TURKISH PREMIER HOLDS NEWS CONFERENCE AT END OF NATO SUMMIT
TRT 2 television, Ankara
29 Jun 04
Text of news conference by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
with unidentified correspondents in Istanbul at the conclusion of the
NATO summit, broadcast live by Turkish TRT 2 television on 29 June
(Erdogan) Our beautiful Istanbul is experiencing the joy of
successfully hosting a historic summit. The heads of state and
government of 26 NATO member countries and 48 countries in the
Euro-Atlantic region convened in Istanbul to participate in the NATO
summit during the last two days. Before going into the details of the
meetings held within this framework, I would like to state that our
country, which is hosting a NATO summit for the first time in the
52-year history of its membership in the alliance, has successfully
fulfilled this difficult task with great success. This is not our
opinion alone, but that of the heads of state and government who
attended the summit and who have conveyed their views to us. The
success I am talking about is not only an organizational one. It is at
the same time based on the light Istanbul, which is the point where
many civilizations converge, has cast on the future of NATO that aims
to be a global bridge of stability. In other words, it was an
expression of unification with Istanbul’s natural beauties. In the
process that started on Saturday (26 June) especially our nation, our
people, have exhibited a very different hospitality. This hospitality
may have caused them to put up with various difficulties, but the
prestige this hospitality has given to our country and our nation
cannot be expressed in words. This has bestowed a great prestige on
us. This is the reason why, I take the opportunity at this news
conference to once again apologize on behalf of my government and
continue with the second part of my news conference. We have undergone
through a joint trial. At the same time, various nongovernmental
organizations have, within the framework of a democratic
understanding, exercised their right to the freedom of expression.
Naturally, all the participants and international observers have noted
that the hand of partnership the expanding NATO has extended to the
east and the south has gained a more special meaning and depth in
Istanbul. This was expressed by all the friendly countries that
arrived here. This summit meeting has once again clearly shown that
Turkey – which represents a successful synthesis between the cultures
of Islam and democracy, between traditionalism and modernity, and
between history and the future – on the basis of these
characteristics, constitutes a powerful light of hope for the dialogue
between cultures and civilizations.
Dear media members, the Istanbul summit marks a critical point in the
NATO transformation process. The decisions made here will be a
historic turning point for the future and for world peace and
stability. This can clearly be observed even when the results of the
Istanbul summit are viewed from the viewpoint of only headlines. It is
possible to collect the results of this summit under eight major
headlines. The decisions to expand the NATO operation in Afghanistan –
which was the first operation that was launched outside the scope of
the alliance in its real sense – outside of Kabul, in line with the
request of the central government, and to support the elections that
are of key importance in this country’s political transition were
reaffirmed in this summit.
In the light of the successful results achieved in Bosnia and
Hercegovina, a decision was adopted to end the NATO operation at the
end of the year and to support the EU that will undertake a new
operation in this country.
In the fight against terrorism, a new package of measures such as
strengthening the sharing of intelligence that involves various
measures and developing capabilities to prevent possible nuclear and
biological attacks was adopted during this summit. A decision was also
made to secure the capabilities needed to struggle against new threats
and to begin activities aimed at eliminating logistic and financial
difficulties that prevent the participation of member countries in
NATO operations.
At the summit it was also stressed that the inclusion of seven new
members will not be the last expansion wave and that the policy of an
open door will be actively maintained. A decision was also reached to
grant a special priority to the countries in the Caucasus and Central
Asia within NATO’s partnership relations. The Istanbul Cooperation
Initiative, which will be implemented in full cooperation and
consultation with the regional countries, was launched in line with
the approaches presented at the G-8 meeting and the US-European
summits. Moreover, in parallel to the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative,
a decision was also reached to develop the existing Mediterranean
dialogue while preserving its special characteristics.
In line with UN Security Council resolution no 1546 and based on the
request of the Iraqi transitional government, a decision was made for
NATO to assume a role in training the Iraqi security forces and for
launching internal activities in connection with additional steps that
might be taken alongside the training.
When we view all these decisions, we can clearly observed that the
NATO transformation process based on new capabilities, new partnership
relations, and operations gained a new horizon and a new impetus in
Istanbul. This visionary characteristic of the Istanbul summit was
actually put forth in the Istanbul Declaration under the headline ‘our
security in the new era’ that was adopted during the summit. In
addition to its content, the fact that such a visionary declaration
was issued for the first time since the 1990 London summit held soon
after the end of the Cold War clearly confirms the importance of the
Istanbul summit.
Another important document that was adopted during the summit was the
joint communique issued on the issue of Iraq. The document in
question, which is important from the viewpoint of demonstrating the
unity of views on Iraq of the allies that went through a difficult
time during the Iraq crisis, contains noteworthy observations on the
general situation in Iraq and the principles that have to be abided
by. Within this framework, the fact that the terrorist activities
springing from Iraq constitute a threat to the security of
neighbouring countries and the region was observed and clearly
stressed constitutes an important and positive development from our
point of view.
During the summit, in addition to the meetings held among the various
allies, a meeting was held with the Ukrainian president at the
NATO-Ukrainian Committee. Moreover, the NATO-Russian Council meeting
at the foreign ministerial level was also held. Furthermore, the
Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC), which has 46 members, met at
the level of heads of state and government. Mr Karzai, the president
of Afghanistan, participated in the meeting in question as well. The
participation in the EAPC meeting of the heads of state of Bosnia and
Hercegovina and Serbia and Montenegro as observers through our
initiatives also constituted a first. Especially, the meeting held
with Mr Karzai was of historic value. This meeting was beneficial and
constructive from the viewpoint of showing the commitment of the
Euro-Atlantic community to the future of Afghanistan. This fact was
clearly demonstrated both during the NATO meetings and in the
bilateral meetings we held.
>From the viewpoint of our EU membership, this summit has also
contributed to establishing a positive approach on the part of the EU
member countries towards Turkey.
