Month: September 2006

Turkey: Parliament to resume debates on controversial bill

Monday, September 25, 2006
ANKARA – Turkish Daily News

Parliament will resume debates on Tuesday over a controversial bill on
private schools that the opposition insists would allow the reopening of a
Greek Orthodox seminary near Istanbul and violate provisions of the 1923
Lausanne Treaty.
Debates over the bill, part of a European Union-inspired reform package
supported by the government, were put on ice last week after the government
presented a last-minute proposal to change the definition of minority
schools in the bill — replacing the restricted description of minority as
Greek, Armenian and Jewish with the more general one of non-Muslim — and
allow foreign students to attend them.
The opposition blasted the proposal, saying it contradicts the definition
of minorities provided in the Lausanne Treaty, one of the founding documents
of the Republic of Turkey, and would pave the way for reopening of the
Heybeliada, or Halki, Seminary on an island near Istanbul — closed since
1971.
The CHP said the school was closed due to lack of students but that the
bill would allow it to reopen since it would permit students from Greece and
Greek Cyprus to attend it.
The EU and the United States are asking Turkey to reopen the seminary, and
the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate says it would help Turkey’s Greek Orthodox
minority to train new clerics.
Parliament is expected to resume debates on the original version of the
bill on Tuesday, since Industry and Trade Minister Ali Coskun announced last
week that the government had decided to withdraw the proposal.
On Wednesday Parliament is expected to go ahead with the reform package by
holding debates on a law establishing an ombudsman. The law was earlier
vetoed by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer.
On Thursday it will debate a bill aimed at introducing new standards to
improve productivity and quality in agricultural products.
In the Justice Commission lawmakers will continue debates on a
controversial bill on minority foundations, which CHP claims also violates
the Lausanne Treaty. The Planning and Budget Commission will continue with
debates on a bill on the Supreme Court of Public Accounts.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Men Fined for Election Campaign Flyer Row
Civil Georgia, Tbilisi
2006-09-25 19:02:21

Two men, Giorgi Otiashvili and Sarkis Sharoian, have been fined GEL 2 000
each after the Tbilisi City Court found them guilty on September 25 of
breaching political rights of the ruling National Movement party’s
activists.
Prosecutors claimed that two men have obstructed the ruling party activists
in exercising their political right and insulted them while disseminating
the party’s election campaign leaflets in Tbilisi.
But Otanashvili and Sharoian have denied allegation claiming that they have
just refused to accept the leaflet, citing that they already had one.
Opposition Republican and Conservative parties have denounced the court’s
ruling as politically-motivated.
Attorney Eka Beselia said that the two men may face imprisonment in case of
failure to pay the fine. The attorney also said that she will file an appeal
into the upper level court.

However, Tbilisi Chief Prosecutor Giorgi Gviniashvili said the case has
nothing to do with the politics.

"I want to assure you that if an offence of this kind takes place against
the representative of any opposition party, similar measures will be
undertaken against a perpetrator," Gviniashvili told reporters.

Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel. (202) 775-1918
Fax. (202) 775-5648
Email. [email protected]
Internet

PRESS RELEASE
September 25, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918

ANCA CALLS FOR ASSERTIVE ADVOCACY AT ARMENIA-DIASPORA CONFERENCE

— Remarks at Armenia-Diaspora Conference in Yerevan
Stress need to Further Develop the Armenian Nation’s
"Far-reaching Network of Identity and Strength"

"We must constantly challenge, and when necessary
confront, forces aligned against the Armenian nation."
— ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian

WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
stressed the vital necessity for the continued growth of a
"confident, assertive brand of Diasporan advocacy that builds upon,
but is not bound by, our past," during the third Armenia-Diaspora
Conference, held in Yerevan from September 18-20.

In his remarks to the opening session of the conference, attended
by over 2,000 Armenians from around the world, ANCA Chairman Ken
Hachikian, stressed the need to "expand Armenian power and
influence globally, building a far-reaching network of identity and
strength that serve as both sword and shield for our nation." He
added that, "We must carve out spheres of influence in the power
centers of the world, including in areas traditionally controlled
by our opponents, and we must constantly challenge, and when
necessary confront, forces aligned against the Armenian nation,
whoever they may be."

Hachikian emphasized that, "our greatest challenges lie ahead; for
the independence of the Republic represents both the realization of
our shared hopes and the foundation upon which we will build a
strong and healthy, free, independent and united homeland."

