Month: May 2008

PanARMENIAN.Net

EU concerned about slow reform in Turkey
23.05.2008 15:05 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The European Commission warned
membership-hopeful Turkey yesterday not to slip back
in its reform process, saying it could not afford
-another wasted year.-

Speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, EU
Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said the EU
executive body was concerned about the slow pace of
reform in Turkey.

Turkey started EU accession talks in 2005 but they
have been held back by slow progress in EU-linked
reforms, the impact of the unresolved Cyprus dispute,
and the reluctance of some EU members, such as France
and Austria, to see Turkey join.

Rehn noted concerns about moves by Turkey’s chief
prosecutor to shut down the ruling Justice and
Development Party (AKP), and ban Prime Minister Recep
Tayyip Erdogan and President Abdullah Gul from
politics for alleged Islamist subversion.

Intervening in a case that threatens Turkey’s bid to
join the EU, the European Parliament called for
constitutional amendments that would prevent Turkish
courts from outlawing democratically elected parties.

Turkey needs to observe European standards, the
Parliament said in a motion passed by lawmakers
467-62. It criticized an attempt by Turkish
prosecutors to get the Constitutional Court to ban
Erdogan’s party a year after his re-election.

-Closing down a political party is not and cannot be
business as usual,- Rehn, the EU’s pointman for the
entry talks, told the Parliament. -It cannot be taken
lightly in a European democracy.-

The Parliament called on Turkey -to bring the
constitution into line- with European principles on
courts’ oversight of political parties.

The warning was coupled with a separate EU
announcement that the entry negotiations will inch
ahead next month, in a show of support for Erdogan in
his bid to anchor Turkey among the western
democracies.

In the Constitutional Court case that aims to bring
Erdogan down, prosecutors argue that the prime
minister’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) is
subverting the religious freedoms that date back to
the founding of modern Turkey in, the Turkish Daily
News reports.

PanARMENIAN.Net

Turkey’s MFA ready to establish relations with Armenia, Turkish
professor says
23.05.2008 16:36 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Turkey’s policy toward the South
Caucasus states bases on two principles: territorial
integrity and neighborly relations with all states of
the region, a Turkish expert said.

-The Turkish government is willing to enjoy neighborly
relations not only with Georgia and Azerbaijan but
also with Armenia,- head of the department of
international relations at University of Economic and
Technology, prof. Mustafa Aydin said in his remarks
during Caucasus 2007 international conference in
Yerevan.

The February 19 presidential election in Armenia
inspires hope for gradual normalization of the
Armenian-Turkish relations, according to him.

-The Turkish Foreign Ministry eyes the Armenian
diplomacy as `very soviet’, old-fashioned and clumsy.
Our diplomacy, on the contrary, is west-oriented and
supposes joint efforts for normalization of relations.
Reconstruction of Holy Church in Akhtamar is a serious
step on the part of the Turkish government. It’s
Armenia’s turn now,- prof. Aydin said.

-One of such steps could be softening of position on
Nagorno Karabakh. Ankara understands that much should
be done for resolution of the conflict but initially
Armenia could withdraw troops from 7 Azerbaijani
regions. In this case, Turkey could open the border,
which was closed in 1993. Actually, Turkey’s MFA is
ready to establish relations with Armenia but pressure
is too strong. Anyway, I think that normalization of
the Armenian-Turkish relations is not far away,- he
said.

PanARMENIAN.Net

Mustafa Aydin: 1915 events shouldn’t hamper
Armenia-Turkey public dialog
23.05.2008 16:52 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The problems Turkey experienced with
Greece over Cyprus were much more serious than those
with Armenia, head of the department of international
relations at University of Economic and Technology,
prof. Mustafa Aydin told Caucasus 2007 international
conference in Yerevan.

Relations between Turkey and Greece have improved
thanks to the publics of both states, according to
him. -I witness how the Greek and Turkish communities
of Cyprus are establishing a dialog and I am hopeful
that a united Greek-Turkish Cyprus will appear one
day,- prof. Aydin said, adding that the number of
Armenians willing normalization of relations with
Turkey has increased recently.

-Of course, problems still exist. One of them is
Armenia’s recognition of present-day Turkey’s borders,
according to the Treaty of Kars. The second is the
tragedy of 1915 which is viewed by many Turks as
history having nothing in common with the modern
Turkish State. The 1915 events shouldn’t hamper the
Armenia-Turkey public dialog,- Aydin concluded.

PanARMENIAN.Net

Kosovo precedent can provoke hostilities in Karabakh
23.05.2008 17:21 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Russia has failed to develop a
common and distinct policy in Caucasus so far, head of
the interethnic relations department at the institute
of political and military analysis Sergei Markedonov
told Caucasus 2007 international conference in
Yerevan.

