around the world gathered in mourning for those killed over 90 years ago during the fall of the Ottoman Empire. After a diaspora made many Armenians flee from there homes, many settled in North America and Europe, and the bulk of those on hand to remember the tragic events hailed from the two nations.
Currently, controversy swells as Turkey is up for nomination for the European Union, a membership that is expected to help the Turkish economy in many ways. To this day, Turkey has yet to acknowledge the genocide as fully as Armenians hope for, as they cite the nation for the atrocities incurred upon their nation during the First World War. Currently, nations such as Canada, France, and Russia all accept the actions as Genocide, while Turkey has stated that a close examination of facts is required before a decision can be made on the legitimacy of those claims.
AS RELATIONS CRUMBLE, JAPAN'S PM KOIZUMI URGED TO HALT SHRINE VISIT
In a Poll conducted by the Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbum, almost half of Japan's citizens polled feel that Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi should postpone the ceremonial visit to the Yasukuni Shrine, a trip viewed by Chinese citizens as giving praise to Japan's militaristic past.
About 48 percent of people responding to the survey said Koizumi should stop visiting the shrine, a shrine where convicted war criminals are honored with the rest of Japan's casualties of war. This figure increased by about ten percent when it was taken last year.
The poll was conducted a day after Koizumi met with Chinese President Hu Jintao, where both leaders agreed on mend ties after protests and riots in response to Japan's bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations security council. Chinese citizens supposedly took to the streets, claiming that government-sanctioned textbooks purposefully omitted historical facts regarding Japan's expansion during World War II.
FINAL SYRIAN MILITARY UNITS IN LEBANON SET TO WITHDRAW
The final Syrian presence in Lebanon left the nation last Sunday, accomplishing one of the final goals towards full withdrawal from the nation.
Witnesses viewed Syrian troops painting over graffiti, packing equipment, and taking belongings from buildings as the nation's forces leave Hezbollah strongholds throughout Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. For over 30 years, Syrian troops have called the region home, as the nation patrolled areas of the nation.
Last weekend, hundreds of Syrian troops withdrew from the area of Baalbek, a stronghold of the terrorist organization Hezbollah. On Sunday, intelligence officers left a checkpoint established shortly after Lebanon's civil war that began in 1976.
Residents from the reason said that throughout the weekend, Syrian trucks, troops, and other pieces of equipment went through town and over to the border out of Lebanon, and the stations once held by Syrian forces were patrolled by Lebanese troops.
While most of the troops have left the nation, about 750 to 1,000 Syrian soldiers remained in the nation until Tuesday. This withdrawal signals a change for Lebanon, as Syrian control is diminished, and autonomy comes into fuller effect for the country.
NEW POPE BENEDICT XVI CALLS FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY DURING INAUGURATION MASS
During his first official act as Pope, Benedict XVI called upon all Christians to unify despite differences in ideology during his first mass of the position. During the mass in St. Peter's square, Benedict XVI said, "Let us do all we can to pursue the path toward the unity," according to BBC News.
During the mass, Benedict XVI also acknowledged the Jewish people, stating that they shared a spiritual connection to the Christians hearkening back to biblical era. He also stated that his task did not involve the pursuance of his own ideas, but to be open to all ideas, and be "guided by the will of God."
Benedict XVI said, "Like a wave gathering force, my thoughts go out to all men and women of today, to believers and non-believers alike," addressing the crowd of 350,000 people that gathered for the open-air service.