Participating in the opening ceremonies, which featured remarks by
a range of pan-Armenian organizations, were the President of
Armenia, Robert Kocharian, the President of Nagorno Karabagh,
Arkady Ghoukassian, leaders of the Armenian Church, notably His
Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Aram
I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, and the spiritual and
lay leaders of the Armenian Catholic and Evangelical communities.

ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian took part in the
Conference’s panel discussion on "The Mechanics of Diaspora-
Homeland Relations: A Two-Way Street," which was moderated by
Kevork Bardakjian, Director of the Armenian Studies Program at the
University of Michigan.

The theme of the conference, which was televised in Armenia, was
"New Answers to Old Questions – Armenians in the 21st Century."

The full text of the ANCA’s address is provided below. The ANCA
invites Armenians, in the homeland and throughout the Diaspora, to
share their views regarding these remarks by writing to
[email protected].

#####

Armenian National Committee of America
Presentation to the 2006 Armenia Diaspora Conference
Yerevan, Armenia – September 18, 2006

In the best tradition of our ancient people, we are gathered once
again around this table – the sons and daughters of the Armenian
nation – to mark our progress and to chart our way forward through
the ever-evolving landscape of the Armenian reality.

Armenians in the United States, along with Armenians around the
world, take special pride that we have come together on this 15th
anniversary of the Republic of Armenia. An independent Armenia – a
dream that many doubted, as others doubt today the full realization
of our national aspirations.

We celebrate this milestone in our nation’s long journey with a
profound appreciation of the will and wisdom – the service and
sacrifice – that have brought us to this proud moment in our
history.

We recognize, as well, that our greatest challenges lie ahead; for
the independence of the Republic represents both the realization of
our shared hopes and the foundation upon which we will build a
strong and healthy, free, independent and united homeland.

In this spirit, we welcome the very appropriate theme of this third
Diasporan Conference: "New Answers to Old Questions – Armenians in
the 21st Century."

In searching for new answers, we are inspired that, throughout our
long history, each Armenian generation has, with the benefit of the
experience of our forbearers, reinvented the Armenian Cause. For
more than 3,000 years, our people and leaders have borne the unique
burdens of their time, struggling always to leave a better future
for those who followed.

As Armenians, we are at our best when we remain true to our
fundamental values while adapting to new realities.

We are at our best when we recognize that both our nation and the
international community around us continue to change; but that, in
addressing this new world, we have many lessons to draw upon:

* Leadership: Artashes, Tigran, and the cumulative experience of
our leaders throughout the liberation struggles for each of our
three republics

* Courage: Avarayr, Sardarabad, and Nagorno Karabagh

* Wisdom: Khrimian Hyrig’s "iron ladle" insight into securing the
leverage we needed to shape our own destiny

* Unity: Consensus among Armenians and a common front to the
outside world.

* Perseverance: The will to prevail through long years under
Persians and Parthians, Romans and Russians, Arabs and Ottomans.
As well as the extraordinary rebirth of our nation after Genocide
and exile.

We have much to learn from our history, for little that we will
face in the future will be without precedent in our past.

We have much to be inspired by, for the challenges we face will
require the courage of our forefathers.

Our history has taught us that we will remain true to our fathers,
not by tracing their footsteps, but by committing ourselves, as
they did, to understanding the challenges of our time and facing
them directly.

We all know our history. We understand that time and again we have
fought bravely to maintain our identity and preserve our homeland.
The war for Artstakh in our own lifetimes speaks to this powerful
tradition, as do countless fallen solders in hundreds of battles
over the past 3,000 years.

At other times – for far too long in fact – we have, during our
long history, relied upon accommodations and affiliations that
compromised Armenian national interests – bitter realities imposed
by the strong on the weak.

Today, 15 years after independence, as we develop strength here in
the homeland and assert our rights abroad, we have much to gain
from a hard look at our past, the good and the bad.

Historians can study whether accommodation with outside powers was
the cause or simply the result of the difficulties we have faced as
a nation – the imposition of centuries of foreign rule, the brutal
partition of our homeland. Some may see a survival strategy,
others the source of the challenges we face today.

What is certain, however, is that today – given the realities we
face, Turkey and Azerbaijan’s aggression among them, simple
accommodation cannot serve as a useful guide to Armenia’s
interaction with neighboring states, regional powers, or the
international community.

