Month: June 2005

Let’s create a ‘Turkish-Turkish Reconciliation Committee’
Yerkir/arm
10 June 05
Some time ago an attempt was made to settle the problems between
two states and nations through creation of a Turkish-Armenian
Reconciliation Committee. The attempt failed. There were many reasons
for its failure and a lot has been written on this issue.
The recent developments show that one of the reasons is that the
Turks have many problems with themselves while neither the Turkish
state nor the society has any clue of how to solve those problems.
The banning of the conference on the Armenian Genocide, criminal
punishment envisaged in Turkey’s new criminal code for recognition
of the Genocide and the division of the Turkish society whenever the
Turkish intellectuals and NGO’s make controversial statements on the
Armenian Genocide – these facts come to prove the above-mentioned
point. One gets an impression that the Turkish society urgently needs
a reconciliation process within itself.
Therefore, we can suggest to the Turkish political and social
leadership as well as the interested international organizations to
create a “Turkish-Turkish reconciliation committee”. The famous expert
David Phillips could be appointed the coordinator of the committee.
An authoritative research institute could be involved to support
the initiative with expertise and consulting. It would be very
interesting to read Mr. Phillips’s book telling about the results of
the committee’s activities.
We think the activities of the Turkish-Turkish reconciliation committee
will contribute to the establishment of regional stability, mutual
understanding and good neighborly relations between the two states. We
are ready to support this historical dialog and be the information
sponsor of this initiative.

Acting together but independently – no agreement in how to divide power
By Karine Mangassarian
Yerkir/arm
10 June 05
While the Armenian pro-governmental political leaders are organizing
the Unity Round Dance, the opposition forces are starting the summer
season with another “unity dance” that once again aims at organizing
a revolution in Armenia.
However, the difference between these two “unity” events is that
while in the first case all the participants were dancing the same
dance, in the second case each of the them is trying to dance his
individual dance.
Nevertheless, every time they meet at conventions of this or that party
the opposition leaders do their best to praise each other in their
statements. There is always one conclusion to these statements – let’s
join our efforts to organize a revolution and get rid of the “illegal
government”. These outbursts of unity fade away in the same couloirs
where the conventions are held and the revolutions are discussed.
The situation outside the couloirs is different. Let’s have a look at
several examples. The Armenian opposition forces with the exception
of the radical Azgayin Miabanutyun (National Unity) Party attended
the third convention of Zharangutyun (Heritage) Party.
At this convention, Raffi Hovhannissian was elected president of the
party. Leader of Hanrapetutyun (Republic) Party Aram Zaven Sargsian,
President of National Self-Determination Union Paruyr Hayrikian,
leader of the Armenian Democratic Party Stepan Demirchian and
oppositioner-by-chance Hovhannes Hovhannissian were there to praise
the party and its leaders.
Their statements addressed everything except the question who would
be leading the nation after the revolution. In other words, no one
can tell the people who can replace the current president.
We are sure that those who support the opposition forces are waiting
for them to nominate one leader for the opposition. But we have a
different picture – at public demonstrations recently launched in
different regions of Armenia we can see different political leaders
ready to organize a revolution.
At one demonstration the revolution leader is Aram Karapetian of
New Times Party, at another one it is Stepan Demirchian, at a third
demonstration Artashes Geghamian is ready to head the revolution. By
the way, speaking of the latter, it should be noted that this branch
of radical opposition has somewhat isolated itself from our political
arena and does not attend even the demonstrations organized by its
fellow opposition parties.
Another opposition leader, Aram Zaven Sargsian is so disappointed
with his fellow opposition leaders that he now relies only on the
National Assembly Vice Speaker Artur Baghdasarian considering him the
only democratic force in the existing government. Maybe Sargsian is
looking for someone in the US to sponsor this democracy?
Outbursts of jealousy accompany the opposition’s activities –
the Democratic Party of Armenia has started worrying because Aram
Sargsian has got disappointed with their leader. In other words,
the chaos in the opposition camp is obvious. The roles and positions
have all shifted; the leaders and followers are all mixed; no one is
clear about the time and objectives of the revolution.
And the main reason for this disorganization and seeming unity is
that the opposition forces cannot decide on how to divide power after
a revolution. None of the opposition leaders can ever accept the
thought that he can occupy a position lower than the president. Any
other position would be simply humiliating for any of them.

