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09/23/2004
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Turkey's EU Hopes Leap as Brussels Sees 'No More Obstacles' 2) Dimitrov Discusses Karabagh with Armenian Government Officials 3) Breakaway Regions Reject 'Stage-by-Stage' Conflict Settlement Plan 4) Hamazkayin Holds Tri-regional Meeting 5) Armenia Fund Kicks-off Thanksgiving Day Telethon 1) Turkey's EU Hopes Leap as Brussels Sees 'No More Obstacles' BRUSSELS (AFP)--The European Commission gave Turkey's hopes of joining the EU a huge boost, saying it saw "no more obstacles" in its way towards a "clear recommendation" on starting EU entry talks with Ankara. EU Enlargement Commissioner Guenter Verheugen, who is to publish an October 6 report on Turkey's progress, said his concerns, notably over a disputed penal reform bill, had been allayed in talks with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Erdogan, meanwhile, pledged to push through the delayed legislation "as soon as possible," with efforts focusing on an extraordinary session of the Turkish parliament called on Sunday to rush the reforms through. "We have been able to find solutions for the remaining outstanding problems," Verheugen said at a joint press conference with Erdogan after talks at a Brussels hotel. He recalled that during a visit to Turkey this month to assess its progress towards meeting EU membership criteria, he expressed concerns about two key issues: reform to the penal code and charges of systematic torture in Turkey. "My conclusion is that there are no more obstacles now," he said, adding: "From my point of view there are no further conditions which Turkey must fulfill in order to allow the commission to make a recommendation." Verheugen's long-awaited October 6 report will form the basis for EU leaders to decide at a mid-December summit whether or not to start EU membership negotiations with Ankara. He has long been widely expected to deliver a positive assessment. But a row over the penal reform--and specifically proposals to make adultery a criminal offense--has raised serious question marks in Brussels in the last few weeks. "The assurance I got today from my friend Mr. Erdogan will allow me to make a very clear recommendation," Verheugen said. The Turkish leader, smiling as he shook hands with Verheugen for the cameras, also expressed satisfaction after the talks. "I'm very happy with the result of this meeting, which has been very productive," said Erdogan. "I believe that this meeting is going to prepare a very positive foundation for the progress report of Turkey," he said. Erdogan recalled the reform legislation already passed, and underlined Ankara's determination to implement it. "We have taken important steps on reforms, and now we are following with important steps in implementing them," he said. "We are very determined to do this ... to implement all the reforms seriously." EU officials said that Erdogan had promised Verheugen that the bill would be adopted without a controversial amendment aimed at making adultery a criminal offense--a move the European Union said would seriously compromise Turkey's hopes. European Commission head Romano Prodi, whom Erdogan met shortly after his talks with Verheugen, promised that the October report will be "fair and objective." Almost simultaneously with Erdogan's talks in Brussels, officials in Ankara said the parliament will meet in extraordinary session on Sunday to debate the disputed penal code. Parliamentary sources in Ankara said the decision to convene parliament at the weekend was made in Brussels as part of assurances Erdogan gave Verheugen in their talks. Erdogan said Sunday's session will discuss three key issues, including the penal code. "The executionary articles will be discussed and passed in the parliament on Sunday," he said. Turkey's main opposition party hailed the government move. "We are happy with the result, this is what we wanted," Kemal Anadol of social-democratic Republican People's Party (CHP). Later Thursday Erdogan met leaders of the European Parliament, where he was due to hold a press conference at the end of the afternoon. 2) Dimitrov Discusses Karabagh with Armenian Government Officials YEREVAN (Armenpress)--President Robert Kocharian received special representative of the OSCE chairman-in-office for the Mountainous Karabagh conflict Philip Dimitrov, on September 22 to discuss Armenia-OSCE relations and the settlement of the Karabagh conflict. Dimitrov, a former Bulgarian prime minister, arrived in Armenia after visiting Azerbaijan. Dimitrov also met with Foreign minister Vartan Oskanian, as well as Defense Minister Serge Sarksian. In light of recent meetings between Armenian and Azeri presidents, as well as the foreign ministers of both countries, Oskanian briefed Dimitrov on the negotiation process and provided clarification on certain issues. Dimitrov reportedly expressed to both Armenian and Azeri leaders that the OSCE'S constant focus is the quickest resolution of the Karabagh conflict. 3) Breakaway Regions Reject 'Stage-by-Stage' Conflict Settlement Plan TBILISI (Civil Georgia)--Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia rejected President Mikhail Saakashvili's "stage-by-stage" conflict settlement plan, offered by the Georgian leader while addressing the UN General Assembly Session on September 21. Astamur Tania, a political aide to the Abkhaz de facto President, told Itar-Tass news agency that Abkhazia has already "determined its status as an independent country" and the region's "autonomous status in the Georgian state" cannot be put on the agenda. South Ossetian de facto Foreign Minister Murat Jioyev told Itar-Tass that "South Ossetia's integration into the Georgian state is unacceptable" for Tskhinvali. He added, however, that South Ossetia agrees that the conflict "should be solved solely through peaceful means." President Saakashvili proposed to launch measures aimed at confidence building between the conflicting sides; demilitarization and decriminalization of the conflict areas; internationalization of the peace process; and offering the broadest form of autonomy for the separatist regions. 