Equally certain is that Armenia’s security cannot be ensured by
affiliating with one side or another in the regional and global
balance of power, but rather by navigating an authentically
Armenian path forward, one governed by the core interests of the
Armenian nation.

Both of these realities come with great challenges. And we must,
Hairenik and Diaspora together, meet them head on.

In the United States – and throughout the Spiurk:

* We must continue to pursue a confident, assertive brand of
Diasporan advocacy that builds upon, but is not bound by, our past.

* We must expand Armenian power and influence globally, building a
far-reaching network of identity and strength that serve as both
sword and shield for our nation.

* We must carve out spheres of influence in the power centers of
the world, including in areas traditionally controlled by our
opponents.

* And we must constantly challenge, and when necessary confront,
forces aligned against the Armenian nation, whoever they may be.

The ANCA takes on these challenges daily. While many challenges
remain, there has also been significant progress. The examples are
many, among them:

* Our successful efforts to confront PBS, a major television
network, that sought to provide a very public national platform for
Armenian Genocide deniers.

* Our successful efforts to confront the misguided actions of the
U.S. Justice Department, which sought, without any reasonable
cause, to place Armenian nationals on an intrusive terrorist watch
list.

* Our successful efforts to challenge the New York Times and the
Boston Globe to reverse their long-standing refusal to properly
recognize the Armenian Genocide.

* And most recently, our successful efforts to confront a White
House leadership which fired an able and devoted ambassador, John
Evans, simply for speaking the truth, and is now seeking to replace
him with a nominee clearly unacceptable to a broad cross-section of
the U.S. Congress as well, of course, to our own community.

We must do all these, and more, for an engaged and effective
Diaspora represents a vital and essential key to Armenia’s freedom
and the prerequisite for the realization of our national ideals.

We bring to this task, an organization, built upon a powerful
grassroots foundation that has – with devotion and sophistication –
carried the Armenian Cause forward in America for more than a
century.

Our more than 50 chapters throughout the United States and
affiliates in Brussels, Moscow, Beirut, and in over 40 countries
throughout the world, work tirelessly on behalf of the Armenian
Cause across a full range of issues. These efforts are familiar to
many of you here today.

As you know, we continue to work to end U.S. complicity in Turkey’s
denials of the Genocide, isolating Ankara internationally, and
forcing its leaders to come to terms with their crimes. Our aim
remains a reformed and repentant Turkey that accepts a just
resolution of the Armenian Genocide – a resolution that, to the
extent possible, makes our nation secure, healthy, and whole once
again.

Justice, beyond its profound moral implications, remains an
essential ingredient of Armenia’s security. Simply put, Armenia
cannot be safe as long as it remains bordered by an over-armed and
unrepentant perpetrator of genocide against our nation.

We continue to defend Nagorno Karabagh’s right to self-
determination within secure borders, while countering the efforts
of Caspian oil interests and others to tilt U.S. policy in favor of
Azerbaijan.

We are working every day to strengthen Armenia through the
promotion of:

* Increased trade and investment

* A strong and vibrant economy free of debilitating corruption

* Generous foreign assistance to Armenia

* Continued direct aid to Nagorno Karabagh

* Bilateral agreements designed to increase U.S.-Armenia
commercial activity

We are fighting against the illegal and immoral Turkish and
Azerbaijani blockades, as well as against their efforts to isolate
Armenia from the benefits of the Caspian energy sector.

In each of these issues, we face powerful and well-funded
opposition. Arrayed against us are some of the most influential
groups in the American political system.

We have more than met their challenge by expanding our own
resources, establishing a new permanent headquarters in Washington,
DC and building an endowment fund to finance our growth in the
years to come. We have matched these monetary gains with a renewed
focus on strengthening our grassroots, both in our larger
communities, such as Los Angeles and Boston, as well as in areas
not traditionally populated by large numbers of Armenian Americans,
among them Texas, Louisiana, Florida, the Carolinas, and the
Pacific Northwest.

We have, of course, invested heavily in our youth through our
Capital Gateway Program. This innovative program secures career-
track public policy positions in Washington, DC for talented young
Armenian American university graduates. Over the course of the
past several years, we have helped dozens of Armenians enter the
fabric of our nation’s policy-making establishment, working for
Congress and the Executive Branch, the media, think tanks, and
other policy-oriented professional organizations.

