Month: June 2005

RA PRIME MINISTER AND DEPUTY MAYOR OF MOSCOW EXPRESS SATISFACTION
WITH EFFICIENT COOPERATION BETWEEN 2 COUNTRIES’ CAPITALS
YEREVAN, JUNE 16, NOYAN TAPAN. The development of Armenian-Russian
relations considerably contributes to multi-lateral and efficient
cooperation established between Armenian and Russian, in particular,
Moscow governments, as well as Yerevan and Moscow Mayor’s Offices. RA
Prime Minister Andranik Margarian declared this on June 16, while
receiving Vladimir Resin, first Deputy Mayor of Moscow. According
to him, this is consonant with the logic of stimulation of trade and
economic relations considered to be primary between the 2 strategic
allied countries and development of immediate contacts among separate
administrative entities. According to RA government’s Information and
Public Relations Department, the parties expressed satisfaction in
connection with mutual visits of delegations of high level between
Yerevan and Moscow in recent years. The presence of potential
in bilateral economic relations not used yet was mentioned. In
this connection issues concerning activization of participation of
Moscow’s business circles in Armenia’s, including Yerevan’s economy,
new possibilities of attracting additional investments and other issues
were discussed. A.Margarian and V.Resin also attached importance to use
of the potential of the large Armenian community living in Russia and,
in particular, in Moscow, in further extension of Armenian-Russian
relations.

Al-Bawaba, Jordan
June 19 2005
Khalifa receives letter from Armenian President
Posted: 19-06-2005 , 15:48 GMT
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has received a letter from Armenian
President, Robert Kocharian,dealing with bilateral relations between
the two countries and ways to enhance them in various fields, according
to WAM.
The letter was presented to Foreign Ministry Under Secretary, Abdullah
Rashid Al Nu’aimi, when he received the Armenian Ambassador, Arshak
Poladian.

MATERIAL EVIDENCE EXAMINATION COMPLETED AT TRIAL OF PERSON CHARGED WITH SPYING FOR AZERBAIJAN
YEREVAN, JUNE 17, NOYAN TAPAN. The stage of witnesses’ questioning in
connection with the case of high treason in the form of spying for
Azerbaijan was completed at the trail on June 17. 14 out of the 18
witnesses were questioned, as well as the evidence of the 4 witnesses
who had not appeared in court was announced. The things recognized as
material evidence and the documents related to these were examined
by the court. Particularly, the recorded phone calls with a certain
Zurab who was acting as a messenger between the accused Maziev and the
Azerbaijani special services were heard in the court. The calls were
made during the preliminary investigation at the request of Andrei
Maziev so that Maziev’s silence would not arouse any suspicion of the
Azerbaijani special services, also as a proof that Maziev had given
truthful evidence. The documents related to the case will be examined
at the June 22 court sitting. It is expected that the prosecution
will make a statement.

General Buyukanit To Armenia: Open Your Archives
Anatolian Times, Turkey
June 19 2005
Turkish Land Forces Commander Gen. Yasar Buyukanit remarked that
Armenia should open its archives. Turkey has made a call to Armenia
to make its archives available for study. “Turkey is in the wrestling
arena waiting for the Armenian wrestler. Turkey is ready for the
fight but the (Armenian) wrestler is afraid to come to the arena,”
told General Buyukanit.

