ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
11/22/2004
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Unprecedented Conference of ARF, Affiliated Organizations Ends in Beirut 2) Armenian, Azeri FMs Meet in Berlin 3) Armenian Question at Heart of EU Debates on Turkey 4) PACE Committee Spells Out Steps to Peaceful Settlement of Mountainous Karabagh Conflict 1) Unprecedented Conference of ARF, Affiliated Organizations Ends in Beirut ANTELIAS (Combined Sources)--Delegates from five continents congregated in Antelias, Lebanon on November 18 to participate in a three-day conference of Armenian Revolutionary Federation-affiliated organizations. Organized by the ARF Bureau, the conference featured representatives of the Hamazkayin cultural organization, Homenetmen athletic and scouting organization, and the Armenian Relief Society. Hagop Der Khatchadourian of the ARF Bureau, Maro Minassian of the ARS Central Executive, Karnig Megerdichian of the Homenetmen Central Executive, and Megerdich Megerdichian of the Hamazkayin Central Executive opened the session with individual remarks, which were followed by a speech delivered by ARF Bureau representative Hrant Markarian, who stated, "to tap into our country's full potential, we must work as a united entity." Working Sessions The unprecedented conference officially opened on November 19 at the Homenetmen Aghpalian complex in Antelias. The first session, chaired by ARF Bureau member Hagop Der Khatchadourian, introduced the mission of the ARS, Hamazkayin, and Homenetmen, and their activities in various regions. ARS ARS Central Executive chair Maro Minassian presented the noble history of the organization, established in 1910 to assist the Armenian people. She gave a snapshot of activities, revealing the profile of its members, which range from the age of 18 to the 90. She detailed ARS's activities that include assistance to educational establishments, active social service centers, a kindergarten program in Mountainous Karabagh, as well as its activities within the UN. She underlined the necessity of successful implementation of programs, and the need to provide social services to Armenians of Javakhk. Minassian revealed that current priorities include assistance to Armenians in Iraq, a publication detailing the history of the ARS as it approached its 100th anniversary, and cultivating government-level ties in countries where it operates. Homenetmen On behalf of its Central Executive, Karnig Megerdichian detailed Homenetmen's mission and scope of activities, stressing the importance to establish chapters where there the need exists--specifically in Artsakh and Javakhk. Present difficulties, revealed Megerdichian, include a lack in funding, uniformity of athletic activities, and the youth's participation in decision making bodies. Hamazkayin Central Executive member Keghani Etyemezian, spoke of Hamazkayin's efforts to rework its mission and the organization's new approach to operating by its already reformed by laws. She outlined the three-year activity of the past executive, detailing the progress of its printing and publishing houses, literary periodical Pakine, schools and centers of learning, and the organization's dynamic Summer Forum that began in 1995, and has since provided an exciting environment for young students to learn a great deal about Armenian culture and heritage. The second session convened with chairman Haroutioun Kurkjian, introducing lecturer Levon Mkrtchian, ARF faction leader in Armenia's National Assembly and ARF Armenia Supreme Body member. Speaking of more effective Armenia-diaspora relations, Mkrtchian stressed that efforts must be organized for more valuable and productive results. This, he said, requires appreciation for input both from Armenia and the diaspora. He explained that not only must the general Armenia-diaspora relationship be strengthened, but that specific communities must also establish vital links with Armenia and its government. Chaired by Megerdich Megerdichian, the second and final session on Saturday included Khatchig Der Ghougassian, who addressed the general and theoretical concept of "nation," and asked, "how is it possible to be Armenian in an international setting?" Focusing on the re-establishment of the concept of "diaspora," Der Ghougassian explained that redefining the diaspora of the global 21st century, requires a mission from the past, along with a generation whose existence born outside of Armenia, grasps the concept of pan humanitarianism; this understanding therefore not only helps to preserve, but also develop our existence and individuality. Other sessions included Seta Khedeshian speaking about utilization of modern means to revamp organizational structure and to face current challenges. She specifically stressed the need to develop relations with international, as well as non-government organizations. The topic of assistance programs to Armenia, Artsakh, and Javakhk was presented by Pakrad Sarkisian. Albert Ajemian spoke about youth centers in Armenia, and the urgency for the ARF to create the ideal means to attract and guide youth--not only as a means to gain manpower--but more importantly, to become the ideological and political force of the future. Noura Navoyan described the history and present situation of Armenian communities in the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). She spoke of population, schools, churches, and quality of Armenian life, revealing that in the CIS countries alone, there are as many as 2.8 million Armenians. Dikran Jinbashian spoke of the birth of ARF, and the three organizations--ARS, Hamazkayin, and Homenetmen--that eventually became a part of each community to assist generations of Armenians in shaping their identities and national belonging. The last and final topic presented by Hagop Havatian, addressed public relations and the accountability of organizations. At the conclusion of the conference, participants passed a declaration presented by the resolutions committee. ARF Bureau representative Markarian closed the conference saying that it served to conduct a general review and clarification of issues, and can be considered the cornerstone to tackling issues. 