We are ready to do our part, today and for years to come.

And so, in closing, let me say that the key to our collective
success is to remain confident in our strength, the abilities of
our youth, the ultimate morality of our positions, and the devotion
of the Armenian people to the cause of our nation.

We must – here today on the free soil of our independent homeland
and long after we have left this hall – carry the burden of our
generation so that we may realize – for ourselves and for
generations to come – the promise of a prosperous, free,
independent and united Armenia.

We will only achieve this by activating our communities at the
grassroots level to take on the mission of our national struggle.

I invite each and every one of you to join with us in this fight
for our ideals and our rights. I am confident that united together
and with perseverance, we will ultimately prevail.

Thank you.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

September 25, 2006
___________________

AVAKS START FALL SEASON WITH SEVERAL PLANNED EVENTS

By Florence Avakian

The St. Vartan Cathedral Avaks senior citizens group began its fall 2006
season recently with a myriad of activities planned for the next few months.

Already on the menu is a three-day trip — from September 26 to 28 — to the
Diocese’s Ararat Center in picturesque upstate New York. Participants on
the trip will enjoy comfortable sleeping quarters, three delicious meals
daily, worship services, Bible study, films, excursions to nearby locations
such as apple orchards, and fellowship.

Meetings take place every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Avaks
first attend a one-hour Bible study with St. Vartan Cathedral Dn. Sebuh
Oscherician. A delicious lunch is served at 12:30 p.m., followed by an
interesting program is presented. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of St. Vartan
Cathedral, directs the group.

Highlights of the spring season included a five week Lenten study session,
starting with a supper appropriate to Lent, a service in St. Vartan
Cathedral conducted by Fr. Chevian, and Bible reading and discussion.
During the Feast of Ascension (Paregentan), Diramayr Shakeh Kahdejian
organized festivities which included the vijag ceremony, where fortunes are
told.

The spring 2006 season was filled with a number of films, videos from
Armenia and Jerusalem, as well as interesting lectures and trips. Featured
musical performers and speakers included St. Vartan Cathedral choir director
Khoren Mekanejian, singer Maro Partamian, Diocesan Zohrab Resource Center
Director Aram Arkun, Diocesan Armenian Studies Coordinator Gilda
Buchakjian-Kupelian, and journalist Florence Avakian.

In June, more than 90 people attended an outdoor picnic which took place
under sunny skies on the Cathedral plaza. It was followed by dancing to the
music of John Vartan and his band, and special prizes to the lucky ticket
holders.

The much-anticipated climax to the season’s activities took place from June
20 to 22, as 30 Avak members and guests journeyed in two large vans to the
Diocesan Ararat Center in upstate New York. Stopping first at the St. Peter
Church in Watervliet, NY, they were given a tour of the sanctuary by the
pastor, Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, after which they enjoyed Armenian
refreshments in the church hall.

During their two days at the Ararat Center, nestled among the magnificent
hills of the Catskills, the Avaks attended daily morning services conducted
by Fr. Chevian, and Bible study classes taught by Dn. Oscherician. A
shopping trip to a nearby mall was also undertaken. In the evenings, films
were shown, followed by music and singing, and always accompanied with a
special snack of wine and fruits.

For Ara and Rosemary Akian, the trip was "beyond expectations, a very
spiritual experience, with well organized programs in very inviting
premises."

For long-time Avak member Araxie Chirishian, "everything was perfect, the
best. It couldn’t have been better."

And Sarkis Matossian called the institution of the Ararat Center by the
Diocese of the Armenian Church "a great accomplishment, in not only training
Armenian youngsters to serve the Church, but also as a wonderful meeting
place for all Armenian groups to come together in a place of superb mountain
scenery."

— 9/25/06

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Members of the St. Vartan Cathedral Avaks senior
citizens group enjoy the annual picnic on the cathedral plaza in June 2006.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Members of the St. Vartan Cathedral Avaks senior
citizens group take part in a program on staying physically fit during one
of the group’s spring 2006 sessions.

Lisa Kalustian
Chief Deputy Director
Office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
300 South Spring Street, Suite 16701
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213)897-0322
FAX (213)897-0319

GAAS:669:06

Monday, September 25, 2006

Governor Schwarzenegger Signs Legislation to Assist Victims of the Armenian
Genocide

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed SB
< ?bill_number=sb_1524&sess=CUR&ho
use=B&amp ;author=speier> 1524, legislation that provides relief to California
Armenian Genocide victims, and their families, who are seeking legal action
to recover assets that were lost or stolen during the atrocities against the
Armenian people.

