Eurasianet Organization
Aug 23 2004
US TROOP REDEPLOYMENT SPARKS SPECULATION ON AZERBAIJANI BASE
Fariz Ismailzade: 8/23/04
News that the United States plans a massive redeployment of its armed
forces has Azerbaijanis wondering whether their country will soon
host US troops. Azerbaijani officials are coy on the base question,
prompting some local political analysts to say Baku is trying to
leverage the issue to achieve a breakthrough on the stalled talks on
a Nagorno-Karabakh peace settlement.
Speculation over whether the United States would establish a military
base in Azerbaijan began almost immediately after US leaders
announced August 16 that up 70,000 US troops in Europe and East Asia
would be redeployed. Most US soldiers appear headed back to the
United States, but some will staff new facilities, in keeping with
the Pentagon’s desire to create a more mobile armed forces. [For
additional information see the Eurasia Insight archive].
A few days before the announcement, US Secretary of Defense Donald
Rumsfeld visited Baku for hastily arranged talks. [For background see
the Eurasia Insight archive]. The Azerbaijani government provided
only a vague description about the discussions. However, Zerkalo, an
independent daily newspaper, claimed that a tentative base deal had
been reached. “Moreover, the USA is interested in modernizing …
military airfields in Azerbaijan,” Zerkalo reported on August 17,
without citing a source.
Azerbaijani media have also seized on recent comments attributed to
Gen. Charles Wald, the deputy commander for US forces in Europe, who
reportedly indicated that US defense officials were considering
Azerbaijan, Uganda and the island state of Sao Tome as potential host
sites for US rapid deployment forces. According to the Azerbaijani
reports, the United States is seeking a base in Azerbaijan to ensure
the security of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline and to monitor
developments in Iran, which Washington believes is working hard to
develop nuclear weapons. [For additional information see the Eurasia
Insight archive].
While some Azerbaijani media outlets are treating an American base as
a fait accompli, the only public statements on the issue by
Azerbaijani officials have been non-committal. Foreign Minister Eldar
Mammadyarov has acknowledged that talks are on-going, but he stressed
on August 19 that “it is naive to think that military bases can be
set up overnight.”
Some analysts say it wasn’t coincidental that Mammadyarov made the
statement in Moscow. Russia is on record as opposing any US
redeployment that would place American troops in the formerly
Communist sphere, and a few observers believe the potential American
base is at the center of a geopolitical game being played by Baku.
The objective, from Baku’s viewpoint, is to secure increased
political support for a Karabakh peace settlement that is to
Azerbaijan’s liking. Azerbaijan has insisted that any settlement
leave the region under Baku’s jurisdiction. Azerbaijani officials
have grown restless in recent months over the lack of progress in the
peace talks. [For additional information see the Eurasia Insight
archive].
Mammadyarov said in an August 19 television interview that the
Karabakh question topped his agenda during talks with Russian leaders
in Moscow. Some in Baku believe Russia, given Moscow’s close
strategic relationship with Armenia, is the key to achieving the
desired breakthrough on Karabakh. A trade-off involving Azerbaijan’s
rejection of an American base, effectively in return for greater
Russian support for Baku in the Karabakh peace process, could
possibly pressure Armenia into softening its Karabakh negotiating
position. [For additional information see the Eurasia Insight
archive].
Some pundits say Mammadyarov’s attempt to use the base issue as a
diplomatic bargaining chip has so far failed. They note that both
Russia and the United States have given no public indication of
shifting their existing positions on the Karabakh peace process.
Given the apparent failure of what some in Baku describe as
Azerbaijan’s base “bluff,” officials are now left to weigh the
potential merits and liabilities of playing host to American troops.
Political analyst Rauf Mirqadirov, writing in an analysis published
August 19 analysis by Zerkalo, examined the pros and cons of the base
issue. On the plus side, Mirqadirov said the presence of US forces
would facilitate rapid economic development in the region. He also
downplayed the possibility of Russian retaliation, arguing that
Moscow “is not ready for global confrontation with the United
States.”
Mirqadirov, however, envisioned several potential negatives arising
out of a possible basing arrangement. An American presence, for
example, could make Azerbaijan a target of Islamic militant action.
It could also potentially limit Azerbaijan’s options in striving to
achieve its Karabakh settlement objectives.
