Month: November 2006

NEW FRENCH AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA PRESENTED HIS CREDENTIALS TO ARMENIAN PRESIDENT
ArmInfo News Agency, Armenia
Nov 14 2006
New French Ambassador to Armenia Serge Smessow presented his
credentials to Armenian President Robert Kocharyan, Tuesday.
The Armenian presidential press-service told ArmInfo that Robert
Kocharyan congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment and wished
him success in his high mission. The sides consider that the relations
between the two countries may be called fine, which is proved by
French President Jacques Chirac’s recent visit to Yerevan, the Year
of Armenia in France, as well as the Armenian President’s official
visit to France next year.
Robert Kocharyan said that a high level of the political dialogue
in the two countries is displayed in the economic, cultural and
humanitarian spheres. He noted that the economic component of the
bilateral relations has become more substantial during the last years,
and the largest French enterprises are represented in the Armenian
infrastructure.
Speaking of Armenia’s Year in France, President Kocharyan noted
that our country was very seriously getting ready to this event. He
expressed confidence that over five hundred events in different
cities of France will present Armenia in a worthy manner and give
French people better knowledge about the Armenian nation and its
cultural heritage.
In his turn, Ambassador Smessow emphasized that he is ready to
contribute to enlarging the links between Armenia and France in
all spheres.

SERJ TANKIAN OF SYSTEM OF A DOWN TALKS ABOUT ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MOVIE
93X.COM, MN
Nov 15 2006
Screamers, the movie about Americas struggles to recognize the
Armenian Genocide, stars the members of System Of A Down, and its
finally hitting select silver screens. The movie started screening
on Wednesday night as part of the AFI Film Festival, and it will open
to the public for a limited showing on December 8 in Los Angeles.
Another showing is set for mid-January in New York City.
Serj Tankian, whose grandfather tells his tales of the atrocities he
suffered as part of the Armenian Genocide during World War 1 in the
film Screamers, explained why the film’s message is so important.
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ARMENIAN DEFENSE MINISTER GETS FIRST HAND VIEW OF OPERATIVE SITUATION IN IRAQ
ArmInfo News Agency, Armenia
Nov 14 2006
Armenian Defense Minister Serge Sargsyan held a number of meetings
with high-ranking officials in Iraq on November 14, Armenian Defense
Ministry press-service told ArmInfo.
During a meeting with his Iraqi colleague, Major General Abdul
Qader al-Obeidi, Serge Sargsyan discussed the domestic political
situation in Iraq, the national and regional security tasks, as
well as the problems of the local Armenian community. In addition,
Armenian minister discussed the operative situation in Iraq and the
plans of the coalition forces with Commander of U.S. troops in Iraq,
General George Casey. Serge Sargsyan met also with Commander of
Multi- national Division Center-South, Polish Major General Boleslav
Kwiatowsky and got first hand information on the situation in the zone
under responsibility of the division. After the official meetings,
Minister Sargsyan visited Armenian peacemakers.
Armenia has been participating in the peacemaking mission in Iraq since
January 25 2005. At present, the fourth group of Armenian peacemakers
is in Iraq. The group comprises 46 servicemen: three staff officers,
two physicians, 10 sappers and 31 drivers.

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT PAYS WORKING VISIT TO GERMANY
ArmInfo News Agency, Armenia
Nov 15 2006
Today Armenian President Robert Kocharyan is leaving for Germany on
a three-day working visit.
The Armenian presidential press-service told the ArmInfo news agency
that during his visit, R.Kocharyan will meet with German Chancellor
Angela Merkel, President of the German Bundestag Norbert Lammert,
Mayor of Berlin Klaus Wowereit. In the presence of Robert Kocharyan
and Norbert Lammert, the official ceremony of opening the new building
of the Armenian Embassy will be held. The Armenian President will
also make a speech in the biggest and influential political German
fund of Bertelsmann.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIA JOINS THE INTERSTATE AGREEMENT ON TRANSIT RAILWAY NETWORK
ArmInfo News Agency, Armenia
Nov 15 2006
Armenia has joined an interstate agreement on ‘Transit Railway
Network’.
Ministry of Transport and Communication of RA reported to ArmInfo that
the agreement was studied at the Bussan (Korea) summit. 17 states,
including Armenia, are members of the agreement.
