• by Michael Preis

 

THE FALL OF THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE

30.10.18 Armistice at Mudros.

13.11.18 Allied forces occupy Constantinople.

15.5.19 Greeks occupy Smyrna.

19.5.19 Kemal Pasha lands at Samsun.

10.2.20 French retreat from Cilicia starts.

27./28.4.20 Red Army occupies Baku.

May 20 Bolshevik rebellion at Alexandropol, Eastern Armenia suppressed.

May 20 Red Army occupies Karabakh, afterwards Zangezur and Nakhichevan (in July/August).

22.6.20 Greeks start campaign against Turkish nationalists in Asia Minor.

Aug./Sept. 20 Anti - colonial "Congress of Peoples of the East" at Baku.

10.8.20 Peace - treaty at Sèvres.

24.8.20 Treaty of friendship between Bolshevik Russia and Kemalist Turkey at Moscow – without fixing the border of their respective spheres of influence (i.e. the Turkish – Armenian border).

24.9.20 Turkish invasion of Armenia under command of Karabekir Pasha starts.

12.10.20 Simon Vratsyan becomes Armenian Prime Minister to create a coalition government of the ruling Armenian Revolutionary Federation (HHD/Dashnaks) and the Bolsheviks aimed at the support of Soviet Russia against the Turks.

19./20.10.20 „Armenian October Revolution" at Yerevan.

Dashnak government retires after demonstrations and riots. Revolutionary Committee of Bolsheviks and leftist Dashnaks takes control and is recognized by the National Assembly 47 to 30.

20.10.20 Revolutionary Committee proclaims Armenian Soviet Republic and elects Alexander Miasnikian "Martuni" (who is at Moscow) as its chairman. Appeal for aid to Soviet Russia.

Division of the Dashnaks in adherents (on the left) and opponents (on the right) of the Soviet republic.

30.10.20 Red Army enters Yerevan. Turks lay siege to Kars.

November 20 Moscow demands retreat of Turkish troops to border of 1914.

Lloyd George rejects Kemal Pasha´s secret offer for an alliance against Soviet Russia and betrays it to the Russians.

12.11.20 Red Army and Armenian troops lift Turkish siege of Kars.

19.11.20 Rebellion and proclamation of a Turkish republic - led by Enver Pasha – at Baku.

22.11.20 US – commission (officially presided by President Wilson) announces Turkish – Armenian border, thereby creating "Wilsonian Armenia".

23.11.20 Soviet Russia declares to support Soviet Armenia´s "territorial integrity".

December 20 Turkish counter – offensive on Kars (after withdrawal of Red Army units to fight the rebellion in the Baku region) repulsed in fierce resistance of Armenian troops.

December 20 Kemal Pasha lures Karabekir Pasha into his headquarters, where he is arrested along with several of his officers and executed on accusation of mutiny.

Turkish Eastern army divides into private armies of warlords.

1.1.21 Treaty of Yalta: Soviet Armenia joins supplemented Treaty of Moscow (24.8.20). Additional agreement on the „internationally fixed" Turkish – Armenian border (i.e. Wilsonian border).

20.1.21 Red Army reconquers Baku. Enver escapes bloody settling with Turkish nationalists to Central Asia.

21.2.21 Karabakh and Nakhichevan declared autonomous territories of Azerbaijan by Moscow. – Red Army invades Georgia.

15.3.21 L´Opération Némésis: Soghomon Tehlirian finishes off Turkish Hitler Talaat Pasha at Berlin.

18.4.21 Red Army lands at Trebizond, liberates Pontus from terrorist Turkish regime and occupies Lazica, which becomes Laz SSR of Georgia.

25.4.21 (Second) Battle of Sarikamish starts conquest of Western Armenia by the Armenian People´s Army under the command of General Dro and the Red Army.

Flight of about one million Turks and Kurds.

16.5.21 Turkish pogrom against Armenians at Constantinople stopped by Allied military.

3.6.21 Greek civilians and Armenian soldiers burn down the Turkish quarter of Trebizond.

26.4.22 Bolshevik coup d´état at Yerevan. Rebellion against it, led by Garegin Ter – Harutiunian "Nzhdeh", suppressed. Prohibition of the Dashnak party. Dashnak leaders escape to Persia.

4.8.22 Enver Pasha killed in action in Central Asia against an Armenian Red Army unit from Karabakh.

30.8.22 Greek front in Asia Minor collapses under Turkish attack.

13.9.22 Great Fire of Smyrna starts …

15.9.22 British cabinet decides with regard to Russia´s protectorate for Armenia to leave Constantinople on no account without appropriate equivalent.

24.9.22 Turkish units enter the International Zone and camp in front of Çanakkale (at the Dardanelles), garrisoned by a small British unit. Chanak Crisis starts.

27.9.22 King of Greece Constantine resigns on demand of the army. Troops supporting a military government formed on Chios enter Athens the following day.

28.9.22 Clash at Çanakkale.

29.9.22 British evacuate Çanakkale and retreat on battleships.

30.9.22 Britain declares war on Turkey and imposes a blockade on the coasts of Asia Minor.

British yellow press demands „Revenge for Chanak!" Colonial Secretary Churchill is the main agitator of the war party.

1.10.22 British start recruitment of veterans of Wrangel´s White Army at Constantinople and transport of the Greek army to Gallipoli.

France and Italy leave Allied Commission at Constantinople. France starts intense diplomatic activity to avoid an escalating British – Turkish war.

2.10.22 Admiral Calthorpe nominated Allied High Commissioner again - sine collega.

3.10.22 Australia and New Zealand start to recruit an expeditionary force again (while the other Dominions Canada and South Africa support the UK only formally).

10.10.22 Greek troops advance on British invitation within a distance of 3 miles to the walls of Constantinople.

Britain officially warns the Turks at Constantinople to rebel and Kemal Pasha to attack the city.

11./12.10.22 "Battle of Chanak": Royal Navy eliminates Turkish artillery batteries at Çanakkale, destroys the city and penetrates the Dardanelles. Turks declare to have repulsed a British – Greek landing in Anatolia.

13.10.22 "Hippodrome Massacre": British soldiers and Gurkhas open fire on mass meeting of Turkish rioters after Friday prayer in the Hagia Sophia. Admiral Calthorpe: "The Turks put us to the test."