Privileged status for competitive technologies
By Mher Ohanian
Yerkir/arm
10 June 05
The developments of the 21st century show that high technologies
and knowledge-based economies emerge as crucial elements of the
geopolitical status or state security systems of leading countries.
This fact should determine the development direction of transition
countries including Armenia. Otherwise, the implemented reforms might
still result in the county’s being uncompetitive internationally.
The dictate of integration
The experts refer to this situation as the “vicious circle of poverty”
when the seemingly efficient reforms take the country back to its
starting point – poverty. In order to avoid a situation like this,
the political, business and intellectual elites of the country should
comply their activities with the dictate of continuous modernization
of the country’s economic and political systems. In this context,
measures directed at establishment of a competitive economy based on
high technologies are of crucial importance.
A couple of decades ago high technologies were merely indispensable
components of industrial infrastructures. Meanwhile today high
technologies emerge as indispensable factors in the military-political,
economic and social development of countries. At the same time, the
development of high technologies cannot be limited by national borders.
This is why the companies from countries aspiring to preserve their
competitiveness have to cooperate with the leading transnational
companies. In this way the national economies are gradually integrated
into the globalized world economy.
What is our potential?
The Soviet Armenia’s industrial sector had no problems with receiving
industrial resources and more or less modern technologies from the
Union center. This was how the country’s economy was modernized in the
Soviet period. Armenia was a leader among the Soviet republics in terms
of modern technologies. In mid 1980’s the volume of high-tech industry
production in Soviet Armenia amounted to 1.5 billion rubles. More
than 60 thousands scientists, engineers, experimenters and highly
qualified workers were employed in the country’s high-tech industry.
Scientific-production unions were the main mode of integration of
science, technologies and production processes. However, it should be
noted that the high-tech industries were mainly producing intermediary
production; there was no cooperation between such industries within
the Soviet republics.
This was the logic of the Soviet centralized economy. This is why after
the collapse of the Soviet Union the high-tech sector of Armenia’s
economy was paralyzed, the highly qualified scientists and engineers
employed in high-tech industries were dismissed and many of them left
the country.

No need for further evidence
Editorial
Yerkir/arm
10 June 05
The Middle East Studies Union, a research organization, has recently
addressed a letter to the Turkish Prime-Minister Erdogan voicing its
protest against postponing the conference on the Armenian Question
that was planned to be held at Bosporus University of Istanbul.
The letter was signed by 2600 academics who voiced their concern with
the Turkish government’s position against discussion of the Armenian
Genocide. The letter noted that the banning of the conference violates
the rights of the Turkish academics that were supposed to participate
in the conference. The letter further stated that the conference was
organized in accordance with the Turkish laws.
The American academics severely criticized the Turkish Justice Minister
Jemil Cicek for accusing the conference organizers of treason. Noting
that Turkey is a member of the Council of Europe and has signed
the European Convention on Human Rights, they called for Erdogan to
undertake measures to hold the conference on the Armenian Genocide
as soon as possible.
The American academics appealed to Erdogan not to enact article 305
of Turkey’s new criminal code that limits academic liberties. How can
the highly distinguished academics hope that Turkey will eliminate
the criminal code article that limits the academic liberties? In
Turkey, not only the academics but also anyone who dares to express
any opinions on the Armenian Genocide that would diverge from Turkey’s
official position will immediately be arrested.
The European political leaders that were expressing their admiration
and encouragement after the Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan’s letter
addressed to the Armenian President Kocharian should think about
this incident.
They were calling for Armenia to respond constructively to Turkey’s
call for dialog. Meanwhile, the discussions of the Armenian President’s
reply resulted in adoption of the well-known article in the Turkish
criminal code. Turkey’s response was not addressed only to Armenia;
it was addressed to all those, including some Armenians, who believed
Turkey could become a part of the European civilization, those who
believed that Turkey’s membership in the EU is in Armenia’s interests
since Armenia in this way would border the EU.
By adopting this law, Turkey once again reminded everyone, including
the Armenians, what kind of a state it is. It reminded us what kind
of a state we are bordering and hinted us at the main principles that
should underlie our political position. The Turks themselves proved
the veracity of arguments that were raised in our press for months.