Hrant Beglaryan, 1st Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Trade and
Communication, represented Armenia at the summit. He pointed out the
importance of Armenian geographical location and noted that it has good
transit opportunities. H. Beglaryan pointed out that lots of money
is invested in reconstruction and development of Armenia’s transport
infrastructure which is a key aspect for regional integration.

PAINTER TOOK HIS ART AROUND GLOBE
John Goddard, Toronto Star
The Toronto Star
November 15, 2006 Wednesday
Nubar Sabag left a trail of paintings across the world “like a comet,”
his son says.
After a long career as a painter, photographer and lover of the arts,
Sabag died Oct. 30 following a severe stroke at 85.
“He left a band of paintings across different places, in homes
and galleries, from Armenia, across the Mediterranean, to North
America,” says his son and only child Shahe Sabag, president and CEO
of Toronto-based Dumont Nickel Inc.
Sabag, who also signed his name variously as Sabbaghian, Sabbagh and
N.U. Barr, was born of Christian Armenian descent in the desert town
of Aleppo in northern Syria.
His father Fares was from Aleppo. His mother Arousiak arrived there on
foot during World War I fleeing the Armenian genocide by the Turkish
army. When they married, the couple was poor.
“He started playing violin and mandolin when he was very young,
and sang in choirs,” his son says, adding that he would also tutor
others on what he had learned. “Obviously he was driven to learn – a
self-taught, Renaissance person continually absorbing knowledge.” By
the time Sabag was 14, his father had died, prompting the boy to
seek work as a photographer’s assistant to help support his mother
and brothers. He continued the trade in Aleppo as an adult.
“When I was a kid,” his son recalls, “he had a studio and was the
semi-official photographer for dignitaries and visiting heads of
state. I remember these big two-foot-by-three-foot photographs all
over the place.”
Sabag also painted. Exhibitions in Alexandria, Damascus and Leningrad
displayed his work, mostly landscapes, and in some cases awarded him
prizes. Armenian monasteries continue to hang his work in Florence.
His highest accolade came in 1963, at the age of 42, when he was
featured among six prize-winners at the Sao Paulo,Brazil, biennial
art expo.
That same year, he spent time as a guest of Kuwait’s royal family
painting a series of works for an exhibition on the country. The
day before the show was to open, U.S. President John Kennedy was
assassinated in Dallas, Texas.
“All the top dignitaries ended up having to go to special services
elsewhere,” Shahe Sabag recalls of that shocking day. “But the show
opened and it was a success.”
Soon afterward, the family left Syria, increasingly uncomfortable as
Christians in a Muslim country. Sabag, his wife Ida, and their young
son moved to Beirut as a stepping stone to somewhere else. When Canada
granted them immigration papers in 1968, the three came to Toronto.
“We arrived with $300 or $400, and a big crate with a couple of large
carpets and some paintings,” the son recalls.
Within a month or two, Sabag landed a job in the camera department
at Eaton’s department store. For a couple of years, he also taught
art classes at the then Ontario College of Art and for 20 years at
Northern Secondary School.And he continued painting.
“He would paint anywhere,” the son says of Sabag’s lifelong vocation.
“He never had a formal studio.”
Shahe Sabag says he did not inherit his father’s artistic gift but
that art enriched the whole family’s life. His father’s love of the
arts infected others, too, he says.
One day, his parents were having the apartment repainted, the son
recalls. Sabag was working on a canvas in one room. An Italian-born
house painter was working on one of the walls. Both were listening
to opera.
“And at the end of the day, the painter asked if, instead of cash
payment, he could take the painting?
“I love that image,” the son says: Two men working with their
respective paints, and when their jobs were done, bartering their
finished products.
GRAPHIC: Nubar Sabag was awarded many medallions for various
exhibitions from all around the world. His highest accolade came in
1963, at the age of 42, when he was featured among six prizewinners
at the Sao Paulo,Brazil, biennial art expo. Along with a passion
for photography, he specialized in painting landscapes. He left his
artwork in homes and galleries, from Armenia to North America.
Armenian painter Nubar Sabag loved the arts. He died Oct. 30.Along with
a passion for photography, he specialized in painting landscapes. He
left his artwork in homes and galleries, from Armenia to North
America.Armenian painter Nubar Sabag loved the arts. He died Oct. 30.

TURKEY’S GUL GOES TO CYPRUS, CALLS FOR ‘COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION UNDER UN ROOF’
Anatolia News Agency, Turkey
Nov 15 2006
ANKARA (A.A) -15.11.2006 -“The EU cannot be neutral on Cyprus issue
even if it wants because the Greek Cypriot administration becomes
a part of the union,” Turkish FM and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah
Gul said on Wednesday.