I would also like to refer to the tripartite meeting Mr Gul, our
foreign minister and deputy prime minister, held with Armenian Foreign
Minister Oskanyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Mammadyarov. I hope
that the meetings the three ministers decided to hold in the future as
well will contribute to the solution of the regional conflict, which
seems to be frozen, and to regional peace.
We also found the opportunity to hold a series of bilateral meetings
during this summit. I found the opportunity to review our bilateral
relations as well as our relations with the EU in meetings I held with
Mr Berlusconi, my friend the Italian prime minister; with Mr Zapatero,
the new Spanish prime minister; and with Mr Rop, the Slovenian prime
minister. I also held detailed meetings with Mr Aliyev, the
Azerbaijani president; Mr Nazarbayev, the Kazakh president; and Mr
Akayev, the Kyrgyz president. Prior to the gala dinner last night, I
met with French President Chirac and German Chancellor Schroeder and
conducted a brief exchange of views.
I held a detailed meeting with Mr Karzai a while ago. I held various
contacts with all the heads of state and government during the NATO
meetings and the working luncheons. As a result, I can say with a
clear conscience that the Istanbul summit was a timely, successful and
beneficial meeting from the viewpoint of giving a direction to the
future of NATO and of introducing and accentuating the importance of
our country.
I wish a safe journey to the heads of state and government who have
returned to their countries, the foreign and defence ministers,
members of the various delegations and the foreign media members. No
doubt, we wish to see them all once again in our country as soon as
possible accompanied by their families and their loved ones. They have
bid us farewell saying that they wish to return to our country not on
an official capacity alone but on an unofficial one as well. Finally,
I extend my extensive thanks on behalf of my government, myself, and
my nation to all those who have worked to make this historic summit a
success and especially to our foreign minister, our state minister
Atalay, the other pertinent ministers such as the defence and interior
ministers, Ambassador Umur Apaydin who is the chairman of the
organizing committee, all our friends who have taken part in the
organization of this summit, the Foreign Ministry community, all the
security personnel, our security organization, and members of the
Turkish Armed Forces who were tasked in this summit.
As I stated in the beginning of my address, I especially thank my
citizens of Istanbul and Ankara who experienced a different kind of
difficulty and who had a great share in the success of this summit and
you, my dear media members, who reported on the summit. Your work was
tiring and intensive. I believe that your work has contributed
abundantly to the future prestige of our country. Thank you again for
this. If you have any questions then we can proceed to them.
(Correspondent) Naturally, no doubt, one of the most important items
on the summit agenda was Iraq. How does Turkey think it will support
the new administration in Iraq? NATO has called for the training of
Iraqi soldiers. Is Turkey considering to undertake this training in
Iraq or in Turkey? There was a transfer of administration,
sovereignty, in Iraq. Do you think that a serious change,
tranquillity, is possible only through a transfer of sovereignty while
US troops are still in Iraq? Thank you.
(Erdogan) I will begin by extending my thanks. At the moment, through
this withdrawal, including Bremer, duties are being transferred to the
administration there. The form, the how, and why will be determined
through mutual meetings. We will do all we can, we will extend all
the aid and support we can during these talks. At the moment, nothing
is clear on this issue.
(Correspondent) I have two questions that are interlinked. One is
about the red lines of Turkey. How were these red lines manifested in
the NATO summit? Secondly, as you have just mentioned, what do you
have to say about the behaviour of the police forces while certain
nongovernmental organizations were expressing their democratic
reaction? What do you have to say to the use of pepper spray and the
fact that many people including policemen and demonstrators, were
injured? I thank you.
(Erdogan) I thank you as well. First I will reply to your first
question. The answers to the red lines were not sought in these
meetings. What we sought in these meetings was how to establish a
democratic Iraq and how NATO can help in establishing a democratic
Iraq be it in the field of education or the establishment of the
security forces there. What kind of a role can NATO play? These issues
were discussed. The details of these issues will be discussed later
on. What kind of a role will Turkey play in this process? We will see
that within the plan. There is nothing concrete at the moment.
As for the your second question, while the nongovernmental
organization were exercising their democratic rights as they view
them, I believe that the police forces exercised their duties. It is
impossible to see the overturning of nine vehicles as an expression of
freedoms. Vehicles belonging to civilian citizens were overturned. It
is impossible to define the damage caused as an expression of
freedom. The police forces showed the necessary tolerance to the very
end. When deterrence was needed, the police did what it could in the
most suitable manner within the framework of the package of
measures. I believe that it would be beneficial to view this as the
achievement of our police force. This is what I think.
(Correspondent) The EU issue was discussed. Were you satisfied with
the speeches the European leaders delivered on the issue?
(Erdogan) In general, the leaders of the EU member countries are
approaching the issue from the viewpoint that Turkey has no problem
with regards to the negotiation process. I believe that after having
experienced the NATO summit in Istanbul, all the EU member countries
will change their views in a positive manner. The developments will be
more positive and will be speeded up from now on.
(Correspondent, in English) Mediamax news agency Armenia. Don’t you
think that the absence of diplomatic relations between Armenia and
Turkey and the closed border hinder the development of NATO-Armenia
relations? Thank you.
(Erdogan) I thank you. In addition to the meeting your foreign
minister, who came from Armenia, held with Mr Gul, I also met with
him. As a matter of fact, I also arranged a meeting with Mr
Aliyev. They met there as well. Naturally, all this happened through
mutual sacrifice and mutual tolerance. This was what was needed. Mr,
Gul, our honourable foreign minister and deputy prime minister, has
initiated a process by bringing together the foreign ministers of
Azerbaijan and Armenia. We hope that this process will continue and
pick up speed and that we will reach a solution here as well based on
the concept of win-win. We saw the sides had a positive
approach. Hope, however, is not sufficient. What is sufficient is to
get results. At the moment we are in the phase of wishes. We see that
they are determined to achieve results. We are saying that one should
continue on this path.