In addition, Mirqadirov voiced concern about the possibility of
Azerbaijan becoming embroiled in the long-running feud between the
United States and Iran. “The Americans do not rule out that Iran is
their future target,” Mirqadirov said. “If all these statements are
made in order to frighten Tehran – then that’s one thing. But if the
Americans start another mess – moreover, one along our border – then
Azerbaijan, irrespective of its wishes, will be dragged into this
conflict.”
Azerbaijanis interviewed at random on the streets of Baku offered a
mixed view on the base issue. “We need to see, first, what is our
benefit from these bases. Will they help us in the war with Armenia?”
said Nargiz, a university student. Niyazi, an employee at a trading
house, suggested an American troop presence would “only bring us
trouble with Iran.” Others, however, said US troops would help defend
against potential encroachment by Iran or Russia against Azerbaijan’s
sovereignty.
Editor’s Note: Fariz Ismailzade is a freelance writer on Caucasus
politics and economics. He has obtained his masters degree from the
Washington University in St. Louis and is currently based in Baku.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RIA Novosti, Russia
Aug 23 2004
NEW STEPANAKERT MAYOR ELECTED
YEREVAN, August 23 (RIA Novosti) – According to preliminary data,
Eduard Agabekyan, chairman of the permanent social commission of the
Nagorny Karabakh National Assembly, leader of the Movement-88
political organization, was elected mayor of Stepanakert, capital of
the unrecognized Nagorny Karabakh Republic.
Mr. Agabekyan collected 53.3% of votes in the second round of
elections yesterday, the press service of the Nagorny Karabakh
Foreign Ministry quoted the local Central Election Commission as
saying.
About 38.8% of voters supported former Vice Mayor of Stepanakert
Pavel Nadzharyan.
As compared to the first round, the voting activity grew by 10% and
totaled 51%, the election commission reported.
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry resolutely condemned the elections in
Nagorny Karabakh. According to the ministry, the elections to the
local self-government bodies cannot be considered legal as they
contradict the Azeri and international laws.
However, the Nagorny Karabakh Foreign Ministry regards the appeal to
Azerbaijan’s legislation “absolutely groundless”.
Secretary General of the Council of Europe Walter Schwimmer also
criticized the elections. He claimed the inadmissibility of local
elections in Nagorny Karabakh and recollected the previous appeal of
the Council of Europe to abstain from unilateral elections.
“Unilateral actions are counter-productive,” Mr. Schwimmer said.
Stepanakert officials said that his statement is far from modern
realia. “Nagorny Karabakh is a sovereign state, which has nothing to
do with Azerbaijan, and lives an independent life in the territory,
which has always belonged to Armenians,” the Nagorny Karabakh Foreign
Ministry stressed.
The Nagorny Karabakh authorities believe that the municipal elections
fully meet international laws implying the right of free elections.

Athens 2004, Olympics Official Website
Aug 23 2004
Quarterfinals: 48kg; 60kg; 81kg.
ATHENS, 23 August – Fighters in the Light Fly Weight (48kg), Light
Weight (60kg) and Light Heavy Weight (81kg) categories are into the
quarterfinal stage on Tuesday, 24 August.
Teenage sensation Amir KHAN (GBR) will be fighting for a place in the
semifinals on the evening of Tuesday, 24 August, against Korean, BAIK
Jong Sub in the Light Weight division.
The world junior champion outclassed his first opponent, and then
demoralized Dimitar STILIANOV (BUL) in the round of 16, and is highly
fancied to reach the gold medal decider.
The first of the Light Weight (60kg) quarterfinals features two
boxers who had a bye in the preliminary round, Domenico VALENTINO
(ITA) and Serik YELEUOV (KAZ), with YELEUOV favoured to progress.
In the Light Fly Weight, southpaw Sergey KAZAKOV (RUS) should have
little trouble against Joseph JERMIA (NAM).
JERMIA was a late replacement in the Olympic Games tournament, while
KAZAKOV is the World Champion and three times European Champion.
Italian Alfonso PINTO meets Atagun YALCINKAYA (TUR) in the second
quarterfinal, with the Turkish boxer expected to be too strong for
PINTO.
World Championship silver medallist ZOU Shiming (CHN) has an awkward,
yet effective style and he face Armenian Aleksan NALBANDYAN in the
third quarterfinal, who eliminated Najah ALI (IRQ) in the round of
16, while ZOU accounted for Ethiopian Endalkachew KEBEDE.
