Month: March 2007

SENATE PANEL ADOPTS BIDEN RESOLUTION HONORING HRANT DINK

Armradio.am
29.03.2007 10:05

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee today adopted human rights
legislation, authored by the panel’s chairman and presidential
candidate, Senator Joe Biden (D-DE), condemning the murder of
journalist and human rights activist Hrant Dink and calling on the
Turkish government to repeal the law, Article 301, under which he was
prosecuted, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

The measure was adopted unanimously by voice vote at the meeting
of the Committee. At its last meeting, on March 6th, the panel, at
the request of its Ranking Member Richard Lugar (R IN), had deferred
consideration of the legislation for three weeks. During this time,
the measure came under heavy attack from both the Turkish government
and its allies in the Administration. Despite their efforts to cut
any reference to the Armenian Genocide, the resolution noted Dink’s
persecution because of his speech on the Genocide.

The legislation condemns Hrant Dink’s murder as "a shameful act of
cowardice perpetrated with contempt for law, justice, and decency,"
and honors his commitment to "democratic values, non-violence, and
media freedom." It specifically notes that he was "subjected to legal
action under Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code for referring to
the 1915 massacre of Armenians as genocide."

It also calls on the Turkish government to repeal this anti-free
speech law and "work diligently to foster a more open intellectual
environment."

"We want to thank Chairman Biden for his leadership in honoring Hrant
Dink’s memory by urging the Turkish government to repeal Article 301 –
the law under which he was prosecuted," said ANCA Executive Director
Aram Hamparian.

"Article 301, and others on the books in Turkey, reflect and encourage
the envi ronment of hatred and intolerance that the Turkish government
has long fostered against Armenians – particularly those who speak
truthfully about the Armenian Genocide."

"We were, of course, troubled by the Turkish Government and State
Department’s shameless opposition to this resolution condemning the
murder of Hrant Dink," added Hamparian. "We look forward to working
with Chairman Biden in the coming weeks toward the adoption of the
Armenian Genocide resolution and in sending a clear signal that
genocide denial will not be tolerated by the U.S. Congress or the
American people."

The version of S.Res. 65 adopted today was an amended version of
the text initially introduced by Senator Biden. The original version
included a more direct reference to the Armenian Genocide and a more
pointed mention of Turkey’s responsibility for its blockade and
refusal to normalize relations with Armenia. The State Department
and Turkish government, despite their aggressive lobbying, were
unsuccessful in removing reference to the Armenian Genocide from the
resolution. Similar legislation has been introduced in the US House
by Congressman Joe Crowley (D-NY).

AKHTAMAR CHURCH TO BE REOPENED TODAY

Armradio.am
29.03.2007 10:49

The Armenian Church of the Holy Cross on Akhtamar Island in Lake
Van will be opened in Turkey today. Turkey has invited 277 guests
from foreign countries to participate in the opening ceremony. To
avoid security problems the Governor of Van Ozdemir Chakajak has
undertaken high-level security measures. 1 000 policemen will guard
the opening ceremony. Chief of security services of Van Salih Kesmez
told reporters that the safety of the highway from the airport to
Akhtamar Island has been reinforced. "In case of necessity police
helicopters will render assistance from air," he said.

CCAF REFUSES TO TAKE PART IN INAUGURATION OF AKHTAMAR CHURCH

Armradio.am
29.03.2007 11:00

Co-ordination Council of Armenian Organizations of France (CCAF)
refuses to take part in inauguration of Akhtamar Church.

In a letter addressed on March 26, 2007 to the governor of Van,
chairman of the CCAF, Alexis Govciyan declined the invitation to go
to Van for inauguration of Sourp Khatch. He justifies his refusal
"after an attentive examination" by the fact that the Church of the
Holy Cross "belongs to the Armenian heritage and consequently, is
and must remain the property of the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey
which notably must be able to celebrate masses there."

Also, Alexis Govciyan points out in his letter, that the change of
the name from Akhtamar to Agdamar, its transformation into a museum
without any reference to its belonging to the cultural heritage
of Armenia, brought CCAF to decline Van’s Governor invitation,
independent correspondent Jean Eckian informs.

DAVID HARUTYUNYAN VICE-CHAMPION OF GEORGIA

Armradio.am
29.03.2007 12:28

Georgian Armenian chess player David Harutyunyan gained 7.5 points out
of 11 possible and achieved the title of the vice-champion of Georgia,
yielding only to Grand Master Bahadur Jobava.

OPENING OF SOURB KHACH ARMENIAN CHURCH TO BE HELD TODAY ON AKHTAMAR ISLAND IN VAN

Arminfo
2007-03-29 13:35:00

A solemn ceremony of opening of the restored Sourb Khach Armenian
church will be held today on Akhtamar island in Van.

A Governmental delegation, headed by RA deputy Minister of Culture
and Youth Gagik Giurjyan, has departed the day before from Yerevan
to participate in the opening ceremony. The delegation has left
for Turkey by bus by a Georgian- Turkish border, since there is no
Yerevan-Van direct flight.

To note, the restored church, dated the 10th Century, will function
as a museum, that caused a number of reclamations by the Armenian
ecclesiastics.

Thus, the Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II had flatly refused
to participate in the opening of the church, motivating his refusal
by the fact that the church, turned to a museum, will not function
under the power of the Constantinople Patriarchy.

To note, the Government of Turkey had allotted $1,5 mln to restore
the church.

CONGRESSMAN PETER ROSKAM JOINS THE ARMENIAN CAUCUS

Armradio.am
29.03.2007 13:35

Congressman Peter Roskam from Illinois joined the Congressional
Caucus on Armenian Issues, (R-IL). "Armenians have a rich heritage in
America," said Congressman Roskam. "I look forward to working with
my constituents of Armenian descent," reports the Armenian National
Committee of America.