14.10.22 After the start of insidious Turkish attacks Admiral Calthorpe lets loose the Russian mercenaries on the Turks. The Russians achieve to maintain British control in the city by pitiless retaliation measures.

Kemal Pasha renounces attack on Constantinople, while Britain doesn´t want to launch a campaign in Asia Minor – resulting in a kind of phoney war.

9.11.22 Armistice on Imrali in the Sea of Marmara: British troops occupy straits zone and hoist the Union Jack in the ruins of Çanakkale.

19.11.22 Retiring of Lloyd George after ´Carlton Club meeting´ of backbench Tory MPs.

28.11.22 ´The Six´ - a Greek general and ministers held responsible for the catastrophe in Asia Minor and sentenced to death – are amnestied on demand of the British ambassador in the very last minute.

20.12.22 Orient conference at Venice opened by new Italian Prime Minister Mussolini. Britain announces "Curzon Plan" after start of negotiations.

30.12.22 Armenia joins the Soviet Union as member of the Transcaucasian Soviet Republic. Slogan of the Armenian CP: „We built the New Socialist Armenia!"

1923 Dissolution of the Armenian community at Constantinople.

March 23 Turkish delegation leaves Venice in protest (returns in May). British Foreign Secretary Lord Curzon to Bonar Law at 10 Downing Street: „These Turks can get Stan or Smy, but not both!"

7.7.23 Azerbaijan mutilates autonomous region Karabakh to the enclave Nagorno Karabakh.

24.8.23 Treaty of Venice in accordance with the "Curzon Plan" – Britain´s last imperial deed.

Exchange of population (except Constantinople and West Thrace) and territories (East Thrace for Ionia) between Greece and Turkey. International administration at the straits – in every other affair Turkey becomes an independent and sovereign state. Kemal Pasha: „The shots at Çanakkale cost us Izmir."

Sept./Oct. 23 Kemal Pasha suppresses popular protest and mutinies against treaty of Venice.

30.9.23 Turkish National Assembly passes treaty of Venice by 151 to 99.

October 23 Turks occupy East Thrace, Greeks Ionia - under supervision of the League of Nations to limit destruction and looting.

1.10.23 Mehmet VI. evacuated from Constantinople by the British.

9.11.23 British leave Constantinople (on the day of Hitler´s putsch at Munich).

The British – Turkish war of 1922 is called ´The Forty Days War´ by the British.

10.11.23 Triumphant entry of Kemal Pasha at Constantinople. Victory celebrations in Turkey.

10.11.23 Foundation of Nea Smyrni, which becomes the second metropolis of Greece and the centre of Greek republicanism and the Greek left.

11.11.23 Turkey imposes a total blockade on Ionia.

17.11.23 Turkish National Assembly proclaims republic.

THE INTER – WAR PERIOD

 

December 23 Turkey establishes no diplomatic relations to the UK and the US.

February 24 Erzurum after Lenin´s death renamed Leninakan.

February 25 Rebellion in Kurdistan and immediate Kurdish attacks in Western Armenia. Fierce Armenian resistance and bloody punishment of the Kurdish tribes left in Western Armenia (April/May).

April 26 Mussolini demands sphere of influence in Asia Minor. Turkey starts to fortify her border to Ionia.

May 26 Conspiracy to murder Kemal Pasha uncovered at Bursa and extended to mass arrest of his opponents who are sentenced to hard labour or to death by kangaroo courts.

May 26 Turkish mob assaults British tourists at Constantinople who arrived by the Orient Express.

August 26 Concluding report of the House of Commons´ "Hippodrome Commission".

1928/30 Beginning of the collectivization in Armenia. Building of military settlements at the Turkish border.

January 28 Lloyd George shot and wounded (grazing shot) by a Turkish assassin in a park at Antibes, South France.

1930ies Building of huge dams at Western (Lenin – System) and Eastern (October 20th - System) Euphrates.

May 30 Aghasi Khandjian, "The Builder", becomes First Secretary of the Armenian CP (murdered by Berija in 1936).

20.10.30 Rightist Dashnak assassinates the "traitor" Simon Vratsyan at Paris – zenith of the bloody feud between rightist and leftist Dashnaks.

1932/33 Kurdish guerilla resistance against collectivization in Western Armenia suppressed. Armenian units systematically use poison gas "to fight gangs". Kurdish tribes left in Armenia (in the Van region) are wiped out or flee to Kurdistan.

May 32 Combat between Turkish and Soviet unit on the Turkish – Armenian border.

November 33 Riots at Istanbul against international administration at the straits. Royal Navy sent to demonstrate.

1935 Hollywood: MGM produces The Forty Days of Musa Dagh. American movies prohibited in Turkey (in 1945 limited on MGM – productions).

December 35 Greece starts building of the Papagos Line in Asia Minor.

20.7.36 Treaty of Montreux: revision of the international administration at the straits. Diplomatic relations between Turkey and Britain.

Greek Prime Minister Metaxas unofficially announces to ally with Fascist Italy in case of emergency.

September 36 Turkey demands establishment of the „Republic Hatay" in the Sanjak of Alexandrette.

5.12.36 "Stalin Constitution" dissolutes Transcaucasian Soviet Republic and makes Armenia a Soviet republic on her own again and Pontus her autonomous Soviet republic.

1937 General Wavell starts on Cyprus and at Haifa Britain´s preparations against a Turkish invasion of the Middle East.

24.8.37 British consul - general at Istanbul murdered by Turkish nationalists.

6.4.38 Catholicos Choren I. murdered by NKVD agents.

10.11.38 Death of Kemal Pasha at Istanbul - 15 years after entering the city.

In Word War II a conspiracy theory develops in Turkey, according to which the British secret service poisoned „Atatürk".

13.4.39 British guarantee of Greece´s independence and territorial integrity - aimed at the stabilization of Britain´s challenged position in the Mediterranean.

18.5.39 France and Britain reject „Republic Hatay" by the League of Nations Council.

26.12.39 Earthquake destroys Erzincan, Western Armenia. The city is left.

October 40 In the Sanjak of Alexandrette fights between Turks and the Allied Arabs and Armenians. Vichy regime declares state of emergency. Turkish threats to occupy the province.

27.10.40 Marshal Pétain officially and categorically rejects a „Turkish republic at Antiochia".

28.10.40 Italian invasion of Greece from Albania starts and is repulsed within some weeks. Greek counter – offensive gains ground but fails to expel Italian forces from Albania.

