Month: October 2006

IT IS NOT LIKE 2001 THIS TIME

Yeni Safak , Istanbul,
Oct 8 2006

Turkish foreign minister warns France not to pass Armenian genocide
bill

Foreign Minister Gul has spoken to Yeni Safak. His reaction to France’s
[proposed] law punishing anyone who denies the "Armenian genocide"
is tough: France acknowledged the genocide in 2001. This time is not
the same as it was five years ago. This time you will lose Turkey!

Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul has spoken out strongly against the
bill proposed for passage by the French parliament to make denial of
the Armenian genocide a crime and make anybody who denies liable to
face up to five years in prison and a fine of 45,000 euros. Gul said:
"France acknowledged the genocide in 2001 but the reactions back then
fizzled out quickly. We are not making threats but the attitude today
is different from what it was in 2001. The French will lose Turkey."

Gul spoke on the telephone to France’s Minister of Foreign Affairs
Phillipe Douste-Blazy yesterday morning ahead of 12 October, when the
bill is expected to be put to the vote. Gul asked his counterpart to
try harder to prevent the bill from being passed.

Speaking to Yeni Safak, Gul said: "What we want is for these kinds
of problems never to occur between two countries or between Turkey
and Europe. However, if things continue to unfold as they are doing,
it is inevitable that both the government and society in general will
react to this." Explaining that he had told Minister Blazy: "There
are political and commercial relations between the two countries,
including the military sphere. If the bill is passed, there is no way
these relations will not suffer." Gul added, "I told him this two weeks
ago and I also asked him to convey our representations to Chirac."

Recounting the conversation he had with his counterpart, Gul said:
"Of course we are not making threats but it is going to be hard this
time to keep the public’s outcry against France in check. This time
the reaction will not be like the reaction to the laws passed in
2001." The minister also warned, "Naturally it will no longer be
possible to work with France in the area of nuclear energy."

Saying, "France will lose Turkey if it accepts this bill," Gul added,
"It shows once again the folly of letting political decisions interpret
historical events."

TURKISH PREMIER RESPONDS TO SARKOZY’S CONDITIONS ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE CLAIMS

Anatolia news agency, Ankara
Oct 9 2006

Ankara, 9 October: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
responded in return to French Interior and Regional Development
Minister Nicolas Sarkozy’s three conditions concerning the so-called
Armenian genocide.

According to sources, PM Erdogan called Sarkozy last week and indicated
that the French resolution which considers the denial of so-called
Armenian genocide a crime would harm the relations between the two
countries.

Erdogan also emphasized that such a resolution would not tally with
democracy and freedoms and that was unacceptable.

Upon Sarkozy’s three conditions suggesting that not only historians
should join the commission to be set up to investigate allegations of
so-called genocide, Turkey should annul Article 301 of the Penal Code
and Turkey should open its borders with Armenia, PM Erdogan stressed
that Turkey was the "open and transparent" party concerning this issue.

Erdogan also stated that Turkey could not get the necessary reaction
to its well-intentioned approach regarding the establishment of a
joint commission to investigate allegations of so-called genocide.

Stressing that Article 301 of the Penal Code had no connection with
this issue, Erdogan underscored that France ‘was not in a condition
to say a word’ to Turkey as a result of such suggestion considering
the denial of genocide allegations a crime.

"France is not in a condition to say a word to Turkey. It should
first look at itself," PM Erdogan said.

Erdogan also indicated that Armenia should approach with well intention
as well upon Turkey’s well-intentioned approach concerning Sarkozy’s
suggestion on the border issue.

ANKARA MUNICIPALITY SUBMITS RESOLUTION ON FRENCH GENOCIDE IN ALGERIA

Anatolia news agency, Ankara
Oct 9 2006

Ankara, 9 October: Members of (Turkish capital) Ankara Municipality
Assembly submitted a resolution in regard to construction of a monument
representing French genocide in Algeria to Turkish parliament on Monday
[9 October].

Municipality members prepared a resolution regarding construction of
the monument in Paris Street in Ankara.