In the last of the Light Fly Weight quarterfinals, HONG Moo Won (KOR)
does battle with Yan BHARTELEMY VARELA (CUB), with the Cuban expected
to win and qualify for the semifinals.
Mario Cesar KINDELAN MESA (CUB), then clashes with Rovshan HUSEYNOV
(AZE) in the third quarterfinal with the triple World Champion
expected to face a tough challenge from HUSEYNOV.
The last of the Light Weight quarterfinals features Ugandan Sam
RUKUNDO against Murat KRACHEV (RUS), with KRACHEV expected to reach
the semifinals.
The Light Heavy Weight (81kg) quarterfinals will bring the Greek
crowds to their feet, with the appearance of Elias PAVLIDIS (GRE)
against Ahmed ISMAIL (EGY), with PAVLIDIS seeking to become the first
Greek boxer to win an Olympic Games boxing medal.
The man expected to win gold in the Light Heavy Weight category,
Evgeney MAKARENKO (RUS) will clash with American Andre WARD, with the
vast experience and long reach of the Russian expected to see him
through to the semifinals.
The last of the Light Heavy Weight quarterfinals pits Yuping LEI
(CHN) against Magomed ARIPGADJIEV (BLR).
LEI upset the highly fancied Andriy FEDCHUK (UKR) in the round of 16,
while the boxer from Belarus scored a comfortable victory against
Edgar Ramon MUNOZ MATA (VEN).
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

El Mundo, España
Lunes, 23 de Agosto 2004
Guinea juzga a seis armenios, ocho sudafricanos y seis guineanos por
intento de golpe de estado
EFE
MADRID.- El juicio contra los 20 mercenarios acusados de planear un
golpe de estado contra el presidente de Guinea Ecuatorial, Teodoro
Obiang Nguema, ha comenzado este lunes en Malabo. En la vista serán
juzgados, además de seis armenios y ocho sudafricanos, detenidos el
pasado marzo en Malabo, otros seis guineanos, entre ellos el opositor
Severo Moto, en rebeldía.
Según informó la radio estatal de Guinea Ecuatorial, las autoridades
han elegido el palacio de Banapá como sede del proceso por tener
capacidad para unas 1.000 personas, observadores internacionales
incluidos.
Un inusitado despliegue de seguridad ha sido montado en Malabo, cuyas
calles han sido tomadas por los militares con el apoyo de un
helicóptero.
El tribunal está dirigido por el presidente del Tribunal de Apelación
de Malabo, Salvador Ondo Nkumu, mientras que el fiscal general del
Estado, José Oló, interviene como acusador.
Los armenios Samuel Davrinian, Ashot Karapetyan, Samuel Matshkalian,
Razmik Khachatryan, Suren Muradyan y Ashot Simonyan están acusados de
utilizar con fines desestabilizadores un avión Antonov 12, aunque su
defensor asegura que se trata de una acusación “vaga” carente de
fundamento.
Al estrado de Banapá también subirán los sudafricanos Nick du Toit,
presunto cabecilla del grupo; Mark Anthony Schmidt, Marius Gerardes
Bonzaire, Georgio Fernando Patricio Cardoso, Américo Joao Pimentel
Riveiro, Abel Augusto, José Passocas Domingos y George Olimpic Nunez
Allerson.
Los guineanos Antonio Javier Nguema Nchama y Agustín Massoko Abegue
están acusados de ofrecer como tapadera sus actividades ( calificadas
de “terroristas”) en la empresa Triple Options, que supuestamente
trababa con el surafricano Nick du Toit.
A los guineanos Coldo Martínez Nsang, Anacleto Oyono Nchama y Crispín
Ntutumu Owono se les acusa de “cooperación necesaria” con los
mercenarios para que conociesen la ciudad de Malabo, sus alrededores,
y algunas de las personas que supuestamente colaboraron con ellos.
Fuentes opositoras han asegurado que en el sumario ha desaparecido
cualquier referencia al ciudadano alemán Gerard Eugen Merz, muerto en
la prisión de Black Beach, y titular de la empresa en la que
trabajaban los seis armenios.
En el sumario figuran, además de Severo Moto, máximo dirigente del
Partido del Progreso, Elie Calil, Greg Wales, David Hurt y Simon
Mann, este último un conocido “soldado de fortuna” que se encuentra
entre los 64 detenidos en Harare cuando fue interceptado un avión con
el que supuestamente pretendían trasladar a Guinea Ecuatorial al
resto de los presuntos mercenarios el pasado marzo.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian president off to Athens to watch Olympic Games
Mediamax news agency
23 Aug 04
YEREVAN
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan left for Athens today.