Russia is interested in `frozen conflicts’, according
to him. -However, conflicts are not frozen but
lingering. These two notions are different. Russia
supports territorial integrity but it stands against
the methods this principle is being pushed forth,- the
Russian expert said.

Commenting on relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan,
Markedonov said, -Armenia is Russia’s strategic ally
while Azerbaijan is a strategic partner. With its
military and economic parameters, Russia is closer to
Armenia but in case of resumption of military
operations our country will face a hard choice.
Unfortunately, the Kosovo precedent can provoke
hostilities in Karabakh.-

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PanARMENIAN.Net

ANCA: genocide of Armenians, Assyrians, and Greeks will never be forgotten
23.05.2008 17:59 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ On May 19, 2008, Armenian National Committee of
America Eastern Region (ANCA ER) Executive Director Karine Birazian
took part in commemorating the 89th Anniversary of the Pontian
Genocide. Strong winds and brisk temperatures did not keep community
activists from gathering at Bowling Green Park for the first New York
City commemoration.

Organizing the event was the Federation of Hellenic Societies of
Greater New York and the Pan-Pontian Federation of USA and
Canada. Dimitris Molohides, Secretary of the Pan-Pontian Federation of
USA and Canada, addressed the crowd in attendance and urged for
decisive action for recognition of the Pontian Genocide.

Molohides, who spoke at the Armenian Genocide commemorative event at
City Hall in New York City during the ANC of NY’s April 24th event
stated "today, May 19th the Pontian community with Hellenes and
Philhellenes here in New York City and around the world will
commemorate the 89th anniversary of the Pontian… it is the first
time that we gather here in the Bowling Green Park in the heart of the
economic center of New York City to raise together the Greek flag and
the single-headed eagle symbol of Pontus. Today’s event is an
emotional but also a historical moment for all of us that are present
here."

Speaking on behalf of the ANCA, Birazian addressed the crowd. In her
statement she remarked: "the tragic sufferings of Armenians,
Assyrians, and Greeks will never be forgotten. The Turkish Government
tries to silence us, but we will not be silenced, and together we will
in fact end Turkey’s "Gag Rule" and seek recognition of this great
crime. Nine decades ago they tried to silence the innocent victims
that fell under the Turkish sword, and today we are still here. Nine
decades from now we will still be here for we will never forget and
work to seek justice"

Also present at the event include the Cypriot Action Network of
America (CANA), the presidents and members of the two local
associations "Komninoi" of New York and "Pontos" of Norwalk
Connecticut and from the "Holy Institution Panagia Soumela."

Speakers included Reverend Father Ioannis Romas from the St. Nicholas
church that was destroyed on 9/11, Mr. Dimitris Dimitriou, General
Secretary – Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York,
Mr. Elias Tsekerides, Past President of Pan-Pontian Federation USA &
Canada, Ms. Donna Fotiadou, member and coordinating committee of the
Pontian Youth Association USA & Canada, and Mr. Ioannis Fidanakis,
President of Panthracian Union of America "Orpheus."

The Ottoman Empire, under the cover of World War I, undertook a
systematic and deliberate effort to eliminate its minority Christian
populations. This genocidal campaign resulted in the death and
deportation of well over 2,000,000 Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks.

The Pontian Genocide has been formally acknowledged by Greece and
Cyprus and, within the United States, by the states of New York, New
Jersey, Florida, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and
Illinois, among others.

PanARMENIAN.Net

Recognition of Kosovo by some states will hardly lead
to universal recognition
23.05.2008 18:15 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Independence of Kosovo preceded
determination of status. This is the blunder of Martti
Ahtisaari’s plan, a Russian expert said.

-Proclaimed independence will not bring international
rule in Kosovo. Democratic institutes will not
function there, free elections will not be held,- RIA
Novosti Director for CIS and Baltic States Alan
Kasayev told Caucasus 2007 international conference.
-Kosovo will not be a UN member; it will not be
controlled by the European security system basing in
the OSCE; it will not fall under jurisdiction of the
Council of Europe and its legal structures; it will be
beyond control of the much talked-about OSCE/ODIHR.-

-The Kosovo conflict is as unique as the conflicts in
Abkhazia, South Ossetia or Transnistria. The Nagorno
Karabakh conflict is not ordinary either. So,
recognition of Kosovo by a number of states will
hardly lead to its universal recognition,- Kasayev
said.

PanARMENIAN.Net

RA Defense Minister: negotiations on return of Armenian citizens kept
in Azeri custody will be continued
23.05.2008 18:19 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The talks on transfer of four Armenian citizens, who
accidentally cross the Azeri border on April 28, will be continued, RA
Defense Minister said.