The resolution is expected to be discussed in the parliament after
the voting on the French bill which criminalize denial of so-called
Armenian genocide in France on 12 October.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TURKISH MINISTER: WE EXPECT EU TO TAKE ACTION ON FRENCH BILL ON ARMENIAN CLAIMS

Anatolia news agency, Ankara
Oct 9 2006

Ankara, 9 October: "We expect the EU to take action against the French
bill aiming to criminalize denial of so-called Armenian genocide,"
Turkish Justice Minister and Government Spokesman Cemil Cicek said
on Monday [9 October].

Replying to questions after the meeting of Council of Ministers, Cicek
indicated that while the EU demanded that there should be improvement
in freedom of expression in Turkey, there have been efforts in France
which restricted this freedom.

Stating that Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul briefed ministers about
the bill in the cabinet meeting, Cicek noted: "We have been holding
talks with our interlocutors in regard to the matter. This situation
(in France) conflicts with basic values of the EU."

"We keep conducting our initiatives. We hope that steps will be taken
against it (the bill), otherwise it will harm basic values (of the EU)
as well as Turkish-French relations," he stressed.

Replying to a question that Turkey might take up a bill which says
that France committed genocide in Algeria, Cicek said: "Turkish
people have some expectations from the government, parliament and
authorities. We are working to prevent approval of this bill. Turkey
cannot remain silent regarding the matter."

Asked what sort of measures Turkey would take, if the bill was
approved, Cicek said: "Turkey has been working regarding every kind
of possibility. Everyone should exert efforts on this matter. The
attitude that France has assumed is wrong."

Turkish troops in Lebanon

Cicek said that National Defence Minister Vecdi Gonul briefed the
cabinet about dispatch of Turkish troops to Lebanon, noting that
Turkish authorities informed the UN on dispatch of one engineering
and construction unit, one frigate and two corvettes to Lebanon. He
stated that the construction troop including 261 personnel and 46
vehicles would probably be deployed near Sur city in Lebanon.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

SHOTS FIRED AT OPPOSITION RALLY IN SOUTHERN GEORGIA

Imedi TV, Georgia
Oct 9 2006

[Presenter] There have been shots fired during clashes in Akhalkalaki
[predominantly ethnic Armenian town in southern Georgia]. About half
an hour ago a protest rally staged by [opposition party] Industry
Will Save Georgia grew into a major confrontation. There were clashes
between the participants in the rally and the police. Several people
have been wounded.

After the chaos, those who were protesting about the local government
elections moved to the building housing the Akhalkalaki local
administration. They were carrying roses and said that the Rose
Revolution was now beginning in Akhalkalaki. Manucha Gogolauri now
joins us from Akhalkalaki. Manucha, what is the situation now?

[Correspondent, by telephone] The protestors have taken over the
first floor of the local administration building. They say that a
Rose Revolution has taken place in Akhalkalaki today. They voiced
support for the central government and the president but called on
the local government to resign.

During the clashes shots were fired but no-one was wounded. All the
local police and law-enforcement agencies have been mobilized.

Special units are also expected to appear.

The protesters say they are simply interested in a peaceful protest
and want to know how many seats they have won with their votes in
the local elections.

MINISTER FOR EUROPE TO VISIT GEORGIA AND ARMENIA

Government Contracting Opportunities
October 9, 2006 Monday 12:08 PM (Central European Time)

by FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE News Release (GEORGIA) issued by
The Government News Network on 9 October 2006

ABSTRACT

Minister for Europe Geoff Hoon starts a visit to Georgia and
Armenia today. During his three day visit, the Minister will meet
his government counterparts and discuss issues of mutual concern,
including promoting democracy, good governance and regional stability
in the South Caucasus.

FULL TEXT

Minister for Europe Geoff Hoon starts a visit to Georgia and
Armenia today. During his three day visit, the Minister will meet
his government counterparts and discuss issues of mutual concern,
including promoting democracy, good governance and regional stability
in the South Caucasus.

