OMNI Wounded the Fine Structure of Multiculturalism

Canadians of Turkish origin are outraged with OMNI Television's broadcast of "Anjar: The Heroes of Musa Dagh by Noura Kevorkian" on Saturday, November 17th, 2007. This "documentary" represents the worst kind of denial and hatred. It perpetuates the unsubstantiated and prejudicial "genocide" claims of Armenian lobbyists, which numerous respected historians dispute. The so-called "documentary" displayed an emotional but inaccurate account focused exclusively on Armenian losses. The film excludes any mention of the documented losses and suffering of Turkish civilians, many massacred at the hands of Armenian militants, essentially excusing any and all Armenian atrocities as mere "self-defense."

Our anguish is compounded with the fact that this film was funded in part by OMNI Television, a leading provider of ethno-cultural television programming. We wonder about the selection criteria of such "documentaries." How can one-sided propaganda material, which can potentially damage Canadas harmonious and peaceful ethnic balance, can qualify for OMNIs funding?

Therefore, we demand that the management of OMNI Television recognize and apologize for the injury caused to the Canadian Turkish community through the airing and funding of a film which is tantamount to Armenian propaganda. In addition, we expect that OMNI air as soon as possible the documentary entitled "Armenian Revolt" (Marty Callaghan, [email protected], 814-226-6315) which includes interviews with a number of historians who dispute the claims made in Kevorkians film while acknowledging both Armenian and Turkish losses. These actions are the least OMNI management can do to renew the confidence of our community and others in your company. We need to know that OMNI TV is sincere in its desire to promote a multiculturalism in Canada, which does not allow any ethnic group to right "old-world" grievances by demonizing others through one-sided historical accounts.