Now both the foreigners and some of our fellow-Armenians should accept
this evidence and learn a lesson from it.

Kiro Manoyan meets with Turkish deputy
13.06.2005 14:26
YEREVAN (YERKIR) – Kiro Manoyan, Director of Armenian Revolutionary
Federation (ARF) Bureau’s Hay Dat and Political Affairs Office,
met Sunday with Turhan Comez, a member of the Turkish Parliament,
representing the ruling party.
The one-hour meeting that took place in the lobby of the Marriott
Armenia hotel was also attended by Samson Ozararat, Armenia’s
representative in the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Council, and
Comez’s partners.
The parties discussed issues related to the Armenian-Turkish
relations. Manoyan pointed out that a dialogue is possible only when
it is genuine, and the sides should be honest with themselves. But
the facts indicate that in Turkey, no sincere environment for such
internal discussions is yet in place.
At the end of the meeting, Manoyan, speaking to journalists
accompanying the Turkish politician, pointed to the role of press in
the normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations, emphasizing the
need for responsible reporting

BRIEFING – ASIA ENERGY – JUNE 13, 2005
Asia Pulse; Jun 13, 2005
An executive briefing on energy for June 13, 2005, prepared by Asia
Pulse (), the real-time, Asia-based wire with
exclusive news, commercial intelligence and business opportunities.
DONGFENG TIES UP WITH BP IN CHINA’S LUBE MARKET
WUHAN – British Petroleum and Dongfeng Motor Corporation have set up
a joint venture — Dongfeng Castrol Petroleum Co., Ltd. in Wuhan in a
bid to secure a beachhead to fight for a niche on China’s lubricant
market.
BP Group, one of the world’s largest energy companies, is engaged in
petroleum and gasoline prospecting and production, natural gas,
power-generating, renewable energy, oil refining, marketing and
petrochemical manufacture. It has operations in 105 countries, with a
total market value of more than US$200 billion.
NUMEROUS COAL-FIRED POWER PLANTS TO BE BUILT IN PAKISTAN
KARACHI – Sindh Minister for Mines and Mineral Development Irfanullah
Khan Marwat chaired a meeting of the Sindh Coal Authority late last
week, which reviewed progress on work on different coal-fired power
plants.
The board announced that an American firm, AES Oasis Ltd, had started
work on the establishment of an integrated coal-fired 1,000 megawatt
power plant at the Thar coalfield, which would be completed by the
end of the this year.
STANDARD CHARTERED BANK, SHELL PAKISTAN SIGN STRATEGIC DEAL
KARACHI – Standard Chartered Bank and Shell Pakistan Limited have
signed an agreement for a fully automated dealer finance programme
based on an electronic dealer finance card system.
Operating on a debit card based structure, the dealer finance card
solution is a fully automated service that enables Shell to enjoy
instant conversion of receivables and Shell’s dealers to enjoy the
full benefits of automated payment initiation, payments outsourcing,
simplified account reconciliation, comprehensive MIS and robust
security.
SINOPEC, CNPC TO INVEST BILLIONS IN NEW ETHYLENE PROJECTS
BEIJING – With several large ethylene projects to start construction
or be subject to approval, the investment committed by China
Petroleum and Chemical Co., Ltd. (Sinopec) and China National
Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) to ethylene projects will exceed 60
billion yuan ($US7.24 billion) in the next few years.
After the Maoming Petroleum and Chemical Co., Ltd. initiated the
one-million-ton ethylene expansion project, the Zhenhai Refining and
Chemical Co. and Tianjin Petrochemical Co., both affiliated to
Sinopec, are making preparation for launching ethylene projects of
the same scale.
SOUTHEAST ASIA’S BIGGEST THERMO POWER PLANT TO BE BUILT IN VIETNAM
HANOI – A coal-fuelled power plant, which will be the biggest in
Southeast Asia, is expected to be built in the Vietnam’s central
province of Phu Yen .
The plant is designed to have four turbine groups with a combined
capacity of 2,400 MW, generating 15.6 million MWh annually.
IRANIAN FIRMS TO HELP BUILD DAM, POWER PLANT IN TAJIKISTAN
TEHRAN – Iran and Tajikistan here Saturday signed an agreement to
build a dam and power plant on the Vakhsh river in Nurek, which
located in the west of Tajikistan.