1941/42 „Game for Turkey" respectively "Türkeispiel" between MI6 and the German services SD and Abwehr at Ankara and Istanbul. Canaris, chief of the Abwehr, thwarts war alliance between the Reich and Turkey (as in the case of Spain too).

January 41 Two-thirds of the Greek army shifted from Albania to Ionia. Greek dictator Metaxas to critics: "Shall Smyrna burn again?"

22.1.41 Hitler receives Turkish Prime Minister Saydam at Berlin.

Massive unofficial threats by the U.S. and the Soviet Union against Turkey.

10.3.41 Primavera Offensive: Greek front at the Klisura Pass, Albania breaks.

23.3.41 Mussolini has to leave Albania for Rome, having arranged the keyword „Sulla" with commander-in-chief Cavallero for his return.

28.3.41 Italian navy starts occupation of Ionian Islands.

28.3.41 Battle of Cape Matapan. Great victory of the Royal Navy over the Regia Marina contributes considerably to continuing Turkish neutrality.

4.4.41 Italian army reaches the Gulf of Corinth and the Aegean Sea.

6.4.41 Alpini unit hoists Italy´s flag on top of the Olympus producing great pics for the cinemas at home. Germans and Bulgarians invade Macedonia and Thrace.

13./14.4.41 Italian army fails to break Greek – British front at Thermopylae and at the Parnass.

21.4.41 German Gebirgsjäger and paratroopers break Greek – British front at Thermopylae.

24.4.41 Greek army surrenders to Cavallero and German officers at Levadia.

27.4.41 Mussolini triumphantly enters Athens on horseback. Germans occupy Piraeus.

4.5.41 Grand reception of Mussolini at Rome. Speech from the balcony of Palazzo Venezia: la vittoria mutilata (the mutilated victory) will be healed by the occupation of Smyrna.

5.5.41 Italian troops land at Smyrna and occupy Ionia.

Sephardi community of Smyrna lives unmolested under Italian military administration.

28./29.5.41 Military revolt at Istanbul against neutrality suppressed.

22.6.41 Unternehmen Barbarossa: German invasion of Soviet Union starts.

July 41 Gaullist troops occupy Sanjak of Alexandrette.

12.7.41 Quadrumvir De Vecchi becomes governor of Ionia and (again) the Italian Aegean Islands.

Sept./Oct. 41 After disastrous defeats of the Red Army strengthening of Turkish interventionism.

September 41 Mass armament and state of alarm in Armenia. Turks left in Eastern Armenia (region of Ardahan) concentrated. NKVD evacuates population from Nakhichevan.

Pontic Greeks absolutely loyal to the Soviet regime.

September 41 Both Dashnak parties declare to support the fight against the German invasion of the Soviet Union - which means to fight the danger of a Turkish invasion of Armenia.

22.9.41 Turkish interventionists murder Soviet ambassador at Ankara.

25.9.41 Gun – fight (arranged by Greeks) between Italian and Turkish troops on the Ionian border. Outraged Mussolini publicly threatens with "retaliation". Hitler manages to avoid escalation.

November 41 German forces occupy Crimea (except Sevastopol): immediate murderous attacks of Crimean Tatars against Armenians (without any German participation).

December 41 Turkey rejects Italian request to open the Ionian border for the transport of grain to the starving population in European Greece.

11.12.41 U.S. at war against Germany and Italy - a heavy blow for Turkish interventionism.

30.12.41 Formation of Armenian 812th Battalion commanded by Nzhdeh (excluded by Dashnaks, dies at L.A. 1957) to fight the Soviet regime. General Dro rejected its command.

1.7.42 Evacuation of the Red Army from Sevastopol: Hitler promises Turkey carte blanche in "Transcaucasian and Turkish territories of the Soviet Union" by ambassador von Papen.

4./5.7.42 Celebrations in Turkey after the fall of Tobruk and Sevastopol become interventionist riots. Cry of the masses: „War against the Russians! War against the English!"

21.7.42 Il Duce visits Smyrna.

25.7.43 Mussolini´s overthrow after the last meeting of Gran Consiglio del Fascismo the night before ends rule of "Ionia´s proconsul" De Vecchi as well.

8.9.43 Italy surrenders but her army in Ionia stays intact - neither the British nor the Germans land in Ionia.

21.9.43 Declaration of loyalty of the Italian army in Ionia to the regime of Badoglio (on British demand).

13.10.43 Badoglian Italy declares war on Germany. Italian units in Ionia and German units in the Aegean Sea avoid fighting each other.

14.10.43 Treaty between Badoglian Italy and Greek exile government at Cairo for joint government of Ionia (on British demand).

5.12.43 Meeting Churchill – Ismet Pasha at Cairo. Churchill categorically rejects delivery of Ionia.

May 44 Armenian Tamanjan division invades Crimea and massacres thousands of Crimean Tatars to retaliate the slaughter of Armenians in ´41.

August 44 Turkey eludes British – American demand to break relations with the Reich.

November 44 Deportation of the Trancaucasian Turks from Eastern Armenia and of the Laz to Central Asia. Laz autonomous republic abolished.

10.12.44 Communist riots at Smyrna suppressed by Italian army and Greek police. Campaign of L´Unita against the "Fascist" military governor Marshal "Bombastico" Bastico (replaced two weeks later).

January 45 Repatriation of the Italian army from Ionia to the Gothic Line.

January 45 Diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Turkey.

21.3.45 Transfer of Nakhichevan from sovereignty of Azerbaijan to the one of Armenia.

21.3.45 Stalin demands free military passage in the Turkish straits, joint administration and a base of the Red Fleet there.

2.5.45 Turkey quits diplomatic relations to Germany and declares war on her – paying the entrance-fee for the UN (after not having been a member of the League of Nations).

THE COLD WAR

 

21.7.45 Armenian monument at the Mussa Ler.

August 45 Turkey rejects delivery of former German ambassador von Papen to Nuremberg trial (departs to West Germany, April ´51).

1946 – 48 Kremlin allows repatriation of 100 000 Armenians from the diaspora.

17.4.46 Syrian Arabian Republic declares independence. Severe tensions with Turkey about Sanjak of Alexandrette.

1.5.46 First May Day in combination with Soviet patriotic celebrations in Armenia and Pontus.

June 46 Turkish mob invades Armenian Patriarchate at Constantinople searching for "Russian spies". Several Armenian priests wounded or killed.