Al-Jazeera, Qatar
June 19 2005
Turkey apprehensive over EU crises
Turkey is uneasy over EU failures to ratify a constitution
As the European Union becomes embroiled in one integration crisis
after another, prospective member Turkey’s EU accession path is
looking more troubled than ever.
The latest blow to European unity – the failure to agree on a 2006-2013
budget – came quick on the heels of founding members France and
Holland’s rejection of the EU constitution.
The failure to agree on the constitution revealed deep anxieties in
both countries over future Turkish membership.
The constitution’s author, former president of France Valery Giscard
d’Estang, went so far as to blame the Turkish membership issue for
the double rejection of the constitution.
At the same time, the German opposition Christian Democrat Union
(CDU) – who are on course to win September’s early elections – have
said they are opposed to Turkey’s membership.
Recent debate on enlargement has also caused anxiety in other
prospective EU member countries Romania and Bulgaria -which are set
to join in 2007 – and in Croatia.
A Christian club?
However, “Turkish membership has always been different from the other
candidates,” Sedat Laciner, director of the Ankara-based think-tank,
the International Strategic Research Organisation, told Aljazeera.net.
“This is because the other European countries don’t really consider
Turkey a European country, as Turkey is the only Muslim candidate.”
Such a view has often led in the past to allegations from Ankara that
the EU is a Christian club. Now, some argue, Europe’s basic prejudices
are coming out as the union faces a crisis.
But this is a view denied by European leaders, who decided last
December to give Turkey a 3 October 2005 date to begin accession
talks – more than 40 years after Turkey first applied to join.
“The EU has to stick to its existing commitments,” European Commission
spokesperson Krisztina Nagy told Aljazeera.net on Friday.
“The talks will begin on October 3 provided Turkey fulfils the
necessary conditions.”
Difficult conditions
However, these conditions are already proving difficult for Ankara
to meet.
Turkey undertook last December to extend the Ankara Agreement –
a deal between the country and the EU over customs and trade –
to include all the EU’s latest members. Since May 2004, the new EU
countries have included the Republic of Cyprus, which Turkey does
not recognise and with which it has long had hostile relations.
Turkey has recognised Cyprus as part of a customs agreement
Many Turks resent the idea of having to include the Greek
Cypriot-dominated Republic in any official relationship -preferring
instead to champion the cause of the internationally unrecognised
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the isolated breakaway state in
the north of the island.
“The EU has to take some steps on Cyprus too,” says Zeynep Ersahin,
research fellow at the Bosphorus University-TUSIAD Foreign Policy
Forum.
She points to the fact that Brussels promised to assist the Turkish
Cypriots, who voted last year in favour of the last United Nations
plan to reunify the island, while the Greek Cypriots voted against it.
“After the referendum, however, the EU did not take any action,” she
says.
Revamped penal code
At the same time, Turkey also agreed as a precondition for accession
talks that it would enforce six pieces of legislation that would bring
the country more in line with EU norms. These included a revamped
penal code, which went through parliament in Ankara on 1 June.
“The EU is always emphasising that legislation adopted has to be
implemented,” says Nagy. This, too, is a major sticking point, as it
requires potentially open-ended-on-the-ground evaluation.
Recent violence in southeast Turkey worries the EU
Recent heightened violence in Turkey’s southeast between the army and
Kurdish separatists has also called this implementation into question.
Dutch ambassador to Ankara Sjoerd Gosses said earlier this week
that the EU stood for “the integration, not … disintegration” of
its future members, backing calls from the European Commission for
Turkey to find a civil alternative to its military campaign against
the separatists.
The EU argues that the southeast is effectively run by the Turkish
military, rather than civilian authorities.
Armenian haunting
Then there is the long-running Armenian question. On 16 June, the
German parliament passed a resolution acknowledging the massacres
of Armenian citizens of the Ottoman Empire back in 1915 by Ottoman
troops and irregulars.
Stopping short of labelling these events ‘genocide’, the Germans called
on Turkey to acknowledge the massacres -something it has always been
wary of doing.
While the EU itself has made no such demand on Turkey, it has called
for a normalisation of Turkey’s relations with neighbouring Armenia,
a process which inevitably involves the events of 1915.
Relations with Armenia have been a thorny issue for Turkey
“This was almost 100 years ago,” says Laciner. “And the EU makes no
mention of the current Armenian occupation of Azeri territory.”
In the conflict over the enclave of Nagorno Karabakh in the early
1990s, Armenian forces took a swathe of land from Turkish ally
Azerbaijan, linking the enclave to their border.
“People in Turkey see this as an example of Christian solidarity.
Just focusing on the events of 100 years ago shows the EU is not
sincere,” Laciner told Aljazeera.net.
Cautious optimism
However, despite this range of disputes, some Turks remain optimistic
about their EU chances.
“I don’t think Turkey’s EU membership can be looked at from the
perspective of the recent referendums on the EU constitution,” says
Ersahin, pointing to the recent Eurobarometre poll which found that
only 6% of French respondents voted against the constitution because
of Turkey.
In Holland, the figure was even lower, at only 3%. Most voted ‘no’
because of concerns over unemployment and the local economy.
“The EU has to deal with its own economic and social problems first
and Turkey later,” Ersahin says. “Accession is a process, which can
go up or down.
“Turkey has made great strides on many issues, and while there will
be many discussions on the shape of the EU in the future, the EU is
the most successful integration process of the century. It may take
10 to 15 years, but Turkey will become an EU member.”
“Yes, there are many problems here in Turkey,” acknowledges Laciner.
“But the EU has already said Turkey is a candidate and that these
problems can be solved. Up to now, Turkey has done what the EU wanted
in terms of reforms and the Europeans have acknowledged this.”
The pressure, however, is likely to be growing not just on Turkey
to fulfil its commitments, but on the EU to carry through with its
obligations.
“The EU is a community of commitments,” says Nagy, “and those that
have been taken have to be met.”