The 19-article agreement was signed by Iran’s Energy Minister
Habibollah Bitaraf and his Tajik counterpart Jurabeck Nurmahmadov.
INDIAN MINISTER FACES TOUGH TASK IN IRAN ON LNG DEAL
TEHRAN – India’s Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar will have a
lot on his plate to discuss when he visits Iran this week to finalise
purchase of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and discuss the ambitious
Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline.
While India is keen on purchasing 2.5 million tonnes of additional
LNG at a concessional rate, Iran is understood to be demanding a
price which is higher than what New Delhi has already agreed to pay
for 5 mt of LNG per annum it will source from Tehran.
INVESTMENT FLOWING INTO IRAN’S PETROCHEMICAL SECTOR: MINISTER
AHVAZ – Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said some US$18 billion
has been invested in the country’s petrochemical industry during the
past eight years.
Addressing official ceremony to inaugurate five major petrochemical
projects in Bandar Imam Special Economic Petrochemical Zone, near
Mahshahr in this southwestern province, Zanganeh said out of the
total amount, some US$2.5 billion are returned annually.
IRAN, ARMENIA SIGN MOU ON ELECTRICITY COOPERATION
TEHRAN – Iran and Armenia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)
here to bolster bilateral cooperation in the field of electricity.
The MoU was signed by Iran’s Energy Minister Habibollah Bitaraf and
his Armenian counterpart Armen Movsisyan.
PETROCHINA ACQUIRES OVERSEAS ASSETS FROM CNPC
BEIJING – PetroChina Company Limited announced Friday that it will
acquire overseas assets from its parent, China National Petroleum
Corporation (CNPC), China’s largest oil producer, for 20.74125
billion yuan (US$2.5 billion).
It is a bid for PetroChina to boost its reserves portfolio, promote
overseas business development and enhance corporate value in a long
run, said Chen Geng, Chairman of PetroChina.
INDIAN, CHINESE OIL COMPANIES SEEKING ROSNEFT SHARES: RUSSIA
MOSCOW – Oil companies from India and China are seeking stake in
Russia’s state-owned oil major Rosneft but no concrete deals have
been struck so far, Russian Energy Minister Victor Khristenko said.
“Many companies, first of all, Indian and Chinese, are showing
interest in the purchase of Rosneft shares,” he said.
S.KOREAN COURT RESUMES PUBLIC AUCTION FOR INCHEON OIL
SEOUL – A local court has resumed the public auction for Incheon Oil
Refinery Co. following its January failure to sell off the firm,
court officials said Monday.
Incheon Oil is currently under court receivership.
OMAN, CHINA SIGN MOU IN PETROLEUM SECTOR
MUSCAT – A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on boosting
Omani-Chinese cooperation in petroleum sector was signed between the
Sultanate and China at Al-Bustan Palace Hotel yesterday.
The MoU was signed by Ahmed bin Salim al-Wahaibi, Executive President
of Oman Oil Company from the Omani side and by Chen Geng, President
of China’s National Petroleum Corporation from Chinese side in the
presence of Dr. M
OMAN AND CHINA SIGN OIL AGREEMENT
MUSCAT – Oman and China signed at Al-Bustan Palace hotel yesterday an
oil agreement to provide the latter with Omani Oil.
The pact was signed by Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad al-Rumhi, Oil and Gas
Minister and the deputy general manager of the Chinese company for
chemical industries.
NSW COAL SECTOR ISSUES WARNING ON ALTERNATIVE FUELS
SYDNEY – Ruling out coal in favour of gas or nuclear power would cost
more and harm the environment, the NSW coal industry has warned.
Environmental groups have called for a ban on the development of
coal-fired electricity plants after NSW Premier Bob Carr indicated he
was gearing up to approve at least one new plant west of Sydney.
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RETURN OF ARMENIAN PILOTS OUR COMMON VICTORY: ARA ABRAMYAN
YEREVAN, June 11. /ARKA/. The return of Armenian pilots to homeland
is our common victory, Chairman of the Union of Armenians of Russia
(UAR) Ara Abramyan told a press conference. According to him, the RA
Government has done much to get the Armenian pilots released. In
particular, numerous visit to Malabo were paid. “I cannot say
whether it has been a difficult business or not, but we encountered
difficulties and am I grateful to Armenia’s authorities for turning
to me for involving international connections to get the Armenian
citizens’ released,” Abramyan said. According to him, tremendous work
has been done during last three months due to which the pilots are in
their homeland now. “It is a good occasion for Armenians to be proud
of their country, and it demonstrates that Armenia and the diaspora
can only achieve success by displaying unity,” Abramyan said.He also
stressed that representatives of the Armenian disapora now realize
that “there is a state that is not indifferent to its own citizens.”