The presidential press service told Mediamax news agency today that
Robert Kocharyan will watch the performance of Armenian sportsmen at
the Olympic Games.

AZERI DAILY SAYS US TROOPS MAY BE STATIONED IN KARABAKH
Yeni Musavat, Baku
23 Aug 04
The USA might help Azerbaijan gain back its Armenian-occupied lands in
return for stationing its troops in Nagornyy Karabakh, Azerbaijani
daily Yeni Musavat has said. This could provide excellent chances to
Washington, which aims to reduce Russia’s role in the region and is
about to launch its plans vis-a-vis Iran, since Nagornyy Karabakh
borders both on Iran and on Armenia which hosts Russian military
bases, the report said. I do not believe that US troops will come here
only to protect the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline, the deputy chairman of
the opposition Musavat Party told Yeni Musavat. The US forces to be
deployed in the country will be “multipurpose”, the party official
said. For his part, the spokesman of the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry
denied that deployment of US troop had been discussed during the
latest visit by the US defence secretary to Baku. However, the
spokesman said, military units of countries involved in the
construction of Baku-Ceyhan might take part in the protection of the
pipeline. The following is an excerpt from Elsad Pasasoy’s report by
Yeni Musavat on 23 August headlined “US bases in Karabakh” and
subheaded “Can Baku make such an appeal to the USA?” and “Sulhaddin
Akbar: Personal and power interests should be set aside”; subheadings
have been inserted editorially:
Reports that US troops will be stationed in Azerbaijan have caused
serious concern in Russia. In its comments on Pentagon chief Donald
Rumsfeld’s unexpected visit to Azerbaijan, Russia’s Nezavisimaya
Gazeta reported that the issue of military bases had been discussed
and agreement in principle had been reached.
There have been discussions for a long time about the possibility of
setting up NATO or US military bases in Azerbaijan. Although
Washington officials have so far firmly denied the existence of this
plan, this intention is being more openly expressed now. The deputy
commander of US European Command, Charles Wald, has also unveiled
Washington’s intention to deploy mobile forces in the region to ensure
the security of the (Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan) oil pipeline.
US troops in Azerbaijan to be multipurpose
Commenting on the issue, the deputy chairman of the Musavat Party,
Sulhaddin Akbar, said that the discussions of this issue had started
long before and negotiations were under way. “But the discussions have
not finished yet. Some technical preparations are being made. However,
the resolution of the issue on an official legal level is being
delayed because Azerbaijan has not given its official consent.”
Akbar says that the factor that keeps the Azerbaijani authorities in
hesitation is Russia’s and Iran’s positions. He thinks that the bases
that will be set up in Azerbaijan might not be conventional military
bases. “As is known, the notion of military bases implies the
long-term deployment of armed forces of one foreign country in another
country based on a legal document. It might be envisaged that some
mobile forces will be temporarily deployed. In the first place I mean
air bases.”
(Passage omitted: known details)
Akbar says that if US troops are deployed temporarily, they will be
multipurpose. “In other words, they will be used both within the
framework of the Caspian security programme, to ensure the security of
oil reserves and oil transportation to international markets and for
the Iranian issue. A new function might appear in the future. In other
words, I do not believe that they will be here only to protect the oil
pipeline.”
Undoubtedly, this plan will be implemented in accordance with the US
interests. The deployment of troops in Azerbaijan could be an event of
serious significance to Washington from the viewpoint of minimizing
Russia’s role in the region and implementing the Iranian plan. Since
the USA explains the deployment of troops by the fight against terror,
the interests of Azerbaijan, which has been subjected to terror,
should also be satisfied.
US troops may be stationed in Karabakh
One may wonder if the Azerbaijani side can dare to propose that our
occupied lands be liberated and in return US military forces be
stationed in Karabakh. By the way, in the occupied lands Azerbaijan
borders Iran and Armenia, which hosts Russia’s military bases. So, it
would promise a more beneficial prospect for the USA to set up
military bases in Nagornyy Karabakh. But can the Azerbaijani
authorities raise this issue with Washington?