Prior to his departure for Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
(TRNC) to attend the 23rd anniversary celebrations of its foundation,
Gul told reporters that the UN should find a comprehensive solution
(to Cyprus question).
When he was reminded of some news reports which said that Turkey has
been getting prepared to apply to the international law on so-called
Armenian genocide, Gul indicated, “a meticulous work is under way on
this matter.”
“Embargo and restrictions (imposed on Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus) which don’t have a legal ground must be ended as soon as
possible,” Turkish FM and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said
on Wednesday.
Prior to his departure for Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)
to attend the 23rd anniversary celebrations of its foundation, Gul
told reporters that he would meet TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat
and other authorities during his visit.
Recalling that PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited TRNC last July and
significant decisions were made to boost TRNC economy during this
visit, Gul indicated, “we are exerting great efforts for Turkish
Cypriot people to live in prosperity and tranquillity.”
“Although TRNC has been experiencing some difficulties in the
international platform, the point that TRNC reached is praiseworthy,”
he underlined.
Replying to a question, Gul noted, “if Finnish authorities have the
capability of finding a comprehensive solution (to Cyprus issue),
we can discuss it. But we always said that a comprehensive solution
should be found under the roof of UN.”

TURKEY’S GUL ON WAR ON TERRORISM, SEPARATISM; ARMENIAN CLAIMS
Anatolia News Agency, Turkey
Nov 14 2006
[“FM Gul: ‘One of the Most Important Problems and Threats Is
Separatism'” – AA Headline]
ANKARA (A.A) -14.11.2006 -“One of the most important problems and
threats against Turkey is separatism. The fight against terrorism
is our priority duty,” said Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime
Minister Abdullah Gul on Tuesday.
Speaking at the Parliamentary Planning & Budget Commission over the
budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the year 2007, Gul said,
“since we predicted current situation in Iraq, we held the meeting
of neighbouring countries with Iraq. The world should appreciate
Turkey’s initiatives to this end. We attach great importance to Iraq’s
territorial integrity and political unity.
Protection of these are of vital importance for Iraqi people. If Iraq
is separated, it will lead to a new unbelievable dark era.”
Recalling that the Iraqi prime minister would pay a visit to Turkey
in the coming days, Gul said that all those issues would be taken up
in detail during the visit.
Referring to the issue of PKK terrorism, Gul said, “one of the most
important problems and threats against Turkey is separatism. Our
government has been doing everything in its power in the fight
against terrorism. Unfortunately, the northern part of Iraq has become
shelter for the terrorist organization. Our government has displayed
a determined attitude against it. We attach great importance to the
United States’ appointing a special envoy. We consider the fight
against terrorism our priority duty. Therefore, we do not need a
coordinator. However, we have appointed Edip Baser to head the Turkish
delegation and to attend the meetings among Turkey, the United States
and Iraq.”
Upon a question about presence of several maps separating Turkey,
Gul said, “these are nothing but worthless rags.”
Describing the Armenian issue as one of the most important problems
of Turkey in the next decade, Gul said that they would launch all
necessary initiatives.
Later, budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was approved.

GRAND MUFTI OF TURKEY SEES POPE’S UPCOMING VISIT AS ‘STEP TOWARD DIALOGUE’
La Stampa, Itali
Nov 15 2006
[Interview With Grand Mufti Ali Bardakoglu by Claudio Gallo: “Grand
Mufti: ‘Pope Runs No Risk, He Is Welcome Guest'” – first paragraph
is La Stampa introduction]
Istanbul – Apart from a handshake with the president of the republic,
he will be the first person the pope will see on his arrival in
Turkey on 28 November: the chairman of the Diyanet, Professor Ali
Bardakoglu. He is often referred to in Italy as the grand mufti,
but one has the impression that the title is rather an honorary one,
some sort of a label for the secular guide at the Ministry of Religious
Affairs. Professor, are you the grand mufti? To answer this question
he offers a book of his, Religion and Society, with the subtitle:
“Turkey’s New Prospects,” which he has just autographed, saying:
“Here you will find the answer, especially in the chapter on the
ministry chairmanship.” We are beginning rather well.