-The planned transfer was frustrated through the fault of the Azeri
side, which alleged necessity to conduct some procedures,- Seyran
Ohanyan said.

-Transfer of the Armenian captives also depends on their wish to
return to homeland,- he added, Novosti Armenia reports.

PanARMENIAN.Net

Circumstances against Armenia in Karabakh issue, RA
ex-Foreign Minister says
24.05.2008 17:41 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The process of the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict settlement can be divided in four stages:
1991-1994, 1994-1998 and 1998-up to present day,
Armenia’s former Foreign Minister said.

-There are four basic factors which influence on
resolution of all conflicts. These are the trends of
international development, regional interests of world
powers, internal political situation in the
conflicting countries and diplomatic potential of the
sides,- Vartan Oskanian told a conference dedicated to
20th anniversary of the Karabakh movement.

Assessing the first stage, Mr Oskanian remarked that
immediately after the USSR decline the international
principles worked against Armenia. -Recognizing
appearance of new states, the international community
did not allow parts of these states go exercise their
right to self-determination, fearing of domino effect.
The interests of world powers were not clearly
outlined; the situation in the conflicting countries
was shaky. The international community attempted to
resolve the conflict through total dissemination of
democratic principles and engagement of the
conflicting sides in national projects. However, all
this led to a lingering war. In 1994-98 the
international community started questioning its
approaches to conflicts. The accents were changed,
giving way to professional diplomacy. Conflicting
counties recovered and world powers came to form their
interests in the region,- he said.

With the shift of power in Armenia 1998, international
tendencies have changed. Thanks to matured diplomacy,
a document clearly mentioning of the right of
Karabakhi people to self-determination was developed.
Ten years after, the circumstances are against
Armenians. After recognition of Kosovo, the
international opinion tends to oppose the right to
self-determination. Announcements that Kosovo should
never become a precedent will be an obstacle in our
way. Besides, confrontation between Russia and the
U.S. will have a negative impact on our region.
Furthermore, the current domestic situation in Armenia
has never been so shaky for past 20 years. The forth
factor, diplomacy, acquires huge importance under the
circumstances. The new President and Foreign Minister
have already announced that the previous policy will
be continued. However, I do not see exact accents. I
think that the document at the table is the best and I
am hopeful Azerbaijan won’t reject it,- Mr Oskanian
resumed, KarabakhOpen reports.

PanARMENIAN.Net

The Presbyterian Church of Scotland calls on UK to
recognize Armenian Genocide
24.05.2008 17:48 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ A major step forward toward
recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the UK was
taken this week when the General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church of Scotland passed a motion
calling on the UK on the government to recognize the
Genocide.

The Church followed the example of the Presbyterian
Church of Wales which called on the UK government to
recognize the Genocide in 2006, independent French
journalist told PanARMENIAN.Net.

This is the result of an intense work by lobbyists Ara
Krikorian, Edgar Danielyan and Eilian Williams were
instrumental in persuading the Church to like to this
decision.

PM Gordon Brown, who belongs to the Presbyterian
Church will attempt to resist this pronouncement by
his Church, said Armenia Solidarity, British Armenian
All Party Parliamentary Group, Nor Serount Armenian
Genocide Trust.

PanARMENIAN.Net

Mediation should aim at cementing ceasefire
24.05.2008 17:56 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ A treaty on armistice was signed by
3 parties to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict in 1994.
Presently, the ceasefire should be cemented via
conclusion of an agreement where the three sides
rejected resolution of the conflict by use of force,
former OSCE MG Russian Co-chair, Ambassador Vladimir
Kazimirov said during Stepanakert-hosted international
conference dedicated to 20th anniversary of the
Karabakh movement.

-Azerbaijan keeps on threatening with hostilities,
what allows Armenia to justify the seizure of
territories around former NKAO,- Kazimirov said.

Azerbaijan refusal to use force can lead to withdrawal
of Armenian troops from territories, according to him.

As a guarantee of fulfillment of obligations, Amb.
Kazimirov hinted on presence of international forces
[Russian peacekeepers].

-After the incident at the contact line in early
March, Azerbaijan neglected Karabakh’s proposal to
sign an agreement on refusal from military operation.
Now, it’s the OSCE MG’s turn to make a similar
proposal. And if any of the sides rejects the
initiative, the international community’s attitude to
conflict may change. If done earlier, Azerbaijan would
have failed to pass a resolution in the UN,- he said.

-Currently, the mediators proceed from inadmissibility
pf resumption of hostilities. However, oral statements
are not enough. Incidents at the border should be
condemned; sanctions should be applied against the
side which fails to meet commitments,- Kazimirov
concluded, KarabakhOpen reports.