Abramyan asked not to be personally credited with the release of
the Armenian pilots, pointing out a great role of international
mediators, namely, the Pope, UNESCO President, RF Foreign Minister,
who addressed letters to the President of Equatorial Guinea. Speaking
of his assistance in the release of the Armenian pilots, Abramyan
reported that representatives of Armenia and of Equatorial Guinea
signed an agreement in Paris, France, on June 1. Under the agreement,
the UAR President assumed financial commitments to improve the
socio-economic situation in Equatorial Guinea. It was not until the
agreement was singed that the President of Equatorial Guinea agreed
to sign a decree pardoning the Armenian pilots Abramyan did not cite
the sum, stressing that his major task was that the “pilots come home
safe and sound, which I have successfully done.” “I will execute all
my commitments. The most important that no claims are being made to
the Armenian pilots any more,” Abramyan said. P.T. -0–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

IRAN, ARMENIA SIGN MOU ON ELECTRICITY COOPERATION
Asia Pulse; Jun 13, 2005
TEHRAN, June 13 Asia Pulse – Iran and Armenia signed a memorandum
of understanding (MoU) here to bolster bilateral cooperation in the
field of electricity.
The MoU was signed by Iran’s Energy Minister Habibollah Bitaraf and
his Armenian counterpart Armen Movsisyan.
Under the MoU, Iran and Armenia reached consensus to implement the
third 400-kw two-circuit transmission line project, valued at US$90
million.
The two countries are also slated to implement the second phase
of Iran-Armenia pipeline project, worth US$130 million and the
complementary project of the fifth unit of Hrazdan thermal power plant.
Under the framework of the agreement, Iranian companies of the Iran
Power Plant Projects Management Company (MAPNA) and Sanir are due to
add a new unit of gas power plant – capable to be transformed into
combined cycle – to Armenia. The project is worth US$150 million.
Based on the accord, the implementation of the said project should
be finalized in 2007.

Pan Armenian News
11.06.2005, “PanARMENIAN Network” analytical department
MINISTER OF INDUSTRY OF FRANCE PATRICK DEVEJYAN HAS LOST HIS MINISTERIAL
PORTFOLIO
Our compatriot was not included in the new government of France, though he
was offered the position of the Minister of Transport.
The lower house of French parliament – the National Assembly has approved
the new government staff headed by Dominique Vilpen. It should be noted that
the order to form a new cabinet was issued by President Shirak after the
failure of the attempt to accept EU Constitution by means of a referendum.
363 deputies voted for giving a vote of confidence to the new government.
178 people voted against and 4 abstained from voting. Though most of the
members of the former government headed by Jean Pierre Raffaren kept their
ministerial portfolios, Patrick Devejyan did not receive a position in the
new government.
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The reasons of the absence of Devejyan’s name in the list
of the new cabinet members are quite vague. The thing is that political
analysts were sure that he would be given a ministerial post and there were
real grounds for such forecasts. On the day before the new government was
announced, referring to official sources, Russian `RIA – News’ agency
reported that Devejyan was offered the post of the Minister of Transport.
What happened on the eve of announcing the new government is unknown. If the
Minister of Industry was really offered a new ministerial post, but the post
of the Minister of Transport was occupied by another person, it can be
presumed that Devejyan himself refused to be involved in Dominique Vilpen’s
team. But why? There are no grounds to suppose that Vilpen distrusts
Devejyan with whom he had had long-term productive cooperation in the
parliament, in the government and in the executive committee of the ruling
`Union for a popular movement’ party. No one has ever noticed any conflicts
between them. Moreover there are no grounds to suppose that the new Prime
Minister may feel distrusts towards Armenian community headed by Patrick
Devejyan.
