Month: October 2006

VOSGANIAN GETS TO BE COMMISSIONER, FRUNZAVERDE DEFENCE MINISTER

Ziarul Financiar, Romania
Oct 25 2006

Premier Calin Popescu-Tariceanu yesterday announced he had chosen
liberal senator Varujan Vosganian (48, photo) as the European
commissioner from Romania. The "price" of this nomination was the
relinquishment of the Defence Ministry (with Teodor Atanasiu as
minister) by the Liberals. The ministry is now headed by Democrat
Sorin Frunzaverde, who is close to President Traian Basescu. ZIARUL
FINANCIAR had announced the appointment of Vosganian last Friday, who,
according to the rumour mill, stood the last chance in front of bigger
names like Foreign Minister Mihai-Razvan Ungureanu and Integration
Minister Anca Boagiu. He is known for being close to the Premier
and having stood by Tariceanu in the dispute with the PNL (National
Liberal Party) dissidents, Theodor Stolojan and Valeriu Stoica.

The President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Durao Barroso,
is expected to announce the portfolio of the Romanian commissioner
today. Vosganian is Armenian, and started his political career as
a deputy of the Armenian minority in Romania. The Premier made the
announcement yesterday at noon before the Government session, after
having met with President Traian Basescu and PD (Democrat Party)
leaders. The Premier announced the appointment of the commissioner
after the PNL gave up the Defence Ministry. The suspended Defence
Minister Teodor Atanasiu had actually announced his resignation from
this position a little while before the commissioner was nominated.

an_gets_to_be_commissioner__frunzaverde_defence_mi nister.html

BABACAN MEETS EUROPEAN COMMISSION VICE PRESIDENT FRATTINI

Turkish Press
Oct 25 2006

BRUSSELS – Turkish State Minister & Chief Negotiator for EU talks
Ali Babacan met European Commission Vice President Franco Frattini
for Justice, Freedom and Security in Brussels on Thursday.

Speaking to Turkish reporters, Babacan said that French parliament’s
decision on adoption of a bill on criminalizing denial of so-called
Armenian genocide was a concerning development regarding the future
of the EU, noting that this decision would make a negative impact on
(Turkish people’s) senses on EU.

"It is not reasonable to respond to France’s mistakes by making
mistakes. We will keep fulfilling reforms," Babacan stressed.

Replying to questions on Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK),
Babacan noted that technical works on this matter were under way. "We
will monitor its implementation. There can be amendments on any law.

However developments in France will make difficult initiatives on
the matter," he said.

Responding to a question on Turkey’s attitude in regard to the decision
of France, Babacan said that the government has not made a decision
on the matter yet, underlining that this issue would be discussed in
the first meeting of the Council of Ministers.

Noting that European Commission’s reaction to the decision of France
was a very important development, he stressed, "we consider the
commission’s attitude positive and sound."

"We are continuing legal arrangements on EU adjustment laws. Turkish
Parliamentary General Assembly will debate the law on foundations
next week," Babacan said upon a question.

He noted, "now Turkey aims to be a full member of the EU."

Stating that he held very fruitful meetings in Brussels, Babacan
indicated that there could be progress regarding visa procedure for
Turkish businessmen, students and academicians.

In regard to prominent Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk, who won the 2006
Nobel Prize for literature, Babacan stated, "it is a very important
development."

TURKISH PRIME MINISTRY CONDEMNS ADOPTION OF FRENCH RESOLUTION

Turkish Press
Oct 25 2006

ANKARA – "We regret and condemn adoption of the resolution that makes
denial of baseless Armenian genocide allegations a crime by the French
parliament," announced Turkish Prime Ministry Press Center.

Releasing a statement, the Prime Ministry Press Center qualified
this decision as a "historical inconsistency", and indicated that
this decision is a big shame when respect to scientific facts and
freedom of thought and expression are taken into consideration.

"Narrow-minded politicians, who have made France live with this shame,
should think about what will happen from now on. Because the French
parliament has contradicted its own allegations regarding the French
history, and trampled the fundamental values it is defending.

Even though this parliament decision is not enough for legalization
of the resolution, this is a grave and historic mistake. There is
a big reaction against this resolution in France, and history will
naturally try those who close their eyes to these reactions and insist
on this wrong step," it noted.

"Unfortunately, it won’t be possible to control all the results of
this irresponsible attitude of some French politicians. We will
neither accept nor tolerate such an unjust decision. Our public,
including our Armenian citizens with whom we are living together
for centuries, are upset. Mr. Prime Minister (Recep Tayyip Erdogan)
is calling on our public, politicians and business circles to behave
with common sense when showing necessary reactions to this decision,"
the statement added.