(Correspondent) NATO adopted a decision on the training of the Iraqi
security forces. What are Turkey’s views on the issue? Do you want to
send training forces there? The second question is this: Will Turkey
want to command ISAF in the new phase? I thank you.
(Erdogan) I replied to these questions a while ago. What kind of a
training will it be? This will be determined through talks to be held
later on. In other words, will the training be conducted there or
here? There is nothing clear at the moment. As for ISAF, if you are
asking about Afghanistan, Turkey will send (troops) to Afghanistan
later on. Probably in during the February-August period.
(Correspondent from the Parity Democrat Westminster, in English, with
superimposed translation into Turkish) At this Istanbul summit, there
were two women presidents, four women ministers for foreign affairs,
four ministers of defence and two women national security
advisers. Turkey has made remarkable progress in the last few years in
legislating equal rights for women. There is only one woman minister
among your 23-member cabinet. When you next reshuffle your government,
could you not emulate the prophet and appoint at least four
distinguished women as ministers, even if they are not your daughters?
(Erdogan, laughing) You seem to have carefully counted the number of
women ministers attending the summit. I was unable to do so. At
present, my cabinet includes one state minister. It is our hope that
this number will increase in future cabinets and in possible future
developments that could come about because of any changes. This is
what we wish. Turkey will hold future elections in a very different
way. I believe that distance will be covered in this regard with every
passing day.
(Correspondent) As you noted at the beginning of your statement, the
final communique referred to the fact that the terrorist activities in
the region affect the surrounding countries as well. This is a subject
that Turkey also attaches importance to – the presence of the
PKK/Kongra-Gel (Workers Party of Kurdistan/People’s Congress of
Kurdistan) in north Iraq. Was any progress recorded on this subject
during bilateral or interdelegational talks?
(Erdogan) They know our sensitivities in this regard. We also stated
them. Both NATO member countries and EU countries concur on the
establishment of a joint struggle platform against terrorism. They say
that, together, we will do our utmost on this subject. Once they
pledge to do that, we do not have the right to say: But, you are not
doing so, you will not do so. Jointly, we have to take the steps with
regard to our future moves.
(Correspondent from Agence Europe in Brussels, in English, with
superimposed translation into Turkish) I would like to come back to
the question of EU candidacy. First, yesterday, French President
Jacques Chirac said that if the European Commission report states that
Turkey is not ready, the negotiations with Turkey may be postponed by
six months to a year. Second, (EU Commissioner for Enlargement)
Verheugen is stressing the issue of implementing the reforms. He is
insisting on implementing the reforms, not just enacting them. What is
the status on the question of implementation? What do you think about
these statements?
(Erdogan) Thank you. This process has two main headlines – adaptation
and implementation. We claim that we have concluded the adaptation
process, and we are continuing our work regarding implementation with
great care. It is also a fact, however, that not all the elements of
adaptation need to be fully implemented. Even full EU members have not
achieved this yet. A change of mentality is being brought about, and
in doing this, it is not easy to include the entire package into the
implementation process and to achieve this in the implementation
process. We are, however, engaged in efforts to realize this with
sincerity and great determination. I believe that these officers in
charge of enlargement, Mr, Verheugen in particular, also see this
reality from close up. I also believe that the report that will be
drafted on Turkey will be along these lines. As far as the report is
concerned, in truth, I am not expecting a negative report. I am
expecting this report to be positive, because the steps we took are
very serious ones. The steps we took pertaining to freedoms are
evident. The work we undertook in many other fields, be it in the
sphere of democratization, the freedom of enterprise, or the freedom
of organization, is also every clear. Those who until two-three years
ago were saying that such things cannot happen have seen that these
things did take place in Turkey. Our European friends also see this
clearly. It is our expectation that the report will be positive. I do
not believe that there will be any hitches in this regard. In the
final analysis, naturally, it is the drafters of the report who will
come up with a positive or negative outcome. We can merely express our
expectation along the lines of the work we conducted. This is a
process, and we are fulfilling our duty within this process.
(Unidentified correspondent) In your opinion, did the anti-NATO
demonstrations held yesterday play any role in the release of the
Turkish hostages in Iraq?
(Erdogan) Why do people take hostages? It is not possible to
comprehend this. It is impossible to understand those who take
hostage defenceless people who went to that country in order to make a
living. If you are faced with an armed action, you can take hostages
or you can do whatever the situation calls for. That is a different
matter. In truth, I still fail to understand or to explain why people
who share my religion take hostage persons who have gone thousands of
kilometres to make a living or who are working in construction
there. I am having difficulty here. There is definitely no such thing
in our religion. I cannot know in exchange for what the hostages were
released. At least, it brings us peace and happiness that the three
hostages and their families have been saved from such psychological
hardship. We never advocate such means. It is very wrong to adopt
these methods, which have no connection whatsoever with Islam.
(Correspondent from Dunya newspaper) Mr Prime Minister, the European
army will be stationed in Bosnia-Hercegovina. How will this affect the
situation of the Turkish unit? Will there be any demands on Turkey,
which is not a member of the EU? Second, were the relations with
Israel raised during your meeting with President Bush? Certain
newspapers are suggesting that you will make up with Israel. Can you
comment on this?
(Erdogan) As you know, NATO is not withdrawing from Bosnia-Hercegovina
completely. Our army will continue to be stationed there with one
battalion. As for the second question, this subject was not raised in
any of our meetings.
(Unidentified correspondent) As you know, the European Court of Human
Rights decided to reject the suit filed by two students who wear the
Islamic headdress, and justified Turkey in this regard. Can you
comment on this subject?
(Erdogan) If you please, let us not deviate from today’s agenda.
(Unidentified correspondent) US President Bush’s support for Turkey’s
EU accession caused a somewhat negative effect in European countries,
especially in France. Can you give us an insight into the reports we
have received in this regard? Does Turkey harbour the concern that the
US support for Turkey’s accession may actually backfire?