Akbar (says): “For this condition to be put forward, private and power
interests should be set aside and the national interests should come
to the fore. Of course, this is possible if the national interests
come first. This issue was touched upon in a meeting between
(Azerbaijani Defence Minister) Safar Abiyev and Donald Rumsfeld. It is
desirable to have these issues raised. They include restoration of
Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, increased border
security, Caspian security and assistance in the resolution of
Azerbaijan’s numerous problems and army building. If Azerbaijan is
interested, it may raise many issues as part of bilateral cooperation
and within the framework of NATO.”
Akbar said he did not expect the presence of US military forces in
Azerbaijan to directly influence the resolution of the Nagornyy
Karabakh dispute. “It may simply have a certain effect in terms of
preventing the conflict from expanding. Namely, if US armed forces are
deployed in Azerbaijan, this will naturally play a role in
strengthening stability in the region from the geopolitical and
geostrategic viewpoint. Or the reverse could be true. Say, if the
Iranian issue comes to the agenda, it could play an opposite
role. This should also be taken into account.” (Asked if) this will
nullify Azerbaijan’s chance to start military operations, Akbar (said
that) “Azerbaijan does not have such an intention, desire and power.”
Tension to grow between Russia and USA
What will be Russia’s reaction to Washington’s military plans? Will
Moscow pull back its military bases from Georgia and Azerbaijan, or
will it continue showing more resistance?
The expert says that strategic disagreement is already increasing. “It
is hard to predict any understanding in this direction soon. The
situations both in Ukraine and Georgia and in Azerbaijan show that the
disagreement is growing. I think this tension will continue growing at
least till the end of the year. If (US President George W.) Bush is
re-elected and if perhaps understanding is reached with Russia from
the geopolitical and geostrategic viewpoint, Moscow could withdraw
from here. But this understanding is not expected to be reached at
least this year.”
Azeri defence official denies talks on US troop deployment
Expressing an attitude to press reports on the prospect of deployment
of US military forces in Azerbaijan, the head of the press service of
the (Azerbaijani) Defence Ministry, Col Ramiz Malikov, said that no
discussion had been held at the ministry to this effect. Reminding
that the Defence Ministry is not a political organization, the colonel
thinks that it is up to politicians to discuss this issue. Also, he
played down the reports that during his sudden visit to Azerbaijan
last week (on 12 August) US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld had had
discussions with his Azerbaijani counterpart on the deployment of (US)
troops. “I personally took part in the meeting that was held at Heydar
Aliyev international airport. A broad exchange of views was held with
our minister. However, the setting up of military bases was not the
subject of the discussions.”
Besides refuting reports circulated in the Russian media, Malikov
wanted the reality to be heeded, too. Judging by what he said, the
disseminated information was not by far unsubstantiated. “Today, the
eyes of the whole world are on Azerbaijan. A total of 60m dollars have
been invested in the Baku-Tb ilisi-Ceyhan pipeline and the countries
concerned want to have the security of this pipeline ensured. Certain
circles, countries concerned and their military units might take part
in the protection of this pipeline. A unit from Azerbaijan might also
join this process.” Nevertheless, the Defence Ministry spokesman
reiterated that the discussions of this type had not been held. “The
Defence Ministry is just an executive body.”
Malikov’s reaction to Russia’s concerns at the setting up of US
military bases in Azerbaijan on the pretext of protecting the oil
pipeline was brief and clear-cut: “Has Russia ever been unconcerned?”
(Asked if) the military forces that will be stationed in Azerbaijan
may in any way contribute to the (resolution of) the Nagornyy Karabakh
dispute, Malikov said: “How can they help? These units will just
protect the pipeline. Now, you see (US Co-Chairman of the OSCE Minsk
Group) Steven Mann, on the one hand, and the Russian foreign minister,
on the other, shouting. We have to resolve the Nagornyy Karabakh
dispute ourselves.”

Christian Science Monitor
Aug 23 2004
A shattered peace between Muslims and Christians
De Bernières returns 10 years after ‘Corelli’s Mandolin’
By Ron Charles
That rumbling sound just over the horizon is a stampede of giant
novels set to arrive in a cloud of publicity. Pity the midlist author
who pushes a new book into the path of this horde next month. To the
extent Hollywood rises or falls on Thanksgiving weekend, publishers
are concentrating more and more of their big literary novels in the
fall, a self-destructive tendency sure to overwhelm the nation’s
shrinking body of readers (and newspaper book sections). If, as
Calvin Trillin observed, the average shelf life of a book is
somewhere between milk and yogurt, we’re about to see some major
spoilage.