Members of the ANC of Illinois met with Congressman Roskam in the
district to discuss issues of importance to the Armenian community,
including current legislation H. Res 106, in recognition of the
Armenian Genocide. Ari Killian, Chairman of the ANC of Illinois thanked
the Congressman for joining the Caucus. "We welcome Congressman
Roskam’s membership in the Armenian Caucus and looking forward to
working with him on issues relevant to our community."

Beginning his political career in 1993 by serving in the Illinois
House of Representatives, and later serving in the Illinois Senate as
Republican Whip and Floor Leader, Roskam was elected to Congress in
2006. While serving as a State Senator, Roskam, along with 46 Senate
members voted to enact HB0312.

This legislation mandates that the study of Genocide including
the atrocities in Armenia, Ukraine, Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda and
Sudan. Governor Blagojevich signed the bill into law in August 2005,
joining Illinois to a dozen states, including the teaching of the
tragic history of genocide.

RECTOR OF RAU AGAINST ‘DER SPIEGEL’

Arminfo
2007-03-29 13:47:00

An article was published in the 10th number of the ‘Der Spiegel’
magazine from March 5, 2007, that analyses the influence of "Gazprom"
on the international policy of Russia where, in particular, the
conclusions regarding Armenia were presented with reference to the
RA ex-Prime Minister, the Rector of the Russian-Armenian (Slavonic)
University Armen Darbinian.

By ArmInfo request to comment this article, A. Darbinian said
the following: "Unfortunately, a high reputation is not always a
guarantee of a high-quality analysis. I appreciate the reputation of
"Der Spiegel", however, my reputation is dearer to me. Therefore,
I would like to say that everything that is published with reference
to me is a figment or falsification. The authors did not even try to
clarify whom they had met and talked with. They represented me as a
Director of some non- existent Armenian-Russian Economic Institute.

This fact is an evidence of their non-professionalism and improbity.

As for the essence of the publication, I really consider the deal
on the creation of "ArmRosgazprom" enterprise one of the most
successful Russian-Armenian projects, and I am glad to be directly
related to it. I have never been a supporter of confidential political
dialogues. Of course, there was no confidential address to any of the
Russian politicians, including the RF Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov,
just as there was no response as well. Moreover, my position concerning
the activities of "Gazprom" is known to all and it was published more
than once. It lies in the fact that, unfortunately, the interests of
"Gazprom" not always coincide with those of Russia. I have already
addressed the gentlemen from "Der Spiegel" with a requirement to
deny the information that was published with reference to me, and I
am ready to assert my rights judicially, in the German court as well.

OFFICIAL RELEASE

Azat Artsakh Daily, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]
29 March 07

On March 23 NKR President Arkady Ghukassian met with the EU Special
Representative for the South Caucasus at the permanent representation
of NKR to Armenia. They discussed the current stage of the talks
for the settlement of the conflict over Karabakh. Arkady Ghukassian
reasserted the standpoint of Karabakh, i.e. lasting settlement is
impossible without the participation of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic
in the talks. Peter Semneby expressed willingness on behalf of the
EU to give more assistance to the parties to reach a settlement
based on compromise, as well as to overcome the consequences of
the conflict. The parties emphasized the importance of direct
contact between the EU and Nagorno Karabakh. Peter Semneby offered
to discuss the projects which will be possibly implemented in
Nagorno Karabakh by the EU. On the same day, President Ghukassian
met with Andrzej Kasprzyk, personal representative of the OSCE
Chairman-in-Office. During the talk they discussed the current stage
of the conflict over Karabakh. The parties also touched upon the
current issues related to the monitoring of the line of contact of
the NKR and Azerbaijani armed forces.

WILL TURKISH AUTHORITIES ALLOW PLACING A CROSS ON AKHTAMAR CHURCH?

ArmRadio.am
29.03.2007 14:30

Foreign Ministry spokesman Levent Bilman yesterday confirmed earlier
news reports that the Culture and Tourism Ministry has solicited the
views of the Foreign Ministry on the appropriateness of installing a
cross on the steeple of Akhtamar Church, which will be reopened today,
Turkish "Zaman" informs.

Levent Bilman noted it’s not compulsory to place the cross during the
opening ceremony. "Our ministry is still studying the issue before
offering our viewpoint. As you know, the restoration of historical
buildings is a long-term process," Bilman said. "By its very nature,
the issue will be evaluated in detail and then the Culture and Tourism
Ministry will be notified of our opinion."

The paper reminds that Turkish Armenians Patriarch Mesrob Mutafyan
called on the Turkish Foreign Ministry three days ago to return the
cross to its original place. The letter of the Armenian Patriarch
has been submitted to the consideration of the Turkish Ministry of
Foreign Affairs.

The newspaper reminds that an official delegation from Yerevan, as
well as representatives of the Armenian Diaspora will participate in
the opening ceremony.

JULIE FINLEY: THE OSCE CONTINUES PLAYING AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT

ArmRadio.am
29.03.2007 15:33

During today’s meeting with the Deputies of the Azeri Milli Majlis
the US Ambassador to the OSCE Julie Finley declared that she does
not share the opinion that "the role of the OSCE in the settlement
of the Karabakh conflict has weakened."

She noted that "the OSCE continues playing an important role in
the resolution of the conflict and the United State is part of that
organization." She added that "in particular, Muguel Angel Moratinos,
the OSCE Caiman-in-Office himself addresses the issue,"