2) Armenian, Azeri FMs Meet in Berlin YEREVAN (Armenpress)--On Friday, November 19, Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian and his counterpart, Azerbaijan's Elmar Mamedyarov, met in the German capital city of Berlin to continue talks initiated at a meeting in Prague several months ago. Also present at the meeting were the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen. According to media reports, the meeting between the two ministers lasted fifteen minutes. Although no details about the meeting's results were released, a press release issued by Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry stated that "the sides exchanged views on the issues that topped the agenda of the Prague talks." Following the talks, Mamedyarov left Berlin for New York to attend a November 23 UN session titled "On the Situation on Azerbaijan's Occupied Territories." Oskanian, who joined President Kocharian in Berlin, told the Berlin press that the two sides made "a number of successful and objective decisions" to continue the dialogue "based on existing realities." "Specific issues were spoken about and discussed during the talks," Oskanian noted. "We decided that we can continue the Prague process again," he added. The Friday meeting was initially scheduled for October 25, but was postponed after the Armenian side requested more time to analyze the results of the four previous meetings, all of which were held in Prague. 3) Armenian Question at Heart of EU Debates on Turkey Second 2004 European Parliament report on Turkey evokes discussion on Armenian issues; Socialist Party position misrepresented by several party members STRASBOURG--On November 15, the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) of the European Parliament examined the second 2004 parliamentarian report on Turkey´s progress towards accession presented by the young Dutch representative Camiel Eurlings. Before commencing debate, parliamentarians had a chance to review the 483 amendments listed on the brief seven-page report, which notes that Turkey's accession remains a sensitive issue. The report was criticized by some for its failure to express a clear position on the possibility of starting accession talks with Turkey. Regarding Armenian issues, the draft of the report states that the Turkish authorities "have missed an opportunity to promote good neighborly relations with Armenia" as a result of their refusal to open the Armenian-Turkish border, and moves on to note that the European Parliament "calls on the Governments of Turkey and Armenia to start a process of reconciliation in order to overcome the tragic experience of the past and requests that the Turkish government reopen its borders with Armenia as soon as possible." The amendments to the report as well as the debates focused largely on Armenian issues, including recognition of the Armenian genocide, the blockade of Armenia, as well as article 305 of the Turkish Penal Code that penalizes the affirmation of the genocide or dissident opinions on the Cyprus issue. Amendments explicitly dealing with genocide recognition and the border issue were submitted by parliamentarians representing the Communist, Socialist, Christian-Democrat (EPP), Liberal and Sovereignist groupsisolating the Greens of Europe as the only major group that unconditionally supports Turkey's EU bid. Going against official party positions, several parliamentarians offered amendments that favor Turkey's position on a variety of Armenian issues. French Socialist MP Michel Rocard led the charge with an amendment that praised "the remarkable work carried out by Turkish historians on the genocide." "In talks with Mr. Rocard and his associates, we have pointed out that in addition to being blatant lies, their affirmations actively invite the denial of acts of genocide in Europe," declared Hilda Tchoboian, Chairperson of the European Armenian Federation. A vote on the Eurlings report will be held in the Foreign Affairs Committee on November 22, 2005. 4) PACE Committee Spells Out Steps to Peaceful Settlement of Mountainous Karabagh Conflict STRASBOURG--A Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) report made public on Monday spells out a series of steps Armenia and Azerbaijan could take to fulfill their commitment to peacefully settle the Mountainous Karabagh conflict. In a draft resolution adopted at a meeting in Paris on Wednesday, PACE's Political Affairs Committee expressed concern at the creation of "mono-ethnic areas which resemble the terrible concept of ethnic cleansing," and reaffirmed the right of displaced persons from the area of conflict to return to their homes safely and in a dignified manner. The committee called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to submit constructive proposals for the peaceful settlement of the conflict via the OSCE Minsk Group, which should conduct speedy negotiations. If these fail, the parties should consider using the UN's International Court of Justice, the parliamentarians said. Meanwhile, the Council of Europe should offer the conflicting states experts to help determine Mountainous Karabagh's political status. Both countries pledged to use only peaceful means to settle the conflict when they joined the organization in January 2001. The committee also condemned the expression of hatred propagated through media, and called for a Council of Europe action plan for mutual reconciliation involving the media, schools, and universities, as well as contacts between locally elected representatives. It is proposed that the report be debated by the Assembly at its next plenary session in Strasbourg to be held on January 24-28, 2005. 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. --Boundary_(ID_DY2M8B3O1enNU7uga+2DTg)--