That would be a shame because from the first novel to arrive this
looks like a particularly good season. “Birds Without Wings,” by
Louis de Bernières, is a deeply rewarding work about the dissolution
of the Ottoman Empire. It’s both exotically remote and tragically
relevant in our age of confident nation-building.
As he did in his bestselling “Corelli’s Mandolin” (1994), de
Bernières roots his examination of the byzantine complexity of
history in the life of a small town. For generations, Christians and
Muslims have lived harmoniously in Eskibahçe, a fictional coastal
village carved into a hillside in what we now call Turkey. The novel
opens in 1900, on the eve of political and social calamities that no
one could possibly imagine, least of all these simple folk, whose
lives have more in common with 1500 than 1950.
One by one, they tell their stories – short, simple scenes that
gradually cut new facets in the hard substance of world history.
“With us there has been so much blood,” Iskander the Potter says in
the first paragraph, but it’s easy to ignore that warning as he and
his neighbors describe the everyday joys and trials of their lives as
though these were the riffs of some Ottoman Garrison Keillor.
There’s young Philothei, a Christian girl so beautiful she must wear
a veil to quell quarrels in the town. And Ibrahim, her betrothed, who
can “mimic the stupid comments of a goat in all its various states of
mind.” Karatavuk and Mehmetçik play among the hills, endlessly
blowing their bird whistles and flapping their arms. The proud
Christian priest accepts “offerings from Muslims who were anxious to
hedge their bets with God by backing both camels.” Ali the
Snowbringer lives with his asthmatic donkey in the trunk of a tree.
And Levon, the Armenian pharmacist, graciously helps the Muslim drunk
who once assaulted him in the street.
These are often charming, even comic stories, but they’re quickly
forced to contend with stunning scenes of violence. “It is one of the
greatest curses of religion,” de Bernières writes, “that it takes
only the very slightest twist of a knife tip in the cloth of a shirt
to turn neighbors who have loved each other into bitter enemies.”
That twist turns fathers against daughters and husbands against
wives, slicing through ligaments of affection in one haunting chapter
after another. With his presentation of this ecumenical community, de
Bernières suggests that these eruptions of domestic violence – tragic
as they are, motivated by pride and religious absolutism – can be
controlled and minimized by the essential goodwill of reasonable
people who know one another well.
But “Birds Without Wings” maintains a bifocal vision. One eye stays
focused on the village, while the other sees nations foolishly
slipping toward World War I. Among the scenes of life in little
Eskibahçe, de Bernières interjects blood-soaked snapshots of the
dissolution of the Ottoman Empire and the chaotic ascension of
Mustafa Kemal, the founder of modern Turkey. With wry disgust, he
races through revolutions and counterrevolutions, massacres and
deportations, the craven interference of European powers and their
disastrous passivity, atrocities reflected endlessly in the mirror of
revenge.
It’s often difficult to follow the swift crosscurrents of this
complex period, but de Bernières’s thesis is strikingly clear:
“History,” he writes, “is finally nothing but a sorry edifice
constructed from hacked flesh in the name of great ideas.”
Eventually, of course, obscurity can protect Eskibahçe no longer. The
rabid demands of fanatics who know nothing of this delicate town rain
down upon it, fertilizing sectarian strife that these people had
managed to hold in check for centuries. Again and again, we see the
way reckless acts by vain leaders function as the flutterings of that
proverbial butterfly that incites a hurricane far away. Friend is set
against friend, neighbor against neighbor, always against their true
will. With his unfailingly wise perspective, de Bernières notes, “The
triple contagions of nationalism, utopianism and religious absolutism
effervesce together into an acid that corrodes the moral metal of a
race.”
Karatavuk, one of the Muslim boys who played so happily with his
Christian friend, takes us into the smoke of trench warfare with all
its ghastly farce and startling moments of compassion. His burning
faith in the jihad is slowly smothered by the senseless horrors he
witnesses and commits. “It is only people like me,” he writes, “who
wonder why God does not do just one good miracle, and make the world
perfect in an instant.”