July 46 Smyrna occupied by British troops (until April ´47). Turkey protests.

September 46 In Pontus formation of volunteer units for the civil war in Greece.

June 47 Armenian Patriarchate at Constantinople declares vacancy. France becomes its unofficial protector.

August 47 In Turkey celebrations about the „Fall of the British Empire".

December 47 Communist Party of Greece (KKE) takes its seat at Trebizond.

April 48 Treaty of Lausanne by US - mediation: population exchange between Turkey and Syria (ethnic criteria).

August 48 Armed Aramaic resistance in Tur Abdin against resettlement brutally suppressed by Turkish forces and Kurdish gangs. Clashes between Turkish and Arabian resettlers.

Nov./Dec. 48 Syria settles Aramaeans from Tur Abdin in Sanjak of Alexandrette.

1949/51 Campaigns against „Titoism" and „Cosmopolitism" in Armenia and Pontus start, accompanied by mass arrests (until Stalin´s death).

1950/51 Passage of 100 000 refugees („Red Argonauts") of the Greek civil war to Pontus.

May 50 Soviet patriotic 2500th anniversary of Van.

1951 Extension of the dams of the Euphrates tributaries started on Stalin´s order in anticipation of Turkey and Greece joining NATO.

September 51 Riots against US – military mission at Diyarbakir, Kurdistan suppressed by Turkish army. Turkey and U.S. declare Soviet agents to be responsible.

29.5.53 Istanbul: celebration of 500th anniversary of the Turkish conquest.

10.11.53 Smyrna: celebration of the 30th anniversary of the city´s refoundation.

December 53 Mikoyan stabbed down by an Azeri official at Moscow – surviving the attack.

1.4.55 National Organization of Cypriot Fighters (EOKA) starts attacking British colonial rule on Cyprus.

10./11.8.55 Traditional anti – Anglo – Saxon meetings in Turkey escalate into riots against Turkey´s membership in Baghdad Treaty.

6./7.9.55 Pogrom against Greeks at Istanbul. Greek community starts to emigrate.

9.9.55 Headline of the Daily Mail: "The Fury of the Asian Mob – The Turkish Method". Agitation of the London yellow press against "Nazi Turks". Press war and diplomatic affair between Britain and Turkey. Onassis invests at Fleet Street.

October 55 EOKA finishes attacks. Arch bishop Makarios III. becomes unofficial representative of Greek government on Cyprus.

March 56 Riots against de – Stalinization at Trebizond and Nakhichevan.

May 56 Nikolaos Zachariadis, the Stalinist party secretary of Pontus (since 1935) is deposed. Markos Vafiadis (b. 1906 at Erzurum) becomes party secretary of Pontus (until 1983).

January 57 Macmillan cabinet renounces control on the whole of Cyprus after Suez disaster.

April 57 Secret Cyprus convention between Britain and Greece.

30.10.57 Britain announces transfer of administration on Cyprus to UN.

November 57 Greece applies for UN – referendum on Cyprus - Turkey for the island´s partition.

Nov./Dec. 57 Turkey fails to gain Soviet- or US - support against British and Greek policy on Cyprus.

1958 Paris: second edition of Vratsyan´s Hayastani Hanrapetutiun (1928) released. Kremlin: falsification of the French secret service and the Dashnaks´ fairy tale.

1.2.58 "Aschdod Affair" Royal Navy captures Israeli freighter smuggling weapons for Turkish militants on Cyprus. Anti - Jewish riots at Smyrna. British order general disarming on Cyprus.

15./16.2.58 Search for weapons ends in clash between militant Turks and British soldiers at Famagusta, Cyprus. British declare state of emergency, suppress Turkish riots and start to deport some hundred Turkish activists to Malta and Tobruk, Libya.

16.2.58 Britain suspends diplomatic relations to Turkey after shots by civilians on her consulate - general at Istanbul. Turkish protest against „genocide" on Cyprus.

30.4.58 UK transfers Cyprus – except two bases – to UN.

17.5.58 UN - General Assembly agrees to referendum on Cyprus by 75 to 4 (Turkey, Albania, Yugoslavia and Israel) and abstention of the U.S. and France.

Onassis (allegedly): „I bought Cyprus!" In Turkey common believe in Onassis – Churchill – conspiracy.

Celebrations in Greek communities all over the world after Turkish UN – disaster

18.5.58 Turkey quits Baghdad Treaty and membership in military structures of NATO (until January ´80).

25.5.58 Reunification congress of the HHD at Brussels (originally planned at Paris).

July 58 Riots at Ardahan, Eastern Armenia against return of Trancaucasian Turks.

14.7.58 British royal puppet regime in Iraq overthrown. Regulation of water flood from Armenia widely supposed to be a reason for the regime change.

August 58 Turkish vandalism on Allied cemeteries at Gallipoli. Australia und New Zealand break off diplomatic relations with Turkey (restored by Labour governments, January ´73).

21.9.58 Referendum on Cyprus (boycotted by Turkish Cypriots): 99% in favour of Enosis.

1.1.59 Day of Enosis: Cyprus united with Greece.

8.3.59 Triumph of Karamanlis´ National Radical Union (ERE) in Greek general elections.

June 59 Treaty of London: Britain keeps her bases on Cyprus without any limits.

April/May 60 Series of Turkish military provocations in the Aegean Sea. De Gaulle admonishes the Turks to terminate "uncivilised acts".

August 60 French police arrests four Turks at Nice while preparing an attack on Onassis´ yacht.

23.9.62 The Observer publishes scandalous article „Lawrence of Ionia" about Chanak Incident in 1922.

17.1.63 Smyrna: monument for Lloyd George unveiled on his 100th birthday.

April 63 U.S. withdraws atomic missiles (installed April ´61) from Western Armenian border.

22.5.63 Murder of the popular Socialist deputy Lambrakis at Smyrna.

10.11.63 Great celebration in commemoration of Kemal Pashas entry in Istanbul (10 year – rhythm).

December 63 Seminary on the Prince´s Island closed: displacement of the Greeks left at Istanbul started.

April 64 Greece starts campaign for re – Hellenisation of Cyprus: displacement of the Turks on Cyprus.

24.4.65 Riots in Yerevan against official genocide memorial. Catholicos Vasgen I. manages to calm down the outraged masses and to avoid a massacre.

November 67 Inauguration of the genocide monument on the Zizernakaberd at Yerevan.