The seat of the Diyanet – the word means clemency, compassion – is just
out of Ankara’s centre, a square palace with wide, clear-cut spaces,
reminiscent of the architecture of the Twenties. The office is large,
with a big desk at the end, paintings, and carpets. He sits on a big
armchair, wearing the “sarik,” the headgear of religious leaders,
and a pearl-coloured robe with floral motifs and maroon cuffs. Tall,
whiskered, the father of three sons, there he sits with crossed hands,
he does not gesticulate, only now and then he moves his brown eyes. On
his left there is the linen cloth that covered the Qa’aba, Mecca’s
black stone, with the two names of God imprinted on it. He talks
without changing his tone; at times he smiles. A student of Islam,
he blends the religious with the secular component – as is inevitable
after Ataturk – with the skill of a Christian Democrat.
[Gallo] You were among the first to ask the pope to apologize for
his Regensburg speech. Will you ask him to do so again?
[Bardakoglu] I will not waste my time talking about the past. It does
not matter whether the person who says something unacceptable about
Islam is a layman, a priest, or an important person: our duty is to
correct him. But these things belong to the past, let us look ahead.
Religious leaders must respect the feelings of other believers. As an
Islamic community, we are open to criticism and discussion of religious
experience, but not of the fundamental principles of our faith: God,
the Prophet, and the Koran.
[Gallo] The pontiff’s quotation of the Byzantine Emperor Manuel II
was only a small part of a broad discourse about God and reason. Is
the God of the Koran beyond reason?
[Bardakoglu] It was a very intellectual discourse and the quotation
made by the pope leads to a wrong academic interpretation. Besides,
many Western intellectuals, even Christian ones, have criticized those
words on the political and philosophical plane. The Islamic faith
does not rule out rationalism. In the Koran there are indications
that logic is not extraneous to God. We are open to a discussion on
the relationship between God and reason, it is a great pleasure for
us to talk these questions over with other religions.
[Gallo] People often oppose Islam and Christianity like East and
West. Christianity, however, took shape and developed in Asia Minor,
more or less in the area of today’s Turkey: so people forget that it
too is an Eastern religion.
[Bardakoglu] The Middle East is the cradle of religions. We recognize
a continuity – from Adam, Moses, and Jesus, down to Muhammad. In
these lands one can at every step find traces of all faiths, which
lived peacefully one beside the other. In the Balkans too there are
Christian monuments, which were preserved under Ottoman rule. Unlike
Spain, where, with the exception of the Alhambra, the traces of the
Islamic presence have been erased. And while the Jews were being
massacred in Spain, they found hospitality and protection with us.
One of Istanbul’s synagogues goes back to that time.
[Gallo] Are you concerned about the pope’s security?
[Bardakoglu] Religious and political leaders of all countries come to
Turkey every day without problems. We are a democratic state, there
is freedom: precisely for this reason there are people who do not
want this visit and who say so. This, however, will not affect our
traditional hospitality. Tolerance and hospitality are two different
entities that can coexist. No, I am not concerned at all. This trip
will not solve all the problems, but will be a good step towards
dialogue. Peace can be destroyed in a moment, but it takes time,
it is a long process, to build it.
[Gallo] At times the word jihad is, in the Western media, synonymous
with terrorism: can you explain its true meaning?
[Bardakoglu] We condemn all kinds of terrorism, there is no cause
that can justify it. The word jihad, which is often exalted in the
Koran, cannot justify violence. The whole of the Islamic world must
be aware of that. Islam is the way to peace and love. In Islam, the
main meaning of jihad is that of interior struggle against the evil
inclinations of human nature. Our faith wants to conquer hearts by
the truth, not by force. God does not approve of forced conversions,
religions spring from the heart.
[Gallo] Do Turkish Muslims really want to join an apparently Christian
European Union?
[Bardakoglu] My role has nothing to do with the question of Turkey’s
accession to the EU. I do not believe that Europe is a Christian
club. A common way must be found: if we start with religion, we will
be divided on everything else.
[Gallo] Will the Roman Catholic Church be legally recognized in
your country?
[Bardakoglu] All religions are recognized here. Turkey is a secular
country, the problem does not exist. The task of the state is to give
a space to religions and guarantee their freedom.
[Gallo] Still, while the Orthodox and Armenian Churches enjoy
juridical status, the Roman Catholic apostolic nuncio is like any
private person. For example, the Vatican cannot own a church.
[Bardakoglu] I do not know all the hierarchies and relationships
among the various confessions. In numerical terms, the Orthodox
Armenians come first, followed by the Orthodox Greeks and all the
rest. The Roman Catholics are a small minority. George Marovich
(spokesman for the Episcopal Conference – editor’s note) is a very
popular person with us. And nobody can say that he is considered
a minor religious leader. We have met frequently over these years,
and also recently. We do not discriminate.