So much is remarkable about this novel, from the heft of its history
to the power of its legends. In this great bazaar of family life and
international politics, the bittersweet metaphor of “birds without
wings” grows deeper and richer. The people of Eskibahçe are blessed
with soaring aspirations, but like all of us they must live firmly on
the ground, forced to cope with one another and the earthquakes of
history. This epic about the tragedy of borders is likely to cross
all borders, moving readers everywhere as it describes the harrowing
cost of remaking faraway places in the image of our dreams.
– Ron Charles is the Monitor’s book editor. Send e-mail comments
about the book section to Ron Charles.

ArmenPress
Aug 23 2004
KOCHARIAN SAYS MEETING IN SOCHI A NEW BOOST TO ARMENIAN-RUSSIAN
RELATIONS
SOCHI, AUGUST 23, ARMENPRESS: “I would like to express my
satisfaction with the spirit and atmosphere of negotiations which
have marked all our meetings with Armenian leadership. Sincerity and
partnership, in its deep meaning, are typical of Armenian-Russian
relations and for that I would like to thank my counterpart, Robert
Kocharian,” Russian president Vladimir Putin told a news conference
followed by his meeting with Armenian president Robert Kocharian.
According to him, the sides have a good chance to “fix the clocks”
for all spheres of cooperation. The talks mainly related to
cooperation in economic field. Russian president mentioned a number
of concerning issues, particularly decline in trade turnover. V.
Putin voiced his hope that the problems will be overcome in the
nearest future, primarily connected with modernization in Armenal, a
Russian subsidiary in Armenia, and some other problems in one of the
fields which wait for their settlement soon, Russian president
assured. V. Putin mentioned that he had contacted right during the
talks with Russian side involved in Armenal transaction and learned
that works will be over in due time. The total investment by the
Russian side will make 36 mln USD.
Russian president also said that they have conferred on military
cooperation, particularly within Collective Security Treaty
Organization (CSTO). He informed that a decision is developed which
will be presented to the discussion of State Duma. According to the
decision, political military cooperation in CSTO member states should
be equalized with similar transactions in Russia, i.e., all
procurements should be made based on Russian standards and prices.
The sides also discussed infrastructure development cooperation
prospects. According to V. Putin, there are a number of problems in
this important field connected with geopolitical situation of
Armenia. However, he cited a number of good prospects which Russian
president voiced that will be realized.
V. Putin underscored cooperation in energy field among the
economic ties. He praised the present level of cooperation in the
field and voiced his hope that in the future they will be deepened.
Robert Kocharian said that the meeting in Sochi has been a good
opportunity to discuss disposition in different fields. According to
him, issues accumulate from time to time which wait a boost “to pass
through cabinets.”
President Kocharian also expressed his satisfaction with the
nature of the discussed issues. He also mentioned that concerns have
been raised connected with the decline in trade turnover. However,
the president noted that this is not the sole indicator in bilateral
ties. Russian capital has grown in Armenian businesses and is
encompassing more and more new fields year by year, already today
involving agriculture, processed chemistry, hotel, banking, high
technology and other fields. He underscored all the transactions that
are marking Armenian-Russian economic ties today.
Speaking on economic development prospects, Putin also noted the
mentioned fields. “We have untied a “difficult clew” of debts and
responsibilities by handing over control packages of a number of
Armenian companies to Russians,” president Putin mentioned.
President Kocharian said that there a number of issues with Mars
factory and works are under way to increase industrial output there.
In better conditions is Hrazdan Hydro Electric Power Station. It is
normally operating and output may grow in relation to export
possibilities.
Among other issues was military technical cooperation as well as
preparation of Armenian cadres in Russian military establishments.
Responding to the question of Armenpress on the situation in South
Caucasus, Russian president said that South Caucasus is in a
difficult state now and “the present conflicts are the heritage of
the past.” He said part of the conflicts are frozen and some of them
burst out with a new rigor. It is, of coarse, a concerning matter.
However, Russian president voiced his hope that common sense, the
clear understanding of the importance of relations among regional
people will prevail over some pretensions. “By joint efforts and
compromise in negotiations many accumulated questions should be
resolved,” he said.
According to Kocharian, conflicts affect negatively on the whole
region and everything should be done so that they do not flare up.
According to him, there are different conflicts at different phases
of development . Conflict elements in South Ossetia are difficult to
control. The situation is different in Nagorno Karabakh. There is a
strict border line, military forces on both sides, there are no units
or actions which are out of control, violating the regime of cease
fire would result from a decision by one side to break it. According
to Armenian president, the situation is different in North Ossetia.