November 71 Britain and Turkey restore diplomatic relations.

27.1.73 Gurgen Yanikyan (b. 1895) kills two Turkish diplomats at Santa Barbara - inspiration for foundation of Armenian Revolutionary Army (ARA/Justice Commandoes of the Armenian Genocide).

1.6.73 Greek military government proclaims republic. Smyrna becomes seat of government and parliament.

10.11.73 Greek military government stages great celebration to commemorate 50th anniversary of the refoundation of Smyrna.

25.11.73 Enosis hero Georgios Grivas (b. 1897) becomes Greek´s President (for only 64 days).

17.7.74 Greek Republic of North Epirus (EDVI) proclaimed by underground radio station.

18.7.74 Greece recognizes EDVI. Ultimatum on Albania. Mobilization in Albania.

20.7.74 Greek military government orders mobilization: resistance of the people and in the armed forces.

23.7.74 Greek military government retires.

24.7.74 Karamanlis – charged by the Greek President - arrives at Athens and forms government. Restoration of democracy.

8.12.74 Greek plebiscite about form of government and seat of government and parliament. Smyrna narrowly defeated by Athens.

June 75 New Greek constitution guarantees Slav Macedonians use of their language.

24.10.75 Paris: ARA – attacker kills Turkish ambassador.

November 75 Election of an Armenian patriarch of Constantinople, taking his seat at Smyrna after Turkey has denied entry.

18.2.78 Relations between Greece and Egypt suspended (until Dec. ´81) after hostage crisis on Cyprus.

April 78 Tiflis, Georgia: riots against new Soviet constitution - by which Russian becomes second official language in all republics – include attacks on Armenians.

22.11.78 Murdering of US – naval attaché at Ankara.

1979 Leader of PKK Öcalan flees to Lebanon. Syria denies entry.

1.1.81 Greece becomes member of EC, which includes thereby a territory in Asia Minor.

18.10.81 Pan – Hellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) wins Greek general elections. Ionia and Cyprus are among its strongholds.

28.1.82 Los Angeles: ARA – commando kills Turkish consul - general. Riots in Turkey.

March 82 Britain breaks relations to Turkey and blockades all financial help of EC for her after death of BBC journalist in Turkish police custody. Maggie Thatcher: "Enough is enough."

4.5.82 Somerville/Boston: ARA – attacker kills Turkish honorary consul.

August 82 U.S. expels Turkish diplomats accused of preparing attacks on Armenian targets in California. France abolishes „Grey Wolves".

November 82 First bomb attempt by re – established Macedonian IMRO in Greece.

1.1.84 Great celebration in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Enosis. Becomes regular jubilee event.

July 84 Historical visit of Greek Prime Minister Papandreou at Trebizond.

1987 State of war between Greece and Albania (since 1940) finished and diplomatic relations (as in 1971 – 74) restored.

March 87 "Sismik Affair" Greece and Turkey at the verge of war about Turkish exploring ship in the Aegean Sea.

20.2.88 Nagorno Karabakh demands union (miazum) with Armenia.

Miazum – movement spreads to Armenia. Foundation of the national – democratic Karabakh Committee.

27. - 29.2.88 Murderous riots against Armenians at Sumgait near Baku.

21.3.88 Prawda and the Union´s Supreme Council (on 23rd) reject Karabakh – movement: suppression in Armenia.

May 88 Nationalists storm session of the Armenian Supreme Council. CP – leader Demirchyan, among others, killed. Attackers killed by OMON troops the day after.

7.12.88 Earthquake destroys Kumairi and Spitak. Aid through iron curtain for the first time.

April/May 89 Mass demonstrations and boycott of elections for People’s Deputy Congress in Armenia.

31.5.89 Released Karabakh – Committee returns triumphantly from arrest at Moscow.

7.9.89 Foundation of the Pan National Movement of the Armenians (HHS), led by Ter – Petrosyan.

9.11.89 Fall of the Berlin Wall.

THE CLASH OF CIVILIZATIONS

 

1990/91 In Western Armenia and Pontus erection of genocide monuments at scenes of the crime.

1990/91 Start of Kurdish pressure on Western Armenian border area.

January 90 Flight of Armenians from Azerbaijan - Azeris displaced from Armenia.

24.4.90 First official Genocide Memorial Day in Armenia.

20.5.90 Free election of Armenian Supreme Council: CP stays strongest party but fails to keep majority against opposition.

June/July 90 Armenian leaders manage to avoid formation of independent nationalist militias in Armenia.

4.8.90 Ter – Petrosyan becomes President of the Armenian Supreme Council.

23.8.90 Armenian Supreme Council declares sovereignty (autonomy for Pontus guaranteed) and demands "the right of association within the Soviet constitution" for Nagorno Karabakh.

September 90 Azerbaijan imposes blockade on Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.

1991 – 2001 Repatriation of about 300 000 Armenians and immigration of 40 000 Aramaeans from Iraq to Armenia.

6.1.1991 Reconsecration of the Cathedral Surb Arakelots (museum for 70 years) at Kars by Christmas service visited by the republic´s new government.

March 91 Lenin – system at the Western Euphrates tributary renamed Mesrop – system.

April - July 91 Operation by Azeri OMON units against Armenian villages in Azerbaijan. - Armenian units attack Azeri settlements left in Zangezur.

25.4.91 First National Liberation Day in Armenia (instead of Soviet celebration).

May 91 Visit of the Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis at Trebizond.

19.8.91 Coup at Moscow.

29.8.91 Prohibition of the Armenian CP as member of the Soviet Union´s CP. No anti – Soviet demolishment in Armenia and Pontus.

2.9.91 Nagorno Karabakh proclaims independence.

8.9.91 Macedonia independent: conflict with Greece about her name and coat of arms.

21.9.91 Plebiscite decides in favour of Armenia’s independence.

23.9.91 Armenia declares her independence. Pontus becomes her autonomous republic.

7th Soviet Army stays in Armenia.

16.10.91 Ter - Petrosyan elected as President of Armenia.

20.10.91 Recondition of the Armenian CP as Armenian Communist Party (HKK).

1.11.91 Defence treaty Armenia - Nagorno Karabakh (effective by Armenia´s recognition of Nagorno Karabakh).

20.11.91 Mass demonstrations at Baku demand war against Armenia.

December 91 Armenia introduces compulsory military service for men and women.