(Erdogan) Let me explain to you the facts, rather than what is
happening behind the scenes. Mr Bush merely expressed his opinion and
his goodwill. Otherwise, it is not as though Mr Bush or other US
representatives are about to cast their votes on this matter. Given
that they will not cast their votes, it should not be regarded as
abnormal for the leader of the most powerful country in the world to
express his conviction. This is an expression of an opinion. I believe
that no one should be disturbed by this. He will not cast a vote. He
merely expressed his view. There may be those who share this view, and
those who do not. We hope that no one will disagree with him, and
Turkey will begin the negotiation process with the EU.
(Unidentified correspondent) Certain measures were announced in the
NATO communique on the subject of counterterrorism. Two of them
consist of issues that Turkey had grievances about in the past –
namely, the sharing of intelligence and the increase of the capability
to respond more rapidly to individual requests coming from member
countries in the wake of terrorist attacks. Can you give us some
information on this subject? Did Turkey play a role in making these
decisions?
Second, a decision was adopted to develop relations with Central Asia
and the Caucasus. A liaison officer and a special representative will
be appointed. Will Turkey play a role in this regard? Were these
issues raised during your talks with Central Asian leaders? Was the
issue of oil in the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline discussed during your meeting
with Kazakhstan’s Nazarbayev?
(Erdogan) I will give you a joint answer for your two questions. As
you know, we do not dwell on details. Our technical teams address
these issues. We draw the general framework. The activities between
the leaders mostly focus on this general framework. Therefore, we do
not go into such detail. The flow of intelligence and information will
naturally take place, and it continues to take place.
(Unidentified correspondent) Was the issue of opening the seminary in
Heybeliada raised during the contacts you held within the framework of
the NATO summit, especially with US officials? Another question: Did
you have the opportunity to hold a meeting with Greek Prime Minister
Kostas Karamanlis?
(Erdogan) The seminary in Heybeliada was discussed, and we said that
work is currently being conducted in Turkey on this subject. As you
know, the real source of this matter is the difficulty that the
seminary was closed in 1971 following a decision by the Constitutional
Court. The relevant institutions are working on this subject. We will
act in accordance with the outcome of this work, or we will seek other
solutions.
With regard to the second question, as always, we conducted our talks
with Mr Karamanlis in a positive manner. Greece does not have any
opposition to the EU’s granting a negotiation date to Turkey. Greece
is very clear on this subject. As always, our close dialogue is
continuing, and we are determined to continue this close dialogue in
the future as well. My contacts with Mr Karamanlis and Foreign
Minister Abdullah Gul’s contacts with his Greek counterpart are
continuing. Likewise, the contacts between our institutions are also
continuing. We are also determined to continue our efforts within the
framework of this line of goodwill.
(Correspondent from the Wall Street Journal, in English, with
superimposed translation into Turkish) Mr Prime Minister, French
President Chirac said that he does not want to see NATO training
forces inside Iraq, because they can be seen as the Crusaders in that
country. At the same time, he was against sending Rapid Response
Forces to Afghanistan because that would constitute too extensive a
presence for NATO in that country. As the prime minister of a Muslim
country within NATO, what is your opinion on the use of NATO as an
instrument in these countries?
(Erdogan) A decision has not been made yet on where this training will
take place. NATO, however, does not subscribe to a principle of not
conducting training in a Muslim-populated country. This has been done
in the past, and it is being done currently. For example, Turkey is a
country with a Muslim majority, and NATO continuously informs our army
about the developments in the world, as necessary. If NATO reaches
such a decision, the same can be done in other countries.
As it happens, it is very wrong for us to discuss matters like
crusades or crescents. We should stop this. We should extract
ourselves from that psychological structure and environment. We should
view our respondent as a human being, and value him as a person. I
believe that the most important trace to be left in people’s minds
from the Istanbul summit will be the image of a summit in which the
human being was accorded value. We no longer want to see NATO as an
international pact involved in armament races. From now on, we want to
see NATO as an international pact that is capable of undertaking all
that must be done to spread peace and a pact that prepares the
necessary infrastructure to that end. From now on, NATO must be the
address for this. I stressed this subject both in the Youth Summit and
during the NATO sessions. I believe that in the future, NATO should
also assume such a function. If we rechannel to education the funds we
currently allocate to weapons, I believe that the problems encountered
now by the human race will be greatly reduced, and terrorism will lose
its infrastructure. If we take into account that there is a
cause-and-effect relationship in terrorism and that terrorism is an
effect, poverty can be seen as the primary cause. Therefore, I believe
that at this point there is great benefit in developed countries’
supporting the poor underdeveloped countries with the aim of
eliminating poverty. This would help in preventing the exploitation of
this factor and in taking this toy away from them. As it happens, when
we look for the region that is most afflicted by terrorism in Turkey,
we see that this is the underdeveloped area of the country. We see
that these are poverty-stricken regions that are vulnerable to
exploitation. This is where we paid the price. Let us not pay this
price again. We also want the world and the human race not to pay this
price any more.
(Unidentified correspondent) You mentioned in a sentence in your
statement that Turkey will send troops to Afghanistan between February
and August. Can you supply more details? Will this be within the
framework of SFOR (Stabilization Force in Bosnia-Hercegovina) (as
heard) Command? Will Turkey accept to reassume the command of SFOR and
increase its troops? Or, will Turkey send troops to regions outside
Kabul within the framework of (word indistinct)?
(Erdogan) As a member of NATO, we will send troops to NATO
Headquarters, as was the case in the past. That is all. There are no
details yet. There is a long time until February, and many things can
change until then.
That was the last question. Thank you very much. Again, I apologize to
you and through you, to my nation, for the difficulties they
suffered. Let everyone know that they have greatly contributed to the
prestige and image of my nation and country. Do not forget that the
Istanbul summit will be talked about not only now, but for months and
years to come. Thank you very much.