-ARMENIAN PATRIARCH-

On the other hand, Mesrob II, the Patriarch of the Armenians in Turkey,
said that the resolution will strengthen the hands of not only Turkish
but also Armenian extreme nationalist and racist groups.

"The French, who have put several obstacles before Turkey on its road
to the EU, have hit a serious stroke on the very limited dialogue
between Turkey and Armenia. I think that this resolution, adopted by
the French parliament, is anti-democratic because it limits personal
freedom of expression," he stated.

Mesrob II added that the Armenians in Turkey are monitoring the
developments with concern.

GUL ON FRENCH RESOLUTION & ORHAN PAMUK

Turkish Press
Oct 25 2006

ANKARA – "France will live with this shame," said Turkish FM Abdullah
Gul when commenting on the resolution on the so-called Armenian
genocide adopted by the French parliament today.

Gul and Afghan FM Rangin Dadfar Spanta held a joint press conference
after their meeting at the Foreign Ministry Residence in Ankara.

FM Gul stated that France cannot define itself as "the homeland of
freedoms" from now on.

Noting that Turkey will not underestimate this development, Gul said
that Turkey will take every type of measure.

"I hope that France will take a backward step from this dead end,"
he added.

On the other hand, Gul said, "we are very pleased that a Turk has won
such a prize" when referring to prominent Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk,
who won the 2006 Nobel Prize for literature.

"This is an important development for Turkey’s promotion," he added.

REACTIONS TO ADOPTION OF DRAFT LAW BY FRANCE

Turkish Press
Oct 25 2006

ANKARA – Adoption of the bill on criminalizing denial of so-called
Armenian genocide by the French national assembly has given rise to
nationwide reactions in Turkey.

United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Administrator Kemal
Dervis expressed his regret saying, "this bill restricting freedom
of expression is extremely erroneous. But we should not respond to
such a mistake with another mistake."

Grand Unity Party (BBP) leader Muhsin Yazicioglu also condemned the
decision saying, "France itself will suffer the heaviest economic and
political loss. Western countries called us to annul Article 301 of
the Penal Code on the pretext that it restricts freedom of thought
and expression. Now, they will punish those who express historical
facts. This is nothing but a serious contradiction. If the bill is
enacted, I will go to Paris and shout that Armenian genocide never
took place."

Another reaction came from True Path Party (DYP) leader Mehmet Agar.

Releasing a statement, Agar noted, "this decision is a violation
of democracy, human rights and freedom of expression. It will lead
to irrecoverable damage in the bilateral relations between Turkey
and France."

Democratic Left Party (DSP) leader Zeki Sezer noted that France,
in fact, stained itself not Turkey.

"Undoubtedly one of the targets of this initiative is to hamper
Turkey’s EU membership process. We should not give up our goal since
any standstill will satisfy those who are trying to exclude Turkey
from the EU," he stressed.

Meanwhile, Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal said,
"it is not possible to mortgage history by making such decisions.

This decision aims at preventing talks over historical facts."

N CYPRUS PRESIDENT TALAT ARRIVES IN ISTANBUL

Turkish Press
Oct 25 2006

ISTANBUL – "Adoption of such a draft law (at French national assembly
criminalizing denial of so-called Armenian genocide) cannot be accepted
and believed," said President Mehmet Ali Talat of Turkish Republic
of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) who arrived in Istanbul after completing
his meetings in Brussels.

Regarding the French draft law, Talat said that a very strange law was
adopted at French national assembly, adding that it is not a believable
decision while France is claiming championship in so-called freedom
of thought.

"France acted by believing that it will make the whole world accept
so-called Armenian genocide. Moreover, they made this by banning
freedom of expression and thought," he added.

Regarding Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk’s winning Nobel Prize for
literature, Talat said that it is a pleasing news. Talat congratulated
Turkish literature world and Turkey for this success.

MEMBERS OF M.H.P. PROTEST FRANCE IN ANKARA

Turkish Press
Oct 25 2006

ANKARA – A group of members of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP)
held a demonstration outside the French Embassy in Ankara on Thursday
to protest adoption of the bill criminalizing denial of so-called
Armenian genocide.

They chanted slogans and unfurled banners calling on everyone to
boycott French-made products.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Omer Demirel, provincial chairman
of the MHP in Ankara, said, "there is justice not genocide in the
Turkish tradition of state. But, the European history is full of
genocides and massacres. France ignores assassination of Turkish
diplomats by the Armenian terrorist organization ASALA. France,
with its bloody hands, cannot denigrate Turkish nation."

