Dikran Izmirlian: The Armenian Peanut Tycoon

It is always fun to find out about wealthy and influential Armenian figures around the world, though admittedly more so when their source of wealth stems from a near-monopoly of the peanut!

The firm's principal shareholder has been identified as Dikran Izmirlian, 77, who made his fortune by creating a near-monopoly on the world's peanut market. Izmirlian, who is of Armenian descent, is chairman and chief executive of Alimenta, a company that has built up a big interest in the Gambian peanut, or groundnut, market.

Despite holding a Swiss passport, Dikran Izmirlian has roots in Armenia. In 1994 he established the Izmirlian Foundation in Armenia's capital, Yerevan, to support education and business in the country. Other philanthropic work involves funding construction work at the city's university library, military academy and religious institutions.

I can't promise that my hatred for peanuts will disappear, but at least we have identified another Armenian who has made a mark on the world!

Source: The Sunday Times, May 23, 2004

Turkish Politician Found Guilty of Genocide Denial

We discussed this case previously. But now, it's done:

A Swiss district court has found a Turkish politician, Dogu Perincek, guilty of racial discrimination for denying the 1915 Armenian massacre was genocide. The court handed Perincek a 90-day suspended sentence or a corresponding penalty as well as a fine of SFr 3,000 [about $2,500]. Perincek can avoid imprisonment in case he avoids repeating his statements during two years.

"The core of the process is that the Armenian Genocide is an incontestable fact and no one has the right to question it."

Will this send a message to all other Genocide deniers in Switzerland? Will Dogu himself continue his denial? We'll have to see.

Source: PanArmenian

Turkish Nationalist to Be Tried for Genocide Denial

After years of denying the Armenian Genocide, at least one Turk will suffer the consequences.

Turkish nationalist, leader of the Turkish Labor Party Dogu Perincek will stand trial in Switzerland. Perincek called the Genocide "an international lie" during his speech in Bern and repeated the same words in Zurich.

A criminal case was also initiated against chairman of the Turkish Association of Historians Yusuf Halacogly, who repeatedly denies the Armenian Genocide.

According to the Swiss legislation, public denial or justification of the Armenian Genocide conflicts with the law and is viewed as a criminal deed.

At last, a country that can talk the talk and walk the walk. Let's hope they get the message!

Source: Yerkir