1. Pouring Salt on Old Wounds: Psychological Impact of the Protocols

2. ORGANIZATION UnitedNations Worldwide Network for GenderEmpowerment(WNGE) AmericanPsychologicalAssociation Division 52 Armenian American Society For Studies on Stress & Genocide(AASSSG) Association For Trauma Outreach & Prevention (ATOP) Meaningful World AssociationforSpiritualityandPsychotherapy Nursing Education Alumni Association of Teacher’s College Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies of TC- ColumbiaUniversity Global Society for Nursing and Health Peace X Peace One by One 2www.meaningfulworld.com

3. Policy Forum Armenia Armenia – Diaspora Relations: 20 years after Independence  Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Turkey signed two protocols on Oct 10, 2009.  Signing of protocols raised demonstrations in Diaspora.  Yerevan’s assistance in signing deepens the conflict.  Opposition in Armenia, while oppositions to protocols from previous elections. 3www.meaningfulworld.com

4. The Real Purpose of the Protocols  Due to change in the U.S. government, Turkey’s leaders changed strategy in addressing the Armenian Genocide, in the form of Protocols (form of discussion).  As a result, Ankara, uses them to help manage the tension between the U.S. and Turkey. 4www.meaningfulworld.com

5. Conditions Presented In Protocol The following items and clauses of the Protocols are to be disputed:  Armenia will no longer have the right to negotiate for Karabakh. Under international law, the region of Karabakh is currently, legally part of Azerbaijan territory  Armenia will no longer have the right to raise concerns about the possible abuse of Armenian cultural patrimony in Turkey and as part of its claims in relation to its historical properties. It is indirect acknowledgement of the effective legislation applied by Turkey since the events of 1915 to render ineffective any claim on such properties 5www.meaningfulworld.com

6. Genocide of the Armenians, Greeks and Assyrians  Armenians being driven out of their towns & villages in Anatolia in 1915. 6www.meaningfulworld.com

7. ATOP Mission to Armenia  From 17-28 November 2009, ATOP traveled to Armenia to conduct trainings on empowerment and forgiveness.  While in Armenia, questionnaires were distributed assessing Armenians’ emotional reactions and opinions regarding the protocols. 7www.meaningfulworld.com

8. ATOP Survey Results (Kalayjian & De Mucci, 2009) 8www.meaningfulworld.com

9. ATOP Survey Results (cont’d) 9www.meaningfulworld.com (Kalayjian & De Mucci, 2009)

10. ATOP Survey Results (cont’d) 10www.meaningfulworld.com

11. Armenian discontent: In their own words…  “There can be no relations until Genocide is recognized. It is not up for discussion: it is a FACT.”  “I feel worry and fear that our needs will be sacrificed.” 11www.meaningfulworld.com

12. Hope amidst discontent…  25.9% of Armenians reported feeling hopeful despite their disagreements regarding conditions in the Protocols.  “Opening borders without conditions would result in economic prosperity for both our countries. I have feelings of hope for a prosperous future.” 12www.meaningfulworld.com

13. Recent Events…  January 12 th Armenia’s constitutional court ruling angers Turkey.  Turkey accuses Armenia of contradicting the already agreed upon accords.  Sarksyan has stated he will formally submit the protocols to Parliament despite Turkey’s efforts to “distort the deal.” 13www.meaningfulworld.com

14. Ratification???  Despite efforts for normalization through opening borders between the nations, reconciliation and acknowledgement is first necessary for true diplomatic relations to be reached. 14www.meaningfulworld.com

15. Psychological Support…  The psychological impact of the protocols upon the Armenians is magnified due to generationally transmitted pain, anger and suffering, which is yet to be acknowledged by the perpetrators.  Utilize 7-step Biopsychosocial and Eco-Spiritual Model created by Dr. Kalayjian to transform generational transmission of trauma. 15www.meaningfulworld.com

16. Seven-Step Biopsychosocial, and Eco- Spiritual Model 1. Assess levels of distress/trauma/anger. 2. Encourage discovery of memories & expression of feelings, catharsis. 3. Provide empathy and validation. 4. Encourage discovery and expression of positive meaning/ lessons learned. 5. Provide didactic information. 6. Being mindful of Mother Nature & Gaia. 7. Physical release & diaphragmatic breathing and chakra balancing. Kalayjian, A. 1990, Revised in 2008 16www.meaningfulworld.com

17. In all your deliberations be mindful of your actions on the next seven generations. 17www.meaningfulworld.com

18. ~ end ~ Thank you! ~ end ~ Thank you! Jennifer De Mucci, M.A. Association for Trauma Outreach and Prevention Young Professionals Forum: Armenia-Disapora Relations 18www.meaningfulworld.com Georgetown University, Washington, DC, March 1, 2010