"Likely enactment of the bill will constitute an encouraging model
for the other European countries and the United States. Furthermore,
Armenia could demand compensation and land from Turkey. Therefore,
the government should display a national stance. All French firms
should be banned from attending tenders in Turkey," he said.

Later, the group laid a black wreath in front of the embassy building.

RESOLUTION HAS NOT BEEN LEGALIZED YET, POUDADE

Turkish Press
Oct 25 2006

ANKARA – The resolution on so-called Armenian genocide has not been
legalized yet, French Ambassador to Turkey Paul Poudade said today.

In an interview with the private NTV channel, Poudade said that the
French parliament adopted the resolution, and therefore, bilateral
relations will be negatively affected for a few weeks. "But, I will
do my best to make them better," he stated.

Recalling that Senate’s approval is obligatory for legalization of
the resolution, Poudade said, "not only the governments but also
parliamentarians, businessmen and intellectuals should continue
dialogue."

Noting that history should be left to historians, Poudade noted that
this matter is not a new criterion before Turkey’s EU membership.

"Turkey has been disappointed, but we have deep-rooted relations,"
he added.

-NOBEL LITERATURE PRIZE-

On prominent Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk, who won the 2006 Nobel
Prize for literature, Poudade said that he only read Pamuk’s book named
"Benim Adim Kirmizi" (My Name is Red).

Stating that Pamuk narrated friendship with France and Italy in this
book, Poudade said, "I hope this friendship will not change with a
parliament decision."

DECISION WOULD AFFECT CULTURAL DIALOGUE, PROF. DUMONT

Turkish Press
Oct 25 2006

ANKARA – "The bill adopted by the French National Assembly is a barrier
against freedom. It seems impossible for the cultural dialogue not
to get affected by this," Turkish History Professor Paul Dumont said
on Thursday.

Attending a conference organized by Hacettepe University in Ankara,
Professor Dumont answered the questions of the A.A reporter on French
National Assembly’s today’s decision.

Dumont reminded that he teaches Ottoman and Turkish history classes
at Strasbourg University and he also instructs Armenia-Turkey
relations. He said that the decision of the Assembly would affect
the freedom of speech.

"It is so bizarre in a free country like France that the scientists
cannot study on some issues and can get pecuniary penalty or jail
sentence if they talk on these issues," he said.

Prof. Dumont noted that the decision would be a barrier for the ones
who defend Turkey and would affect the cultural dialogue.

-FRANCE MADE A BIG MISTAKE, PROF. HALMAN-

Meanwhile, Dean of Humanities and Letters Faculty of Bilkent University
Prof. Dr. Talat Halman who attended the conference also answered the
questions of A.A on French National Assembly’s decision.

Halman said that France made a big mistake and Turkey has a justifiable
disappointment. "Turks always respected and admired French. French
culture affected our culture a lot. From now on probably there would
be a big resistance. This won’t be only an economic resistance. France
will face difficulties in terms of political agreements. We won’t
support them easily from now on. But the worst thing is that our
perfect cultural relations were damaged.

They wounded us, we did not deserve this. This is an injustice. I
hope France would correct this mistake somehow."

FRANCE MADE A GREAT MISTAKE, TUSIAD

Turkish Press
Oct 25 2006

ANKARA – Turkish Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association
(TUSIAD) stressed that "France has made a great mistake" after the
French national assembly adopted a bill on criminalizing denial of
so-called Armenian genocide.

In a written statement issued by the association, it was underlined
that French national assembly has taken a step against both the
European soul and its demands from the EU candidate states about
democratization.

France mortgaged its foreign policy in order to gain the votes of
the Armenians in France and the French politicians didn’t have the
required authority and expertise to make a judgment on the issue,
the statement said.

"In this context, we condemn the judgment made on political grounds
by political mechanisms. French national assembly will deprive the
judgment of its ability to judge independently by criminalizing any
denial of so-called Armenian genocide" said the statement.

"Today the most proper response would be to walk on our path towards
EU full membership without any deviation as a negotiating country and
to accelerate the political reforms comprising freedom of speech,"
it said.

Turkey’s call for investigation of the issue together with Armenia by
a joint commission gained importance once again in terms of determining
the truth. Turkey needs a consistent and legally sound policy to bring
an end to the unjust accusations towards the Republic of Turkey,"
the statement added.