10.12.91 Plebiscite about the independence of Nagorno Karabakh. Fighting in Nagorno Karabakh between Armenians and Azeris starts.

21./25.12.91 Armenia joins the CIS. – Dissolution of the Soviet Union.

1992/93 Massive Turkish support for Azeris. Nationalist Movement Party (MHP/Grey Wolves) recruits volunteers.

1992/93 Combats between PKK and Turkish army in Western Armenian border territory.

1992/93 Laws for reconstruction of the economy in Armenia. Development of (in parts) a colonialism by the diaspora. Mass pauperization.

6.1.92 Proclamation of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. Immediate recognition by Armenia.

February 92 Nagorno Karabakh attacked from Azeri territory: mobilization in Armenia. "Karabakh War" between Armenia and Azerbaijan without any declaration.

Turkey imposes blockade against Armenia. Civil war in Georgia. Rationing of food and energy. Mobilization of the diaspora in the fight against the Azeris and the resistance against Turkey.

February 92 Beirut: foundation of the ASADA (Armenian Secret Army for the Defence of Armenia). Top secret cooperation with the Armenian secret service.

Feb.- May 92 Karabakh – Armenians repulse Azeri attacks and gain control over the territory of their republic (except Shushi).

March 92 Armenia becomes member of the UN against Turkish protest. Russia ends neutrality after coup of pro – Turkish People´s Front at Baku.

26.4.92 Plebiscite to legalize national constitution. Armenia defines itself by it as a state „in the duty of caring for and protecting the monophysite Christianity".

9.5.92 Armenian counter offensive breaks the blockade of Nagorno Karabakh. Shushi captured.

Afterwards occupation of a zone around the republic. Mass flight of Azeris. Offensive finished after orders from Moscow. Turkey threatens with military intervention.

June 92 Counteroffensive of Azeri forces repulsed in fierce Armenian resistance.

July 92 Start of terrorist Azeri air attacks by Russian and Ukrainian mercenaries against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.

July 92 Russia vetoes UN - sanctions against Armenia. Protest of Turkey and Azerbaijan. Anti – Russian mass demonstrations at Baku and in Turkey.

July 92 First US – expedition to the Ararat in search for Noah´s Ark.

20.4.93 First military ceremony at the monument for the resistance against the genocide at Van.

24.4.93 Turkish nationalists at Istanbul attack visitors of the ANZAC dawn service. Indignation in Australia and New Zealand. Official protest to the Turkish government. Dawn service after three years transferred to the Greek island Lemnos.

28.5.93 Armenian National Day: dissolution of the Autonomous Republic Nakhichevan.

12.6.93 Armenian national hero Monte ´Avo´ Melkonyan killed in clash with Azeris.

25.6.93 Baku: coup of Alijev, former CP – secretary of Azerbaijan.

25.7.93 Moscow: armistice between Armenia, Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan.

3. – 5.9.93 „Çiller´s Combat": Turkish units invading Armenian border area are defeated by Armenian elite units at Sassun. Russian troops intervene against Turkish counter attack.

Mobilization and mass demonstrations in Armenia. Presentation of killed and captured Turks on TV. Russia threatens with „Third World War". Admonition of Turkey by the U.S. Anti – Russian riots at Istanbul.

29.10.93 Peace treaty of Lausanne between Armenia, Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan recognizes Nagorno Karabakh, which renounces union with Armenia. Settlements about compensations, refugees, prisoners, hostages and the withdrawal of troops.

November 93 Triumphant reception of victorious troops at Yerevan.

November 93 Nagorno Karabakh´s parliament agrees to peace treaty against Dashnak resistance and after transformation of government.

November 93 Unofficial Russian blockade imposed on Armenia. Pontic ships substitute Russian with Greek flag.

Withdrawal of Armenian troops from first part of occupied Azeri territory and of Karabakh´s militias from line of armistice.

December 93 Azerbaijan unofficially reopens delivery of gas and oil to Armenia. Dark and cold nights in Armenia end.

December 93 "Ypsilantis Affair": Turks stop Greek freighter transporting air defence weapons to Armenia at the straits. Settlement of the „misunderstanding". Violent protest of Turkish nationalists in front of Greek Patriarchate at Constantinople.

December 93 Riots at Trebizond´s Eastern suburb Platana against Greek – speaking Pontic Muslims.

1994 Development of a new tourist industry in Armenia and Pontus starts - concentrated on diaspora, Iran and Russia (renewed from Soviet era).

1994 Armenia starts program to build up a defence system according to Swiss model.

Construction of a small air force and an arsenal of missiles.

January 94 „Implementation Crisis": Armenian punitive expeditions after Azeri attacks at the armistice line. Reports about murder of Armenian hostages in Azerbaijan.

February 94 Kotscharjan elected as President of the parliament of Nagorno Karabakh.

19.3.94 Baku: bomb attack in the underground (presumably by Armenians).

1.4.94 Law against separatism in Armenia recognises Yezids but abolishes declaration of a Kurdish nation.

April/May 94 Militia and front troops systematically expel Kurds (immigrated in the last years) from border areas of Western Armenia. International sensation.

April 94 Election campaign in Nagorno Karabakh escalates: shootings between hostile (officially dissolved) militias.

29.4.94 Greek parliament declares May 19 memorial day of the Pontic Greek genocide.

May 94 Nagorno Karabakh becomes member of the UN.

8.5.94 Celebration of the 2750th anniversary of the foundation of Trebizond. Treaty of friendship between Armenia and Greece. Meeting between the Presidents Ter – Petrosyan and Karamanlis.

13.5.94 Brussels: Armenian security kills 7 attacking demonstrators – 6 Kurds, 1 female German supporter – in and in front of the Armenian embassy. Belgium suspends relations.

19./20.5.94 ASADA captures Turkish embassy at Buenos Aires. 7 Turks, 1 ASADA fighter killed. Declaration on TV. After release of all hostages blasting of the embassy. Commando escapes. - Turkey suspends relations to Argentine for weeks. Turkish mob attacks Armenian ruins and cemeteries at Istanbul and in Cilicia. Mitterrand calls Turkish ambassador to protest against attack on Armenian Patriarchate.

29.5.94 Turkey declares expansion of Greek territorial waters to be casus belli. Greece vetoes trade community between Turkey and EU.

June 94 Elections in Nagorno Karabakh: Dashnaks defeated by Karabakh branch of HHS.