ARMRUSGASPROM RESUMES SUPPLYING ELECTRICITY TO GEORGIA
YEREVAN, JUNE 17, NOYAN TAPAN. ArmRusgasprom resumed supplying
electricity to Georgia from June 17. Noyan Tapan’s correspondent
was informed about this by the company’s Press Service. To recap,
the electricity supply was stopped on May 15, due to increase in
the tariff by the company. According to the same source, the term of
the current agreement on electricity supply signed with the United
Georgian Distribution Energy Company will expire in late June. The
electricity will be supplied by a reconsidered tariff. To recap,
Karen Karapetian, ArmRusgasprom board’s Chairman-Executive Director,
declared the other day that supply will be carried out by a new tariff
increased by 1.18 cents, by a tariff of 2.68 cents for 1 KWt/h. To
recap, from December 2002 up to April 2003 ArmRusgasprom exported
nearly 178 mln kWt/h electricity amounting to 4.45 mln dollars and
from October 2004 up to May 15 2005 141 mln kWt/h electricity amounting
to 3.6 mln dollars to Georgia.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Journal of Turkish Weekly, Turkey
June 19 2005
Occupied Karabakh Holds Disputed Elections, Azerbaijani Refugees Not
Allowed to Vote
Jan SOYKOK – Parliamentary elections are being held in the occupied
south Caucasus enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenian forces occupied
and many more Azerbaijani towns in 1991.
Around 106 Armenian candidates from seven parties are contesting
33 seats. While Azerbaijan called the vote illegitimate, the
territory’s so-called ‘president’ says he hopes it will boost its
bid for international recognition. The European Union and OSCE
called Armenia ‘occupier’ in Karabakh and in other Azerbaijani
territories. More than 1 million Azerbaijanis became refugees. The
Armenian riot in the Nagorno-Karabakh has claimed up to 30,000 lives
and displaced more than 1 million Azerbaijanis. Now no Azerbaijanis
left in Armenia. The other minorities, including Jewish, have also
suffered from ultra-nationalism. Karabakh’ so-called ‘president’
Arkadiy Gukasyan promised an honest and transparent vote and warned
against any actions which could harm the province’s image. All attempts
at violations, whoever the author, will be denounced and initiators
punished with the full severity of the law,” he said.
Azerbaijan claims sovereignty over the territory but was beaten back
by Armenian forces in the war, which ended with a ceasefire in 1994.
Azerbaijan says if Yerevan does not withdraw its forces from the
Azerbaijani territories, the Azeri Army will retake the occupied
forces. Turkey has also declared Sunday’s vote illegitimate. In 1991,
the Armenian forces had attacked to Naxchivan, and Turkey stooped the
Armenian occupation by warning the Armenians. Turkey says no state
in the region should change the borders by using military force.
Armenian breached the UN principles in Karabakh and other occupied
territories.
Two thirds of the parliament’s 33 seats are to be elected directly and
the remaining 11, under a proportional system. Results of the poll,
which is being monitored by around 100 non-governmental observers,
are expected late on Monday or early Tuesday. For the elections to
be declared valid, at least 25% of the 89,000 people eligible to vote
must turn out.
Azerbaijani refugees cannot vote in the elections. If the Azerbaijani
voters are allowed to vote, Karabakh would possibly have an Azerbaijani
president.

CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS LEAVES LOS ANGELES FOR FRESNO
FRESNO, JUNE 17, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On June 11, Karekin
II, Catholicos of All Armenians, finishing his pastor visit to
Los Angeles, left for Fresno accompanied by his retinue. Armenian
chruchmen of the region, representatives of parish councils, ladies’
and youth unions greeted His Holiness an the airport. On the same day,
under the solemn singing of “Hrashapar,” the churchmen’s procession
accompanied His Holiness to Surb Phoghos Armenian church with which
the patriarchal visit to Central California started. Archbishop Hovnan
Terterian, the diocesan primate welcame His Holiness Catholicos of All
Armenians. Then Catholicos of All Armenians addressed his commandment
to those gathered. His Holiness expressed satisfaction to the God
for his second visit to the US Western Deocese. The Patriarch touched
upon problems arisen before the Armenian Church and assured that it
is possible to overcome them only by joint efforts. Catholicos of All
Armenians, appriciating alive belief and devotion of Fresno believers,
appealed to remain faithful to Surb Armenian Apostolic Church, the
Christian belief and our cultural heritage. On the same day, Catholicos
of All Armenians met with youth arrived from different regions of
the Central California. His Holiness answered numerous questions the
youth were interested in, appealing to continue their devoted service
to the Armenian Church and the US Western Deocese. As Noyan Tapan was
informed by the Mother See Information Center, Catholicos Karekin II
celebrate the Saint Patriarchal liturjy at Surb Phoghos Armenian Church
of Fresno on June 12, Sunday. Clergymen of other Armenian churches
of Central California, of Surb Mariam and Surb Grigor as well as the
general choir of the Central California participated in the sacred
ceremony. Bishop John Staiback, the primate of the Catholic Church
of Fresno was present at the liturjy. “We pray for the Diaspora’s
strenghtening,” His Holiness said, giving his blessing to present
Armenians and appealing them to remain faithful to the Armenian Church
and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. In his sermon, His Holiness
touched upon the humane and national values. Particularly, His Holiness
also spoke about the invention of the Armenian letters as a result of
which the people’s beleif towards the God and the Armenian Apostolic
church even strengthened. His Holiness called on beleivers to keep
national values and never forget their birthplace of their sole, the
Armenian Church and the Fatherland. At the end of the Saint Liturjy,
numerous beleivers were given Saint Communication from the Catholicos
of All Armenians. On the same day, in honour of the Catholicos of
All Armenians, an official reception took place at the session hall
of Fresno with the participation of benefactors, beleivers as well
as high-ranking religious and political representatives and guests.