Mr Hoon said:

"I am glad to be visiting Georgia at a time when two welcome steps have
just been taken in the deepening of the country’s relationship with
Europe. Last month the NATO Alliance agreed to open an Intensified
Dialogue with Georgia. And last week Georgia and the European Union
successfully concluded negotiations on a European Neighbourhood Policy
Action Plan to be signed at the EU-Georgia Co-operation Council next
month in Brussels. Both these agreements are designed to support and
stimulate processes of modernisation and reform, promoting Georgia’s
development as a secure, stable and successful country.

"This is a clearly a significant time for Georgia. The UK wants to
see an early solution to the current difficulties in Georgian-Russian
relations. It is important for regional stability that both sides
should exercise restraint, avoiding inflammatory statements and
impetuous actions. We have raised with the Russians the desirability
of their lifting as soon as possible the measures they have
introduced. But equally we look to the Georgian authorities to act
constructively. I hope that normal contacts, based on mutual respect,
can be restored between the two countries as soon as possible. The UK
firmly believes that the serious and challenging issues underlying
this dispute can only be resolved with the full and constructive
involvement of the Russian and Georgian authorities, working together
with the support of the international community to reach mutually
acceptable solutions.

"I am also pleased to be visiting Armenia, especially now that the
European Neighbourhood Programme has been agreed for Armenia, as
for Georgia and Azerbaijan. Armenia is to be congratulated on this
significant achievement. With the Deputy Defence Minister also visiting
the UK this week, our bilateral relations are growing in strength. As
elections approach, I look forward to discussing the importance of
free and fair voting with my Armenian colleagues, opposition leaders
and representatives of civil society. We will also be discussing how
progress can be made through the OSCE Minsk Group on the conflict
over Nagorno-Karabakh."

Notes to Editors

1. Mr Hoon will visit Georgia on 9 – 10 October and Armenia on 10 –
11 October.

OFFICIAL SAYS SITUATION CALM IN SOUTHERN GEORGIA AFTER POLICE, PROTESTORS CLASH

Rustavi-2 TV, Georgia
Oct 9 2006

[Presenter] Shots were heard today in the centre of Akhalkalaki. At
about midday members of [opposition party] Industry Will Save
Georgia’s local branch and their supporters gathered outside the local
administration building. They were protesting against the results of
the local elections [on 5 October]. The police attempted to break up
the rally and that was when an unknown person opened fire. Clashes
then broke out. Two law-enforcement officers were wounded and several
people have been detained.

Local governor Goga Khachidze joins us live by telephone. Batono Goga,
what happened today in Akhalkalaki and was there shooting?

[Khachidze] I would like to tell you that at the moment Akhalkalaki
is completely calm. The situation is under control. As for this
incident, a certain group of people wanted to enter the local electoral
commission offices, which is illegal. Therefore, police prevented this
attempt and clashes broke out. As a result police and law-enforcement
officers were lightly wounded, as were some members of this group.

[Question] Did they have to be taken to hospital?

[Khachidze] I don’t have information about that.

[Presenter] One of the leaders of Industry Will Save Georgia, [MP]
Zurab Tqemaladze, says the incident was an act of provocation and
members of his party were only protesting peacefully against the
election results while carrying flowers.

[Tqemaladze] As an expression of peaceful protest, they went to the
local electoral commission offices and local administration building
carrying roses, to set out their position and call for the final
results to be clarified.

Of course, this was a peaceful protest but there was some kind of
provocation. It will now be established who did this and who was behind
it. Let’s see. I have spoken to the head of our local organization and
he said that they had nothing to do with the provocation and do not
intend to do anything similar. This will all be resolved peacefully.

[Georgian Imedi TV at 1100 gmt showed Industry Will Save Georgia MP
Gia Tsagareishvili saying: "As far as I have been informed, they were
holding a peaceful protest when some provocateur fired into the air.

Clashes broke out between protestors and representatives of the local
government. Now it is calm there and talks are taking place in the
local administration building where the local electoral commission is
located. This is a problematic region from this point of view. There
is an Armenian population there and this clash was between residents
of Akhalkalaki. We are monitoring the situation and will do everything
possible to make sure the situation is defused and resolved as soon
as possible."]

TWO ARMENIANS FOUND DEAD NEAR RUSSIAN CAPITAL

Interfax, Russia
Oct 9 2006

Moscow, 9 October: Two immigrants from Armenia have been found dead
in the village of Kartino in Moscow Region’s Leninskiy District,
a source in the region’s law-enforcement agencies told Interfax on
Monday [9 October].