"The victims of these crimes against humanity and their families deserve a
fair day in court to recover what is rightfully theirs," said Governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger. "I am proud to stand with the Armenian people, who
overcame adversity and contribute greatly to California’s rich and diverse
culture."

Under this law, any Armenian Genocide victim, heir or beneficiary, who
resides in California may bring or continue a court action for a financial
institution’s failure to pay or turn over deposited or looted assets. This
bill also extends the statute of limitation for filing a claim to December
31, 2016.

Every year since taking office, Governor Schwarzenegger has issued
proclamations < lamation/606/>
for the Armenian Genocide Commemoration. Last year, Governor
Schwarzenegger signed SB
< ?bill_number=sb_424&sess=CUR&hou
se=B& author=poochigian> 424, which permanently designates April 24 as a Day
of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide. Link to signing
< ease/1995/> message.

-30-

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Lisa Kalustian
Chief Deputy Director
Office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
300 South Spring Street, Suite 16701
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213)897-0322
FAX (213)897-0319

Monday, September 25, 2006

In Response to the Slaughter in Darfur, Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs Bills
Directing and Assisting State Entities to Divest of Investments in Sudan

Gov. Schwarzenegger signed two bills today that prohibits the state’s
pension funds from investing in companies with active business in Sudan and
indemnifies the University of California from liability that might result
from its divestment from Sudan.

"Today I am signing two bills that will send a clear message across the
globe: California will not stand for murder and genocide," said Gov.
Schwarzenegger, who was joined by George Clooney and Don Cheadle for the
bill signing ceremony. "Darfur is a humanitarian crisis with hundreds of
thousands of men, women and children dead and dying and millions more
homeless or refugees. No one is being spared. And even if the violence
stopped today the country will bear deep scars for generations to come. We
cannot watch from the sidelines and be content to mourn this atrocity as it
passes into history. We must act and that is exactly why we will divest from
the Sudan. Divesting will show our defiance against the murderers and their
inhumanity. It is an action that says we will not underwrite in any way with
the horror of Darfur."

In the 1980s, the state approved similar measures to allow state entities to
divest in South Africa in order to protest its apartheid policies.

"I couldn’t be more proud of this bipartisan effort, and thank Gov.
Schwarzenegger for his leadership at this most crucial time," said George
Clooney. "It’s a great step forward in holding people responsible for their
actions, and a great blueprint for other states. Two and a half million
refugees just got a little safer because of this, and we have much more work
ahead of us."

At the bill signing, the Governor was joined by George Shultz, Former U.S.
Secretary of State and Head of the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors;
Assemblymember Paul Koretz (D – West Hollywood); George Clooney, actor; Don
Cheadle, actor; Adam Sterling, UC Sudan Divestment Taskforce; Alice Huffman,
California NAACP President; Janice Reznik, Jewish World Watch and Father
Vazken Movsesian, St. Peter Armenian Church.

"I am here today to commend Governor Schwarzenegger on signing these two
important bills into law and showing not only the government of Sudan but
our own leaders as well that the Governor believes human life trumps
dividends, that humane, common sense should trump dollars and cents," said
Don Cheadle.

Specifically, Gov. Schwarzenegger signed the following two bills:

AB
< ry?bill_number=ab_2179&sess=CUR&ho
use=B&a mp;author=leslie> 2179 by Assemblymember Tim Leslie (R-Tahoe City)
indemnifies the University of California from liability that might result
from divestment in Sudan. Specifically, this bill requires any current, or
former, members of the regents, officers, employees or investment managers
of the UC, and current and former officers, directors, trustees, agents or
employees of any UC foundation, be indemnified from all claims and
liability, including attorney’s fees, that might result from the decision of
the UC Board of Regents to divest from Sudan. The UC Regents voted to divest
from investments in Darfur pending the Governor’s signature of a bill like
AB 2179 that would provide indemnification for UC.