Armenian police chief pleased with achievements
Arminfo
28 Jun 04

YEREVAN
The Armenian president received the chief of the Armenian Police, Ayk
Arutyunyan, today.
Good results have been recorded in all spheres of the police activities,
Arutyunyan told reporters following the meeting. Particularly, success
was recorded in the struggle against human and drug trafficking. Seventy
more criminal cases into drug trafficking were filed this year
compared to last year, Arutyunyan said. The number of solved crimes
related to illegal possession of arms and ammunition has also
increased.
An agency to fight human trafficking has been set up under the
department for fighting organized crime, he said. The agency has
already instituted several criminal cases and arrested people engaged
in human trafficking.

Armenia says it is ready to participate in humanitarian operations in Iraq
AP Online
Jun 29, 2004

Armenia is prepared to actively participate in humanitarian operations
in Iraq, Deputy Foreign Minister Ruben Shugarian said Tuesday.
He said such an offer was in the national interests of this ex-Soviet
republic and also took into account the large Armenian Diaspora living
in Iraq. Some groups have estimated the number as high as 30,000.
Discussions are focusing on sending military medics, drivers and
sappers to Iraq, Shugarian said. He said the talks are currently
focusing on technical details.
Armenia has pursued close ties with the United States, home to a large
Armenian Diaspora, and had earlier expressed a willingness to help in
Iraq.
Shugarian also noted that he was pleased that the United States was
determined to maintain parity in its military aid to Armenia and
Azerbaijan next year. Relations between the neighboring ex-Soviet
countries remain tense after Armenian-backed forces drove Azerbaijan’s
army out of the ethnic Armenian enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh in the
early 1990s.
A cease-fire was signed in 1994, ending the war that killed 30,000
people and left about one million homeless, but no agreement has been
reached on the territory’s final status.

Bulgaria, Armenia decide to boost bilateral trade, contacts
BTA web site, Sofia
29 Jun 04

Sofia, 29 June: The last year and a half has witnessed a breakthrough
in Bulgarian-Armenian trade, the two countries’ National Assembly
chairmen, Ognyan Gerdzhikov of Bulgaria and Artur Baghdasaryan, found
when they conferred here Tuesday [29 June].
“The bilateral political dialogue has experienced a tangible
invigoration in recent years, after lagging behind for a certain
period,” Gerdzhikov said, noting that his guest is the first Armenian
head of parliament to pay an official visit to Bulgaria.
Trade and economic relations topped the agenda of the meeting. “I
declared Bulgaria’s readiness to serve as Armenia’s gateway to
Europe,” Gerdzhikov added. The sides discussed bilateral cooperation
in transport, the prospects to regional cooperation and contacts in
culture, education and science.
Baghdasaryan said that he has agreed with his host to assist the
promotion of cooperation between regions in the two
countries. “Wednesday’s signing of a twinning agreement between
Plovdiv and Gyumri will be the first step in this direction,” he
added.
It was agreed to include members of the business community in the
delegation that will accompany Gerdzhikov on his visit to Armenia
early next year and to organize an economic forum in Armenia to help
the promotion of bilateral economic cooperation.
The two heads of parliament agreed to assist the establishment of a
Bulgarian culture centre in Yerevan and of an Armenian culture centre
in Sofia.
The Armenian MPs are paying a four-day official visit. Later on
Tuesday, they will confer with ranking members of the Foreign Policy,
Defence and Security Committee. The delegation is scheduled to meet
President Georgi Purvanov and Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

OSCE Office holds anti-trafficking training in Armenia
Source:OSCE
YEREVAN, 29 June 2004 – A three-day training session on human trafficking
started today in Yerevan for experts and interviewers from two local
non-governmental organizations that are carrying out a survey on trafficking
in Armenia. The training is organized by the OSCE Office in Yerevan and
funded by the US State Department.
The training session will concentrate on best practices in research on
trafficking in human beings and will also include a session on the
methodology of a train-the-trainers component. The two local NGOs conducting
the survey are the Armenian Sociological Association and the Armenian Relief
Society.
“There is disturbing anecdotal evidence that Armenia is both a country of
origin and transit for trafficked human beings, but there is no actual data
about the scope of the problem,” said Blanka Hancilova, the OSCE Office’s
Democratization Officer.
“The objective of the NGO survey, which is the most comprehensive one so far
conducted in Armenia, is to close this gap. The information gained will be
shared with the Armenian authorities, civil society and international
organizations and should serve as a basis for policy decisions on the
issue,” she said.
As part of its anti-trafficking strategy, the OSCE Office has supported the
development of a National Plan of Action for the prevention of trafficking
in persons and organized several seminars on the issue.
At present a team of national experts is working on analyzing gaps in the
existing legal framework, with special emphasis on victim and witness
protection. An international expert from the Italian Prosecutor’s Office
will join the team in September to share international best practices in
dealing effectively with trafficking, corruption and organized crime.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Mine Explosion Injures a Villager in Fuzuli
Baku Today 29/06/2004 15:09
A resident of Alkhanli village of the southwestern Fuzulu District was
seriously injured when his combine hit an anti-tank mine on Saturday,
Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) said on Monday.
According to ANAMA, the villager, Qudrat Quliyev, 60, was seriously burned
by the mine explosion and taken to hospital.
Alkhanli is one of several villages of the Fuzuli District that are being
controlled by Azerbaijani troops. Armenian forces have been occupying most
of the villages of Fuzuli, including its district center, since 1993.

GrandPrix.com
JUNE 29, 2004
WHO gets to 155
Another seven countries have signed up to the World Health Organization’s
Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, living the total number of
signatories to 155 with one day remaining before the deadline for
signatures. These include Nigeria, one of the most populous countries which
had not signed. The only major states left to sign now are Indonesia and
Russia.