20.9.94 Baku oil trust AIOC excludes Russia and Iran.

21.9.94 Armenian ambassador at Bonn, Germany killed by Grey Wolves along his wife and daughter. Outraged Armenians shoot on the Turkish embassy at Beirut. Turkey breaks relations to Lebanon (until 2004).

October 94 Ter – Petrosyan visits Iran. Treaty of friendship between Armenia and Iran.

November 94 Armenia starts diplomatic relations to Iraq and Israel (opening of consulate – general at Jerusalem like Greece).

December 94 Withdrawal of Armenian troops from Azeri territory. Installation of a transition zone between Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh at Latchin.

December 94 Start of Greek – Turkish negotiations at Davos, Switzerland.

1.1.95 Opening of the Armenian – Turkish borders (to Azerbaijan and Turkey) and lifting of the Turkish blockade of the straits against Armenia - simultaneous delivery of imprisoned and killed Turks (Sept. ´93) by Armenia.

Switzerland proclaims representation (indirect relations) between Armenia and Turkey and Azerbaijan.

1.1.95 Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh join (as the last former Soviet republics) the OSCE.

January 95 US – Congress cuts financial help for Armenia and lifts her privileges.

6.1.95 Cooperation treaty between Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.

February 95 Ter – Petrosyan visits France, meets Mitterrand and Balladur and visits Vratsyan´s grave at Pere Lachaise to rehabilitate him. Treaty of friendship between France and Armenia.

20.3.95 Turkish offensive in Eastern Anatolia and Northern Iraq against PKK starts. Armenian forces partially mobilized.

April 95 Submarine "Hovhannes Isakov" put into service at Trebizond (bought in France). Armenia starts to build up a small Russian – speaking submarine navy, manned by Pontic Greeks and Armenians.

April 95 Davos treaty to settle Aegean dispute between Greece and Turkey signed at the White House by Prime Ministers Papandreou and Çiller.

4.4.95 Karekin I. (already Catholicos at Antelias) elected as Catholicos of All Armenians.

May 95 Ter – Petrosyan visits Syria and Lebanon. Turkish press agitates against Armenian „encirclement policy".

May 95 Fights in Turkish National Assembly in dispute over Davos treaty.

9.5.95 Holiday Day in Armenia for the first time dedicated to the victory over the Azeris three years ago.

2.7.95 First elections for the Armenian National Assembly: Communist HKK becomes strongest party but misses its control.

5.7.95 Communist demonstrators storm National Assembly at Yerevan. Fights and state of emergency.

20.10.95 Communists start campaign against post – Soviet regime in Armenia.

November 95 Militia suppresses strike of militant miners at the Lake Van, where state of emergency is declared. Ter – Petrosyan warns HKK by speech on TV.

Hostile mass meetings of Communists and supporters of the government at Yerevan. Militia on alert. Appeal for peace by the Catholicos. Armenia escapes civil war within a hair´s breadth.

22.11.95 Monument for US – President Wilson unveiled at Yerevan.

1.1.96 Trade community Turkey – EU. Turkey re - opens seminary on the Prince´s Island (closed for 33 years). Greece accepts still closed Turkish border to Ionia.

January 96 Kotscharjan elected as President of Nagorno Karabakh.

April 96 Treaty of cooperation between EU and Transcaucasian republics (Armenia, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Georgia).

April 96 In Pontus and Armenia great celebrations on the 75th day of liberation from the Turkish yoke.

23.9.96 Armenian sole language in administration and schools in Armenia (except Aramaic schools) – In Pontus Russian becomes second (not any more equal to Pontic Greek) official language.

6.10.96 Ter - Petrosyan re – elected as President in second ballot by clear majority against HKK´s candidate.

November 96 Leninakan renamed Arzen (pre-Turkish name) and the October 20th system renamed September 21st system by Armenian National Assembly.

December 96 Treaty of friendship between Armenia and Georgia. Dashnaks protest and retire from government after 17 months.

1997 Number of repatriates to Armenia for the first time higher than the one of emigrants. Start of rising living standard in Armenia. Development of a multi class society (in contrast to Soviet two class society).

January 97 Relations between Armenia and Russia unofficially normalized.

May 97 Ter – Petrosyan visits Canada and the U.S. Reception at the White House.

7.7.97 Inauguration of a monument for the Russian victory over Turkish fleet in the Battle of Chesma 1770 by Greek President Stephanopoulos and Russian President Yeltsin on the Ionian coast.

October 97 Ter – Petrosyan visits Uruguay and Argentine. Turkish conspiracy theories against Argentinean President Menem.

July 98 Ter – Petrosyan visits Yugoslavia, meets Miloševic and supports Serbian claim on Kosovo.

October 98 Turkey forces Lebanon to expel PKK leader Öcalan by threats of war. Anti – Turkish mass demonstration on Place des Martyrs at Beirut.

April 99 Armenia, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan and Georgia become members of European Council.

30.5.99 Elections for Armenian National Assembly: HHS becomes strongest party. HKK defeated on 3rd place behind Dashnaks.

Liberal Nea Dimokratia wins elections for Autonomy Council in Pontus. First non – leftist government in Pontus for 78 years.

27.10.99 Karekin II. (b. 1954) elected as 132nd Catholicos of All Armenians.

18.11.99 Istanbul: at the 7th OSCE summary treaty about construction of Baku – Yerevan – Ceyhan – Pipeline (BYC), leading 600 kilometres through Armenian territory.

Ter – Petrosyan and Kotscharjan visit Armenian Patriarchate.

December 99 Armenian Foreign Minister Hovannisyan retires. Vartan Oskanyan becomes Foreign Minister.

2000 Foundation of a huge national park in Western Armenia according US – model.

January 00 Ter – Petrosyan visits Jerusalem and Gaza.

January 00 Scandal about Turkish „Selim Plan" (published in Le Monde) for Armenia´s partition and the annexation of Ionia and Pontus.

April 00 Treaty of friendship between Armenia and Russia.

April 00 Altar of Pergamon, back from Berlin, re – erected in Ionia.

May 00 In Ionia great celebrations for 3000 years of Hellenism in Asia Minor. Honorary guests: Queen Elizabeth II., Putin, Ciampi, Mubarak, Ter – Petrosyan.