So, what could be the reason ? It can be supposed that the reason of
Devejyan’s withdrawal from the government is directly or indirectly
connected with the strengthening of the factor of the Secretary General of
`Union for popular majority’ party Nicolas Sarkozy who has been appointed
Minister of the Interior and has become the third important person in the
country. It is customary to regard the leader of the ruling party as the
opponent of Shirak in many issues. Ambitious Sarkozy does not conceal his
intention to take part in the presidential elections. But Shirak has
repeatedly hinted that he does not exclude the possibility of his
candidature for the third term. Observers suppose that confrontation between
Sarkozy and the government members who will stay faithful to the President
is inevitable. Many analysts think that in the situation formed, Sarkozy is
already eager to get rid of the people of Shirak. Everyone knows that
Devejyan is an adherent of Shirak at least because Devejyan was Shirak’s
lawyer and protected the future president in the course of a series of legal
processes.
Patrick Devejyan is 60 years old. He is an active figure in the Armenian
community of France. Patrick Devejyan protected the members of ASSALA
organization who were accused of attacking Turkish diplomats. His input is
especially significant in the process of recognition of Armenian genocide.
Patrick Devejyan has been the mayor of Antoni city. Several times he has
been elected deputy of the National Assembly. In 1999 he put his candidature
for the post of the leader of the ruling party and even passed to the second
tour. In 2002 Patrick Devejyan was appointed Minister Delegate for Local
Liberties. In 2004 he was appointed Minister Delegate of Industry. Patrick
Devejyan is a member of the board of the ruling `Union for popular majority’
party.
Changes in the staff of the French government have resulted in the
strengthening of muslims’ positions. Two representatives of Dominique
Vilpen’s cabinet practice Islam. They are Azouz Begag – the delegate
minister for the promotion of equality of chances and Hamlaoui Mekachera –
delegate minister for war veterans. These appointments testify to the fact
that the Islamic factor in France increases. However, the withdrawal of
Devejyan from the government will in no way impact on the significance of
Armenian factor in France. Firstly, Devejyan does not leave politics. It is
quite possible that he will be offered some other state post. Secondly, is
has long been clear that the approach of the political elite of France
towards Armenian question is not conditioned by the role of separate
individuals. Today, the number of pro-Armenian politicians in the
socialistic opposition is no less than that in the government, so there are
no grounds for worry.
11.06.2005, “PanARMENIAN Network” analytical department

Armenians protest outside Turkish Embassy in Washington
10.06.2005 13:43
YEREVAN (YERKIR) – Armenian Americans stood vigil in front of the
Turkish Embassy on June 5, calling attention to that governments
ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide, as Turkish and American
government officials and industry leaders attended a kick-off
reception for the American Turkish Council (ATC) annual conference,
reported the Armenian National Committee of Greater Washington
(ANC-GW).
Over 50 Armenian Americans held signs calling for recognition and a
just resolution of the Armenian Genocide as well as the end of Turkeys
twelve-year blockade of Armenia and the implementation of human rights
reforms. ANC-GW representatives passed out flyers to reception
attendees informing them that the ATC has used your good name to deny
genocide a misguided act that embarrasses you, disgraces the Council,
and calls into question the core values of the company you
represent. The flyer called on ATC members to perform a true service
for U.S.-Turkey relations: Urge the ATC and Turkey to stop denying the
Armenian Genocide.
It is morally reprehensible that Turkey continues to coerce
U.S. companies to become complicit in the Armenian Genocide through
their misguided participation in anti-genocide recognition efforts,
stated ANC-Greater Washington representative Arsineh Khachikian. Our
protest vigil today was aimed to urge our U.S. corporate leaders to
disassociate themselves from this destructive campaign and create a
U.S.-Turkey relationship based on truth and justice.
Reaction from the attendees was mixed, with most accepting and reading
the flyers as they entered or left the function. One Turkish attendee
refused the flyer, proudly stating my father had killed many of your
families. Embassy staff and organizers were clearly disturbed with the
protest, which garnered extensive media coverage from Turkish
television and print journalists representing a broad range of news
agencies.
The protest coincided with the opening reception of the American
Turkish Council three day annual conference bringing together top
U.S. and Turkish government and industry leaders, focusing on
expanding U.S. Turkey relations and commercial ties. Speakers at the
conference include Prime Minister Erdogan, Foreign Minister Gul and
other top Turkish Ministers.