The remainder who have not signed are Albania, Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola,
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Colombia, Cuba,
Domenica, the Domenican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Grenada,
Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Iraq, Laos, Lichtenstein, Macedonia, Malawi, Moldova,
Nauru, Oman, St Christopher and Nevis, St Lucia, Sierra Leone, Somalia,
Swaziland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Western Sahara,
Western Samoa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Hardly the stuff for a Formula 1 World Championship in the future…
The message is very clear that tobacco advertising is going to be stamped
out within the next few years.

Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh (NKR)
June 28, 2004
10 NOMINEES FOR MUNICIPALITIES
June 24 was the last date of candidate nomination for the municipal
governments. The chairman of the NKR Central Election Committee
Sergey Davtian informed that for the 202 posts of head of community
404 persons were nominated, and for the post of member of the
community council 1707. 10 persons were nominated for the post of
mayor of Stepanakert. They are Hamik Avanessian, mayor of
Stepanakert; Pavel Najarian, does not work; Vazghen Hayrapetian,
lawyer, NKR Union of Lawyers; Iosif Adamian, president of `Iosif and
Sons’ Ltd.; Sergey Grigorian, executive director of `Stepanakert
Industrial Factory’ State CJSC; Shahmar Atanessian, does not work;
Vladimir Sarghissian, architect, `Narineh’ Ltd.; Edward Aghabekian,
chairman of the NKR National Assembly permanent committee for social
questions; Garik Jhangirian, head of Stepanakert Tax Department;
Hrant Melkumian, head of the control service of the NKR government
administration. From June 25 to July 18 the registration of the
candidates will be done, election campaign will last from July 20 to
August 7. The election to the municipalities will take place on
August 8. According to S. Davtian, during the nomination of the
candidates they noticed interest among the population. In many
villages more than two people were nominated. In the regional center
of Askeran 11 candidates were nominated, in the village Sos of the
region Martouni 5, in the village Aygestan of the region of Hadrout
5, and 3 candidates in the small village Ughtasar. In reference to
the statement of the chairman of the CEC of Azerbaijan that official
Baku will prevent the participation of international observers in the
elections to the municipalities, Sergey Davtian mentioned that
inviting observers is the business of the NKR authorities and not of
the chairman of the CEC of Azerbaijan.
NAIRA HAYRUMIAN

Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh (NKR)
June 28, 2004
REPUBLIC BANK OF DATA OF THE DISABLED
Presently about 9 thousand disabled people live in Karabakh, who
receive state monthly pensions and have certain privileges. The
invalids of Karabakh have a lot of problems related to social
conditions, housing conditions, employment, medical care and other
questions. According to the NKR minister of social security a number
of measures are taken in this relation. It is notable that soon the
bank of data of the disabled will be created, which will allow to
study the sphere thoroughly. According to the minister, the record
card of the invalid will provide information on his or her education,
specialty, housing conditions, family status, and other data.
Speaking about the future work L. Ghulian also informed that all over
the territory of the republic checking of invalidity will be carried
out, and this time the special commission will be sent to the
regions. `By gathering data about employment of the disabled it will
become clear what kind of jobs to create for them and what works of
retraining to carry out. Diagnostic studies will indicate what kind
of rehabilitation center is needed in NKR.’ L. Ghulian mentioned that
the creation of the bank will enable to solve in the future the
housing problems of the disabled, especially those who need special
flats. The minister assured that the works have already started and
the bank will operate from August. The bank which will be operated by
the medical and social expert commission will have full control of
the sphere.Â
ANAHIT DANIELIAN

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY (AS PREPARED FOR
DELIVERY)
WhiteHouse.gov
June 29, 2004
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: Laura and I are grateful for the
warm hospitality we have received these past three days in the Republic of
Turkey. I am honored to visit this beautiful country where two continents
meet – a nation that upholds great traditions, and faces the future with
confidence. And America is honored to call Turkey an ally and a friend.
Many Americans trace their heritage to Turkey, and Turks have contributed
greatly to our national life – including, most recently, a lot of baskets
for the Detroit Pistons from Mehmet Okur. I know youre proud that this son
of your country helped to win an NBA championship, and America is proud of
him as well.
I am grateful to Prime Minister Erdogan and President Sezer for hosting the
members of NATO in an historic time for our alliance. For most of its
history, NATO existed to deter aggression from a powerful army at the heart
of Europe. In this century, NATO looks outward to new threats that gather in
secret and bring sudden violence to peaceful cities. We face terrorist
networks that rejoice when parents bury their murdered children, or bound
men plead for their lives. We face outlaw regimes that give aid and shelter
to these killers, and seek weapons of mass murder. We face the challenges of
corruption and poverty and disease, which throw whole nations into chaos and
despair – the conditions in which terrorism can thrive.
Some on both sides of the Atlantic have questioned whether the NATO alliance
still has a great purpose. To find that purpose, they only need to open
their eyes. The dangers are in plain sight. The only question is whether we
will confront them, or look away and pay a terrible cost.
Over the last few years, NATO has made its decision. Our alliance is
restructuring to oppose threats that arise beyond the borders of Europe.
NATO is providing security in Afghanistan. NATO has agreed to help train the
security forces of a sovereign Iraq – a great advantage and crucial success
for the Iraqi people. And in Istanbul we have dedicated ourselves to the
advance of reform in the broader Middle East, because all people deserve a
just government, and because terror is not the tool of the free. Through
decades of the Cold War, our great alliance of liberty never failed in its
duties – and we are rising to our duties once again.
The Turkish people understand the terrorists, because you have seen their
work, even in the last few days. You have heard the sirens, and witnessed
the carnage, and mourned the dead. After the murders of Muslims, Christians,
and Jews in Istanbul last November, a resident of this city said of the
terrorists, “They do not have any religion … They are friends of evil.” In
one of the attacks, a Muslim woman lost her son Ahmet, her daughter-in-law
Berta, and her unborn grandchild. She said, “Today Im saying goodbye to my
son. Tomorrow Im saying farewell to my Berta. I dont know what [the killers]
wanted from my kids. Were they jealous of their happiness?”