Here the sides should demonstrate political willingness so that the
conflict does not develop into a war.
V. Putin added that he has conferred on Karabakh conflict
resolution with president Kocharian, mentioning that they discussed
alternative solutions, preservation of dialogue and resolution of the
conflict. He mentioned that it is important to note that both sides
try to find a solution from the situation and president of both
countries have similar aspirations. According to him, the clew is
difficult and compromises should be looked for. V. Putin noted that
Russia will play a role of peaceful mediator, of coarse, in case of
consent by the sides.
Responding to the question what are the ways to bring trade
economic relations into adequacy and to what level conflicts affect
economic relations, Putin indicated the example of Armenal and the
present challenges which are connected with the lack of communication
routs. According to him, as soon as the situation in Trans Caucasus
becomes tense, transport of goods and people also become difficult.
There are no communication routs between Russia and Armenia,
therefore the sides go to modernization efforts which asks for
additional investment capital. Although this is a positive phenomenon
for Armenia, it also indicates that economic cooperation becomes more
difficult when conflicts are not resolved.
Robert Kocharian said the meeting is a new boost to
Armenian-Russian bilateral relations. There are a number of tasks
that president Kocharian will assign to his ministers. President
Putin has already contacted with the head of Russian government,
minister of finance and several other ministers to settle a number of
concrete issues on the spot.
The sides also decided on Russian co chair candidacy of
Armenian-Russian intergovernmental committee who will be Russian
minister of Transport Igor Levitin.
Robert Kocharian invited president Putin to visit Armenian at the
beginning of next year which Russian president accepted with great
delight.

ArmenPress
Aug 23 2004
PM ANDRANIK MARGARIAN CONGRATULATES ON 14TH ANNIVERSARY OF
INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION IN ARMENIA
YEREVAN, AUGUST 23, ARMENPRESS: Armenian prime minister Andranik
Margarian addressed a congratulation message on the occasion of 14th
anniversary of Independence Declaration in Armenia which says in
particular,
“Fourteen years ago, on August 23, by the declaration adopted by
Former Soviet Republic Supreme Council, Armenian nation reaffirmed
its will and determination to recover its independent statehood, lead
a free and decent life. By doing so, they put the grounds for
establishment of independent statehood based on the national
objectives and principals laid down in the Declaration providing wide
opportunities to integrate with civilized world and develop legally
equal relations with other nations and states, step on the rout of
democracy and civil society and build a self-administered, legal and
social sate committed to international values.
During the last years, despite of all hardships, our statehood and
nation proved their commitment to the Resolution principals building
and gradually strengthening our statehood. Armenian freedom loving
spirit was demonstrated also in the victory of Artsakh liberation
fight. Today is the time to unify pan national values and preserve
achievements and develop them, not to devalue independence in the
routine of life but to perceive it as a highest value. We have the
historic opportunity to pass to generations a free, independent and
strong Armenia which is the sole guarantee of the aspirations of
Armenians all over the world.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ArmenPress
Aug 23 2004
ONE NATION, ONE CULTURE FESTIVAL OVER
YEREVAN, AUGUST 23, ARMENPRESS: First pan Armenian festival “One
Nation, One Culture” which launched on Aug 14 under the high auspices
of president Kocharian concluded yesterday at Republic Square with
festivities.
Symphonic band of National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet
after Al Spendarian, different groups from Armenia and Diaspora,
individual players performed during the closing ceremony. Armenian
prime minister Andranik Margarian greeted the present and underscored
the role of festival in deepening Armenian-Diaspora ties in his
speech. Assistant to Armenian president Vigen Sargssian said that it
is expected to hold such festivals once in four or even two years.
The festival was sponsored by Hayastan All Armenian fund and One
Nation, One Culture fund. More than 1500 people of art from USA,
Australia, Turkey, Iran, Israel, Italy, Poland, Canada, Lebanon,
Russia, Syria, Georgia, France, Ukraine as well as Nagorno Karabagh
and Armenia participated. As special guests, some 500 well known
people of art were in Armenia during the days of the festival.
Dozens of performances, poetry evening days, exhibition and
exhibition sales, concerts and other events were held on the
sidelines of the festival. Each day of the festival was marked by
some symbolic name – My Armenia, Day of Armenian Song, Day of
Armenian Writing and Literature, Day of Theater, Day of Armenian
Dance, Day of Armenian Classical Music and so on.