[Gallo] What do you say to Paris, which wants to adopt a law against
those who deny the Armenian genocide?
[Bardakoglu] It is up to the politicians to answer this question.
Anyhow, whether something is true or not cannot be laid down by law.

STEP BY STEP IN NATO’S DIRECTION; FOREIGN MINISTRY OF AZERBAIJAN REFRAINS FROM POLITICALLY STIRRING STATEMENTS
by Jasur Mamedov
Source: Voenno-Promyshlenny Kuryer, No 43, November 8 – 14, 2006, p. 3
Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
November 15, 2006 Wednesday
Tahir Tagizade, Chief Of The Directorate Of Politics, Press, And
Information Of The Foreign Ministry Of Azerbaijan: We Are Not Saying
We Will Be In NATO Tomorrow;
An interview with Tahir Tagizade, Chief of the Directorate of Politics,
Press, and Information of the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan.
Two NATO delegations visited Azerbaijan in October. One of them was
headed by Robert Simmons, Special Envoy of the NATO General Secretary
for the Caucasus and Central Asia, the other by NATO Parliamentary
Assembly Vice President Vahit Erdem. As a matter of fact, a great
deal of NATO functionaries visited Baku in September and October.
What for? This correspondent met with Tahir Tagizade, Chief of the
Directorate of Politics, Press, and Information of the Foreign Ministry
of Azerbaijan.
Question: As far as experts are concerned, frequent visits of NATO
representatives to Azerbaijan indicate that it is its turn now to
follow in Georgia’s steps and establish intensive contacts with the
Alliance. Would you care to comment?
Tahir Tagizade: We do not make politically stirring statements.
That’s our position. We are not saying that we will be in NATO
tomorrow, a week or a month from now. We believe that the existing
framework of partnership offers us an adequate opportunity for
development of cooperation and relations of partnership.
All countries of the southern part of the Caucasus promote different
objectives nowadays. It does not take a genius to see by the way
that Armenia’s practical deeds do not concur with its proclaimed
determination to integrate into Euroatlantic structures. NATO sets
political frontiers for countries of this part of the Caucasus within
whose framework they are welcome to aspire for their objectives. That
is why I believe that the Alliance will take resolution of regional
conflicts as progress, a step forward, a positive factor in the
process of Euroatlantic integration.
As for the Azerbaijani-Armenian conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh,
Azerbaijan keeps trying to attract the attention of international
organizations to the problem. I know for a fact that the Alliance too,
would like to play a political part in conflict resolution.
Azerbaijan welcomes this determination.
Question: Some reports indicate that IPAP compels Azerbaijan to stick
to a non-violent resolution of the Karabakh conflict. Does it?
Tahir Tagizade: To tell you the truth, I have no information
pertaining to any such obligations within the framework of this
particular document or any other international documents that bear
Azerbaijan’s signature. I can only say that Azerbaijan views peace
talks and diplomatic efforts in conflict resolution as a priority. On
the other hand, as I’ve said more than once already, Azerbaijan finds
it unacceptable when identical demands are put forth to the aggressor
and the victim.
Being a victim of aggression, Azerbaijan cannot afford talks just
for the fun of it. Neither do we maintain in the meantime that the
potential of diplomatic contacts is expended. We will contemplate
every acceptable proposal. Nobody can accuse Azerbaijan of being
resolved to restore its territorial integrity regardless of the cost.
Question: The Gabala Radar is the only Russian military object in
Azerbaijan. Do you think it may eventually create problems with NATO?
Tahir Tagizade: Firstly, it is not a military base. Secondly, the
object in question is property of Azerbaijan on lease to the Russian
Federation. Purposes and terms of the lease are known. That is why
this object cannot be regarded as an obstacle impeding Azerbaijan’s
integration in NATO.
Question: The lease expires in 2012. Do you think there is a
possibility of prolongation?
Tahir Tagizade: Why make guesses? When 2012 comes, we will make the
decision with the current regional, political, and military situation
analyzed.
Question: Do you perceive Azerbaijan in NATO at some future date?
Tahir Tagizade: I know that Azerbaijan perceives advantages of regional
integration into European and Euroatlantic structures. What counts is
that this integration will certainly bring about regional stability,
that it will facilitate normalization of the situation.