The Turkish people have grieved, but your nation is also showing how
terrorist violence will be overcome – with courage, and with a firm resolve
to defend your just and tolerant society. This land has always been
important for its geography – here at the meeting place of Europe, Asia, and
the Middle East. Now Turkey has assumed even greater historical importance,
because of your character as a nation. Turkey is a strong, secular
democracy, a majority Muslim society, and a close ally of free nations. Your
country, with 150 years of democratic and social reform, stands as a model
to others, and as Europes bridge to the wider world. Your success is vital
to a future of progress and peace in Europe and in the broader Middle East –
and the Republic of Turkey can depend on the support and friendship of the
United States.
For decades, my country has supported greater unity in Europe – to secure
liberty, build prosperity, and remove sources of conflict on this continent.
Now the European Union is considering the admission of Turkey, and you are
moving rapidly to meet the criteria for membership. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk
had a vision of Turkey as a strong nation among other European nations. That
dream can be realized by this generation of Turks. America believes that as
a European power, Turkey belongs in the European Union. Your membership
would also be a crucial advance in relations between the Muslim world and
the West, because you are part of both. Including Turkey in the EU would
prove that Europe is not the exclusive club of a single religion, and it
would expose the “clash of civilizations” as a passing myth of history.
Fifteen years ago, an artificial line that divided Europe — drawn at
Yalta – was erased. Now this continent has the opportunity to erase another
artificial division – by fully including Turkey in t
Turkey has found its place in the community of democracies by living out its
own principles. Muslims are called to seek justice – fairness to all, care
for the stranger, compassion for those in need. And you have learned that
democracy is the surest way to build a society of justice. The best way to
prevent corruption and abuse of power is to hold rulers accountable. The
best way to ensure fairness to all is to establish the rule of law. The best
way to honor human dignity is to protect human rights. Turkey has found what
nations of every culture and every region have found: If justice is the
goal, then democracy is the answer.
In some parts of the world, especially in the Middle East, there is wariness
toward democracy, often based on misunderstanding. Some people in Muslim
cultures identify democracy with the worst of Western popular culture, and
want no part of it. And I assure them, when I speak about the blessings of
liberty, coarse videos and crass commercialism are not what I have in mind.
There is nothing incompatible between democratic values and high standards
of decency. For the sake of their families and their culture, citizens of a
free society have every right to strive peacefully for a moral society.
Democratic values also do not require citizens to abandon their faith. No
democracy can allow religious people to impose their own view of perfection
on others, because this invites cruelty and arrogance that are foreign to
every faith. And all people in a democracy have the right to their own
religious beliefs. But all democracies are made stronger when religious
people teach and demonstrate upright conduct – family commitment, respect
for the law, and compassion for the weak. Democratic societies should
welcome, not fear, the participation of the faithful.
In addition, democracy does not involve automatic agreement with other
democracies. Free governments have a reputation for independence, which
Turkey has certainly earned. That is the way democracy works. We deal
honestly with each other, we make our own decisions – and yet, in the end,
the disagreements of the moment are far outweighed by the ideals we share.
Because representative governments reflect their people, every democracy has
its own structure, traditions, and opinions. There are, however, certain
commitments of free government that do not change from place to place. The
promise of democracy is fulfilled in freedom of speech, the rule of law,
limits on the power of the state, economic freedom, respect for women, and
religious tolerance. These are the values that honor the dignity of every
life, and set free the creative energies that lead to progress.
Achieving these commitments of democracy can require decades of effort and
reform. In my own country it took generations to throw off slavery, racial
segregation, and other practices that violated our ideals. So we do not
expect or demand that other societies be transformed in a day. But however
long the journey, there is only one destination worth striving for, and that
is a society of self-rule and freedom.
Democracy leads to justice within a nation – and the advance of democracy
leads to greater security among nations. The reason is clear: Free peoples
do not live in endless stagnation, and seethe in resentment, and lash out in
envy, rage, and violence. Free peoples do not cling to every grievance of
the past – they build and live for the future. This is the experience of
countries in the NATO alliance. Bitterness and hostility once divided France
and Germany… and Germany and Poland … and Romania and Hungary. But as
those nations grew in liberty, ancient disputes and hatreds have been left
to history. And because the people of Europe now live in hope, Europe no
longer produces armed ideologies that threaten the peace of the world.
Freedom in Europe has brought peace to Europe – and now freedom can bring
peace to the broader Middle East.
I believe that freedom is the future of the Middle East, because I believe
that freedom is the future of all humanity. And the historic achievement of
democracy in the broader Middle East will be a victory shared by all.
Millions who now live in oppression and want will finally have a chance to
provide for their families and lead hopeful lives. Nations in the region
will have greater stability because governments will have greater
legitimacy. And nations like Turkey and America will be safer, because a
hopeful Middle East will no longer produce ideologies and movements that
seek to kill our citizens. This transformation is one of the great and
difficult tasks of history. And by our own patience and hard effort, and
with confidence in the peoples of the Middle East, we will finish the work
that history has given us.
Democracy, by definition, must be chosen and defended by the people
themselves. The future of freedom in the Islamic world will be determined by
the citizens of Islamic nations, not by outsiders. And for citizens of the
broader Middle East, the alternatives could not be more clear. One
alternative is a political doctrine of tyranny, suicide, and murder that
goes against the standards of justice found in Islam and every other great
religion. The other alternative is a society of justice, where men and women
live peacefully and build better lives for themselves and their children.
That is the true cause of the people of the Middle East, and that cause can
never be served by the murder of the innocent.
This struggle between political extremism and civilized values is unfolding
in many places. We see the struggle in Iraq, where killers are attempting to
undermine and intimidate a free government. We see the struggle in Iran,
where tired and discredited autocrats are trying to hold back the democratic
will of a rising generation. We see that struggle in Turkey, where the PKK
has abandoned its ceasefire with the Turkish people and resumed violence. We
see it in the Holy Land, where terrorist murderers are setting back the good
cause of the Palestinian people, who deserve a reformed, peaceful, and
democratic state of their own.