June 00 Three Turkish fighters shot down over Western Armenia by Armenian SAMs and Mig–29 - fighters after repeated provocations. Turkish protest, MHP demands war against Armenia and retires from government. Civilians shoot on Pontic ship at the Bosporus. Armenia closes her border to Turkey for weeks, partially mobilizes her forces and threatens to quit the BYC - project. Phone calls by Clinton and admonition by EU.

December 00 Abolition of foreign sectarian mission in Armenia. Armenian ambassador at Washington receives protest after police assaults on US – missionaries.

December 00 Armenian National Assembly abolishes death penalty (last execution in 1993: gang leader Gagik Tsarukyan).

2001 Start of modernization and extension of the harbour of Trebizond, including military facilities (participation of Russia and Greece).

January 01 Kotscharjan, President of Nagorno Karabakh, becomes Prime Minister of Armenia.

January 01 Author of the ´Bible of Armenian revisionism´ assaulted.

29.1.01 France recognizes Armenian genocide by presidential decree.

25.3.01 Greek National Day for the first time national holiday in Pontus as "Day of Hellenism".

15.4.01 Consecration of the cathedral „Gregory the Illuminator" at the Ararat by Catholicos Karekin II.- Easter Sunday for the first time national holiday.

May 01 Ter - Petrosyan meets Putin in the Kremlin.

May 01 Historical visit of Ionia and the Sanjak of Alexandrette by Pope John Paul II.

August 01 Turkey suspends relations to Australia after Prime Minister Howard’s speech at Trebizond about the Pontic Greek and the Armenian genocide.

21.9.01 Foundations of the new Armenian capital Araratia laid (half way between Arzen and Yerevan).

26.9.01 Pope John Paul II. on the Zizernakaberd, visiting Armenia during her celebrations of the 1700th anniversary of the acceptance of Christianity.

7.10.01 Kotscharjan in the first round elected as President of Armenia.

November 01 Minister of Defence Vasgen Sarkissian (b. 1959) nominated as new Armenian Prime Minister. Dashnaks join government again.

November 01 US – ambassador offers Armenia opening of the process to join NATO.

December 01 Socialist and liberal Armenian parties unite in electoral block Ardartyun (Justice).

May 02 Russian President Putin visits Armenia.

2003/04 Armenian Aliya: Armenia evacuates the majority of the about 20 000 Armenians in Iraq by air.

March 03 New Islamic Turkish government ends Kemalist tradition of silence about the „East Anatolian catastrophe".

April 03 Baath – regime in Syria allows erection of a monument in memory of the Aramaean genocide in Tur Abdin.

25.5.03 In Armenia plebiscite to legalize parliamentarian constitution (parliamentarian approval, Sept. 2001) and elections for National Assembly.

19./20.6.03 Smyrna: riots during EU summit against pro – Turkish policy.

Summer 03 Start of mass flight from Iraq – sinking into chaos and anarchy after US-invasion - to Syria. Aramaic communities in the Sanjak of Alexandrette give shelter to many thousand Christian refugees.

Number of emigrating Christians from Iraq to Armenia doubles to annually about 10 000.

13.10.03 Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan demands reparation by Britain for „Massacre at Istanbul" (81 years ago). British yellow press makes fun of it.

20.11.03 Istanbul: terrorist attack of Turkish Islamists on British consulate - general and US – bank.

7.3.04 Elections for the Boule, the Greek parliament: Nea Dimokratia gains for the first time majority in PASOK – strongholds Ionia and Cyprus.

1.5.04 Treaty of association between EU and Armenia (signed Dec. ´02) effective.

May 04 Laz Crisis: despot of Lazica nearly incites civil war about autonomy status of the republic. Armenia closes her border to Lazica and partially mobilizes her forces.

Oct./Nov. 04 Greek parliament unanimously agrees to constitutional amendment: a plebiscite about Turkey’s membership in EU.

17.12.04 EU summit at Brussels: Greece demands opening of Turkish border to Ionia as soon as negotiations between EU and Turkey will start.

January 05 Construction of 1500 kilometre BYC – pipeline finished (after 28 months).

25.4.05 Turkish leader Erdogan opens monument and museum at Diyarbakir in Kurdistan in memory of the „Muslim genocide in Eastern Anatolia".

May 05 US – President G.W. Bush visits Armenia.

16.7.05 TAK (Kurdistan Freedom Falcons) - bomb attack at the tourism centre Bodrum. Turkish yellow press suspects Greek competitors having supported it.

29.12.2005 30 000th day of closed Turkish border to Ionia.

January 06 First night of the Turkish hate – movie Kurtlar Vadisi (Valley Of The Wolves) against the Americans, the British and the Armenians.

2.4.06 Riots of Kurds spread to Istanbul. Turkish press agitates against „Armenian agents".

May 06 BYC - pipeline ready for service. Armenia starts to earn transition fees.

15.5.06 Russian army starts transfer of its bases in Georgia to Armenia.

12.6.06 Negotiations about Turkey´s EU – membership start. Greece persists in opening of Turkish border to Ionia.

July 06 Armenia and Greece use mass flight from Lebanon to Cyprus as exercise for planned joint emergency aid (after anti – Christian riots at Beirut in February).

14.8.06 Lebanon rejects Turkish UN troops for „historical reasons".

8.10.06 Kotscharjan elected as President of Armenia for a second term. Ardartyun – candidate Vasgen Manukyan misses second ballot.

19.11.06 HHS and Armenian Republican Party (HHK) unite to Republican Pan – Armenian Movement (HHHS). Concentration on the left followed by concentration on the right.

Dashnaks leave government after five years.

29.11.06 Pope Benedict XVI. visits Ephesus and is emphatically friendly received at Smyrna´s air port (in contrast to Turkey)

2.12.06 Greece vetoes further negotiations about Turkey´s EU – membership after her repeated rejection to open her border to Ionia. Decision vehemently criticized by the U.S., Britain, Italy and Spain – while France and Germany declare comprehension.

5.12.06 Greece recalls her ambassador at Ankara after Turkish menaces.

16.12.06 Britain sides with Turkey against her traditional ally Greece by declaration of Prime Minister Blair during a short visit at Ankara.

19.12.06 Visit of US – Foreign Secretary Rice at Athens ends in dispute with her Greek colleague Dora Bakogiannis.

19.12.06 Armenia declares to suspend every contact to Turkey if she puts pressure on Greece.

21.12.06 Turkey recalls her ambassador at Athens.

29.12.06 Greek journalist in interview on CNN: „Greece is the cradle of civilization and shall protect it from Turkish barbarism."