4) Hamazkayin Holds Tri-regional Meeting A tri-regional meeting of Hamazkayin Eastern and Western United States representatives, along with Hamazkayin Canada, was held on September 18 in New Jersey. The executive chairmen from all three regions were present, as well as the organization's Central Executive chairman from Lebanon, Dr. Megerdich Megerdichian, who briefed participants about the Hamazkayin Educational institutions (Jemarans) in Antelias, Lebanon and Marseille, France, its printing and publishing houses, quarterly literary journal Pakine, as well as the general activities of Hamazkayin's executive body. Each region also presented an update of activities, along with present obstacles. Discussions focused, however, on attracting youth to participate in cultural activities, and generally embody culture. Undertakings that require joint development were reviewed, such as establishing a Central Executive office in North America, the status of updating the Hamazkayin website, reemergence of Hamazkayin forums, among other issues. Participants decided to organize large-scale celebrations in 2005 to mark Jemaran's 75th anniversary, as well as the 1600 anniversary of the Armenian alphabet. Participants agreed to boost literary publications and to increase Pakin subscriptions in respective regions. The meeting commended the organization's increasing presence in Armenia and Mountainous Karabagh, including the Central Executive's support in organizing soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian's first-ever performance in Armenia. Dr. Megerdichian closed the meeting by stressing that there exists vast opportunities for Hamazkayin in North America. He emphasized that the organization remains greatly different from others who work in the cultural field, because it will persist as one created with the ideal of serving the Armenian people. 5) Armenia Fund Kicks-off Thanksgiving Day Telethon Telethon 2004--Make It Happen GLENDALE--Armenia Fund, Inc. (AFI) officially launched activities for its annual fundraising event--Telethon 2004 Make It Happen--at a kick-off celebration on Thursday, September 16, at Glendale Studios in Glendale, California. Scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, November 25 from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (PST), Telethon 2004, airing live from Glendale, CA, is a 12-hour event that will be broadcast throughout the United States, Europe, South America, the CIS, and the Middle East. The goal is to raise $12.5 million to complete the remaining 56 miles of the North-South "Backbone" Highway in Mountainous Karabagh. When completed, the $25 million, 105-mile highway will link 150 towns and villages and provide crucial economic, trade and development opportunities for Karabagh. Telethon 2004 will also provide continued assistance in health care, education, and infrastructure development in the Republic of Armenia. The kick-off brought together prominent members of the Armenian-American diaspora, as well as elected officials including California State Assemblywoman Carol Liu (D-Pasadena), Glendale City Mayor Bob Yousefian, Glendale City Councilman Frank Quintero, and Consul General of the Republic of Armenia Gagik Kirakossian. "The Diaspora has played a vital and integral role in building a bright future for Armenia and Karabagh. The community's enthusiasm for Telethon 2004 is unprecedented. We are committed to producing an innovative, quality program that symbolizes the collaborative efforts, dedication and spirit of our communities," said Maria Mehranian, chairperson of AFI, during the kick-off ceremony. The event also marked the unveiling of Telethon 2004's Make It Happen logo/theme created by renowned Los Angeles artist Vahé Fattal. "I wanted the tone of the campaign to be inspirational and embody a sense of empowerment. It's a cumulative process...each of us can make a difference," said Fattal. The Make It Happen theme will be incorporated in an international public relations/community outreach campaign designed to create awareness and generated increased support for Telethon 2004. The broadcast will feature live entertainment by various Armenian performers, interviews with numerous celebrities and political leaders, development and construction footage from Armenia and Karabagh, stories of individuals impacted by AFI projects, as well as a phone bank with 50 operators and volunteers. To provide increased opportunity for international viewing and participation, Telethon 2004 will also be available in full-motion webcast on Internet users will be able to view and make secure contributions online. For more information on Armenia Fund and Telethon 2004, 818-243-6222 or visit the website. Armenia Fund, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation, is the US West coast affiliate of the "Hayastan" All-Armenia Fund (HAAF). It was established in 1994 to facilitate humanitarian assistance to Armenia and Karabagh; HAAF has administered over $100 million in humanitarian, rehabilitation. and construction aid through the united efforts of Armenian communities internationally. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2004 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.