HOUSE FOREIGN AID PANEL APPROVES NEARLY $68 MILLION FOR ARMENIA FOR FY 2006
WASHINGTON, JUNE 17, NOYAN TAPAN. The Armenian Assembly of America
praised members of a key House Appropriations Subcommittee on June
16 for maintaining robust aid levels to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh
despite ongoing overall reductions to former Soviet states. The
Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill,
which lawmakers passed by voice vote, calls for $67.5 million for
Armenia, up to $5 million for Nagorno Karabakh and maintains military
assistance parity between Armenia and Azerbaijan with $5.75 million
allocated to each country. “Given the current budget restraints, we
appreciate the leadership of Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Joe Knollenberg
(R-MI) and commend Chairman Jim Kolbe (R-AZ) and his Subcommittee
for securing this assistance to Armenia and Karabakh,” said Assembly
Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. “We also thank Ranking Member Nita
Lowey (D-NY) for her steadfast support.” “We want to express our
appreciation to Congressman Joe Knollenberg for his advocacy within
the Subcommittee, to thank Chairman Jim Kolbe and Ranking Member
Nita Lowey for their leadership, and to share our gratitude for the
support of Steve Rothman, John Sweeney, Mark Kirk, Jesse Jackson,
Jr., Carolyn Kilpatrick, Chaka Fattah, and our other friends on this
vitally important panel,” said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director
of the Armenian National Committee of America. “We were, of course,
especially pleased to see that, consistent with the President’s budget
request, the Subcommittee contributed to the continued stability
of the Caucasus by appropriating aid directly to Nagorno Karabagh,
and maintaining parity in military aid to Armenia and Azerbaijan. We
also appreciate the efforts of our friends, in the face of overall
reductions in aid to the region, to increase Armenia’s assistance above
the level proposed by the President, and look forward to action by the
Senate – and later in conference committee – to bring this figure to at
least last year’s figure of $75 million,” added Hamparian. The level of
funding for Armenia is $12.5 million above the Bush Administration’s
request submitted to Congress earlier this year. The overall request
level is part of a continued trend that reflects a serious drop
in U.S. assistance to the former Soviet states – specifically from
$555 million in FY 2005 to $477 million for FY 2006. The action also
allocated $5 million in Foreign Military Financing and $750,000 for
International Military Education and Training to both Armenia and
Azerbaijan, as requested by the Bush Administration. These funds will
improve inter-operability between Armenia’s military and its Western
partners, upgrade Armenia’s communication systems and better its
personnel training. On April 18th of this year, Representative George
Radanovich (R-CA) and Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Frank
Pallone (D-NJ) sent a letter to the leadership of the Subcommittee,
cosigned by 43 of their House colleagues, calling for an earmark
of at least $75 million for Armenia; maintaining the President’s
request for equal levels of military aid for Armenia and Azerbaijan;
an additional $5 million in direct aid to Nagorno Karabagh for fiscal
year 2006, and; keeping in place the Section 907 restriction on aid
to Azerbaijan. The bill will next be considered by the full House
Appropriations Committee. Once the full House and Senate complete
action on their version of the bill, a joint House-Senate Conference
Committee will reconcile the differences.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenia Arrests A Turk
Anatolian Times, Turkey
June 19 2005
Yektan Turkyilmaz, the first Turk to receive a permission to study
Armenian international archives, has been arrested at the Yerevan
Airport.
Turkyilmaz is accused of attempting to take history books to Turkey.