The body of a 33-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman, both natives
of Armenia, were found on the evening of Sunday [8 October] in a
private house, the source said. The man and woman died of firearm
wounds about five hours before they were found.

The case is currently being investigated, the source added.

HEADBUTT RULING MARS DARCHINYAN’S VICTORY
by Grantlee Kieza

The Courier Mail (Australia)
October 9, 2006 Monday
First with the news Edition

AUSTRALIA’S IBF world flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan showed
yet again that he is one of the most dominant titleholders in
boxing, breaking the jaw and abruptly terminating the challenge of
American-based Filipino Glenn Donaire in Las Vegas yesterday.

It was a typically one-sided fight for the Armenian-born southpaw as
he forced Donaire to quit midway through round six.

Darchinyan, 30, decked Donaire at the end of round four with a short
right and kept doling out punishment until the fight was halted as
Donaire turned away in surrender.

But in a controversial ending, Darchinyan was awarded a technical
decision rather than a knockout after the referee, Tony Weeks, ruled
Donaire’s jaw was broken by a headbutt and not a punch.

Darchinyan was furious about the ruling because it robbed him of
another KO after his five previous world title wins had all been
by stoppages.

He is now unbeaten in 27 fights, with 21 wins by KO, though he will
forever argue that it should be 22.

Television replays showed no headbutt, only Donaire being hit at will
with rights and lefts from the Sydney Olympian, who is probably the
hardest-punching fighter in the world, pound for pound.

"It was not a headbutt," Darchinyan said.

"Donaire is a smart guy. I hurt him and he didn’t want any more. I
hit him on the chin with a punch, not a headbutt.

"This should have been a knockout on my record, not a decision win.

If I knew it was going to finish like this I would have knocked him
out much sooner."

It was the first fight for Darchinyan without regular trainer Jeff
Fenech. He was trained by long-time cornerman Billy Hussein.

Darchinyan says he is confident he can win world titles at six weight
divisions all the way up to junior-lightweight (59kg) and is now
targeting IBF bantamweight champ Rafael Marquez, of Mexico.

FRENCH FM SEEKS TO CALM ROW OVER ARMENIA ‘GENOCIDE’ BILL

Agence France Presse — English
October 9, 2006 Monday 5:19 PM GMT

French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy telephoned his Turkish
counterpart Abdullah Gul Monday to try to defuse a looming row over
a bill before the National Assembly making it a punishable offence
to deny the Armenian "genocide".

Foreign ministry spokesman Jean-Baptiste Mattei said Douste-Blazy was
at pains to stress that the French government does not back the bill,
which was tabled by the opposition Socialist Party (PS).

The minister "noted our attachment to the long-term future of relations
between Turkey and France … and the support brought by France for
Turkey’s European perspective."

The bill — which was originally brought before the French parliament
in May — is to be debated again on Thursday, amid considerable
uncertainty over its chances and outraged threats from Ankara over
damage to Franco-Turkish trade links.

Though the PS commands fewer than a third of seats in the Assembly,
several members of the ruling Union for a Poular Movement (UMP)
are thought to back the measure and the government has promised a
free vote.

Around 400,000 people of Armenian origin are estimated to live
in France.

The Socialist bill would make it punishable by up to five years in
prison and a fine of 45,000 euros (57,000 dollars) to deny that Turkish
troops committed genocide against the Armenians between 1915 and 1917.

A 2001 French law officially recognises the massacres of Armenians
as genocide.

Armenians claim up to 1.5 million were slaughtered in orchestrated
killings between 1915 and 1917 by Turks, as the Ottoman Empire was
falling apart.

Turkey rejects the claims, saying 300,000 Armenians and at least as
many Turks died in civil strife when the Armenians took up arms for
independence in eastern Anatolia and sided with invading Russian
troops.

On a visit to Armenia 10 days ago, President Jacques Chirac said Turkey
should recognise the Armenian genocide as a condition for joining
the EU. However he also said the opposition bill was "deliberately
controversial".