The terrorists are ruthless and resourceful, but they will not prevail.
Already more than half of the worlds Muslims live under
democratically-constituted governments – from Indonesia to West Africa, from
Europe to North America. And the ideal of democracy is also powerful and
popular in the Middle East. Surveys in Arab nations reveal broad support for
representative government and individual liberty. We are seeing reform in
Kuwait, and Qatar, and Bahrain, and Yemen, and Jordan, and Morocco. And we
are seeing men and women of conscience and courage step forward to advocate
democracy and justice in the broader Middle East.
As we found in the Soviet Union, and behind the Iron Curtain, this kind of
moral conviction was more powerful than vast armies and prison walls and the
will of dictators. And this kind of moral conviction is also more powerful
than the whips of the Taliban, or the police state of Saddam Hussein, or the
cruel designs of terrorists. The way ahead is long and difficult, yet people
of conscience go forward with hope. The rule of fear did not survive in
Europe, and the rule of free peoples will come to the Middle East.
Leaders throughout that region, including some friends of the United States,
must recognize the direction of events. Any nation that compromises with
violent extremists only emboldens them, and invites future violence.
Suppressing dissent only increases radicalism. The long-term stability of
any government depends on being open to change, and responsive to citizens.
By learning these lessons, Turkey has become a great and stable democracy –
and America shares your hope that other nations will take this path.
Western nations, including my own, want to be helpful in the democratic
progress of the Middle East, yet we know there are suspicions, rooted in
centuries of conflict and colonialism. And in the last 60 years, many in the
West have added to this distrust by excusing tyranny in the region, hoping
to purchase stability at the price of liberty. But it did not serve the
people of the Middle East to betray their hope of freedom. And it has not
made Western nations more secure to ignore the cycle of dictatorship and
extremism. Instead we have seen the malice grow deeper, and the violence
spread, until both have appeared on the streets of our own cities. Some
types of hatred will never be appeased; they must be opposed and discredited
and defeated by a hopeful alternative – and that alternative is freedom.
Reformers in the broader Middle East are working to build freer and more
prosperous societies – and America, the G-8, the EU, Turkey, and NATO have
now agreed to support them. Many nations are helping the people of
Afghanistan to secure a free government. And NATO now leads a military
operation in Afghanistan, in the first action by the alliance outside
Europe. In Iraq, a broad coalition – including the military forces of many
NATO countries – is helping the people of that country to build a decent and
democratic government after decades of corrupt oppression. And NATO is
providing support to a Polish-led division.
The government of Iraq has now taken a crucial step forward. In a nation
that suffered for decades under brutal tyranny, we have witnessed the
transfer of sovereignty and the beginning of self-government. In just 15
months, the Iraqi people have left behind one of the worst regimes in the
Middle East, and their country is becoming the worlds newest democracy. The
world has seen a great event in the history of Iraq, in the history of the
Middle East, and in the history of liberty.
The rise of Iraqi democracy is bringing hope to reformers across the Middle
East, and sending a very different message to Teheran and Damascus. A free
and sovereign Iraq is also a decisive defeat for extremists and terrorists –
because their hateful ideology will lose its appeal in a free, tolerant,
successful country. The terrorists are doing everything they can to
undermine Iraqi democracy, by attacking all who stand for order and justice,
and committing terrible crimes to break the will of free nations. The
terrorists have the ability to cause suffering and grief, but they do not
have the power to alter the outcome in Iraq: The civilized world will keep
its resolve … the leaders of Iraq are strong and determined … and the
people of Iraq will live in freedom.
Iraq still faces hard challenges in the days and months ahead. Iraqs leaders
are eager to assume responsibility for their own security, and that is our
wish as well. So this week at our summit, NATO agreed to provide assistance
in training Iraqi security forces. I am grateful to Turkey and other NATO
allies for helping our friends in Iraq to build a nation that governs itself
and defends itself.
Our efforts to promote reform and democracy in the Middle East are moving
forward. At the NATO summit, we approved the Istanbul Cooperation
Initiative, offering to work together with nations of the broader Middle
East to fight terrorism, control their borders, and aid the victims of
disaster. And we are thankful for the important role that Turkey is playing
as a democratic partner in the Broader Middle East Initiative.
For all of our efforts to succeed, however, more is needed than plans and
policies. We must strengthen the ties of trust and good will between
ourselves and the peoples of the Middle East. And trust and good will come
more easily when men and women clear their minds, and their hearts, of
suspicion and prejudice and unreasoned fear. When some in my country speak
in an ill-informed and insulting manner about the Muslim faith, their words
are heard abroad, and do great harm to our cause in the Middle East. When
some in the Muslim world incite hatred and murder with conspiracy theories
and propaganda, their words are also heard – by a generation of young
Muslims who need truth and hope, not lies and anger. All such talk, in
America or in the Middle East, is dangerous and reckless and unworthy of any
religious tradition. Whatever our cultural differences may be, there should
be respect and peace in the House of Abraham.
The Turkish writer Orhan Pamuk has said that the finest view of Istanbul is
not from the shores of Europe, or from the shores of Asia, but from a bridge
that unites them, and lets you see both. His work has been a bridge between
cultures, and so is the Republic of Turkey. The people of this land
understand, as Pamuk has observed, that “What is important is not [a] clash
of parties, civilizations, cultures, East and West.” What is important, he
says, is to realize “that other peoples in other continents and
civilizations” are “exactly like you.”
Ladies and gentlemen, in their need for hope, in their desire for peace, in
their right to freedom, the peoples of the Middle East are exactly like you
and me. Their birthright of freedom has been denied for too long. And we
will do all in our power to help them find the blessings of liberty.
Thank you, and God bless the good people of Turkey.
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