AB
< ry?bill_number=ab_2941&sess=CUR&ho
use=B&a mp;author=koretz> 2941 by Assemblymember Paul Koretz (D-West Hollywood)
prohibits CalPERS or CalSTRS from investing public employee retirement funds
in a company with active business operations in Sudan. This bill also
forbids the board from investing in a company that supplies military
equipment within the borders of Sudan. CalPERS, the state’s employee
retirement fund, is the largest pension fund in the nation and CalSTRS, the
state’s public education retirement fund, is the second largest pension fund
in the nation.

-30-

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AZERI SOLDIER DIES AS A RESULT OF ARMISTICE BREACH IN AZERI-ARMENIAN FRONTLINE
Author: E.Javadova

TREND, Azerbaijan
Sept 22 2006

Ramiz Malikov, the spokesman for the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry,
informed Trend an Azerbaijani soldier has died as a result of an
armistice breach in the Armenian-Azerbaijani frontline on 21 September.

The ceasefire was broken in the area of Yusifjanly Village in the
Agdam District.

Vusal Seyidaliyev, a resident of the Khachmaz District, north
Azerbaijan, is to be buried on 22 September.

KOCHARYAN: ARMENIA’S ARMED FORCES POWERFUL DEFENDER OF ARMENIA

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Sept 21 2006

YEREVAN, September 21. /ARKA/. The armed forces of the Republic of
Armenia are a powerful defender of the Motherland of all Armenians.

The Republic of Armenia is the greatest achievement of determined
hard work of many generations, RA President Robert Kocharyan stated
at a military parade in Republic Square in Yerevan.

He congratulated the parade participants, servicemen, Armenian citizens
and guests on the 15th anniversary of Armenia’s independence. However,
it took in a war, energy crisis, blockade, and all the hurdles of
the transitional period.

Kocharyan stated that for the people with millennia long history the
last fifteen years of statehood is just a blink. However, it took in a
war, energy crisis, blockade, and all the hurdles of the transitional
period. The starting point for establishing Armenian statehood was
extremely difficult.

"The starting point for establishing Armenian statehood was extremely
difficult. But the spirit of our people was high and great was the
desire to overcome all the difficulties in the name of freedom and
dignity. In the flames of war that spirit gave birth to heroes and
formed the army, which we are proud of," Kocharyan said.

He stressed that today Armenia is a steadily developing country.

Successful reforms are underway in all areas of life. The high tempo
of economic growth makes Armenia a new, more promising country. It
is of vital importance, since competitive and effective economy is
the main guarantee for the building of a truly democratic state.

A number of strategic programs, which are being implemented in our
country, are aimed at the general development and advancement of our
people and our country, and particularly, at the resolution of social
problems. Among priorities the state has identified poverty reduction,
improvement of life quality, and equal development of the country as
a whole.

"In the establishment of the Armenian state the input of Diaspora is
hardly to be overestimate," Kocharyan said.

Symbolically, the third Armenia-Diaspora conference is also being held
during these jubilee celebrations. It is also important that through
the years of independence the factor of Diaspora has been revaluated,
and our relations have become reciprocal and complementary, he said.

"In foreign relations Armenia has proved to be a stable, reliable and
predictable partner. We continue to successfully deepen the engagement
of our country in international affairs, preserving and strengthening
at the same time traditional ties," Kocharyan said.

The Armenian President added that a just resolution of the NK
conflict remains the highest priority. And it can only be based
on the respect and recognition of the Artsakhi people’s right to
self-determination. He stressed that nothing should threaten security
and development of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic.

ARMENIA HEADING ROAD OF FREE MARKET AND FAIR COMPETITION

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Sept 21 2006

YEREVAN, September 21. /ARKA/. Armenian authorities have taken the
road of free market, fair competition and effective administration,
Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan said Wednesday at the second
economic forum held as part of Independence Day celebration in Armenia.

In his opinion, this road leads to nation prosperity and stable
economic development.

The premier said that some government-led programs focused on the
country’s economic development would lay favorable ground for faster
economic development.

As an example of these programs, the PM singled out poverty reduction
program.

SURPRISE AKP MOTION DERAILS SEMINARY REOPENING

The New Anatolian
Sept 22 2006

Plans by the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party government to
reopen the Heybeliada Seminary to Orthodox worshipers from around the
world were blocked yesterday by dissent from within the party itself
as well as opposition parties.

Debates were sparked after an unexpected motion, submitted by Industry
and Commerce Minister Ali Coskun, was passed, and created tension
within the AK Party as well.

