Lebanon/Syria: Information on the activities of the Armenian Secret Army in Lebanon and Syria during the 1980s
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 April 1995 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | ZZZ20379.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Lebanon/Syria: Information on the activities of the Armenian Secret Army in Lebanon and Syria during the 1980s, 1 April 1995, ZZZ20379.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ac7f18.html [accessed 8 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to the attached article from Associated Press (AP), the Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia (ASALA) is a Marxist organization, founded in 1975, which seeks an independent Armenian state in eastern Turkey (30 Apr. 1988). The same source states that the ASALA "has taken responsibility for more than 60 attacks against Turkish targets, including the killings of about 30 Turkish diplomats and dependents in western Europe and the United States" (ibid.).
According to The New York Times, the ASALA is among "terrorist groups believed to get money both from governments and from some wealthy Armenians" (1 Aug. 1983). The ASALA was based in Lebanon before the Israeli invasion of 1982, and was believed to have some ties with the Palestine Liberation Organization (ibid.). Since that invasion, members of the ASALA have dispersed, with some reportedly going to Syria, Iran and Europe (ibid.). The New York Times also reports that Western officials generally claim to believe that groups regarded as Marxist, like the Armenian Secret Army, draw at least some support from the Syrian Government (ibid.). For further information on the activities of the Armenian Secret Army in Lebanon and Syria during the 1980s, please consult the attached documents.
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this information request.
References
The Associated Press (AP). 30 April 1988. PM Cycle. "Turkey Denies Role in Armenian Terrorist's Killing." (NEXIS)
The New York Times. 1 August 1983. Late City Final Edition. E. J. Dionne. "Armenian Terror: Tangle of Motives." (NEXIS)
Attachments
The Associated Press (AP). 30 April 1988. PM Cycle. "Turkey Denies Role in Armenian Terrorist's Killing." (NEXIS)
_____. 28 September 1982. AM Cycle. Jay Arnold. "Restraining Order Against New Turkish Consulate." (NEXIS)
BBC Sumary of World Broadcast. 2 September 1983. "Turkish 'Fabrication' About USSR's Involvement in Armenian Terrorism." (NEXIS)
The Christian Science Monitor. 25 August 1983. Midwestern Edition. Frederic A. Moritz. "Armenian Infighting May Be at Root of Attacks on Turks." (NEXIS)
The New York Times. 1 August 1983. Late City Final Edition. E. J. Dionne. "Armenian Terror: Tangle of Motives." (NEXIS)
Reuters. 25 November 1982. Hugh Carnegy. "Turkish Foreign Minister Ilter Turkmen Today Accused Greece of Maintaining an Atmosphere of Tension with Turkey Instead of Seeking a Solution to Their Differences." (NEXIS)
_____. 5 May 1982. "Police, Who Believe the Gunman..." (NEXIS)
_____. 28 January 1982. "The Turkish Consul General in Los Angeles..." (NEXIS)
The United Press International (UPI). 30 May 1982. AM Cycle. "The FBI Arrested Three Alleged Members..." (NEXIS)
_____. 25 September 1981. AM Cycle. Aline Mosby. "Four Armenians Who Stormed the Turkish..." (NEXIS)