AK Party deputies grew wary about the motion after warnings from main
opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) deputies, but the fact
that the motion was submitted by Coskun troubled AK Party deputies.

The AK Party’s deputy group leader said on Wednesday that the bill
was to be amended on Thursday. However yesterday debates on the
bill on private educational institutions were postponed. AK Party
officials stressed that the motion was submitted by Coskun, adding,
"Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul is abroad and Education Minister Huseyin
Celik is outside Ankara. The ministers should solve the issue among
themselves after Gul and Celik return to Ankara. The motion to amend
the bill can be debated on Tuesday."

At the session yesterday, which wasn’t attended by Celik because he
was on a domestic visit with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan,
Industry and Commerce Minister Ali Coskun submitted an unexpected
motion. Coskun’s motion wasn’t disclosed to either ruling Justice and
Development (AK) Party or main opposition Republican People’s Party
(CHP) deputies. The motion about the seminary was passed after a
rapid vote by Deputy Parliament Speaker Sadik Yakut, who chaired the
session. Following that, the CHP deputies claimed that the 1923 Treaty
of Lausanne had been violated, as well as the reciprocity principle
with Greece.

The motion submitted by Coskun proposes a change in the definition of
minority schools. "Minority schools: Preschool, primary and secondary
education institutions founded by Turkish citizens that belong to
non-Muslim minorities, are protected under the Treaty of Lausanne and
educate students with Turkish nationality or foreign nationals who
belong to minority groups or are of the same religion and ethnicity
as a minority group," said the motion.

The motion proposes the removal of the phrase "founded by Greek,
Armenian and Jewish minorities" from the second article of the
bill, saying that it is necessary to do so to harmonize it with the
terminology of the Treaty of Lausanne. The reasoning for the motion
said that the terms "Greek" and "Armenian" are ethnic, while the term
"Jewish" is religious. Coskun said, in the reasoning for the motion,
that the related articles of the Treaty of Lausanne don’t say that
students who belong to non-Muslim minorities and aren’t Turkish
nationals can’t attend minority schools.

CHP Deputy Mustafa Gazalci asserted that the motion expanded the
scope of minority schools, adding, "The Treaty of Lausanne may have
been violated. The Foreign Ministry’s opinion should be sought. The
principle of reciprocity might have been violated. The motion would
make it possible for all people belonging to non-Muslim minority
groups to set up schools and for the establishment of schools that
foreign national students could attend."

True Path Party (DYP) Deputy Ummet Kandogan also criticized Coskun,
saying, "We look at the motions you submit; what’s the reason
for Coskun’s interest in foreigners? I claim that if this bill
were proposed by another party in power, you would demolish this
Parliament. I know all of you. What’s happened to you that you remain
silent when such a motion is brought up? Why do you insist on making
mistakes?"

For his part, CHP Sinop Deputy Engin Altay asserted that the bill
opens the way for missionary schools. After Altay said, "The bill
makes electricity and water prices for private schools the same as
for public schools. Make it the same as for mosques; it’s cheaper,"
the AK Party asked him whether he has anything against mosques. In
reply, Altay said, "I don’t know whether you believe enough to question
me. Don’t ever attempt to teach us Islam."

"That’s enough of things imposed by the European Union," said Altay.

"My pride is hurt by them. I support EU accession, but it hurts
my pride to harm our national interests. I believe these aren’t
harmonization but mortgage laws."

The motion would allow Greek, Armenian and Jewish students, who
aren’t Turkish citizens, to attend minority schools in Turkey. CHP
deputy group leader Haluk Koc asked whether the term "Greek" will be
removed from minority schools in Turkey, like "Turkish" was removed
from schools in Western Thrace, Greece.

Justice Commission member Orhan Eraslan accused the AK Party of
secretly opening seminaries. Eraslan claimed that the motion was
passed at the request of the Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate to
accept foreign students of the same religion and ethnicity, to reopen
the seminary, which closed down because there weren’t enough students
at the school. Eraslan said that the AK Party government previously
allowed the election of foreign members to the patriarchate’s Holy
Synod assembly and that the Fener Greek patriarch uses the title
"Ecumenical Greek Patriarch of Constantinople."

"When will the Constantinople Greek state or a Byzantine Orthodox one
be established on the historical peninsula after these adjustments?"

asked Eraslan. "Are you aware that the changes violate the Treaty of
Lausanne? When will you stop taking orders from the patriarch?"